Rustic Kitchens Are
Great If You Love Nature!

Rustic kitchens are steeped in natural materials and an outdoorsy feel. These kitchens are simple in design and rich in color. This style kitchen is an evolution of American frontier living, a simple home on the frontier was the song of the day.

Rustic kitchens are most commonly constructed from medium tone, heavy woods. Woods such as hickory, rustic maple, alder, and softwoods like pine and aspen. The more rustic the look of woods, the more it suits the style. Imperfections in the woods such as worm holes and discoloration on the grain will add a more authentic look and feel. This, of course, is a personal choice and fine woods can also be used.

Common colors for this design is an emphasis on natural earthy tones. Colors like rust, greens, tans, yellow, and beige. Mixing different colors in the same kitchen will add more dimension. By painting or staining specialty cabinets, like the sink base and island, will break up the monochromatic color palette and add a more interesting look.

Hardware is commonly wrought iron, copper, or leather. Whatever hardware you choose should be unrefined and simple in it's look. Wrought iron that has not had a finish applied is a great look, a little rust on the iron is a plus. The rust can be sealed with a shellac or lacquer. Copper that has a patina, green or naturally aged dark color, is also a perfect compliment to this kitchen style. Leather is very durable and the colors match the rustic kitchen perfectly.

This kitchen also benefits from a beamed ceiling; made from either real wood or faux beams. The real wood beams are very heavy and also quite pricey when compared to their faux counterparts. The faux beams are very realistic and easier to install as well.

Wood paneling in bead board or v-groove is ,almost, a must have. Any rustic kitchen can benefit from wood that is everywhere it can can possibly be placed. Wood that is lighter in color will improve the open look of this kitchen. Woods like pine and a great choice, but pine darkens in color over time, sometimes quite a bit. A way to reduce this effect is to use a UV inhibiting finish.

Sinks in the aproned, or farmhouse, style made of copper or cast iron are a perfect accompaniment to this kitchen. Self rimming sinks are also a good choice, in the materials mentioned above.

This kitchen also has a open floor plan. The addition of a kitchen island is a highly desired option in today's kitchen, and fits nicely into most rustic designs. Provided the minimum space requirements are met.

Kitchen flooring can be anything that is natural in it's look. Wood floors made of a #1 grade instead of select will fit right into the design, and save you some money. Stone floors like travertine or slate is also a good choice.

Countertops made of butcher block and stone are the most common in this kitchen. Other countertop materials can be used of course, but with the emphasis on natural, neutral colors.

Backsplashes are commonly made of ceramic tile and stone. A mural over the range is a great way to add a personal touch. Range hoods in the hearth style, stone, are also common.

A rustic kitchen is all about natural materials. Any combination of materials is welcomed in this style. Keeping the colors complimentary will keep the look and feel cohesive. But splashes of color here and there is not out of the question.