We’re exploring an eclectic mix of rustic country kitchen inspiration, decorating ideas and shopping resources, and maybe you’ll find ideas to steal a look or two. Rustic design elements often come into play whether it’s English Country style, French Country loveliness, Nordic French beauty, or Belgian chic. There’s a down to earth, gritty realness to a variety of rustic features, and they often feel right at home in otherwise elegant spaces. Consider this varied range of kitchen design styles and decide on a fav!
![Ashley Gray (Benjamin Moore) in my French country kitchen with Silestone Ivory Coast counters, warm white Thomasville cabinets, and white oak hardwood flooring - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmashleygray #hellolovely #frenchkitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/001-benjamin-moore-white-sand-french-country-kitchen-hello-lovely-studio-breakfast-room.jpg)
Rustic Country Kitchen Ideas to Learn the Look
You’ll see that there isn’t a singular way to design a rustic country kitchen. In fact, we’ll take “rustic” to simply describe those elements that aren’t polished, perfect, glossy, bling-y, glam, synthetic, fancy, or formal.
Emphasis on Natural Materials
Rustic kitchen design elements often include natural materials like wicker, rattan, jute, and seagrass. Aren’t these glorious examples in Desiree’s Cotswolds inspired kitchen with its reclaimed wood ceiling?
![Rustic English country cottage kitchen with low wood ceilings, pale green subway tile, and farm table - @desiree_Ashworth_design. #englishcountrykitchen #modernrustickitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/001-tiny-house-cottage-kitchen-english-country-rustic-desiree_ashworth_design.jpg)
These add rustic charm too in a Leanne Ford designed farmhouse kitchen:
Rugged Texture
Imagine how this deVOL kitchen would feel were the walls newly drywalled…
Right?
![Jeffrey Dungan Architects designed breakfast nook in a luxurious kitchen - Farmhouse at Shades Creek.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/jeffrey-dungan-breakfast-nook-kitchen-booths-farmhouse-at-shades-creek.jpg)
Wood on walls, ceilings, backsplashes, and floors is an excellent way to inject rustic texture.
![Design: Jocelyn Sinauer. Quiet and humble beauty in a lovely country kitchen and dining area with shabby chic vintage style. A chunky antique farm table mixes with antique mismatched chairs and a white chandelier. #shabbychic #countrykitchen #beadboardceiling](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/021-rustic-french-farmhouse-kitchen-farm-table-jocelyn-sinauer-remodelista.jpg)
Sometimes rustic is an attitude…Jocelyn Sinauer’s kitchen has always been a favorite of mine because of its effortless chic. Not even styled photos feel contrived!
![Murphy Mears designed kitchen (Jill Egan interiors) with plaster work by Segreto Finishes.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/murphy-mears-kitchen-jill-egan-plaster-segreto-2.jpg)
But plaster is another option for adding texture. (Jill Egan’s elegant European country kitchen above features rustic accents and rugged materials like stone, but it is certainly not a typical rustic country kitchen!)
Antiques, Vintage & Reclaimed Materials
Rustic country kitchens often have a sense of age, and that is not easily faked with reproductions or even intentional distressing.
Remember in the late 90s when homeowners were distressing new cabinets with hammers and chains and massaging them with antiquing glaze? Unless you’re a gifted artist, it’s not the best option. Rather, source old beams, antique cupboards, vintage lighting, and other authentic pieces from the past to incorporate into your design.
A collection of vintage or antique ironstone? So humble and so beautiful for adding non-fussy rustic charm when you love the color white.
![Modern French farmhouse kitchen in home near Round Top, TX, designed by Kirby Mears for Eleanor Cummings, interior designer.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/eleanor-cummings-kitchen-round-top-milieu-magazine-french-farmhouse-2.jpg)
Of course if you have an antique bakers table from France…build a design around it!
But ironstone or even a collection of marble mortars are far easier to locate!
Add Playful Whimsical Kitchen Moments
By whimsy, we don’t mean those wood signs that are everywhere in the marketplace declaring “eat” or “French kitchen” or “kiss the cook.”
![Beautiful French country kitchen in Provence with wood stove, blue plates on walls and stone sink. #frenchkitchen #provencekitchen #oldworldkitchen #frenchcountrykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SAT-13JH-39.jpg)
But a collection of mismatched china or plates on the wall can be a pleasingly whimsical installation on the wall.
![Rustic white organic and natural kitchen design with exposed rafters and an airy Cali vibe - Lulu and Georgia. #rustickitchen #kitchendesign #modernfarmhouse #organic #modernrustic](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/005-warm-neutral-cozy-kitchen-lulu-georgia.jpg)
Even a mix of cabinetry styles can be whimsical when the overall design looks as good the one above and below.
Even lighting can add whimsy…
![Serene and stylish Scandinavian kitchen with mossy green cabinets and modern adjustable arm sconces - Petra Bindel. #swedishkitchen #scandinaviandesign #nordicstyle #europeancountry #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/green-scandinavian-kitchen-@petrabindel-for-@elledecorationse.jpg)
Notice how the assorted decorations and essentials on these shelves are imperfectly placed:
![French farmhouse vintage decor on lovely white shelves in a kitchen - design by Le Cultivateur. #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign #decorating #openshelving #vintagestyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/vintage-french-farmhouse-decor-le-cultivateur-shelves.jpeg)
Little objects that make you smile when you see them can be weaved into whimsical vignettes.
![Rustic English country cottage kitchen with heavily distressed handmade cupboards, open shelving, and industrial vintage lighting. #industrialfarmhouse #rustickitchens #distressedwood](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wynchelse-photo-shoot-location-south-east-12.jpg)
Unfitted Kitchen Designs
It’s an unusual approach for many Americans designing a kitchen, but before kitchens were simply wall-to-wall boxy cabinet rooms, they contained individual unfitted elements.
![Unfitted Old World traditional French kitchen with blue cabinets and dishes. Featured in Shauna Varvel's PROVENCE STYLE. #interiordesign #frenchcountry #oldworldstyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Page-141-%C2%A9-Tim-Beddow-Elisabeth-Koetsier-1.jpg)
A combination of fitted and unfitted is often a winning one.
![French and Swedish antiques in a Cotswolds cottage by Anton & K. #englishcottage #europeancountry #countrykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/001-antonkdecorativeantiques-kitchen-stone-floor.jpg)
I love the idea of adding a furniture piece like this to use as a larder or pantry:
![Exquisite Belgian kitchen of Brigitte Garnier, an antiques dealer and owner of The Little Monastery near Bruges.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Belgian-Kitchen-designed-by-Brigitte-Garnier-at-The-Little-Monastery-in-Vivere-Living.jpg)
You can find them locally because so many folks are getting rid of such heavy, oversized pieces! An absence of upper cabinets can also add a rustic layer…
![Custom renovated kitchen in authentic French farmhouse. French farmhouse design inspiration, house tour, French homewares and market baskets from Vivi et Margot.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/a-french-farmhouse-kitchen-10c-vivi-et-margot-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Linen & Rustic Textiles
This rustic design look like Brooke Giannetti’s below is one I admired enough to incorporate into my own country kitchen design.
![Patina Farm kitchen by Giannetti Home and Brooke Giannetti - OKL. #patinafarm #frenchfarmhouse #farmhousekitchen #whiteoakcabinets #farmsink #lanternpendant #brookegiannetti](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/patina-farm-kitchen-farm-sink-brooke-giannetti-okl-1.jpg)
Adding linen or other unfussy fabrics and upholstery can keep the mood casual and laid back.
![Breathtaking, elegant, and rustic luxe English country kitchen by deVOL kitchens in the UK with bespoke cabinetry, AGA stove, steel windows and doors, woven pendants, and copper accents. Interior design by Susie Atkinson.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/devol-kitchen-susie-atkinson-006.jpg)
My favorite woven pendants with a rustic look are found HERE.
Rustic Accents & Decor
The details matter too, and shopping for the right rustic accents and decorations can be fun but also challenging.
![French farmhouse design style by Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #stilllife #shabbychic #frenchfarmhouse #vintagestyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_6357.jpg)
If you’re shopping for vintage items, it can take time to find the just right pieces.
![Milieu magazine (Spring 2021) on my kitchen counter (Viatera Minuet white quartz) with urn and candle holders - Hello Lovely Studio. #viateraquartz #minuet #milieu #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/serene-white-decor-european-country-cottage-hello-lovely-studio-urn-roses-ruffle-bowl-crate-barrel-wood-candle-holders.jpg)
But the access to beautiful handmade and handcrafted items online now is incredible. Have you seen the beautiful examples curated by Jenni Kayne for Olive Ateliers?
I found my own urn from Shabby Chic Couture by Rachel Ashwell.
![Hello Lovely's white European country modern French kitchen with Minuet Viatera quartz counters, farm sink, industrial cart, and marble subway backsplash.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-white-kitchen-oak-floor-marble-subway-backsplash-industrial-cart-stool-1.jpg)
Even those once hard-to-source items like artisan lighting are within reach thanks to Etsy and custom kitchenware sources such as deVOL.
![Terracotta hexagon tiles in a kitchen in France. French farmhouse design inspiration, house tour, French homewares and market baskets from Vivi et Margot.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/a-french-farmhouse-kitchen-9-vivi-et-margot-hello-lovely-studio-1.jpg)
If online shopping aint yer jam, you can always make a trip of it and travel to markets in Europe! I spy lots of treasures in this French kitchen:
![Traditional French Country kitchen in Provence in a villa available from HavenIn. #frenchcountrykitchen #frenchkitchen Rrustickitchens #provencekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/provence-kitchen-havenin-french-villa-rustic-old-world-traditional-design.jpg)
Your local antique mall may have everything you need too.
The easiest way to add instant rusticity to your countertop? Beautiful wood cutting boards, charcuterie boards, or bread boards:
![French farmhouse kitchen by Vivi et Margot has a luxurious Ilve range and cabinets painted Farrow & Ball Smoke Green. #frenchfarmhouse #frenchkitchen #kitchendesign #farrowandballsmokegreen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/vivi-et-margot-french-farmhouse-kitchen-ilve-range-farrow-ball-smoke-green-cabinets.jpg)
They’re easy to find, useful, and look great in multiples too.
![French country style dining area with farm table, pale colors, and antiques in Nora Murphy Country House book.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/french-country-dining-farm-table-nora-murphy-country-house.jpg)
Another addition that will add a layer of rusticity is a rugged farm table, orchard table, or harvest table.
![My simple white Shaker kitchen with white oak floors, marble subway backsplash, Viatera quartz "Minuet" counters, and a window seat. #hellolovelystudio #whiteshakerkitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #classickitchen #viateraquartz #minuet](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-white-farm-table-window-seat.jpg)
Ours has served us so well!
![Kitchen in France. French farmhouse design inspiration, house tour, French homewares and market baskets from Vivi et Margot.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/square-a-french-farmhouse-kitchen-8-vivi-et-margot-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
And when you want a break from its woodsy ruggedness, cover it with a pretty cloth.
Ceiling Details for Rusticity
We often forget about ceilings and their potential as a layer in the mix.
![Rustic white organic and natural kitchen design with exposed rafters and an airy Cali vibe - Lulu and Georgia. #rustickitchen #kitchendesign #modernfarmhouse #organic #modernrustic](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/002-warm-neutral-cozy-kitchen-lulu-georgia.jpg)
So many gorgeous examples of charming country kitchens with texture on the ceiling:
![Rustic French farmhouse European country cottage with pale blues and green interiors - Decor de Provence. #frenchcountry #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign #cottages](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/decor-de-provence-kitchen-005.jpg)
There are even companies who specialize now in the production of faux beams that can fool anyone.
![Kichen in France. French farmhouse design inspiration, house tour, French homewares and market baskets from Vivi et Margot.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/a-french-farmhouse-kitchen-10-vivi-et-margot-hello-lovely-studio-1.jpg)
Sometimes it is about uncovering what’s already there!
![Shabby Chic White Cottage Interior Design Inspiration from a beautiful home in East Sussex by The Beach Studios (Atlanta Bartlett & Dave Coote). #shabbychic #whitedecor #housetour #cottagestyle #interiordesign #rusticdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wynchelse-photo-shoot-location-south-east-13.jpg)
But plenty of other times it involves thoughtful consideration, shopping, and calling upon artisans for help.
