Have you noticed how appetites for realness–as in all things fleshy and un-artificially generated–are quickly expanding? Maybe it’s just me projecting, but I sense a longing for nature’s wisdom and comfort to soothe the chaos we cannot seem to resolve or unsee unfolding in every sphere beyond the four walls of home. With these “kitchen as medicine” or “kitchen as sanctuary escape” notions in mind, we’re exploring neutral kitchens to naturally nourish the senses, decorating ideas and resources. Colorful kitchens nourish the senses too, but I’m staying within the bounds of my personal experience: light, lovely, ethereal, calm, imperfect, understated and uncluttered.
Perhaps you’ll spy an inspiring moment that will spark an idea for your own plans. European country style and rustic design elements often come into play whether it’s English Country, French Country, Nordic French, or Belgian beauty.
Neutral Kitchens to Naturally Nourish: Lean Into a Humble Look
There isn’t a singular way to interpret a country style neutral kitchen. In fact, even rustic can vary extensively.
Rusticity & Natural Materials
For me, rusticity suggests imperfect, un-glammy, un-blingy, informal, unfancy vibes.
Natural materials may be employed for flooring (wood or stone) and countertops (marble or granite), but there are plenty of smaller ticket items to balance the manmade. Isn’t this table base by Serena & Lily brilliant? Aren’t the wood stained pantry doors a sweet surprise in this Charleston kitchen?
The swing arm sconces on the mood board above will be installed in a kitchenette in my own home, and though mass-produced, the shades provide a comforting linen moment to soften the mood and keep the look quiet.
Aren’t these examples of collected rustic objects and furniture in Desiree’s Cotswolds inspired kitchen above (with reclaimed wood ceiling!) naturally nourishing?
Even rustic cutting boards and an informal open shelf with an unlacquered brass hanging rack can provide an earthy natural look. It’s not always about adding an expensive upgrade as much as subtracting something too heavy.
Psst. Don’t hate on gold and brass even when you’re leaning into the unfancy. It’s sensual, often plays nice with neutrals, and may lift a mood.
Timeless Textures Tell a Tale
Clearly this deVOL kitchen would feel far less charming were the walls fresh and smooth drywall. Isn’t the stone’s texture magnificent?
Notice too the impact of the wood window seat meeting those stone walls. In a kitchen with a very different design, marble and wood paneling are layered:
In my own modern European country kitchen, two varieties of marble mix with quartz and wood cutting boards (that we actually use…who has patience anymore for strictly decorative objects on a counter? The framed print may not read as a utility item, but it hides a cord and reminds the homeowner in fact she has all she needs…hahahaha).
We often think of rough surface textures and darker tones when rusticity comes to mind, but rustic and white is also a thing.
Sometimes rustic may simply be an attitude…a space that invites use, wear, touch, and change. Highly polished everything that is maintained vigorously to retain its shine? Not for everyone.
Curated Antiques, Vintage & Reclaimed Materials
I read this article in the NYT this morning about camouflaged kitchens, and I wasn’t surprised to see Athena Calderone’s newly built New York kitchen where concealment plays a starring design role. It’s chic, mysterious, and innovative, but will it catch on as an aspirational kitchen in this season where artificial everything is barreling at us? I’m not opposed to hiding appliances when they’re ugly, but isn’t it fun to have breathing spaces that can change with the seasons or bring you a sense of ethereal escape?
Plaster adds pleasing texture to Jill Egan’s modern European country kitchen (above), and accessories look right at home without feeling like clutter. We need designers to model such balance.
Reclaimed materials can make all the difference. Just look what they can do for a newly contructed space:
Can you fake a reclaimed look? I recall homeowners in the 1990s who were distressing brand new cabinets with hammers, chains, and antiquing glaze. Faux can sometimes look real, but it still ain’t real.
I find it more appealing to bring vintage items and antiques into the space if you’re after age and character.
A collection of ironstone? Great example of a humble, non-fussy addition that is often also useful for neutral kitchens.
Of course if you should own an antique French bakers table…build a design around it!
Playful Whimsical Earthy Kitchen Touches
By whimsy, I’m not suggesting cute wooden wall plaques with “eat” or “dance like no one’s watching.”
A mix of patterned china or plates hung on the wall can be an artfully whimsical installation.
Even a detail such as an unexpected wall sconce can add personality:
Assymetry & Unfitted Kitchen Designs
Is pink a neutral? Many of feel it is. While it is unusual in the USA, before kitchens were simply wall-to-wall boxy showrooms, they could be unfitted.
A combination of fitted and unfitted is often winning.
I love furniture like tall wardrobes or old cupboards this for storage:
You can find pieces locally fairly easily since many folks part with the heavy, oversized pieces. An absence of upper cabinets can also add a rustic layer…
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Pale Neutral Kitchen Cozy Finds
Design 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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