What Makes A Kitchen Country?
by Susan Larsen, CKD and Cathy Larsen, CKD

At some point (and it may be soon) you will probably want to remodel your kitchen, and you might be leaning toward a "country" kitchen. No, doubt you can already visualize it with the latest appliances, handsome cabinetry, and country print wailcovering and matching curtains. At the same time, however, you may be wondering how to make it all come together. One of your biggest concerns might be choosing cabinetry that fits the country concept.

"Country" is a manner of detailing rather than a style, so you’re not committed to using just one style of cabinetry. In fact, cabinet manufacturers usually offer several door styles that can be done in a country version as well as a more formal one. Therefore, it’s possible to use a formal door style and have the accessories carry through the country look.

Many of the cabinet styles used in country themes include doors with panels (both raised and recessed as well as square or curved). Another style often associated with country schemes is “V-Joint”. The solid wood pieces of the door are held together by authentic tongue-and-groove joints.

You can also choose from several woods — oak, maple, cherry and pine being the most common. Your selection of finishes ranges from natural and light to medium and dark. Painted cabinets are difficult to maintain so look for a solid opaque stain for added durability.

There are many ways to do a country kitchen, but all of them should have three common factors. They should be casual in their mood, natural in their use of materials, arid rugged in their detailing.

To achieve a casual feeling, if possible use an open plan. Do not use heavy decorative baseboard as it tends to formalize a layout.

Natural materials are those in their unrefined state, or material normally used outdoors. A natural wood door is an obvious example. Others include brick, slate, stone, or terra- cotta but you don't have to use the material itself. A convincing imitation would still be considered a natural.

The detailing, or items that add the finishing touches to your country theme, should be rugged, such as antiqued or hammered hardware, leather-textured laminates, earthenware accessories, and gingham or homespun textured fabrics.

Because your cabinetry will probably be the most important single item of your kitchen remodeling and you'll want it to last for years, choose it with care. Your cabinetry should reflect the quality of your home and furnishings. Select a style, wood, and finish that will provide the starting place for your country theme and then add the details according to the particular theme you’ve chosen.

The newest look is a heavily stylized country, often called English Country. The look is sometimes very antique. Some cabinet manufacturers even offer doors that look cracked or damaged. More often however, this style is formal, emphasizing linear and rectangular shapes, often employing fretwork motifs arid subtle splashes of poetic ornament.

French Country on the other hand is flamboyant, repeating the graceful S-shaped curve call the "Ogee." Nostalgic with an informal gaiety and somewhat rustic elegance.

Scandinavian couples the French flair for lilting curve with the English inclination for ornament. This style also employs colored finishe$ and touches of stenciling.

American Shaker contrasts with the other themes. Quiet, unadorned and utterly unpretentious, treasured for its warm and pious simplicity.

Whatever your style. enlisting the services of a Certified Kitchen Designer will assure you of the beautiful Country Kitchen of your dreams. And because it will be well done, it will never be old-fashioned, being set in time and therefore having a natural integrity.

back to top

Home  |  Services  |  Portfolio  |  Articles and Publications  |  Testimonials  |  Design Staff  |  Contact Us