Back To Buyers Guide

Essential style secrets for creating kitchens with heart

We all have our own ideas of how a country kitchen should look and many of us yearn for a truly traditional farmhouse kitchen with its trademark Aga and butler sink. However, to successfully create a room which is welcoming, comfortable and functional there are a few simple guidelines you should consider.

The classic farmhouse kitchen is certainly one of the most popular choices not only within period properties but also in many new builds and barn conversions and this classic style retains its character and timeless charm making it a sensible choice unlikely to date. With a move to more flexible open plan living the modern country kitchen combines period style with contemporary design incorporating areas for cooking, relaxing, socialising and dining.

To really get a feel for how an efficient kitchen should work today it is important to understand its origins which will help when adapting traditional elements of a farmhouse kitchen to suit modern day requirements. Kitchen Designers Barnes of Ashburton specialise in creating classic or period style kitchens within country properties, Patrick Gunning gives his insight into how kitchens have evolved over the years ¡§Originally the traditional farmhouse kitchen was predominately the domain of the cook and successfully combined both practicality with comfort. Storage would have been considerable with cupboard space being essential, particularly in larger country houses. The pantry would have stored crockery and linens with the larder housing foodstuffs. The kitchen dresser was a key addition to a cook¡œs kitchen ¡V typically the English dresser would have been a simple cupboard with shelves above, one of which would have been made from marble and used to keep perishables chilled such as meat and fish. In a traditional kitchen the freestanding pieces of furniture would have been very solid, often built from oak and the style would have been kept fairly plain. The central kitchen table would act as another work surface and therefore needed to be both strong and hardwearing. The sinks found in Victorian and Edwardian homes were also of a simple design mainly square in shape and made from fireclay ceramic or timber with draining surfaces being made from slate, wood or stone.¡¨

Country Kitchen essentials

Traditional kitchen table or island
Larder or Pantry Cupboard
Belfast or Butler Sink
Traditional Dresser or Maidsaver
Plate racks and wall mounted storage for crockery
Hanging racks for utensils or linens
Butchers block and marble bread board
Baskets for storage and display

The cooking range was of course an essential tool in any country kitchen and there were in fact a number of designs and sizes available in the past. Perhaps the closest we get to the traditional range is the Aga, or Rayburn style cooker that is now available in gas, electricity and wood burning options. Aga also has an on-demand version for those who like the solid feel of a large range cooker but are not at home all day to enjoy the warmth.

Today¡œs modern country kitchen draws inspiration from the past and combines the best traditional elements with up to the minute appliances and freestanding dressers and cabinetry can be handmade to include integrated appliances such as fridges, freezers and even cappuccino machines. The kitchen table although still a firm family favourite is often replaced with an island, which acts as an additional preparation area and a social spot in which to gather. Patrick Gunning continues ¡§The key living area in any building is without doubt the kitchen or cooking space. Increasingly, the Farmhouse style kitchen is being put back into properties no matter what the age building. The kitchen needs to be both a functional and welcoming room in which to relax, cook, socialise and enjoy¡¨. Patrick offers the following advice to help you achieve this fine balance of country charm and modern day convenience:

Fitted kitchens are a modern phenomenon that looks particularly out of place in pre-1900 century properties. If you can¡œt cope with all freestanding pieces why not opt for a freestanding-style look, which is more in keeping with your property.

Larders or walk in Pantry Cupboards offer fantastic storage and can often be incorporated within unused alcoves or corners.

Use the full height of the room, Edwardian style kitchens would have ceiling height cabinets which are great for storing lesser used items.

Be aware of the signature design elements of the era you are trying to create when choosing door styles. Kitchens built between 1880 and 1930, for example, often featured plainer box-frame panels on the doors, whilst Georgian style cabinetry would have been far grander and more ornate.

Modern appliances can be carefully hidden away, but do be sure they are still easy to reach. Dressers can easily be fitted with freezers, dishwashers, coffee makers etc

If you have the space why not include a traditional style cooks bench or butchers table. A cooks bench can include deep storage drawers and shelving and concealed power points for blenders, juicers etc

It may seem obvious, but make the most of any architectural influences in the room. For example, leaded windows can be mimicked on wall units, architraves and pilasters can be moulded in the style of cornicing and the colour of original flooring can be picked up in the worktops or the finish of painted units.

Surfaces and materials should both be hardwearing and beautiful, a combination of natural finishes and painted cabinets give a clean and calm feeling to the space. Lighter woods such as chestnut, maple and pine give a comfortable cottage feel whilst darker timbers including wenge and zebrano add a contemporary touch. Shaker style kitchens work very well in larger properties and this simple style combines practicality with an uncluttered look. A more rustic influence can be applied by incorporating distressed pieces of furniture, brightly painted dressers and large ceramic storage jars.

Another way of adding colour and texture to your country kitchen is by introducing natural materials such as marble, granite and stone and work surfaces finished in granite are hard working whilst beautiful and perfectly in keeping with a classic country style. Granite is an excellent material for use in kitchens as it is incredibly durable and also looks stunning on work surfaces, table tops and splash-backs. Earthy tones sit well in classic kitchen environments and some of our favourites for period kitchens include Kashmir Yellow, Golden Glory or Baltic Brown.

Whether you are looking for a grand country house style or a simple cottage kitchen, commissioning the services of a master craftsman or professional designer will mean your kitchen will be designed and built by hand to naturally enhance the architectural style of your home, offering the perfect balance of functionality and beauty, a space to relax and enjoy for years to come.

Barnes of Ashburton
01364 653 614