The countryside kitchen is quintessentially British. The designs we see today evolved from the farmhouse kitchens of Victorian times. With stone-flagged floors, wooden beams, and cast-iron appliances, the farmhouse kitchen was more than just a preparation area.
It was the heart of the home: a social area where meals were enjoyed and social bonds strengthened. We have the same sentiment in 2024, with many of the same designs! For the 40 best rustic kitchen ideas, stay with Rehome.
1. Kitchen islands
Islands are gathering spots for diners, friends, and family. What better place to put one than a countryside kitchen?
For practical purposes, incorporate features such as built-in storage or a wine rack. Where style is concerned, you could pair the kitchen island with materials like exposed metal or weathered stone for that extra ‘rural’ touch.
2. Mix & match textures
Make your rustic kitchen feel more authentic by mixing and matching natural materials. Thoughtful details, like textured backsplashes, subway tiles and exposed brick, will give your kitchen that ‘lived-in’ look.
Or, combine weathered wood cabinetry with stone worktops and wrought iron fixtures for a complete overhaul.
3. Buttermilk tones
Looking to make your kitchen feel more soft and inviting?
Use creamy buttermilk tones on walls, cabinetry, or even your kitchen island to create a soothing effect. If you want that cosy feel, pair neutrals with natural wood accents, such as beams or shelving.
4. Reclaimed wood
Nothing says farmhouse kitchen like reclaimed wood!
Use it for cabinetry, shelving, or feature walls to add texture to a kitchen with a light colour scheme. It can also be incorporated into furniture, like tables or kitchen islands, to give the space a more distinctive look (as all wood grains are unique).
5. Keep things light (small kitchens)
In smaller kitchens, using light colours (e.g., pale cream or white) on the walls and cabinetry can make the space appear much roomier.
Combine these lighter shades with wooden worktops: this tactic will give the room a ‘countryside’ feel without making the lighter colours feel too clinical.
6. White and wood
On the topic of light colours, they’re not exclusive to small rooms: homes with larger kitchens can use this classic combination to create a balanced, bright ‘earthiness’.
7. Install a range cooker
When it comes to upgrading your appliances, there’s no time like the present. Luckily, ex-display range ovens from brands like WOLF and Lacanche are ideal for farmhouse kitchens!
For maximum impact, these premium appliances should be positioned within a chimney breast or installed in a kitchen with homely architectural beams.
8. Olive and cream
Another shade designed to evoke peace, olive green accents give off a leaf-coloured glow, especially when used on islands or pantry doors.
9. Rustic wooden beams
Wooden beams are an undeniable hallmark of rustic kitchens; however, only certain kitchens may be suitable for them, and installing them would require structural alterations.
Who knows – they may be an original feature in your home that has been covered by previous work! Contact an expert to see if you can use these beams to frame the ceiling.
10. Stone flooring
During any renovation, durability should always be a point of contention. Stone flooring offers a way for you to get the rustic look without sacrificing longevity! Popular options include slate, limestone, or granite.
11. Pantry
A traditional walk-in pantry with open wooden shelving – nothing feels more country! You can use this space for storing jars, dried goods, and displaying decorative pieces like baskets and vintage containers.
12. Lamps
In any kitchen, you need a mix of ambient and task lighting. If you already have lots of warm wood tones, install industrial-style pendant lamps with exposed bulbs or vintage lanterns above kitchen islands.
For softer lighting, consider sconces with brass or iron finishes to create an old-world atmosphere.
13. Farmhouse sink
A farmhouse sink has a deep basin and apron front, a design found in some of pop culture's most famous rustic kitchens. Choose a white porcelain sink to pair with brass or matte black taps to get this ageless look.
14. Shaker kitchen cabinetry
Shaker kitchens are all about simple designs and maximum functionality. Their clean lines complement the earthy tones of wood and stone, especially when purchased in colours like white, grey, or light green.
15. Incorporate antique touches
A kitchen is only truly yours when it contains personal effects. Antique elements like vintage hardware or distressed wood furniture can take your design to the next level.
Don’t forget about decorative pieces like old pitchers, jars, or enamelware!
16. Pink
If neutrals and monochrome palettes aren’t your thing, take a walk on the pastel side of life with pops of pink. Opt for dusty or muted pink tones for cabinetry or feature walls, which pair beautifully with natural wood and brass accents.
17. Freestanding furniture
Are you someone who enjoys rearranging your kitchen? Perhaps on a monthly basis?
If so, you’ll want plenty of freestanding furniture. Antique wooden pieces, like Welsh dressers or movable kitchen islands, can be placed wherever you want, wherever you want.
18. Sage green
Sage green is a soft alternative to olive.
