Dream of having a rustic kitchen? Even if you live in the city, you can still get that beautiful rustic look.
You don’t even need a log cabin or a country cottage. By using the right types of materials, it’s easy to transform your kitchen into a modern rustic dream.
All you really need is to use a few key design elements and you’re all set. Whether you want a full rustic look or just certain parts, use this is a guide to see what your rustic kitchen could look like.
Natural Wood Tones
Natural wood tones are vital to creating a rustic kitchen. From the floor to the cabinets, varying wood tones help convey that natural country feel. Darker tones are often used on cabinets and islands to help them stand out.
A lighter wood helps to brighten the floor and make the space feel more open. Of course, it’s perfectly fine to switch these around as well. If you want a lighter room, consider a white bleached wood stain. You still get the natural look of the wood, but the brightness of white too.
One thing to keep in mind is to let the natural grain and knots shine through. This is why most rustic kitchens have stained wood versus painted. This helps preserve the natural look.
Using Stone Elements
The rustic kitchen theme was born from necessity. Originally, homes were built with what was available. This included cutting down trees (hence the natural wood look) and using various stones in the local area.
While it’s much easier to build a kitchen now, you can still add those unique stone elements. Using natural large or small stones to build a backsplash or to serve as a divider wall helps to contrast perfectly with the wood. If you have a darker wood or stain, using a light colored stone will help brighten the room.
Of course, stone also works for your flooring. Just remember to coat it to seal all the pores and make it much easier to clean.
Exposed Beams
Typically, exposed beams are a sign of an unfinished project, but not with a rustic kitchen. Instead, they add a natural look and feel to the room. Plus, they work great for adding room to hang pots and pans.
You can also use them to better arrange lighting using antique fixtures. These can blend into the beams or go between them to give them feel of more natural lighting.
Mix Modern And Rustic
A rustic kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t have modern elements. In fact, it’s becoming common to mix the two. Surprisingly, the kitchen still looks more rustic than modern. Steel grey appliances work perfectly with light and dark woods, though they blend well with lighter woods and stains.
The contrast of modern looking appliances and fixtures gives your kitchen a unique look and feel.
Add Open Shelving
Cabinets are a must-have in any kitchen, but for a more rustic look, add more open shelving. Using open shelves for your plates and to hang pots and pans instantly makes your kitchen seem more rustic. Instead of everything being contained, it’s on display and within easy reach.
An alternative is to have a display shelf above your cabinets. Traditional rustic kitchens often have areas to display knick-knacks and treasured dishes.
Create Rustic Accessories
Of course, you’ll want to make your rustic kitchen truly unique with some handmade elements. Yes, you can build a few things to make your kitchen your own. For instance, you might build a small crate to hold oil and vinegar or salt and pepper.
If you’re not sure where to start, try one of these beginner’s woodworking projects. Anyone can do these and you’ll feel proud seeing your handiwork in your kitchen or other areas of your home.
Get Inspired
Have tons of ideas running through your head or do you need a little more inspiration to make it all come together? House Beautiful, Architectural Digest and Elle Decor showcase beautiful rustic kitchens in a wide variety of styles.
Ready to create your dream rustic kitchen? Contact Edgewood Cabinetry to see how we can help.
