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Creating a Country Kitchen

Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009

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Looking to recreate the warmth and tradition of grandma's old kitchen? Try painted kitchen cabinets, a beadboard ceiling, and a granite countertop with a wooden chopping block.

There are many features that distinguish the country kitchen from other kitchen styles. Cabinets are a great place to start. Instead of traditional oak or maple kitchen cabinets, try painted kitchen cabinets in white with glass doors on the wall cabinets. You could also go with a decorative crown molding with an old fashioned flair, or you could try period cabinet hinges, cabinet hardware, and other accessories

Floors

Look beyond the latest ceramic tile and choose hard wood floors, as this was the predominant floor material used in grandma's day. Among the period-styled options are:

Red oak hardwood floor with quarter-sawn style
Wide plank, rustic pine hardwood
"Reclaimed" wood floors that are taken from old barns and houses and refinished

Furniture

The furniture look is a big trend in today's kitchen remodeling. Try adding an antique hutch for storing dishes or a newer armoire that has been painted with an antique finish. Also add:

An antique armoire for storing dishes, linens, or a television
Knick knacks grouped throughout the kitchen
An old milk chest for storage
Small lamps and wall sconces for a period lighting effect

Kitchen Appliances Lend a Country Theme

The appliances in a country kitchen will combine the warmth and charm of an old fashioned kitchen with the latest in high tech features. When planning a kitchen remodeling project, look for a large English stove with curved legs for cooking and added heat in the kitchen. Also consider:

An old fashioned refrigerator with a freezer on the bottom
A warming drawer framed with the same wood as the cabinetry
Wall ovens for baking

Try a Large Open Kitchen

To create the warmth and family atmosphere of a country kitchen, look for a large space with room for a sturdy butcher block table. The table can be located near the appliances and used for meal preparation or placed in an adjoining breakfast nook and used for dining.