Country Kitchens: Options and Ideas

Simple light-colored wood countertops, white cabinetry and understated sage green or pale yellow walls are truly characteristic of a country kitchen design. In fact, it's often the pairing of modern design and a bit of vintage personality that helps give a country kitchen its signature farmhouse feel.

Start designing your country kitchen by choosing the cabinets. Painted white cabinets are common to country kitchen styles, but you can add a unique touch by choosing a different neutral color, like cream or pale yellow. Choose cabinets made with wide-plank fronts to bring in a barn-style design. Crown molding is also popular in country kitchen cabinet design.

If you are thinking of going the do-it-yourself route with cabinets, then it's fun to play with various paints and textures to achieve your desired style. Give painted cabinetry a distressed, rustic look with special tools, and pair it with a countertop made from light-colored wood, like maple. Also, if you have the space for it, consider using the rustic cabinets to create a kitchen island with breakfast bar.

Floors in a farmhouse style kitchen are often made from light wood, varying in style and size. Again, consider wide planks to give the space a true country look.

Complete the look of your kitchen area by incorporating country-style elements, like a cookie canister decorated with a rooster or vintage tools that you discovered at a flea market. Just be sure not to overdo these design elements, instead including them in small doses throughout the area.

See also: Kitchen Remodeling Ideas, Options and Solutions