“Worn,” “distressed,” “rough hewn” — these are not the first words that come to mind when we think of kitchens now. While crisp white cabinets, polished nickel hardware and beautiful marble countertops are on trend nowadays, a rustic kitchen may always supply the relaxation of a piping hot bowl of macaroni and cheese on a chilly night. More words that explain the look are “well worn,” “patinated,” “antiqued,” “homey” and “reclaimed.” See if you want to try out any of these ideas to cozy up your kitchen.
Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
Light a flame. The priciest comfy element in a kitchen is a toasty hearth. While including a full fireplace is a big intervention, today’s woodstoves and fireboxes don’t require a significant renovation.
Learn about clean-burning woodstoves
Teton Heritage Builders
Shop beyond the typical appliance options. Standard black, white and stainless steel appliances may remove from the rustic look. Appliances today come in a range of colors and cabinet-front options that will not detract from the cozy atmosphere.
The Workshops of David T. Smith
Look to classic precedents for inspiration. A combination of cabinets that are distressed, curly maple counters, a worn farmhouse dining table, a metallic candle chandelier and a soapstone sink make me believe Ma Ingalls will come around the corner along with her famous sourdough bread.
Highline Partners
Choose elements that show their age. Rough-hewn wood beams and a slate flooring give this kitchen a rustic look from top to bottom. In between, cabinetmakers repurposed the green cabinets via an antique hutch.
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Peter Vitale Photography
Pay attention to design. A brick arch, stone wall, wood ceiling and recessed range plus exposed rafters pull together to give this kitchen a European country-house look. Details help also; the bull’s head sculpture is from a classic French butcher’s shop.
Slifer Designs
Pair wood finishes with warm colors. This rich reddish island helps tie together the Oriental runners, wood countertops, ceiling coffers and cabinets. Copper pendants add shine and patina.
Birdseye Design
You (almost) cannot have too much wood. You’ll be able to utilize wood from floor to cabinets to ceiling, just make sure you break it up a bit with countertops and a backsplash of a different material. Notice how the space between the upper cabinets and the ceiling adds contrast and definition.
Bruce Kading Interior Design
Add vintage-style touches. A reclaimed sink, an enamel cooker and old-fashioned cabinet latches give this kitchen a lot of its classic charm.
Witt Construction
Consider a rustic wall treatment. This kitchen walls have been painted to give the illusion of texture and age.
Michelle Fries, BeDe Design, LLC
Consider reclaimed wood for your countertops. A couple of coats of polyurethane will keep wood countertops protected from spills and rotting. If you’re renovating an older home, look in the attic for beautiful old floorboards to utilize for countertops.
Watch more tips for wood countertops in the kitchen
Use barn lighting. Gooseneck pendants and barn sconces add a rural sense. This kitchen also has a copper sink, another traditional rustic touch.
Legacy DCS
If you’re afraid a rustic kitchen will probably be too dark, forgo upper cabinets for windows to allow in the light.
Andrea Bartholick Pace Interior Design
Add a cozy spot for collecting and eating foods. Dining from the kitchen is just one of the coziest items that you can do, no matter what your kitchen’s style. It doesn’t matter if it’s a little dining table, a large island or an integrated breakfast nook.
Decor Island
Mico Single Lever Kitchen Faucet With Side Spray – $570
Explore different finishes. This faucet has a mahogany bronze finish; check out options like classic brass, unlacquered brass, architectural bronze, antique copper and shiny brass.
chas architects
Bring in fabrics. You can go for upholstered counter stools or kitchen seats, chair cushions, rugs and tablecloths.
Marcelle Guilbeau, Interior Designer
A rustic kitchen doesn’t need to be dark. You can combine your light-colored-kitchen fantasies with rustic components like reclaimed wood on the staircase or countertops, exposed ceiling beams and a hardwood flooring. This kitchen has a transitional look that brings from the best of the two styles.
More: 20 of the Coziest Kitchens About