Kitchens country style

1. Country Kitchen Design
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The "Country Style" implies a deeper connection to the outdoors and the simple life than
other styles and uses an abundance of natural elements. As in nature everything in your
home influences everything else.
An ideal country kitchen expands our vision of interdependence. As you bringing natural
elements into your kitchen, try mixing textures and colors as life does naturally, you'll bring
out the charm and integrity of each object and add country style, interest, and harmony to
your kitchen.
If the ideal is to be out-doors, in the garden, in the sunshine, by the sea, or on the top of the
mountain, you should bring this experience with you in your kitchen. Ask yourself which kind
of natural elements you would like to incorporate in your kitchen design that will enhance
your vital energy, your life force? Some of the dullest kitchens vary little in tone and textural
pitch. The harmony of in a kitchen is similar to musical rhythm. The wider the range, the
grater the emotional impact on the soul.
Though the overall continuous flow of a kitchen calls for repetition, there are many ways to
stimulate a kitchen texturally without disrupting the large order of a space. (see also texture
in interior decorating and kitchen textures). With the beautifully woven basket of white
willow and cane handles filled with zinnias, you can achieve the effect of summer's day in
the garden. Many people who have wild, wonderful gardens live in houses with a dark,
dreary, and musty kitchens. They have not yet made a connection between the textures
they respond to in nature and the interiors of their homes.
Country Kitchen Design Ideas: Some kitchens are made to be admired at a distance; Country
kitchens are made to be used. Their down-to-earth style and lived-in looks make country
kitchens among the most comfortable and inviting rooms to be in. Painted and glazed
cabinets, farmhouse sinks, beadboard panels, and open shelving are trademarks of country
kitchen designs.
Setting the Mood: Sometimes rustic and often cozy, country style kitchens have a timeless
and natural appearance. Wide-planked wood floors, antique brass hardware, knotty pine
furniture, and antique knick-knacks all contribute to the casual atmosphere of the country
lifestyle.
Decorating Ideas: When we think of "Country" we often think of "Americana." Collectible
Coke bottles next to an American flag, a lantern sitting on a shelf, and images of roosters
glazed on platters and mugs... all these can bring to mind the old American dream of a
"home on the range."
Completing the Look: Dress up your country kitchen cabinets with stained glass or wire grille
door panel inserts, and add some lights to illuminate the cabinet from within. Paint bead
board cabinets and paneling with milk paint in airy hues such as butter yellow, light blue, or
cream. Instead of glossy polished countertops, try honed or flamed granite which has a
natural satin appearance.

2. English Country Kitchens: For the more ornate English country feel, add stronger colors from
nature, including reds, purples, and greens to complete the kitchen color scheme. As you
may see in some photographs, some designers choose to leave off the cabinet doors below
the apron sink and add a patterned curtain to cover the open space.
Craftsman Kitchen Design
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Craftsman kitchen cabinets are defined by simple lines, rugged construction, and very little
excess ornamentation. The Craftsman style, an American extension of Britain's Arts and
Crafts movement, began in the United States between 1900 and 1930. Recent revivals have
reinvigorated the movement, and Craftsman kitchens are growing in popularity today for
their historic beauty, craftsmanship, and quality.
Design Features: The Craftsman style is inspired by the English Arts & Crafts style but with an
American twist. Largely developed by Gustav Stickley, Craftsman designs tend to be simple,
with straight lines and "hefty" proportions. Like the Arts & Crafts style, the Craftsman style
bears some resemblance to historic Shaker and Asian designs. Occasionally referred to as
the Mision style, the Craftsman style usually features Shaker door styles, iron or brass
hardware, and Quartersawn Oak cabinets. Other appropriate woods include Vertical Grain
Fir, Mahogany, and Cherry.
Focus on Quality: Craftsman style kitchen cabinets, built properly, feature dovetailed drawer
boxes, mortise and tenon joinery, and rugged hand-crafted construction. The ultimate
Craftsman kitchen contains functional, well-built, and enduring cabinetry, built like an
heirloom piece of Stickley furniture.
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