European Country Kitchen Ideas: How to Creatively Add Style – Part 2

Part 2 of European Country Kitchen Ideas shares a wealth of creative inspiration to help with kitchen renovations, refreshes, and even new builds. What may surprise you is the wide variety of kitchen styles you’ll see that glow under this “European country” umbrella. Whether it is Cotswold cottage style you love or modern French, you’ll find design details to admire here (and pin to Pinterest for future reference!).

French and Swedish antiques in a Cotswolds cottage by Anton & K. #englishcottage #europeancountry #countrykitchen
Anton & K Antiques – European Country Kitchen Ideas Part 2

European Country Kitchen Ideas – Part 2

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Unlacquered Brass

I didn’t know anyone using unlacquered brass in their kitchen 20 years ago, but it’s so common these days around the globe.

F&B Dimity on walls. Zoe Feldman Design - luxurious European inspired kitchen with grey marble checkered floor, Hallman range, honed marble counters, and Farrow & Ball Railings painted cabinets. #bespokekitchens
Farrow & Ball Dimity on walls, Railing on cabinets. Design: Zoe Feldman Design

Although there is nothing “common” about the beauty of this rich material! The beauty develops as the live finish ages gracefully and patinates with use.

Steel windows, white oak cabinets, skirted farm sink in kitchen - Patina Farm (Brooke Giannetti) European country farmhouse in Ojai. #patinafarm #vintagemodern #modernrustic #frenchkitchens
Brooke Giannetti’s Patina Farm Kitchen – Velvet and Linen

The Giannetti’s Patina Farm kitchen incorporated unlacquered brass and influenced throngs of people who admire that European inspired richness.

Elegant green kitchen with unlacquered brass in @chdmag by @ag.interiors (photo: @calliecocreative). Farrow & Ball Lichen. #greenkitchens
@chdmag; Design: @ag.interiors; Photo: @calliecocreative

While I have yet to live with an unlacquered brass faucet, I absolutely adore the look of the hardware on objects I own. Such a no-fuss, weathered to perfection quality that shiny, new, showoffy things just can’t achieve.

Funny humor quote about Netflix on Hello Lovely Studio. #netflixhumor #humorquotes #funnyquotes

Smart Way to Experience An Unlacquered Finish for Kitchen

What if you were to start small and test out this material in not-so-huge ways…for shelves or cabinetry hardware?

You don’t even have to spring for a whole kitchen full of cabinet pulls…think about a piece of furniture that could use a refresh with new hardware. An old desk? Cupboards in the laundry room? Bifold closet doors?

Vernon Bin Pull on dark cabinets, Rejuvenation. #unlacqueredbrass #brasscabinethardware
Vernon Bin Pull, Rejuvenation

Just think of the satisfaction of watching a brass sconce like this age and evolve…

There’s just something glorious about a finish that is truly alive. Alive and interacting with elements in its orbit, with the oils of fingertips, with time.

Encouraging quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #encouragementquotes

Apron Front Sink

I know, I know. You have no plans to rip out your existing and beloved stainless kitchen sink to swap it for fireclay. But if you’re planning to build or redesign, it’s a wonderful feature if you’re looking for a country feel.

French farmhouse kitchen in France with green cabinets (Farrow & Ball Green Smoke), butcher block counters, and basket of pink hydrangea - Vivi et Margot. #vivietmargot #frenchfarmhouse #greenkitchens
Vivi et Margot – Farrow & Ball Green Smoke

What is all the fuss about a fireclay farmhouse sink? If you don’t have babies or puppies to bathe in it is it even a smart investment?

Here’s my current apron front sink: 30″ farmhouse sink.

Renovated kitchen with Viatera Muse countertops and Sherwin Williams Eider White paint color. Cabinets are 50% Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray - Hello Lovely Studio.

It definitely sets a tone and somehow elevates the whole dishwashing enterprise. I have already owned three (different homes!), and there are destined to be more in my future.

@averyfranksdesign - Farrow & Ball Hardwick white in a kitchen with marble farm sink and subway tile. #farrowandballhardwickwhite #bespokekitchens
@averyfranksdesign – Farrow & Ball Hardwick White

And have you seen more designers opting for marble apron front sinks?

Authentic antique reclaimed materials from Europe in a newly built kitchen with Old World charm - Chateau Domingue. #frenchkitchen #frenchantiques #frenchlimestone #frenchcountry
Chateau Domingue

I am often asked about water dripping over the side, and I must admit I don’t understand how this could happen. The sinks I have owned have a design where this never happened.

