Whether your look is casually relaxed or more sleek and elegant, we look at seven different ways to create a country kitchen

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1. Neutral elegance

Combining cream tongue-and-groove panelling and crisp stainless steel accents creates a sophisticated country feel in this kitchen, designed by Wilde at Heart Interiors. “The antique English butcher’s block doubles up as a central island,” says owner Karen Lotter, “and the rich patina offsets the chrome pendant lamps and simple screed floor.” Custom Ducoed cupboards provide ample storage with open shelving displaying collections of parfait glasses and white crockery.

2. Hang it high

The rural kitchen often featured large metal hooks on which to hang pots, pheasants or the odd piece of meat. The modern country pot rack, though, is an extremely useful storage item as all your cooking implements are easily on hand and don’t clutter up your work surfaces.

3. Country fresh

Though the style of these kitchen cupboards, along with the use of traditional flooring, has a classic country feel, the all-white colour scheme, glass accents and chandelier give this kitchen, designed by Carol Brunskill Kitchens, a fresh twist.

4. The aga saga

The Aga stove is perhaps the quintessential element in any English country kitchen. In this Hout Bay kitchen, designed with simple country cupboards and thick raw oak countertops, the Aga has been updated with a brilliant purple glass splashback for a fashionable, eye-catching look.

5. Retro charm

 

The black and white tiles, grey marble surfaces and display of quirky crockery and kitchenware give this kitchen, designed by Carol Brunskill Kitchens, classic country character. Mixed with retro cool elements, like these stools and the hanging pendant lights, the look gets a contemporary edge.

6. Bright idea

“A strong, flat colour works beautifully in a timeless country kitchen,” says Janette Smit of Benton Furniture, “and it’s a more up-to-date take on an overtly distressed paint finish.” This bespoke wall unit painted in Plascon’s Warhol has an open dresser at the centre and stained tongue-and-groove back panels for a relaxed, homely effect. Team it with a rustic table and benches with simple turned legs to complete the look.

7. Island life

This versatile central island with a countertop in dark stained African rosewood combines deep pot drawers and cupboards with casual seating. “The pine unit was painted in Potter’s Clay by Plascon,” says Janette Smit of Benton Furniture. “The idea here was to design an open-plan kitchen with classic, robust pieces that are clean lined, yet casual.” A wrought-iron chandelier hung centrally above the island adds a hit of glamour.