There’s something truly timeless about a country kitchen. While trends and fads may come and go, a classic design has inherent elegance and charm, which works wonderfully in rooms of all styles and sizes. Whether you live in a period property, a rural setting or even a modern new-build, it’s easy to create country kitchen chic thanks to a wide range of materials and products that lend themselves beautifully to a traditional setting.
Classic cabinetry
Upon entering the room, it’s the cabinets and worktops that first catch the eye. Many of the most successful country kitchen schemes use bespoke furniture to make the most of every nook and cranny. Made-to-measure units, islands and larders can be tailor-made to complement original features and architectural details such as ceiling beams, wonky walls and uneven corners. With kitchens being such a huge investment, you want something that’s going to be lived in and loved; and that’s why the country kitchen is still so popular.
For a design that will stand the test of time, Shaker styles are the perfect choice, as the painted timber cabinetry can be refreshed with a different colour palette when you fancy a change. With simple in-frame doors, it’s a look that embraces a pared-back approach with nickel or brass ‘D’ or cup handles topped with seamless work surfaces that are as practical as they are stylish. A recent trend that takes the country kitchen to the next level is the inclusion of reclaimed and salvaged materials, giving the look a vintage feel.
A chunky quartz worksurface gives this generous island unit style and substance. Caesarstone’s Calacatta Nuvo has the luxe look of marble
Surface value
It’s easy to associate wooden worktops with the country kitchen but today’s take on the classic look has a lot more to offer. Timber still has its place but as kitchens are now the hub of the home, you want a material which offers a variety of benefits for all the family. Quartz is the perfect surface solution as it’s durable, hardwearing and resistant to stains, scratches, cold and heat. This makes it ideal for everything from food prep and pastry rolling to dining, doing homework and entertaining family and friends. Caesarstone quartz for instance comes in a huge choice of finishes and effects, including marble, granite and concrete so you can be as contemporary or as classic as you like. For a personal touch, consider combining different quartz surfaces for a mix and match approach. The Supernatural Series has three new additions, all offering the natural veining and textural feel of a marble slab, while the granite inspired collection also offers instant impact in any design.
Wild Rice from Caesarstone’s Classico collection has a granite look perfect for a multifunctional country kitchen, complementing all styles of furniture
Cook’s corner
The country kitchen is the ultimate family space – think homely, warm and welcoming. Use big, bold appliances such as a statement range cooker and American-style fridge-freezer to cook up hearty casseroles and soups and, where possible, include a walk-in pantry or traditional larder cupboard to house small appliances such as a toaster, coffee machine, blender and mixer. These spaces are also great for storing dried ingredients and you can incorporate storage solutions to suit your needs and lifestyle such as open shelving, spice racks, pull-out larders and tambour units. Whatever size the kitchen, efficient extraction is key to remove cooking odours and steam. It’s especially important in open-plan spaces so look at the maximum extraction rate as well as the noise level, which is measured in decibels. The ideal combination is a powerful rating with quiet operation. Island and chimney hoods come in all manner of finishes such as stainless steel, copper and glass for instant impact but for something more subtle, look to downdraft extractors that slide down effortlessly into the work surface and flush-fit ceiling hoods.
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Finishing touches
Once you’ve selected your cabinetry, work surfaces and appliances, it’s time to think about the extra details that really bring the country kitchen look together. Caesarstone quartz can also be used as flooring as well as worktops, wall cladding and splashbacks, so you can get the natural stone effect with all the advantages of this durable, hardwearing, easy maintenance material. A butler or Belfast sink is the ultimate farmhouse finishing touch and you can buy these new or find fabulous refurbished versions at salvage yards. For lighting, enamelled or copper pendants look stunning set in a row of three over a dining table, island or breakfast bar or go for something glam to really elevate the room from farmhouse to fabulous.
Caesarstone’s Bianco Drift from the Supernatural Collection is sophisticated yet subtle, bringing the benefits of quartz with the look of luxurious stone
