Rustic-style kitchen is often used as a general term to describe a certain style, but several components need to be in place for a room to qualify as this type of design. Rustic design is often found in cabins and mountainside homes but can be used anywhere, as this style is not limited to location.
Popular for their warm, natural feeling, homeowners that prefer simplicity will be drawn to this type of design. Now done with a modern twist, this type of kitchen is growing in popularity.
What is Rustic-Style Kitchen Design?
Rustic design is a style that is raw, earthy, natural, and aged. One of the defining characteristics of this style is the use of natural materials (often in their natural state). It is warm and welcoming. Rustic kitchens are simple and coarse in design.
Often, the design is imperfect and gritty, using natural materials such as raw wood, stone, and metals. Natural flaws such as knots in the wood or uneven grain are highlighted, as opposed to sleek or glossy wood finishes.
The goal is to replicate the simplicity and beauty found outside with an organic aesthetic that creates comfort and warmth. Rustic is referred to as the opposite of modern or contemporary design.
The following elements are common in rustic-style kitchens:
- Warm wood tones
- Wrought iron hardware
- Burnished copper fixtures
- Raw materials
- Organic textures
- Reclaimed materials
- Use of stone
There are various rustic design styles and a number of rustic elements that can be used to achieve the look. Interior designer Tracy Svendsen the editor of Canadian Log Homes, says that the trend “leans closely toward rustic utilitarian, with a surge of interest towards clean lines, natural materials, and pared-down décor.
The new rustic provides for a fresh interpretation with the pairing of reclaimed wood and natural elements with existing modern pieces.”
The rustic look can be achieved with the right accessories and finishes. Items should have a hand-crafted look. For example, metal hardware will match exposed wood in the kitchen.
A rustic piece of furniture has a distressed or weathered finish in a color that can be found in nature and has old-fashioned warmth. The details make all the difference.
Cabinets
photo: Architecture Art DesignsRustic-style cabinets are simple, without ornamentation. They are usually built from reclaimed lumber or wood from old barns. They can also be manufactured from woods like cedar, hickory, and pine. The wood usually shows imperfections, and the grain is visible.
The style of the door is flat panels. For example, a Shaker cabinet will keep with the space’s simple style. The cabinets may also have hand carvings for those that are truly rustic and made from scratch. Or they can remain unpainted and natural.
Color Palette
photo: Architectural DigestThe color palette in this kitchen is calm and neutral. Natural colors like white, beige, brown, and gray are common, but warmer tones are key. For example, whitewashed walls complement natural wood features and allow the wood to become a focal point.
There are no splashes of bold color in this style. However, rich jewel colors like green and blue work well with rustic design. A dark red leather kitchen chair complements the neutral palette while adding a layer of warmth. As long as the colors mimic those found in nature, no color scheme is off-limits.
Texture
photo: Next LuxuryThe texture is used throughout the space, with grainy, rough woods and natural materials that are varied. Rugs made of animal hide or jute, stone fireplaces, and reclaimed wood furniture should be utilized to add texture. Exposed beams add warmth and interest to the kitchen.
Paneling on the wall also brings texture to the room. Paneling might be a dark, distressed wood or a whitewashed wood for a lighter and more modern rustic look. Walls and floors can be left raw and unpainted.
Handmade pieces with character can also add texture. For example, curtains or cushions can be handmade, and a patterned rug might also be used. The local flea market is a great place to find items with textural interest to incorporate into the space. Etsy is another option for unique, handmade items.
Countertops
photo: One KindesignHomeowners have many natural options for countertops. The raw wood edge can be used on countertops, the island, or both. A block of reclaimed wood is not only environmentally friendly but can also be imperfect, which is perfect for a rustic kitchen.
The butcher block style can be used for the regular countertops or the island. The choices of wood include bamboo, black walnut, cherry, maple, and hickory. Other options include natural stone countertops or even granite to break up the use of wood throughout the space.
Backsplash
photo: HGTVWood can be used instead of tile for the rustic kitchen. Vertical white wooden slats, mimicking mini shiplap, complement a shaker cabinet. Rough barnwood is another option. An exposed brick backsplash further highlights the rusticness of the space.
