What makes your perfect country kitchen? Maybe it’s a dresser full of crockery, a Belfast sink or a gleaming range cooker. Or perhaps it’s just the warm, comfortable feeling those things evoke. The kitchen isn’t called the heart of the home for nothing.  

We can’t all afford bespoke wooden cabinets, oak worktops and range cookers. But creating that feeling doesn’t have to cost the earth. Anyone can add a bit of country style to their kitchen.

Try these easy tips for creating farmhouse charm on a budget:

Choose classic country colours 

For an effortless hint of country style choose soft, pale colours. Step away from anything too bright and harsh. The classic choices for walls are warm creams, soft duck-egg blues and light greys. Or try swapping your old kettle and toaster for retro-style pastel designs.

Make over your kitchen cupboards

Changing cupboard doors is a great way to transform your kitchen on a limited budget. You can choose completely new doors in one of those classic country colours – or if money is tight, why not try repainting them yourself? Swapping dated brown wood for a light cream finish makes an incredible difference. Replace modern looking handles with something a little more timeless. The traditional half-moon style handle is a great option, as are simple little silver knobs.

Choose open shelving

Few of us have room in our kitchens for a traditional kitchen dresser. However, you can achieve a similar effect on a much smaller scale with some open shelving. Use these shelves to display your favourite china and glasses. Or fill them with simple glass storage jars – even the most everyday things like rice and pasta can look wonderful displayed like this. These shelves are a chance for you to really show off your personality in a neutral space.  Stick to a simple colour palette, or be bold – it’s up to you.

Choose natural materials

Slate, marble and wood are completely at home in a classic country kitchen. Even if you don’t have a wooden worktop or a slate floor, you can still get this look. Use large wooden chopping boards to cover tired worktops, or arrange marble serving boards and coasters as worktop savers. Lean a beautiful chopping board against that bit of unsightly wall or those unfashionable tiles.

Go vintage

No country kitchen is complete without a bit of vintage. Part of creating a cosy, welcoming look is about making things feel lived-in. You don’t want to feel like time has stood still – unless you want to live in a museum. But why not try placing a few antique items around your kitchen? Look for things you can use, like old earthenware jars to store your utensils in, or an enamel advertising sign for the wall. The trick is to just choose a few key pieces.

Use fabric

Do your windows and furniture look ultra-modern? A pretty blind is great way to soften your window and create an informal country look. Or maybe your table doesn’t work with a country kitchen. Cover it in a piece of patterned oilcloth for bit of practical country style. Keep things simple with washed-out stripes, or choose something a bit whimsical. If the rest of your kitchen is quite plain then the room can take a bit of pattern. This is all part of creating the cosy, warm feel.

Get a chalkboard

Every country kitchen needs a chalkboard. They’re really useful, but also create a sense of fun informality. It’s easy to paint a big section of your wall with blackboard paint. Or if you’re after something more subtle, try a small piece of rustic slate.

Flowers and plants

Flowers are a really easy way to give your kitchen a country look. Avoid anything formal like lilies and look for softer, prettier flowers like tulips, roses or daisies. Swap your glass vase for a simple ceramic jug or several pretty jam jars. Dot things around informally on windowsills and tables.  

Do you dream of a country style kitchen? We’d love to hear your ideas and inspiration.