There’s a certain warmth and charm to a rustic kitchen. And when it comes to creating this cozy look in the heart of your home, there’s no shortage of kitchen decorating ideas, from weathered wood beams and painted cabinets to rugged stone floors and farm tables. This classic style brings a casual and inviting feel to any home—whether in the city or the countryside—and looks equally chic in both small spaces and large homes. We’ve gathered decorating advice from design pros as well as an array of country kitchen inspo from projects across the nation to help you on your way to refashioning your space.
What is a rustic kitchen?
“Modern farmhouse,” “French country decor,” and “Tuscan style” are all phrases that get tossed around with the idea of rustic kitchens. But according to Amy Sklar of Amy Sklar Design in Los Angeles, the aesthetic is really more about history than any particular region or landscape. “Rustic kitchens incorporate time-worn elements that give them an overall feeling of warmth,” she says. “Picture a countertop at a 100-year-old French boulangerie that develops a patina—the history of the chefs who use the space is etched into the materials and imbue the kitchen with a sense of history.”
What are key elements of a rustic kitchen?
Earthy tones, natural materials, open shelves, farmhouse sinks, and vintage decor are all quintessentially rustic, says Ginger Barber of Ginger Barber Interior Design in Houston. Helen Parker of deVOL Kitchens adds that simplicity is a big part of the aesthetic too. “The kitchen cupboards are simple, plain fronted, with very little adornment; everything should feel solid and a little humble,” she says. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have your high-tech refrigerator or stainless-steel range. “Appliances can be modern or classic, in my opinion. There is something nice about adding a little industrial to the rustic look, taking it to modern or urban rustic,” she says.
What color palettes are best for rustic kitchens?
“In a rustic kitchen, [a] black-and-white [palette] is always a great starting point,” says Jeff Andrews of the LA-based firm Jeff Andrews Design. “Then I like to layer in colors inspired by elements of nature—rich, warm wood tones; deep hunter greens; buttercup yellows; and burnt oranges.” The rustic design ideas below include everything Andrews mentions, as well as some more surprising hues, like a splash of vibrant yellow that pops against reclaimed wood cabinetry.
Are rustic kitchens still in style?
“Rustic kitchens are absolutely timeless!” says Sklar, who emphasizes that if one room in your home should have history and soul, it’s the kitchen. Andrews agrees, noting that not only are rustic kitchens still in style, “they have an air of pastoral glamour that will stand the test of time.”