Copper with a patina can be visually interesting for a truly different backsplash. It just needs a coating to waterproof it so the patina does not increase too much.
Flooring
photo: Flooring AmericaThe two most common floor options in a rustic-style kitchen are wood or stone. Wide-planked wood floors are used and are often weathered. Options include cherry, pine, alder, and hickory woods. After installing and sanding, the staining and preserving can be skipped for a true rustic feel. Using reclaimed wood can help save money on the flooring budget.
On the other hand, using stone gives a more earthy, country feel rather than a modern rustic one. Flagstone flooring is natural and durable but still feels warm and cozy.
Brick is another option for a rustic kitchen floor, but the baked clay can wear. Tile flooring that looks just like bricks will be a more durable option for a kitchen. Either way, installing it in a herringbone pattern is classic yet updated simultaneously.
Furniture
photo: One KindesignFurniture is handmade, heavy, and square. It is often made of weathered or distressed wood, possibly with unfinished edges for a timeworn appearance. And it can be recycled or reclaimed, which reinforces repurposing.
There is usually a mix of materials with the furniture. Bar stools or kitchen chairs might also have a dark, rich leather or suede fabric. Fabrics like cotton, wool, or linen might also be used. Since this design is simple, the focus is on the natural material, not an elaborate design.
Other natural materials used are branches, bark, or twigs for extra stools or shelving. Some homeowners might find this too rustic, so weathered wood is another option. Another way to soften the rawness is to balance it with white elsewhere in the kitchen.
The furniture does not need to be completely rustic. Interior designer Katie Hodges says, “Side tables, accent chairs, and logs are my go-to’s for a dash of rustic without going full-on in that design direction.”
Hardware
photo: Rustic ReviewRustic-style kitchen hardware typically uses antique metals. Instead of sleek silver hardware, rubbed brass, wrought iron, or distressed gold or bronze pulls and knobs give the cozy aesthetic. Pewter is a metal that turns silver as it ages, which can also be used.
A mix of cup pulls and cabinet latches in dark oil-rubbed bronze works well in a rustic kitchen. The oil-rubbed bronze adds to the kitchen’s vintage look and complements the shaker cabinets well.
Lighting
photo: One KindesignSince rustic design is tied to the outdoors, kitchens should have as much natural light as possible. Oversized windows allow for this, and a bay window also works within the rustic design.
Wrought iron or rusted metals can be used for the lighting fixtures. The combination of wood and metal makes for a very rustic design. An iron chandelier with a wood frame is an example of how the two materials can mix well.
Fireplace
photo: One KindesignSometimes, rustic-style kitchens have a fireplace, which is reminiscent of older kitchens. A stone fireplace adds another natural material to the space and adds to the cozy vibe. Exposed walls around the fireplace bring together the elements of fire, stone, and wood.
Hearth accessories like fire surrounds and baskets can be rugged and increase the use of texture in the space. Texture in the form of woven baskets or rugs near the fireplace makes it feel homey.
Sink
photo: Designing IdeaA farmhouse-style sink is a must in a rustic kitchen. While these sinks come in various materials, a copper sink that will patina with age will really be a feature. Other material options include soapstone, marble, or black granite.
The fixtures on the sink should be hand-crafted to match the rusticness. However, they do not need to match the hardware on the cabinets.
Appliances
photo: HGTVStainless steel appliances are possible in this type of kitchen. By surrounding modern-looking appliances with rustic countertops and cabinetry, the overall theme will still be rustic.
For a less modern appearance, retro-looking appliances will do the job. Some manufacturers are making appliance that look like they are from the 1950’s but have all of the updated technology.
Rustic Kitchen Trends 2021
Organic layers are on trend for 2021 in rustic-style kitchens and other styles. Layers of organic materials like raw wood, natural slab counters, and ceramic accents bring outdoor textures indoors. Stone accent backsplashes with a very realistic appearance will bring the outdoors in.
Built-in cabinetry with glass doors that showcase vintage dishes, glassware, and other kitchen necessities is also gaining in popularity.
A rustic-style kitchen is warm and inviting, using materials in their natural form. Homeowners should choose kitchen cabinets that reflect this natural design.
