ENGLISH COUNTRY KITCHEN
7 Ideas for Creating the Perfect Country Kitchen.
Whether you live in the countryside or the city, an “English Country” inspired kitchen is suitable for all types of homes across the UK. Over the past year, we have spent more time in our kitchens, leading to an increased desire for rustic yet functional kitchen designs. The country-style kitchen concept highlights the architecture of the space while promoting charm, authenticity, and originality. To achieve an “English Country” inspired kitchen, consider using modern colors, traditional shaker-style cabinets, handcrafted marble countertops, classic appliances, Butler sinks, and antique lantern lighting to refresh your kitchen.
No.1 Neutral Colours
Transform your kitchen’s walls, floors, cabinets, and tiles with a fresh coat of paint, drawing inspiration from the luxury British paint brand Farrow & Ball. Their color palette for "a perfect English kitchen" is influenced by the rich, cozy aesthetics of British countryside cottages. Embrace shades such as smoky green, French grey, ivory, navy blue, and sage green to evoke a relaxed country atmosphere. Farrow & Ball also offers a premium bespoke service with color consultancy, allowing for custom colors tailored to your needs. We are particularly drawn to their paint selection due to its premium quality and nature-inspired tones. If you are refurbishing your kitchen or designing your dream kitchen from scratch, choosing the perfect color combination is crucial to achieving the lifestyle you envision for your space. While the traditional color palette for kitchens often includes off-white or neutral tones, current trends are leaning toward bold, statement-making colors paired elegantly with white. This approach enhances both small and large kitchens, whether they follow traditional or modern design concepts.
No.2 Shaker Style Cabinetry
The “Shaker Style” kitchen doors are especially popular due to their English heritage, showcasing both versatility and functionality. Shaker style kitchens are timeless classics that can be easily stained or painted for a customized look. Typically, Shaker furniture is crafted from natural materials such as pine, maple, and cherry wood. “Today, the options are endless, and we can offer our clients a wide variety of Shaker styles to suit any budget. We work closely with our manufacturers and provide a color matching service as a standard,” says Lenka Marsh, Founder of Saint & Noire. At Saint & Noire, we also recommend the “Inframe Style,” a classic design featuring a well-crafted square frame. The key feature of this style is that the cabinet door is set within a wooden frame, which is then attached to the front face of the kitchen unit. This style complements most kitchen aesthetics and is built for longevity, showing minimal wear and tear over time.
No.3 Quartz Countertops
Consider replacing your existing countertops with quartz. These stunning surfaces not only offer a modern aesthetic but also have greater durability compared to traditional marble. Quartz is one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops and is a valuable option to include in your kitchen refurbishment budget and plans. One of the key advantages of quartz countertops is that they remain cool throughout the year, making them ideal for baking and displaying food items. They are also resistant to scratching and cracking, ensuring they can withstand the test of time. Additionally, quartz is more sustainable and practical than marble. Furthermore, quartz countertops reflect natural light beautifully, enhancing the brightness of the kitchen and surrounding furniture. This effect can make your space feel larger and more inviting.
No.4 Antique Mirror Splashbacks
Antique mirror splashbacks bring a charming rustic aesthetic to any kitchen, while also complementing various kitchen designs. The traditional industrial “Metro” tile is becoming less popular as homeowners seek higher standards of quality and safety that glass splashbacks provide. These splashbacks are heat, impact, and crack-resistant, and they can be custom cut to fit around sockets. Unlike conventional kitchen tiling around the cooker, antique mirror splashbacks are more hygienic than grout and tiles. They also enhance the kitchen's brightness by reflecting light, creating a visually striking effect.
No.5 The Heritage Cooker
The cooker is the centerpiece of any English country-inspired kitchen, serving as the foundation for the overall design. For inspiration, look to La Cornue, a renowned French luxury kitchen appliance brand established in 1908. With their handcrafted artisan products, you can feel like a “Master Chef” and unlock your culinary potential. La Cornue’s exquisite range cookers are truly breathtaking, designed with exceptional craftsmanship in mind. You have the option to customize the colors and finishes to meet your unique needs and desires, helping you create the cooker of your dreams. Additionally, the La Cornue range cookers feature exclusive G4 technology, allowing this heritage brand to compete impressively with today’s advanced cooking appliances.
No.6 The Butlers Sink
Butler's sinks with a modern appeal, combined with polished brass taps, flexible hoses, and pull-out sprays, are currently among the most desired styles of kitchen sinks. The ceramic design resembles those found in restaurant kitchens and looks stunning in a home kitchen. Its practical depth helps reduce splashing, minimizes the appearance of clutter, and provides more space for dishes and pots that don’t fit in the dishwasher. One of our favorites is the "Belfast" Butler’s sink, which features a deep rectangular shape in glazed white porcelain and is available in either a single or double bowl design. This kitchen sink integrates effortlessly with any Quartz or Granite countertop.
No.7 Lantern Lighting
An English country-inspired kitchen is incomplete without striking lighting features. There is a growing demand for indoor ceiling lantern lights to enhance kitchen decor. Lighting plays a crucial role in establishing the overall look and feel of the kitchen. When positioned over the countertop, these lights can elevate the antique country kitchen aesthetic. Consider selecting brass-finished frames paired with metal chains and glass bodies, complemented by eclectic light bulbs. We also recommend incorporating wall lights to accompany the pendant fixtures. Opt for square or pendant frames that will seamlessly enhance the kitchen, creating an ultra-plush and nostalgic space for the whole family to enjoy and cherish.