Country Kitchens

Whenever I visit friends or family in the country side, I find that everyone is inexplicably drawn to the kitchen. When it comes to country houses, the kitchen is undeniably the heart of the home where you eat, drink and socialise.

I wanted to focus this post on country kitchens because it’s possible to bring that warm, inviting style into town houses too. As spring is approaching it’s time to come out of hibernation and start socialising again, and re-decorating your kitchen is a great place to start.

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The Table

The table is the social pinnacle of the kitchen. That is where you’ll all be when it gets to 1am on a Saturday night after dinner, so it’s important the table is spacious and welcoming. I love the mismatched chairs in this country-style kitchen and the big, rustic table.

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Windows

Accessories and window treatment add a lot to a room. Plain blinds give a more modern feel to a room, while curtains  or shutters can make a space feel much more traditional. These curtains in Old Blue from The Loom and Last (of course) are the perfect accessory to a country kitchen because of the classic pattern. The gathered pleat allows for a much more relaxed look.

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The Island

One of the best things about big, open plan country kitchens is having an island where you can sit and chat to the host while they cook/clean/drink. It’s also a place where you can muck in and help chop and peel, and gives a very homely feel to a space. So when possible, opt for an island.

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The Aga

I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it a few more times after this – Agas are the best*. They’re an incredible source of warmth in the kitchen, but they also give an incredibly welcoming feel. I love this country kitchen because the pots and pans are mismatched which makes the place feel relaxes, and the Aga is the most 70s colour I’ve ever seen. Love it.

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*Note: Agas are the best when it comes to cooking roast potatoes, but they are not the best when it comes to the environment. But as Mary Berry eloquently puts it, “I know of so many husbands who say ‘Good God, this is costing a lot of money, but our house would be unhappy without it. It’s at the hub of the home: our children did their homework by it, my husband dries the dogs on it, I’ve just washed a jumper and folded it on one of the lids so it won’t need ironing. I don’t want to have Botox or my varicose veins sorted so why not allow myself this luxury.”

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Blinds, Choosing your Curtains or Roman Blinds, Country kitchens, Fun Stuff, Interiors and Ideas, Tips and Hints.