If country kitchens fill you with thoughts of chintz and not-so-shabby chic, think again. Because today’s country kitchen is more likely to be an exercise in perfectly executed modern rustic style than an overkill of copper and clutter. And, where solid wood surfaces were once the default choice for a country kitchen worth its (Maldon) salt, designers of contemporary rural kitchens are now far likelier to opt for the pared-down beauty of a quartz worktop.
Understated, durable and resistant to stains and scratches, neutral quartz, mineral and porcelain colours such as Caesarstone’s 4141 Misty Carrera, 5113 Solenna and 503 Circa are ideal for partnering with painted or natural cabinetry. Unlike wooden worktops, quartz, mineral and porcelain are all completely non-porous, so they don’t doesn’t need sealing and can be used with confidence in wet areas like around the sink. And, whilst a trivet for searingly hot pans is always advisable for any surface, you can put warm-ish ovenware onto a Caesarstone surface without undue worry.
Features of a country kitchen
One of the defining features of a country kitchen is its warm and inviting atmosphere, very much making it the heart of the home. Often, natural materials take centre stage, with elements like exposed wood beams and traditional stone helping to create a sense of authenticity and comfort. However, this rustic aesthetic doesn’t mean sacrificing modern functionality.
Key features such as large farmhouse sinks, open shelving and spacious worktops are not only visually appealing but also enhance the practicality of the space. Caesarstone’s quartz, porcelain and mineral surfaces, available in tones like the creamy 2141 Snow, metamorphic 581 Lucillia or misty 6131 Bianco Drift, complement these features perfectly by offering luxury, durability and timeless elegance – they’re also fantastically easy to maintain!
Beautifully understated, warm and welcoming, today’s country kitchens place an emphasis upon enduring materials that will last the course. Created as ‘forever’ kitchens that focus upon comfort and quality, their timeless appeal is hard to resist. In restoring their 17th-century cottage, Giles and Kate Kime found it had survived for so long due to the strong oak beams that make up its core. The Kimes took this approach of good quality materials when they carefully redesigned their home, including stone floors and timber windows throughout, with Caesarstone’s 5000 London Grey in both their kitchen and bathroom.
5000 London Grey in Giles and Kate Kime’s country kitchen in their 17th-century cottage
How to design a country kitchen
Country kitchens often focus on texture and tactility – think rough-hewn floor tiles, knotty wood or burr furniture, original timbers or beams and natural materials such as stone and slate. Pairing these surfaces with classic, neutral colours creates a balanced look that’s both stylish and welcoming. And the latest generation of quartz, porcelain and marble surfaces – especially designed and formulated to showcase the beauty of marble – fit the bill perfectly. With all the subtle colouring and design details associated with marble, from fine, delicate veining to more impactful motifs, Caesarstone’s suite of inspiring marble-inspired designs found across their portfolio of quartz, mineral and porcelain surfaces are well suited to country kitchens.
The finish along the edge of a worktop – known as its profile – can make a real difference to the final look of a kitchen’s work surfaces and perhaps, an island or breakfast bar. For a modern take on country kitchen style, opt for a simple profile such as a ‘bullnose’ or ‘bevel’ for runs of surfaces and then choose a slightly more elaborate profile such as ‘ogee’ or ‘full bevel’ to enhance the appearance of an island or other stand-alone piece of furniture.
When planning the layout, consider functionality. A central island or large farmhouse table can provide both a gathering spot and additional workspace, and using a mix of modern and vintage furnishings helps adds balance and personality to the room. Having open shelving or glass-front cabinets in your kitchen gives you the opportunity to display beautiful crockery or vintage pieces.
Incorporating elements like brass or ceramic into the hardware and using classic lighting fixtures helps enhance the design while maintaining its authentic country feel. The goal is to create a space that’s both practical and beautiful, blending traditional country elements with modern-day efficiency.
5131 Calacatta Nuvo in Plaish Hall, a Grade I listed Tudor house
Joanne and Philip took all this on board when redesigning the kitchen in their stunning Grade I listed Tudor house, where the goal was to harmoniously blend traditional craftsmanship with modernity. They incorporated open shelving and exposed timber beams with functional practicality and social gathering spaces, as well as Caesarstone 5131 Calacatta Nuvo for their worktops.
It’s not just indoors where you can create a beautiful kitchen though, as Lydia Millen and Ali Gordon demonstrate in their ultimate outdoor kitchen. Using Caesarstone’s 540 Monumental porcelain worktop, Lydia and Ali were able to finally realise their dreams of entertaining in their outdoor space that Lydia especially takes such pride in as a keen gardener. Combining the deep grey worktop with flagstone paving, wooden cabinets finished with country hardware, and a unique reclaimed stone sink, they were able to make their country kitchen a dream come true and a fantastic blend of their house and garden.
