How to create a homely, cottage style kitchen
If you are wanting to create a country cottage style kitchen, that is homely, rustic and truly the heart of the home, we have rounded up the key things to consider and plenty of inspiration for your project!
A traditional cottage style kitchen is built on the notions of original features, whether than be wooden beams, wonky walls and low ceilings, stone flooring or weathered inglenooks, and of course, traditional, handmade kitchen cabinetry. 
Burlanes Wellsdown Kitchen ©Sarah London Photographer.
Shaker cabinetry
Regardless of whether your home is a period property in the countryside, or a modern renovation in the city centre, traditional shaker cabinetry is perfect for creating a welcoming, countryside, lived-in feel.
Our four in-frame kitchen ranges are our own adaptations of the classic shaker kitchen, and are handmade using traditional techniques and materials of the highest quality; to last a lifetime. 
Burlanes Wellsdown Kitchen ©Sarah London Photographer.
There is rarely a straight line to be found in charming country cottages and period properties, and challenging features such as low ceilings, chimney breasts, wonky walls and quirky nooks. Truly bespoke cabinetry enables you to work around these features, enhancing the available space and creating a kitchen that is perfect for you and your home. 
Burlanes Decolane Kitchen ©Sarah London Photographer.
Showcase rustic period features
As well as creating furniture to work around the traditional charms of the space, consider incorporating them within your designs too. Opting to refurbish, clean and re-seal original flooring is a great way of keeping an original charm of the property within your kitchen, or consider showcasing an original stone wall with minimal wall cabinetry.
Burlanes Hoyden Kitchen ©Sarah London Photographer.
Natural materials
Our kitchens are handmade using tulipwood and oak, and although handpainted, our internals are simply oiled and left in its natural state. Add to the warmth with chopping boards, stand alone furniture such as a farmhouse table, and wall panelling.
Burlanes Wellsdown Kitchen ©Sarah London Photographer.
Warm metals
A country cottage kitchen is warm and inviting, so opt for a warm colour palette with tonal, warm metals. Burnished brass handles complement most colour palettes well, and work with light colours and heritage dark tones too. Choosing a warm colour throughout for all metals including appliances and taps will create a striking finish, but also do not be afraid to mix metals too. 
Burlanes Wellsdown Kitchen ©Sarah London Photographer.
Ambient lighting
The correct amount and type of lighting to create a cosy vibe is essential. Opt for downlighters, spotlights amongst beams and in cabinetry, and always warm lighting too.
In period properties with low ceilings and small windows, natural light will be limited. So always specify more lights than you think you need! Accent LED lighting integrated within glass cabinets or diffused light from lamps can help set the mood and create a warm and inviting setting whatever the occasion, and is also incredibly flexible throughout the day. 
Burlanes Wellsdown Kitchen ©Sarah London Photographer.
Create a warm focus with a traditional range
Is a cottage style kitchen really complete without a range cooker at the heart of the home? For centuries, the range has not just been used for cooking, but to heat the entire home. In modern times this is no longer necessary, but with its constant radiant heat, a traditional cast iron Aga is hailed by many as the best oven for traditional home cooking, but it will create a cosy, warm welcome.
The perfect spot to relax in a rocking chair with a good book, for dogs to snuggle, or to hang the laundry to dry above on a pulley dryer. Alternatively, there are plenty of modern electrical range cookers available with the good looks of the traditional Aga but with increased control and functionality.
Burlanes Decolane Kitchen ©Sarah London Photographer.
Create a space to gather
A place to sit and for friends and family to gather is essential in a welcoming cosy, country style home. Space can often be limited in period properties, so consider a spot to sit at the island, or a small farmhouse table in a nook or corner of the room.
If ample space is at your fingertips, create multiple areas to sit with a combination of rustic wood and soft furnishings. 
Burlanes Decolane Kitchen ©Sarah London Photographer.
Embarking on a kitchen renovation can be a daunting prospect; there is so much to think about and plan. Working with an experienced kitchen designer will make the process simple and enjoyable, so please do get in touch for a chat about your ideas.
We work with clients all over Kent, Essex, London, Sussex, Surrey and Hertfordshire, and our design consultations are free of charge.
Burlanes Chelmsford - 01245 352 557
Burlanes Sevenoaks - 01732 605 001
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