We’re exploring an eclectic mix of rustic elegant country kitchens, 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, wholesome realness to so many more rustic elements. Often they feel right at home in otherwise elegant spaces.
Rustic Elegant Country Kitchens: 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?
The pendants below as well as rush seats add rustic texture and charm too in a Leanne Ford designed farmhouse kitchen:
Rugged Texture
Imagine how this deVOL kitchen would feel were the walls newly drywalled…
Right?
Wood on walls, ceilings, backsplashes, and floors is an excellent way to inject rustic texture.
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!
Plaster adds texture to Jill Egan’s elegant European country kitchen (above), and rustic accessories look right at home, but it wouldn’t fall cleanly into a rustic category!
Antiques, Vintage & Reclaimed Materials
Rustic country kitchens often have a sense of age, not easily emulated with reproductions or even intentional distressing.
Remember in the late 90s when homeowners distressed new cabinets with hammers and chains then painted on antiquing glaze? Unless you’re a gifted artist? Maybe not the best option. Better to source old beams, antique cupboards, vintage lighting, and natural, 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.
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 cute wooden signs everywhere in the marketplace declaring “eat” or “French kitchen” or “kiss the cook.”
But a collection of mismatched china or plates on the wall can be a pleasingly whimsical installation on the wall.
Even a mix of cabinetry styles can be whimsical when the overall design looks as good the one above and below.
When lighting adds whimsy…
Notice how the assorted decorations on shelves below don’t feel too perfect:
Objects that spark joy when you see them can be weaved into whimsical vignettes.
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.
A combination of fitted and unfitted is often a winning one.
I love the idea of adding a furniture piece like this to use as a larder or pantry:
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…
Linen & Rustic Textiles
This un-fancy skirted sink look in Brooke Giannetti’s former Patina Farm kitchen is one I admired enough to incorporate into my own country kitchen design.
Adding linen or other unfussy fabrics and upholstery can keep the mood casual and laid back.
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.
If you’re shopping for vintage items, it can take time to find the just right pieces.
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.
Even those once hard-to-source items like artisan lighting are within reach thanks to Etsy and custom kitchenware sources such as deVOL.
Should online shopping not float your boat, you could make a trip of it and travel to markets in Europe! I spy lots of treasures in this French kitchen:
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:
They’re easy to find, useful, and look great in multiples too.
Another addition that will add a layer of rusticity is a rugged farm table, orchard table, or harvest table.
Ours has served us so well!
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.
So many gorgeous examples of charming country kitchens with texture on the ceiling:
There are even companies who specialize now in the production of faux beams that can fool anyone.
Sometimes it is about uncovering what’s already there!
But plenty of other times it involves thoughtful consideration, shopping, and calling upon artisans for help.
In our former kitchen, the ceiling was low, and wood beams were not something I desired. But since I hated the swirly 90s textured ceiling, I went in the opposite direction and plastered the ceiling myself! I don’t have many photos of it so use your imagination!
This would have been swell to uncover:
And just as charming? A pristinely perfect architecturally magnificent ceiling paired with rustic design elements:
Add a Rustic Branch, Plant or Topiary
Is it really so simple?
Why yes, yes it is. Even dried, straight from the wild overgrowth outside your door will do…
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.
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
Tips for Designing a Kitchen With Old World Style
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
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