White serene Shaker kitchen with Viatera Minuet quart counters, Bosch cooktop, and white oak flooring - Hello Lovely Studio. #modernfrench #whitekitchens #viateraminuet #whitequartz #kitchendesign
Hello Lovely Studio

As I was considering what I love about the the function and look of a farm sink, I realized the softness of the glaze and its reflective quality appeal to me. I love how it feels less so much less clinical than stainless.

Bespoke kitchen by Artichoke with Flemish design and French farmhouse influences including stone flooring, rustic beams, and European country decor.
Artichoke

A sink made from stone! Just the most timeless look!

Funny quote and humor about modern day cell phone culture - Hello Lovely Studio.

How to Add a Bit of Character Without Changing the Sink?

An old worn out sink and laminate counters are not at all hopeless, and there are plenty of creative ways to counter utilitarian/mediocre factor in a kitchen. For example, you could add a natural stone tray near the sink. For about twenty-five bucks, you’ll be able to corral a scrub brush, dish soap, etc. while adding the richness of natural stone. Bloop!

Warm Coppery Tones

Full disclosure: I lack copper tones in the kitchen beyond the terracotta floor tiles visible from the adjacent laundry area. I just can’t live with red tones, but I admire coppery kitchens and folks who embrace red.

Terracotta hexagon tiles on kitchen floor in French farmhouse by Vivi et Margot. Come explore 24 Inspiring European Country Kitchen Ideas!
Vivi et Margot

The warmth of copper cookware, tiles, and accents feels so natural and homey in a European or French farmhouse kitchen.

The coppery tones of Chicago brick installed in a herringbone pattern are unforgettable and feel richly Old World luxurious yet quite livable.

French farmhouse kitchen with copper pans on rack, light blue cabinetry, and stone floors - Le Mas des Poiriers.
@provencepoiriers

If you have a copper cookware collection…oh la la.

Glennon Doyle quote about being human. #humanityquotes #lifequotes #strugglequotes

Easy Kitchen Essential to Add a Touch of Copper

So many of us have old copper tea kettles – dig in your basement or attic and dust it off! I spied at least three at the antique mall today. Leave the tarnish. Another possibility is this sweet girl:

Copper Watering Can
Copper Watering Can, Amazon…certainly lovely!

Stoneware, Earthenware & Crocks

How fun is it to hunt for treasures like old stoneware, vases, urns, and jars?

My white kitchen with Viatera Minuet quartz and collection of vintage Dundee marmalade jars - Hello Lovely Studio. #modernfarmhouse #kitchendecor
Hello Lovely

I have been collecting pieces forever and am still not tired of the hunt.

A mix of whites in my timelessly tranquil kitchen with European country decor, Viatera Minuet quartz, and Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

I like pale colored terracotta urns and crocks, and you can do your hunting online too:

English stoneware crocks at Scarlett Scales Antiques.
Hello Lovely – Find vintage marmalade jars HERE

Or plan a trip to Europe to bring back as much as you can stuff in a carryon!

French farmhouse kitchen decor by Vivi et Margot. See more rustic elegant French farmhouse design ideas and decor inspiration. #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign #frenchcountry
Vivi et Margot
Failure quote on Hello Lovely Studio by John Ortberg. #strugglequotes #failurequote #encouragementquotes

Vintage & Artisan Pendant Lighting

There are multiple ways to bring rusticity to a country kitchen, and lighting is one way that most of us shy away from.

Beautiful European country white kitchen by Giannetti Home (photo: Lisa Romerein) in C Magazine. #vintagependantlights #giannettikitchen #europeancountry
Velvet and Linen (Lisa Romerein C Magazine)

Whether it is repurposing vintage lights (the pendants in the kitchen designed by the Giannettis above were once a part of Elizabeth Taylor’s property) or installing handcrafted ones that only appear old…

Rustic French farmhouse kitchen by Vivi et Margot. Come see24 Inspiring European Country Kitchen Ideas!y
Vivi et Margot

It is truly possible to create a WOW moment that ushers in age and bespoke quality.

Beautiful breakfast nook with banquette and custom oval table - Julia Berolzheimer's home in Southern Living (photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez). #charlestonhomes #breakfastnooks
Julia Berolzheimer’s breakfast nook in Southern Living (Photo: Hector M. Sanchez)
Andrea Gibson tree quote. #treequotes #andreagibsonquotes #andreagibsonpoetry

Where Can You Find a Unique Pendant?

There are so many wonderful makers on Etsy who can create the pendant of your dreams. Also, don’t forget about old exterior lanterns you can find locally at antique malls or on eBay. Finally, consider ordering a light from a bespoke firm such as deVOL. Just look at their sweet frilly cranberry mini pendant:

Soft Pastel Color Story

If you’re drawn to the softer, romantic, coastal feel of breezy pale colors, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this color story.

