Posted on July 12, 2024
Designing your Cotswold or Cotswold-inspired home can be a daunting task. One of the main rooms you’ll be looking at is the kitchen and farmhouse styling is the place to start. Creating a farmhouse style kitchen is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about crafting a space that embodies warmth, charm, and timeless elegance. Explore our guide below for some essential elements.
Kitchen Islands
Reclaimed Wood Island: Opt for a kitchen island made from reclaimed wood to bring rustic charm and sustainability into your kitchen. Reclaimed wood not only adds character with its unique grain patterns and weathered texture. By choosing reclaimed wood, you're also contributing to the environment by reducing waste and cutting down on the demand for new lumber.
Butcher Block Top: A butcher block countertop adds both functionality and a classic farmhouse touch. This type of countertop is ideal for food preparation, offering a sturdy and forgiving surface for chopping and slicing. Additionally the warm tones of the wood complement the rustic feel of the farmhouse style. Regular oiling will keep the wood in good condition and ensure it remains a long lasting centrepiece in your kitchen.
Open Shelving: Integrate open shelving under the island to display ceramics, cookware, or vintage finds. This design choice promotes an inviting and lived-in look, enhancing the farmhouse aesthetic. Consider using reclaimed wood for the shelves to maintain continuity and reinforce the rustic theme.
Where to shop? Cotswold Company, with stores located across the UK including Stow-on-the-Wold and Bath.
Appliances
Vintage style range cooker: Incorporate a range cooker in a vintage style, such as an AGA or Smeg. These iconic cookers are known for their robust build and timeless design, making them a perfect focal point for a farmhouse kitchen. An AGA, with its classic enamelled finish and radiant heat cooking. On the other hand, a Smeg range cooker combines retro aesthetics with modern technology, offering a variety of cooking functions while maintaining a charming look. Both options bring a sense of nostalgia to the kitchen, enhancing the overall farmhouse style.
Farmhouse sink: A deep, white ceramic farmhouse sink is essential for the look whilst being incredibly functional. With their signature large, apron-front design, these sinks offer ample space for washing pots, pans, and even garden-fresh vegetables, a staple feature in any farmhouse-style kitchen.
Integrated appliances: Consider integrating modern appliances behind cabinet fronts to maintain a seamless, old-world feel. By using custom cabinetry to conceal dishwashers, refrigerators, and microwaves, you can ensure that your kitchen retains its cohesive and uncluttered appearance.
Where to shop? For high-quality kitchen appliances in the Cotswolds, consider visiting Hush Kitchens located in Cirencester. They offer a curated selection of premium range cookers, farmhouse sinks, and integrated appliances.
Lighting options
Pendant Lights: Hang pendant lights with metal or glass shades above the island or dining area for great lighting and ambiance. Pendant lights not only provide focused illumination for food preparation and dining but also serve as stylish focal points that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your farmhouse kitchen. Opt for fixtures with antique brass, copper, or black finishes to complement the rustic theme.
Chandeliers: Chandeliers create a sense of height and space. Consider a wrought iron or wooden chandelier to make a grand, rustic statement. Wrought iron chandeliers evoke a sense of vintage charm, while wooden chandeliers bring a warm, natural element to the room. Choose a design with candle style lights for a more authentic, vintage feel or go for something more modern with exposed bulbs.
Natural Light: Maximise natural light with large windows or French doors to keep the space bright and welcoming. Natural light enhances the warmth and openness of a farmhouse kitchen, making it feel more inviting and spacious.
Where to shop? Oka Lighting have multiple stores all around The Cotswolds, offering both gorgeous pendant lights and high-quality chandeliers in both wrought iron and wooden options. For bespoke windows and doors, visit Cotswold Windows in Cheltenham. They offer a range of custom solutions that can help you maximise natural light and enhance the overall ambiance of your kitchen.
Finishing touches
Copper cookware: Display copper pots and pans to add warmth and a touch of elegance. Copper is not only aesthetically pleasing with its rich, warm hue but also highly functional due to its excellent heat conductivity. Hanging your copper cookware on a pot rack or displaying them on open shelves can create a stunning visual focal point in your kitchen. Over time, copper develops a natural patina that adds to its charm and character, enhancing the rustic farmhouse atmosphere.
Wooden utensils and cutting boards: Opt for wooden utensils and large, well-worn cutting boards to enhance the rustic atmosphere. Wooden spoons, spatulas, and rolling pins offer a timeless appeal and are gentle on cookware surfaces. Large cutting boards made from maple, walnut, or oak provide a sturdy and attractive surface for food preparation while contributing to the overall farmhouse aesthetic. Their natural texture and wear can add authenticity and warmth to your kitchen.
Decorative jars and canisters: Store dry goods in clear glass jars or ceramic canisters with handwritten labels. This not only keeps your kitchen organised but also adds a touch of old-world charm. Glass jars allow you to easily see contents, creating a visually appealing display of grains, pasta, and spices. Ceramic canisters with vintage-inspired designs or hand-painted labels can add a personal touch, making your kitchen feel both functional and inviting.
Where to shop? A great option is Cotswold Trading, based in Broadway. A delightful store that offers a fantastically curated selection of unique and stylish kitchen accessories that are sure to apply the finish touch to your new farmhouse style kitchen.