Traditional Techniques, Styles and Methods

When you’re looking for those one of a kind ideas for your kitchen, don’t think that you can’t borrow a couple of ideas from here or there, there is nothing stopping you from taking inspiration from some classic designs.

 

Choosing Themes

 

The most sought after handmade kitchen, no doubt, follows a traditional country barn house style. Regardless of the age of your building, you can emulate this classic style very easily indeed. Imagine a cosy room that incorporates exposed beams and brickwork with barley twist decorations and fretwork. For an added drop of colour, exposed wood cabinets can be paint washed in pastels.

 

When you are designing the cabinet doors themselves, take note of the ornate Edwardian designs that were often chiselled into their wooden cabinet doors. You can choose to reproduce one you like or replicate a part that means something to you. For example, a Welsh country kitchen may have daffodils on its cabinet doors, whilst you may find a thistle design in a Scottish kitchen. You can be as creative as you like in this respect.

 

If you have the room a cook’s bench will make a welcome addition to the kitchen and will offer you extra preparation room. For an added piece-de-resistance install a range cooker. These are essential for an authentic country kitchen look and have the added ability to heat a room as well as cook food. There are a number of styles for range cookers that are currently available on the market and you can even buy coloured ones. Why not match it to your cabinets or walls.

 

Authentic Appeal

 

For an authentic looking country kitchen, stay away from brushed chrome and stainless steel. Worktops should be wooden, strong and hard-wearing. It’s become quite fashionable in recent years to use railway sleepers as worktops in country kitchens. This would add a dramatic effect to your worktop and could prove to be an interesting talking point for years to come.

 

Invest in a beautifully large farmhouse ceramic sink. Also steer clear from colours that are too bold and instead stick to soft pastels. You’ll also want to hide your appliances away from view when they’re not in use. Nothing is more likely to spoil the aesthetic than a bulky fridge-freezer or a shiny dishwasher. Integrate these appliances into your cabinets and no-one will ever know that they are there.

 

Don’t forget about the accessories either, as they can really finish off this type of kitchen. Hanging racks for your pots and pans are essential as are gingham linens and wicker storage baskets. Plate racks also add a lovely touch when they show off crockery that has hand painted delicate countryside flowers on it. Take inspiration from the architectural influences of a traditional country kitchen in your room too. It’s easy to mimic class design features, by simply placing leaded windows in your glass cabinet’s doors, or by moulding pilasters into the rooms cornicing. These finishing touches can really make all the difference when you are trying to replicate a truly authentic look.

 

Go Modern

 

Of course the farmhouse kitchen isn’t to every ones style and taste and may be a bit to twee for those with a more modern sentimentality. Luckily it isn’t the only option for a handmade kitchen. If you are looking for a modern multi-purpose kitchen, there are just as many options, if not more options available to you.

 

For something a little bit more special consider using some interesting painting techniques on your walls. With a little practice or some professional help, you can have truly beautiful Tuscan walls no matter where you live. Alternatively you could give them a more textured look by applying a limestone or linen effect. To capitalise on space in your kitchen install an island that can be used as a breakfast bar during the morning and as an extra preparation area for your evening meals.

 

When you decorate a modern kitchen, it’s hard to go wrong. The best modern kitchen incorporates a number of different materials and styles. So you could invest in some 1950s style appliances, and place them on a distressed Edwardian dresser. Be creative and think out of the box. Instead of choosing a traditional marble or wood worktop, why not have one made out of recycled glass. The material will be hard wearing but also beautiful.

 

Although it may sound like a fallacy, the best types of modern kitchens are those that contrast the present with the past to create a truly striking effect. If you’re serious about cooking, you could instead take inspiration from a professional restaurant’s kitchen for a completely different modern design. Imagine lots of chrome and steel, large appliances and industrial fittings. This type of kitchen would be very practical but not exactly welcoming to guests.

 

The structured look of this kitchen will mean minimal customisation, but this won’t necessarily equate to a minimal price. Industrial kitchens are all about stainless steel, and brushed chrome - which aren’t the cheapest of materials. Forgo a hardwood floor for a monochrome tiled one instead. Make sure you equip it with all the mod cons too. Although this design of kitchen will no doubt eat up your budget, it won’t necessarily eat up your time, so it could be one of the best options for those looking for a quick kitchen fix.

 

Of course if you are looking for something truly original, why not incorporate a number of the techniques and styles described above. Perk up a minimalist kitchen with a splash of paint washed colour, or have a bold modern design etched onto your kitchen cabinets. With a little thought and care, something really beautiful could come out of it.

 

Who knows, maybe you’ll come up with a new kitchen fashion - how does industrial farmhouse chic sound to you?