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. A quiet-toned newly constructed kitchen incorporating antiques from France. #frenchkitchen #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #bespokekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-kitchen-plaster-old-world-16th-century-French-2.jpg)
In our former kitchen, the ceiling was low, and wood beams were not something I wanted. But I hated the swirly 90s textured ceiling so I went in the opposite direction and plastered that ceiling myself! I don’t have many photos of it so use your imagination!
![Modern French white kitchen with Viatera Minuet countertops, stainless Italian range hood, and farm sink - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-fireclay-farm-sink-white-kitchen-8e.jpg)
This would have been swell to uncover:
![Shabby Chic White Cottage Interior Design Inspiration from a beautiful home in East Sussex by The Beach Studios (Atlanta Bartlett & Dave Coote). #shabbychic #whitedecor #housetour #cottagestyle #interiordesign #rusticdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wynchelse-photo-shoot-location-south-east-11.jpg)
And just as charming? A pristinely perfect architecturally magnificent ceiling paired with rustic design elements:
![After: luxury bespoke kitchen design by Artichoke in a Tuscan villa.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/artichoke-kitchen-tuscan-villa-7.jpg)
Add a Rustic Branch, Plant or Topiary
Is it really so simple?
![Shaker style white cabinets in simple serene kitchen with white oak floors and Viatera Minuet quartz countertops - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_9342.jpg)
Why yes, yes it is. Even dried, straight from the wild overgrowth outside your door will do…
![deVOL. The Scullery is one of the three rooms that make up the downstairs of the Millhouse showrooms at Cotes Mill, it’s a very simply furnished room and of all the spots to see this Classic English range, it’s the most humble.](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/37/cf/2c/37cf2c1318ce88b240b95a9683a1a16c.jpg)
If you follow Loi of Tone on Tone on IG, then you know about his gardening and way with myrtle. But even if you’re less topiary-savvy, look for organic elements to display casually.
![Classic Nordic French white kitchen with light grey painted floors, topiaries near window, and classic pendants (Circa Lighting) over island - Loi of Tone on Tone. #whitekitchens #toneontone #bmshoreline #bmchantillylace](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/loi-toneontone-kitchen-bm-shoreling-grey-wood-floors-chantilly-lace-walls-cabinets.png)
For a peek at beautiful French farmhouse kitchens, visit here, and to see a collection of beautiful white kitchens, check out this.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Rustic Cozy Finds to Shop the Look
![Vintage Dundee Marmalade crock jar from England - ShopTaylorMade4U on Etsy. #dundeecrock #marmaladejars](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/image-16.png)
![Carrera marble mosaic herringbone tile](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/image-19.png)
![Antique Chinese weathered wood bench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/antique-chinese-wooden-bench-weathered-oldwoodenstool-etsy-300x300.jpg)
![REDECKER Natural Fiber Bristle Pot Brush, Comfortable Beechwood Handle, Durable Heat-Resistant Design for Cleaning Pots, Pans and More, 2-1/4 inch Diameter, Made in Germany](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91WCUMBvLVL._AC_SX569_.jpg)
![](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/laluz-6-light-chandelier-300x300.jpg)
![Cross back dining chair](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71i2NVCSuwL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
![Aged terracotta pots in metal basket](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/esschert-aged-terracotta-pots-in-basket-walmart-product-300x300.jpg)
![Teak farmhouse stool](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/farmhouse-stool-400x500.jpg)
![Farmhouse dining table](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Valerie-Farmhouse-Dining-Table-300x300.jpg)
![Holborn weathered lantern lighting pendant](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/holborn-lantern-pendant-old-white-mcgee-product-300x349.jpg)
![French picnic baskets with lids](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/French-Country-Farmhouse-Baskets-400x400.jpg)
![Aryana Farmhouse Chic Console Table](https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/51554458/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/5518/55182147/Aryana+Farmhouse+Chic+Console+Table.jpg)
Tips for Designing a Kitchen With Old World Style
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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These are such beautiful kitchens – love them one and all – however my favorite is not here. Ruth Gay’s kitchen designed by Pam Pierce featured in Veranda 2011. Twelve years ago and still a favorite. Love to see it today even if the same or updated in some way. Very hard to improve on.
Author
True! And hers stands above all for sure. The authenticity of all of the elements and Pamela Pierce’s design? Unforgettable.