We’re exploring an eclectic mix of lovely pale neutral country kitchens, decorating ideas and shopping resources, and I hope there will be a look or two that provides just hte inspo you crave. Rustic design elements often come into play whether it’s English Country style, French Country loveliness, Nordic French beauty, or Belgian chic. There’s a down to earth, wholesome realness to so many more rustic elements. Often they feel right at home in otherwise elegant spaces.
Lovely Pale Country Kitchens: Learn the Look
You’ll see that there isn’t a singular way to design a rustic country kitchen. In fact, we’ll take “rustic” to simply describe those elements that aren’t polished, perfect, glossy, bling-y, glam, synthetic, fancy, or formal.
Emphasis on Natural Materials
Rustic kitchen design elements often include natural materials like wicker, rattan, jute, and seagrass. Aren’t these glorious examples in Desiree’s Cotswolds inspired kitchen with its reclaimed wood ceiling?
The pendants below as well as rush seats add rustic texture and charm too in a Leanne Ford designed farmhouse kitchen:
Rugged Texture
Imagine how this deVOL kitchen would feel were the walls newly drywalled…
Right?
Wood on walls, ceilings, backsplashes, and floors is an excellent way to inject rustic texture.
Sometimes rustic is an attitude…Jocelyn Sinauer’s kitchen has always been a favorite of mine because of its effortless chic.
Not even styled photos feel contrived!
Plaster adds texture to Jill Egan’s elegant European country kitchen (above), and rustic accessories look right at home, but it wouldn’t fall cleanly into a rustic category!
Lovely Pale Country Antiques, Vintage & Reclaimed Materials
Rustic country kitchens often have a sense of age, not easily emulated with reproductions or even intentional distressing.
Remember in the late 90s when homeowners distressed new cabinets with hammers and chains then painted on antiquing glaze? Unless you’re a gifted artist? Maybe not the best option. Better to source old beams, antique cupboards, vintage lighting, and natural, authentic pieces from the past to incorporate into your design.
A collection of vintage or antique ironstone? So humble and so beautiful for adding non-fussy rustic charm when you love the color white.
Of course if you have an antique bakers table from France…build a design around it!
But ironstone or even a collection of marble mortars are far easier to locate!
Add Playful Whimsical Kitchen Moments
By whimsy, we don’t mean cute wooden signs everywhere in the marketplace declaring “eat” or “French kitchen” or “kiss the cook.”
But a collection of mismatched china or plates on the wall can be a pleasingly whimsical installation on the wall.
Even a mix of cabinetry styles can be whimsical when the overall design looks as good the one above and below.
When lighting adds whimsy…
Notice how the assorted decorations on shelves below don’t feel too perfect:
Objects that spark joy when you see them can be weaved into whimsical vignettes.
Unfitted Kitchen Designs
It’s an unusual approach for many Americans designing a kitchen, but before kitchens were simply wall-to-wall boxy cabinet rooms, they contained individual unfitted elements.
A combination of fitted and unfitted is often a winning one.
I love the idea of adding a furniture piece like this to use as a larder or pantry:
You can find them locally because so many folks are getting rid of such heavy, oversized pieces! An absence of upper cabinets can also add a rustic layer…
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Lovely Pale Rustic Cozy Finds
Continue this inspirational journey in PART TWO HERE.
Design a Kitchen With Old World Style
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
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