How to Decorate a Kitchen in a Rustic Style

Whether you live in the city or the countryside, any kitchen can be decorated to create an authentic rustic feel. Rustic by definition means, "of, relating to, or suitable for the country." Keeping this in mind, let's start to think about images of the countryside: rolling fields of wheat and corn, open space, fresh produce, animals, and the quiet, simple life. The key to decorating in any style is to successfully convey a theme or mood by invoking images, feelings and emotions of a certain time/place/style with different visual cues. Let's get started!

Instructions

1. To create a rustic kitchen, one must first brainstorm what comes to mind when you think of the countryside or rural life. Create a list of adjectives like, "simple, quiet, peaceful, traditional, warm, comfortable, unadorned, natural, hearty, etc." and any images that come to mind such as, "wheat, corn, flowers, family, horses, farm, etc." Keep these lists as you choose your decorations to keep you on track.

2. Now that you have an understanding of what kind of theme and mood you want to portray, select color schemes and objects that support this. Choose warm shades of reds, oranges, browns, and yellows to convey a cheery, hearty feel in your rustic kitchen. Think of the colors naturally found in the countryside, like golden fields of wheat or bright red apples. Paint your walls or put out towels, pot holders, mats and curtains in these colors. It is easy to find kitchen accessories with county-style patterns like plaid, checkers or rustic motifs.

3. Besides color schemes, think about the materials that make up your flooring, cabinets, counters, sinks, etc. A hardwood floor would be great, and so would simple wooden cabinets with a fresh coat of paint. Rustic style is simple, unadorned and made of natural, earthy materials, so change what you can afford to accordingly.

4. If you can't change the major structures, fixtures and appliances of your kitchen you can still make your kitchen look a little less modern and a little more traditional with certain touches. Remove all modern appliances from view like coffee makers, toasters, etc. by putting them away or covering them up. Put packaged foods and items that are in view into interesting containers like mason jars, ceramic pitchers and tins. Exchanging modern day packaging for vintage or handmade materials will instantly give your kitchen timeless charm.

5. Try to make every functional and decorative item add to your rustic look. Hang an old vintage clock, painted wooden signs, and artwork with scenes of simple country life (roosters, fields, fresh produce, etc.). Place woven baskets on counters, window sills or above cabinets and use them for storage or to fill with dried flowers and wheat. Use handmade pottery for containers and fill with wooden spoons and utensils. Put out jars of colorful pasta, beans and lentils as decoration. Fill pretty bowels with fresh fruit for the counter and keep attractive china or hand-painted plates in view. Remember to stick with items that you feel convey the images and feelings on your theme list.

6. Other decorative items to think about include; copper pots, handmade brooms, dried Indian corn and gourds, small wooden barrels, and vintage wine/drink bottles from a thrift store. You can always paint your own rustic designs on wall hangings or containers. Explore yard sales and antique stores for interesting finds that could add just the right touch to your rustic kitchen. Get creative and happy decorating!