While both colours add depth, sage errs more on the pastel side. It’s great for use on lower cabinets with open shelving above, as it adds a certain airiness. Sage green is equally great for pairing with wooden worktops or brass fixtures.
19. Stripes and florals
Stripes and florals personify country charm – plus, they’re perfect for pattern lovers!
Introduce these designs through textiles like curtains, cushions, or rugs. If you source pieces from marketplaces or independent retailers, you can create a kitchen that’s 100% unique.
20. Floating shelves
Do you have a significant amount of empty wall space?
Instead of leaving things bare, maximise your storage possibilities with rustic floating shelves. They’re the best way to showcase farmhouse décor, like ceramic jars, potted plants, or vintage kitchenware.
21. Moody cabinets
Not all countryside kitchens must be light, white and airy.
Homeowners with a flair for the dramatic can use deep shades like charcoal, navy, or forest green in their kitchens (which pair beautifully with wooden beams and natural stone worktops!)
If you’re worried about the space feeling too enclosed, incorporate warm under-cabinet LEDs into your lighting scheme.
22. Breakfast bar
Why not add another area for the family to gather?
A breakfast bar provides a dedicated space for you to sit and enjoy a coffee in the morning. Grab a bargain with reclaimed or used tables, complete with matching wooden stools.
Short on storage? You can even add shelving underneath.
23. Tiles
Subway tiles with a crackle glaze or terracotta flooring are trends we’re seeing more and more. Incorporating these relatively modern 20th-century styles into a more ‘traditional’ design can create a fusion of fun: something every kitchen needs!
To make the elements look more cohesive, think about using patterned tiles in earthy tones for backsplashes or worktops.
24. Incorporate brick
Do you want to add a ‘raw’ feel to your countryside kitchen?
Exposed brickwork brings a rustic character to your décor, whether you’re using genuine brick or brick-effect tiles (though the latter would be easier to install). It’s a fantastic way to add texture to an area that’s otherwise dominated by clean lines.
25. Galley kitchens
Galley kitchens are characterised by two rows of cabinets and worktops facing each together. It creates a walkway similar to that of a ship’s galley, and despite being one of the more compact kitchen layouts, it can be perfect for the rustic farmhouse look.
Make the most of your space by using rich wooden cabinetry and narrow worktops. Open shelving can take this one step further.
26. Accessories with hooks
Running out of places to store your cutlery? Add hooks along your walls and create a customisable area for displaying kitchenware. You can hang vintage mugs, copper pans, or towels: anything that doesn’t already have a home!
27. Classic grey
Grey is a sophisticated way to lighten a ‘moody’ kitchen or darken a neutral one. It’s a midway colour that pairs well with monochromes and neutrals, particularly when used as cabinetry or backsplashes.
28. Open shelving
Floating shelves are a cost-effective way to break up rows of cabinets. Selectively removing a few cabinets from your upper rows can help switch up your storage. Plus, open shelving makes items more accessible.
29. Add an unexpected pattern
While colour blocking can bring attention to your kitchen’s architectural details (e.g., wooden beams) or make pieces of furniture pop, there’s no better way to express yourself than with an unexpected pattern.
Select your favourite, whether polka dots, stripes, or florals, and subtly sprinkle it throughout your kitchen.
30. Window seating
While this tip is subject to your home’s architecture, a window seat can seriously boost the farmhouse atmosphere. Use reclaimed wood to create a bench (or measure the dimensions and go thrifting).
Don’t forget to make the area homely with cushions.
31. Panelling
Add vertical or horizontal wooden panelling to your kitchen walls for a cosy, cabin-like feel. Shiplap or beadboard works well, especially when paired with a whitewash finish.
32. Backsplash
As backsplashes are an extension of your worktop, it’s only right to pay attention to them.
If your cabinets are minimalistic, select a patterned or textured backsplash. Stone or brick designs are more natural, whereas white subway tiles with dark grout offer a cleaner contrast.
33. Sink skirt
The sink skirt is making a comeback. This is a fabric or curtain that replaces your cabinet doors and conceals your under sink cupboard. It’s a functional substitute that can soften a darker, rustic kitchen.
34. Brushed metals
Brushed metal finishes bring an industrial edge to your design. Brass or copper can make your kitchen feel all the more authentic, whether in the form of lighting fixtures, cabinet handles, or taps.
35. White and beachy
If your kitchen has an abundance of natural light, capitalise on it with your colour scheme! Pair white cabinets with wooden floors and accents to achieve a fresh, coastal-inspired rustic kitchen.
Shop for used and ex-display kitchens with Rehome!
Whatever ‘rustic’ means to you, you can find it here at Rehome.
We’ve got ex-display kitchens from high-end brands like Eggersman, John Lewis and Humphrey Munson. With these heavily reduced luxury products, you can save thousands of pounds on your rustic kitchen renovation.
