10 Kitchens With Modern Country Appeal
Be inspired to create a warm and inviting kitchen with traditional farmhouse features and a few contemporary twists
Amanda Pollard
9 October 2016
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
If you want your kitchen to be a welcoming hub for friends and family, a country-style design is a good choice. Check out these gorgeous cookspaces that all feature rustic must-haves with some elegant modern additions.
Store your country essentials
The huge island here provides enough space to store plenty of wood and kindling for a fire or wood-burning stove. Either side are slatted surfaces, which are perfect for keeping fruit and vegetables.
By having everything in one central space, you’ll be able to access it easily. Make sure you choose natural materials for your storage containers to add to the rustic look.
The huge island here provides enough space to store plenty of wood and kindling for a fire or wood-burning stove. Either side are slatted surfaces, which are perfect for keeping fruit and vegetables.
By having everything in one central space, you’ll be able to access it easily. Make sure you choose natural materials for your storage containers to add to the rustic look.
Invest in a range cooker
It is, of course, not essential, but if you’re going to splash out on one thing for your country kitchen, a range cooker is a good choice. The iconic Aga is now available in a variety of designs and colours, like this white, three-oven model, which blends beautifully with the cream cabinetry and splashback tiles.
For a less expensive option, go for one of the many other types of range cooker that are available – it will look just as attractive. It’s a good idea to buy a large cooker like this at the outset, so you can design the kitchen around it.
It is, of course, not essential, but if you’re going to splash out on one thing for your country kitchen, a range cooker is a good choice. The iconic Aga is now available in a variety of designs and colours, like this white, three-oven model, which blends beautifully with the cream cabinetry and splashback tiles.
For a less expensive option, go for one of the many other types of range cooker that are available – it will look just as attractive. It’s a good idea to buy a large cooker like this at the outset, so you can design the kitchen around it.
Fall for a farmhouse sink
A key element of a country kitchen is the classic farmhouse sink. A deep ceramic basin like this one is a practical option in a busy kitchen, as there’s enough room for soaking large pots and bowls. The double sink here is useful, too, as one can be used for dishes and the other for washing vegetables.
For even more functionality, look out for double sinks that include a shallow basin to make peeling potatoes even easier.
Read expert advice on choosing the perfect sink for your kitchen
A key element of a country kitchen is the classic farmhouse sink. A deep ceramic basin like this one is a practical option in a busy kitchen, as there’s enough room for soaking large pots and bowls. The double sink here is useful, too, as one can be used for dishes and the other for washing vegetables.
For even more functionality, look out for double sinks that include a shallow basin to make peeling potatoes even easier.
Read expert advice on choosing the perfect sink for your kitchen
Max out the island
The owners of this large cookspace have made the most of the space with a huge island. By painting it in a contrasting shade to the rest of the kitchen, they’ve also turned it into a feature.
The design of the units is a classic country style, but the introduction of marble worktops and large, stainless-steel appliances has given the room a contemporary edge.
The owners of this large cookspace have made the most of the space with a huge island. By painting it in a contrasting shade to the rest of the kitchen, they’ve also turned it into a feature.
The design of the units is a classic country style, but the introduction of marble worktops and large, stainless-steel appliances has given the room a contemporary edge.
Weave in a farmhouse table
No country-style kitchen is complete without a table or surface around which the household can gather. This airy room is large enough to accommodate a rustic dining table. The turned legs give it a traditional feel and the off-white paint lightens up the solid wood on the table top and chairs. It makes a lovely central feature in the middle of the room.
No country-style kitchen is complete without a table or surface around which the household can gather. This airy room is large enough to accommodate a rustic dining table. The turned legs give it a traditional feel and the off-white paint lightens up the solid wood on the table top and chairs. It makes a lovely central feature in the middle of the room.
Create the look with panelling
These elegant units could have looked like a classic Scandinavian kitchen, but the tongue-and-groove panelling gives the space a farmhouse feel. The cladding on the wall is carried through to the island to create a cohesive look.
Not only is panelling like this attractive, it’s practical, too. The wall behind the sink is protected from splashes and the narrow shelf and hooks attached to it provide handy storage.
These elegant units could have looked like a classic Scandinavian kitchen, but the tongue-and-groove panelling gives the space a farmhouse feel. The cladding on the wall is carried through to the island to create a cohesive look.
Not only is panelling like this attractive, it’s practical, too. The wall behind the sink is protected from splashes and the narrow shelf and hooks attached to it provide handy storage.
