English Kitchen Design-Elements of Timeless Elegance

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English farmhouse kitchens embody a rustic, charming aesthetic that evokes a sense of warmth, simplicity, and tradition. These kitchens are a celebration of the countryside lifestyle, blending classic elements with practicality to create a space that is as functional as it is inviting. Let’s explore the key features that define English kitchen design and how you can incorporate them into your own home.

Below is a rather fuzzy picture of our current kitchen, taken prior to blogging. It is a lovely kitchen and has served us well. It seemed enormous when we first moved in. We had five children and they were all small. As time has passed our family size has doubled and the kitchen no longer feels enormous! Also, the white cabinets are actually super cheap plastic fronts that have started cracking and falling off over the last year. The layout is very nice and we will replicate something similar in the new kitchen.

We are planning an addition to our home, this includes a new kitchen! As we plan I am trying to put words to the style I like. This is helpful when planning a large project as it helps to rein me in. I like lots of different styles and elements in various homes. I can see the beauty in modern design, traditional, Scandinavian, bohemian, you name it! However, what I am really drawn to is “old”. I love Colonial style and I love English farmhouse style, both of those can mesh together beautifully.

I am setting the color palette and choosing simple cabinets and sticking to that. While I know what I want as far as countertops and a range are concerned, I will have to compromise on what we can afford!

As we look at the individual elements of English Kitchen design, we can see how each one contributes to that overall cozy and inviting feel.

Classic Cabinetry

One of the hallmarks of English kitchen design is the use of classic cabinetry. Shaker-style cabinets, with their simple, clean lines and recessed panels, are a popular choice. These cabinets are often painted in soft, muted colors like cream, sage green, or light blue, adding to the kitchen’s inviting and cozy atmosphere.

The image below is so beautiful to me! I keep coming back to this image. I love the style and color of the cabinets and I love the countertops…they appear to be soapstone. The simple inset shaker cabinet is so classic.

Natural Materials

Natural materials play a crucial role in English farmhouse kitchens. Wood is a dominant feature, often seen in exposed ceiling beams, rustic farmhouse tables, and wooden cabinets. This provides the rustic charm that English kitchens are known for. Stone is another common material, used for countertops, backsplashes, and flooring, adding to the kitchen’s natural, earthy feel.

Choosing real stone or wood countertops over something like quartz seems important in sticking with the classic design using natural materials.

I’m also smitten with brick floors. They make a porcelain tile now that looks like brick. I don’t think I will get my way on that. My husband’s point is that if you drop a dish on the tile in the kitchen, the dish shatters for sure. However, if you drop something on a wood floor, the survival rate is higher. I do agree with that. I think I may get brick floors in the pantry and mudroom though!

Windows Over the Sink

This is an absolute must for me in a kitchen. Our current kitchen has 14 feet of windows, I love it! In our addition, I won’t have quite so many as the cost is a bit prohibitive. However, I will have as many as we can afford.

I love both the white windows and the black…I have gone back and forth with which I prefer. I think the black looks very striking and adds so much character. However, the white looks so fresh. I think my husband and I are leaning towards white.

Casement windows over a kitchen sink just look so charming, plus it’s just practical to see outside, especially if you have children!

Vintage Accents

To add a touch of nostalgia and personality to the kitchen, consider incorporating vintage accents. This could be anything from antique light fixtures and hardware to vintage-inspired appliances. These elements help to create a lived-in, collected-over-time feel that is quintessentially English.

A Mantle

This is so beautiful to me! I love the idea of a little mantle built around a vent. It doesn’t scream “here’s my stove hood!!” It makes the room look more intentional and inviting.

The truth is I’m kind of obsessed with the way the mantles look. I don’t think I want our range to feel closed in though. I love the third photo, but I’m not sure I like the range to feel enclosed.

Warm Muted Colors

English farmhouse kitchens often feature warm, inviting colors that reflect the natural beauty of the countryside. Think soft creams, warm browns, and muted greens, which create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Functional Layout

Despite their rustic charm, English farmhouse kitchens are designed to be highly functional. The layout is carefully planned to ensure that everything is within easy reach, making cooking and meal preparation a breeze. Ample storage, spacious countertops, and a well-organized layout are key features of a farmhouse kitchen.

This is the truly time-consuming part. Think about how you actually use your kitchen and lay it out accordingly. In some ways, I do better working with what I have rather than designing from scratch. I actually like the current layout of our kitchen and will likely do something similar.

Open Shelving

Open shelving is a popular choice in English farmhouse kitchens, allowing you to display your favorite dishes, glassware, and collectibles. This creates a relaxed, lived-in look that is both charming and practical.

I’m not sure I could go through with very much open shelving. While it would be nice to have frequently used items at hand I can’t help but worry about things getting grimey! Plus I don’t have many collectibles to display.

Farmhouse Sink

A farmhouse sink, also known as an apron-front sink, is a quintessential feature of English farmhouse kitchens. These large, deep sinks are not only practical but also add a touch of rustic elegance to the kitchen.

However, my husband doesn’t like apron-front sinks. He doesn’t often have big opinions on home decor so when he does I figure he must really not like it. No worries, there are plenty of “farmhouse” style sinks that don’t have an apron front. I have this one in our current kitchen, and I am keeping my eye out for the perfect vintage sink for our new kitchen…or I will just use the one we have!

The image below has so many things to love! The mix of wood and color, the under-mount sink which seems so practical, and the little curtains under the sink!

Cozy Dining Area or Eating Nook

Many English farmhouse kitchens feature cozy dining areas, such as a rustic farmhouse table or a built-in breakfast nook. Even a little seating area in a corner for relaxing. These spaces are perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal with family and friends, enhancing the kitchen’s welcoming atmosphere.

Timeless Elegance of English Kitchen Design

Above all, English kitchen design is about creating a space that feels elegant and timeless. Whether you prefer a more traditional look or a modern interpretation of English style, incorporating these key elements will help you create a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional.

In conclusion, English farmhouse kitchens are a beautiful blend of rustic charm and practicality. By incorporating warm colors, natural materials, vintage elements, and a functional layout, you can create a kitchen that is not only stylish but also inviting and timeless.

Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!

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