How to Update a Country Kitchen

Country Kitchen by Country Roads Associates

A country kitchen evokes old-time comfort and homeyness. Designs are simple and rustic and feature uncomplicated color schemes. Decorations are made from found objects or are derived from crafts. Things have a handmade feel. Regional differences play a large role in country kitchen design--a French country kitchen is different from an American country kitchen. Update a dull country kitchen by incorporating traditional elements into a design that includes a few bold choices.

Things You'll Need

• Flooring
• Wallpaper
• Paint
• Table and chairs
• Stencil
• Folk art
• Baskets
• Dried flowers

Instructions

1. 

   Take up the old flooring to see if the room has wood floors you can refinish. If that's not possible, lay black and white linoleum or tile in a checkerboard pattern.

2. 

   Use wallpaper with a bright gingham pattern. Select one with large checks in red and white or blue and white. If the kitchen is small, paper only one wall, or just paint the walls white.

3. 

   Paint the cupboards white. Either remove the doors and leave the shelves open, or replace them with glass-fronted doors. Replace the drawer pulls with traditional black wrought iron.

4. 

   Bring in a sturdy wooden table and ladder-back chairs with wicker seats. Hang a copper chandelier or lamp over the table.

5. 

   Stencil any white walls along the top or in the middle, where a chair rail would be. Use a folk art pattern and a pale color that compliments the room's decor.

6. 

   Hang found items or folk art, like parts of farm implements or primitive paintings. Decorate the windows with gingham or white lace curtains with valences and tiebacks.

Tips & Warnings

• Place dried flowers and baskets around the room.

References

• Kitchen Design

Resources

• Kitchen Design Ideas
• Folk Art Gallery
• Kitchen Drawer Pull Styles