How to create a country kitchen

When I think of a country kitchen I visualize a kitchen filled with antiques, worn and weathered items, aged woodwork and warm colored walls.

Country decorating is all about simplicity and history. With some simple painting techniques and some yard sale finds you will be on your way to recreating a country kitchen of your own.

Instructions

1. 

   Paint color

   The first step in Country Decorating is choosing a paint color for the walls. The color should be warm.

   The following paint colors are supplied by Union Village (See their link in resources below) However you can have similar colors mixed by your local hardware store.

   # Village Tavern Yellow
   # New England Red
   # Cabinetmaker's Blue
   # Pearwood
   # Valley Forge Mustard
   # Barn Red

   Try to avoid bright whites they tend to give a modern feel and take away from the aged look.

2. 

   Crackling

   This is a great technique to add to your country decorating. Crackling will add age to your wood work and cabinets.

   1. Start with your base color. I like to start dark and crackle light. I paint a dark color like barn red or burnt umber. Paint your wood with your base color and let it dry for 24 hours.

   2. apply your crackle medium (sold in your local Home Depot, Lowes or craft store). Let it dry according to package direction.

   3. Now apply your top color. ( I like to use a country tan) You can choose any color as long as it is lighter or darker than your base.

   Walla... instant age!

3. 

   Now you are ready to decorate

   First you want to decide on a theme for your country decorating project. Ex. Sheep, barns, antiques, etc...
   Visit local yard sales and flea markets and begin collecting your theme items. You will come across so many unique items to add to your collection at reasonable prices.

4. 

   Add the Curtains

   The final step in country decorating is adding the fabrics. Though there are many Country Curtains available I like to Dye my own fabrics to match my decor.

   ** See my article on Tea dying fabrics in the resource section below.

Resources

• Country Living decorating ideas
• Country paint colors by Behr
• Union Village
• How to tea dye fabrics