Rustic Kitchen Ideas

With an emphasis on natural materials and an understated colour palette, rustic kitchen design is all about creating an informal space that feels relaxed and homely. However, that doesn’t mean your décor can’t be design-led. With the right mix of materials and a functional layout, you can create something spectacular.

Rustic kitchens are a versatile choice for those that love both contemporary and traditional styling. Depending on your preferences, you could incorporate elements of industrial design or cottage-style décor. Natural materials are always at the forefront, with very few minimalist or humanmade components.

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation and want to introduce a touch of country style to your space, discover our rustic kitchen ideas to get your project started.

Considering the layout of your rustic kitchen

When planning a remodel, it’s crucial to think about your kitchen layout first.

The layout will influence the type of elements you can include in your design, as well as the features and functions you can incorporate. Your kitchen size will also be a deciding factor. However, there are plenty of rustic kitchen ideas for small kitchens out there too.

It’s a good idea to think about your lifestyle requirements as well as your kitchen layout. Whether you love experimenting with new recipes or hosting dinner parties for friends and family, you’ll want to consider the ways you’re going to use your new space.

Rustic kitchens are social spaces that bring people together, so it’s worth thinking about elements that invite comfort and cosiness.

Breakfast bar

A rustic breakfast bar is an ideal choice for those that don’t have space for a full dining table in their kitchen. Opt for real wood materials with metallic accents for an on-trend update to your rustic kitchen design.

Dining Table

A solid wood dining table is an ideal choice for your rustic kitchen décor. Consider creating an open plan kitchen diner if you have space, as this will help to introduced a relaxed ambience to your kitchen area.

Kitchen Island

A solid wood dining table is an ideal choice for your rustic kitchen décor. Consider creating an open plan kitchen diner if you have space, as this will help to introduced a relaxed ambience to your kitchen area.

Adding rustic materials to your kitchen

The materials you choose have a significant impact on the overall aesthetics of your space. For a rustic feel, avoid synthetic materials, chrome, and very glossy finishes. Typically, you would usually choose:

Natural wood (you might mix your wood types too)
Rough-hewn stone
Metals (like copper, brushed brass, steel, and powder-coated metals)
Ceramics, pottery, and terracotta
Fabrics (like curtains or rugs)

Getting creative is key to creating the perfect rustic kitchen. Mix and match your textures to create a layered effect and don’t be afraid to incorporate a range of different styles. There are no set rules, so it’s up to your style preferences.

Choosing your colour palette

Your colour palette is another vital consideration. Traditional kitchens often stick to a neutral colour palette. However, you may want to experiment if you would prefer to create a modern rustic kitchen design.

You may want to consider:

Neutral shades like cream, white, grey, and beige, which are common in rustic kitchen spaces
Warm tones like rust, cinnamon, terracotta, burgundy, and muted orange
Earthy hues like mushroom, mahogany, ash, walnut, sage, or pastel blue
Colourful accents like dark green, yellow, blue, red, and other bold colours

Whether you want to stick to a classic neutral colour palette or bring in bright hues, there are plenty of ways to experiment. Consider your style when choosing your design and get ready to be creative. Remember that patterns often work well in rustic kitchens too, so you may want to bring in prints as well as colour to your kitchen design.

Cabinets

Your rustic kitchen furniture and cabinets are essential elements, so it’s worth thinking about them carefully. Shaker-style units are a classic choice, particularly if you choose them in a natural wood or matt paint finish. You may also want to consider wooden dining tables or islands too.

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Cabinet handles

While often an afterthought, your kitchen cabinet handles can add the perfect finishing touch to your farmhouse-inspired space. Consider choosing metals like brushed brass, cast iron or wood to achieve a quintessential rustic kitchen décor.

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Lighting

Decorative pendant lights, table lamps, and design-led spotlighting are all excellent choices for your rustic kitchen décor. Whether you choose a chandelier or a vintage-inspired wall sconce, think about using your lighting to accentuate your farmhouse-style kitchen.

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Worktops

Whether you’re planning a rustic cottage kitchen or a farmhouse-style space, your worktops are one of the most impactful design features. Natural wood is often a classic choice, although you may want to incorporate stone materials like granite too.

If you prefer a rustic industrial kitchen, you could also opt for concrete-effect materials to add a touch of edginess to your design.

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Splashbacks

Whether you’re planning a rustic cottage kitchen or a farmhouse-style space, your worktops are one of the most impactful design features. Natural wood is often a classic choice, although you may want to incorporate stone materials like granite too.

If you prefer a rustic industrial kitchen, you could also opt for concrete-effect materials to add a touch of edginess to your design.

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Sinks

Whether you’re washing up after a dinner party or preparing a delicious meal for your family, your kitchen sink is perhaps one of the most used items in your space. For that reason, it’s essential to consider both your lifestyle and aesthetics when choosing your perfect match. Belfast sinks work well in rustic kitchens. However, you could opt for a stainless steel design for a more industrial feel.

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Flooring

Kitchen flooring needs to be both durable, water-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing. In rustic spaces, it’s often best to choose stone, tiles, or natural wood. If you opt for a wood floor, remember that it may be best to select engineered wood or laminate to ensure your flooring can cope with the demands of daily life.

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Appliances

It can be tricky to achieve a rustic look while incorporating top-of-the-range appliances into your space. While it is possible to purchase vintage-inspired models, you may also want to consider built-in options to give your kitchen a seamless feel. Another idea, if you have space, is to hide appliances away in a utility or pantry.

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Accessories

Your kitchen accessories, like your taps, small storage, and smaller appliances, can all add to the aesthetics of your rustic kitchen design. Wherever possible, choose designs in keeping with your overall traditional style. For example, kitchen taps in an unusual finish or mason storage jars for pantry items can all look exquisite. Consider displaying essential items on open shelving for a uniquely rustic effect.

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Rustic Kitchen Ideas Buying Guide