Cosy up your island
The country look is all about natural materials and informality, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a modern island, too. These homeowners have tucked a small, rustic table next to their island to give the smart design a more relaxed feel.
When it’s not being used for meals, the table’s position has the added bonus of providing an extra worksurface.
The country look is all about natural materials and informality, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a modern island, too. These homeowners have tucked a small, rustic table next to their island to give the smart design a more relaxed feel.
When it’s not being used for meals, the table’s position has the added bonus of providing an extra worksurface.
Display your tableware
Replicate the look of a traditional Welsh dresser by choosing glass-fronted wall units and a wooden plate rack. The displayed crockery here is bright white, which adds a streamlined, modern twist to the country-style kitchen.
Why every home should have a glass display cabinet
Replicate the look of a traditional Welsh dresser by choosing glass-fronted wall units and a wooden plate rack. The displayed crockery here is bright white, which adds a streamlined, modern twist to the country-style kitchen.
Why every home should have a glass display cabinet
Bring in bold colour
Give your rustic kitchen a contemporary feel by painting the cabinetry in a bright colour. Here, the strong blue livens up the space and brings a traditional design bang up to date.
The look is softened with the addition of bare wood units along the walls, while the metal extractor fan emphasises the scheme’s modern feel.
Give your rustic kitchen a contemporary feel by painting the cabinetry in a bright colour. Here, the strong blue livens up the space and brings a traditional design bang up to date.
The look is softened with the addition of bare wood units along the walls, while the metal extractor fan emphasises the scheme’s modern feel.
Add some feature lighting
Almost everything in this beautiful kitchen has a traditional farmhouse feel. However, the modern pendant lights add a contemporary twist to the space. They provide a lovely contrast to the sculptural chimney breast, the old beams and the wicker basket. At the same time, the copper tones complement the oak surfaces and natural stone floor.
What’s your kitchen style? Are you a fan of the country look, or do you prefer a more modern cookspace? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Almost everything in this beautiful kitchen has a traditional farmhouse feel. However, the modern pendant lights add a contemporary twist to the space. They provide a lovely contrast to the sculptural chimney breast, the old beams and the wicker basket. At the same time, the copper tones complement the oak surfaces and natural stone floor.
What’s your kitchen style? Are you a fan of the country look, or do you prefer a more modern cookspace? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Related Stories
Kitchen Inspiration
10 Smart Storage Tips for Your Kitchen Bins
Keep kitchen rubbish stylishly tucked away with these clever solutions
Full Story
Kitchen Design
Which Kitchen Worktop Colour Should You Choose?
By tidgboutique
Consider these popular colours and styles to get the look you want, no matter which material you use
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
5 Inspiring Before and After Kitchen Transformations
Whether you want to boost storage, incorporate original features or maximise your space, take ideas from these designs
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
5 Ideas for Kitchen Extension Layouts in Victorian Homes
By Kate Burt
Embarking on a rear extension project? Need layout ideas? Look no further...
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
16 Kitchens With Vertically Stacked Tiles
Looking for kitchen tiling inspiration? Browse this gallery of beautiful designs
Full Story
Renovating
Should I Live On-site During My Kitchen Renovation?
By Kate Burt
If you’re weighing up whether to stay put or ship out during your project, this expert guide is a must-read
Full Story
Bedrooms
What to Expect at the Biggest Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Show
Plan ahead with our rundown of what’s in store at the kbb Birmingham event this March
Full Story
Kitchen Design
Which of These Kitchen Renovation Trends Would You Choose?
By Kate Burt
The 2024 Houzz Kitchen Trends Report is out. Dive into the highlights to see what’s topping your choices
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
24 Beautiful Bare Wood Kitchens
By Kate Burt
From pale and pared back to warm and textured, unpainted cabinets are suddenly everywhere. Which look do you like best?
Full Story
Kitchen Planning
How to Design a Multigenerational Kitchen
A space that successfully meets the needs of all those who use it is not only inclusive, it’s futureproof
Full Story
Are those logs of wood taking up shelving space in that first picture with the kitchen island? Otherwise, except for the kitchen with the upholstered furniture standing sentinel either side of the sink[ where are the complementary essential kitchen appliances?], there are some lovely lovely images here. Esp. the second photo down the page, showing that simple useful white range cooker.
Fabulous kitchens! So much nicer in a period property than white high-gloss. I agree though with other comments, show some smaller kitchens where this idea also works. Howdens sell some reasonably-priced units in this style. Also look at John Lewis of Hungerford if you have more money, and the wonderful Cotteswood.