Create a Country Kitchen Design for Comfort and Warmth
Often there are big old armchairs and sofas in the kitchen for people to sit in and talk - the traditional kitchen is certainly a multi-faceted room used for all types of activities and by everyone...including the ever-welcome dogs and cats that belong to the household!
The different periods of English history and cottage designs are evident. Very much in focus are the floral designs and prints for cushions and tablecloths of English embroidery or other village homecrafts. In this farmhouse kitchen, colors are vibrant and bright and evocative of the garden. A rustic, textural quality is seen both inside and outside through the use of timber, iron and stone. The colors are often white or limewash traditionally, but in a new kitchen, antique whites, light greys and creams and yellows, along with light blues and other pastel shades are often used. The older kitchens had darker and brighter color schemes, but now there is a greater emphasis on making the most of light, with bigger windows and light paint to contrast with the darker timber typically found.
Antique items and other precious older pieces such as plates, coffee pots, tea caddies and silver gravy boats are used for their own aesthetic appeal as well as being functional pieces. The English cottage kitchen is usually an eclectic mix of treasured and heritage items that are kept to pass on through the family. These items are equally valued for their functionality. Textiles include embroidered rugs and fabrics in floral prints; furnishings range from dark-stained cabinets and free-standing chests to pine bookcases and shelving featuring blue and white "Willow" pattern china jugs and bowls.
Fabrics used are big floral prints - roses are much loved in this sort of kitchen. Stripes, ginghams and plaids are also very popular and widely found. Chintz is an important feature in an English room, adding a touch of glamor and sophistication. Printed wallpaper is very country home, and Laura Ashley prints are seen in many farmhouses and cottages around the U.K. Copper water jugs and fireplace utensils may decorate the hearth. The English country kitchen design often incorporates paintings of the countryside, plants and hunting scenes with dogs and horses. Collections of china ornaments and things such as thimbles and teapots are shown and arranged so to provide a point of interest. Pigs, cows, hens and ducks are much loved and often a theme will highlight these farmyard animals in various ways in this style of kitchen.
Picture frames of silver and crystal fruit bowls are also used to decorate the kitchen. Bunches of lavender and strings of herbs and onions may be found hanging from the mantlepiece. Floors are often slate or quarried flagstone which can be cold, so place a few rugs around for some extra warmth. Low wooden beams and cottage timber doors will add to the rustic charm of this kitchen style. The 'look' is old and antique, colorful and cheerful with some hidden corners in thick walls housing special china or other treasures that are especially precious to the family.
Put fresh meadow flowers on the tables and draw open the bright but simple curtains for a happy and cheerful tone to your English country kitchen design!
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