Magnificent French country and French Gustavian home decor inspiration in a house designed by Desiree Ashworth. Photos by Ashlee Raubach. Come take the Dreamy Home Tour: French, Belgian & Swedish Style.
Desiree Ashworth – @beljarhome

Pretty greens, blues, and aquas can be so mood lifting!

Magnificent French country and French Gustavian home decor inspiration in a house designed by Desiree Ashworth. Photos by Ashlee Raubach. Come take the Dreamy Home Tour: French, Belgian & Swedish Style.

And just imagine a pale pink arrangement of garden roses or peonies in such a sea of blue-green!

Funny quote about being awesome on Hello Lovely Studio. #doghumor #dogquotes

Simple Pastel Touches

If green tile is too much of a commitment, there are so many lovely accents to consider.

Did you collect jadeite in the 90s as I did? Such a cheerful color.

Also, don’t forget about the impact paint color can make! See THESE STORIES for ideas.

Woven Baskets

They are endlessly useful, fun to collect, and so simple to find.

Magnificent rustic French kitchen with antique work table in Milieu magazine. Design by Cathy Chapman. Photo by Peter Vitale, Architect Home Front Build. #frenchkitchen #rustickitchen #oldworldstyle
Milieu (Summer 2019) Designer: Cathy Chapman; Photo: Peter Vitale; Architect: Home Front Build

But they are often under-appreciated as an essential to achieving a casual, no fuss look that feels comforting and approachable.

My favorite ones are handmade antique baskets (I have three that I cherish!), but the problem is I hesitate to use them since they are so old and valuable! I have a huge one full of dried pink hydrangea from my yard, and it sits upon a big painted wardrobe. Another holds baking supplies used only during the holidays, and it rests in that awkward space above my frig.

Don’t you love the look of baskets on wood shelves? Such a tidy look. While it’s not a kitchen or European Country style, baskets soften modular units in my dressing room closet:

Decorative plates hung pleasingly on the wall of a French farmhouse kitchen near Provence. Haven In.
Haven In‘s 17th century South of France kitchen in Isle-sur-La-Sorgue

And market baskets! Such a European look when they are lying around.

Mary Oliver dog quote. #dogquotes #maryoliverpoetry

Invest in Good Looking Baskets for Storage

They are hard to beat since they work so hard keeping you organized and also looking beautiful.

Belgian Linen

I have devoted entire posts to it because I hold Belgian linen so dear.

Bespoke kitchen design in England by Artichoke with large island and Flemish design details. 7 Kitchen Design Ideas to Learn from Luxurious Bespoke Kitchens! #bespoke #kitchendesign #artichoke #flemish #countrykitchen #englishcountry
Artichoke-designed bespoke Flemish kitchen design in Gloucestershire, England.

This material is so easy to live with and so easy to layer with other decorative items since it plays nicely with everything in the mix. There’s nothing trendy about it – it’s hardworking and understated.

Belgian linen slope arm RH dining chair in breakfast nook with artificial olive tree in rustic pot - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely – olive tree: HERE; paint color: BENJAMIN MOORE White OC-151 more info about the color in this.

If you love the look of these chairs but aren’t crazy about the price tag, I saw these:

Threshold Studio McGee slipcovered dining arm chairs, Target.

While the slipcover upholstery is not Belgian linen, it is 100% cotton, and aren’t they good looking for the price?

If you haven’t lived with this fabric, you could always start small with placemats or a pillow cover.

Adreann 18" Linen Placemat
Linen Placemat Set – European Country Kitchen Ideas

Have a Moment for a Fantasy Tour?

Nothing rustic or country here, but there are European design elements to delight. Treat yourself to a lovely house tour from legendary designer Suzanne Kasler, and if you need a gorgeous white paint color recommendation, she mentions her favorite.

Make sure you check out PART 1, and find more kitchen inspiration HERE.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Follow:

2 Comments

  1. Pamela
    August 14, 2023 / 7:12 am

    We built a home in an English Tudor style in 1979 and I decorated the kitchen in the colorful blue and yellow French Country style of that era. One summer my mom brought us two chipwood, handled baskets full of South Carolina peaches. After the peaches were eaten I made pretty liners for them using Pierre Deux fabrics. I hadn’t thought of them for a couple years but I’m going to pull them out today to hold my dishtowels. THANKS!

    • Michele
      Author
      August 15, 2023 / 9:09 pm

      That is simply delightful! What a gorgeous picture you paint with words. And my mouth is watering – love affair with peaches here. 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing