Nuances of decorating a country kitchen
The design of a country kitchen does not begin with choosing the color of the walls, there are a lot of technical issues that need to be resolved:
- Power supply. It is more convenient and cheaper to power from the general system by running wires. If this is not possible, you will have to install solar panels or a generator.
- Water supply. Connect to the central pipe. The second option is a well or a borehole.
- Sewerage. A standard cesspool for the toilet and kitchen should be enough.
- Gas. Electricity is expensive and not everywhere has it at all, so it is better to cook on gas stoves connected to cylinders. Or in the oven.
- Ventilation. An important issue, especially for a small kitchen in the country. If you don’t think through the air duct, it will be unbearable to be in the country house while cooking.
Once you have thought through and resolved the issues related to the distribution of communications, you can start developing the design of the kitchen in the country.
Layout Features
The kitchen can be open, semi-open and closed. The first two options are more suitable for southern regions or as a summer kitchen. Closed, on the contrary, can be used all year round – this is the main advantage.
A large kitchen in the country is an exception, not a rule. Usually there is little space and it is not easy to create a functional kitchen. Practical options for placing a kitchen set are linear and corner. In the first case, the kitchen is more compact, but the capacity and working area are significantly smaller. The L-shaped kitchen set does not take up too much space, but allows you to arrange the necessary things and cook even for two.
The photo shows a kitchen in the country with a sofa
The arrangement of a kitchen in the country does not end with the installation of a set. It is necessary to find a place for a dining table or a bar counter. If you have a kitchen-living room in the country, you can organize a dining area with a sofa at a distance from the work area. Or install a long rectangular peninsula between the two spaces for zoning – it is used as a table and a worktop.
Recommendations for decoration
There are many options for the interior of the kitchen in the country – from the usual rustic to ultra-modern. But whatever style you choose, bet on practical natural materials and quality – the coatings must withstand changes in temperature and humidity.
Floor
The choice depends on the kitchen in the country house, or more precisely – on the foundation. Anything will hold on a solid foundation – linoleum, laminate, board. Any of these floor coverings are demanding to conditions, do not accept high humidity, can become moldy or rot.
Self-leveling floors, concrete or tiles are considered practical. Such a floor will last for many years, it is not afraid of high humidity, it has increased wear resistance – what is needed for harsh conditions. To add coziness and warmth, lay homespun rugs on top.
The photo shows a tiled floor in a country kitchen
Walls
When decorating a kitchen in a country house, standard materials are used:
- Wallpaper. Never paper. The most moisture-resistant option is non-woven, but vinyl is considered the best choice. They are not afraid of water, hold up well, and are easy to stick.
- Paint. For unheated rooms, choose a composition that can easily withstand low and high temperatures. Rubber is considered durable, but high-quality water-dispersion paint will also work.
- Tiles. Durable, reliable, easy to clean – a great way to decorate the walls in a country kitchen. Take silicate glue and epoxy grout to avoid water ingress and mold.
- Clapboard. A “country” option that can be used to decorate walls. But be sure to impregnate the wooden boards with a special composition with water-repellent, heat-resistant properties.
- Stone. Due to its heavy weight, it is only suitable for houses with strong (brick, concrete) walls. Heat-resistant, you can improve the corner near the stove.
Ceiling
Renovation of a spacious or small kitchen begins here. Before starting decorative work, make sure there are no leaks, treat the surface with a hydrophobic, antiparasitic impregnation.
If white paint is a classic for an apartment, then clapboard or boards are more often used in the country. They are easy to install, communications are hidden behind them, the final version looks aesthetically pleasing. Cover the wood with varnish or paint to protect it from corrosion and fungus.
An inexpensive alternative is foam plastic tiles. It does not require processing, is inexpensive, and lasts a long time.
A modern analogue is a stretch ceiling. Installation will not be cheap, but the structure will last a long time.
The photo shows the ceiling finished with clapboard
Apron
The walls in the cooking area must be provided with additional protection – stick ceramic tiles, install a standard MDF panel or place an economical plastic apron.
Choose the type based on the expected load: it is better not to put plastic or MDF near a gas burner or oven.
Choosing practical furniture and appliances
The heart of the kitchen is the hearth. It’s great if you already have a stove in the house. But you won’t light it every time you want to boil a kettle or fry an egg, so keep a portable gas stove with a small cylinder in reserve. This solution is also perfect for a small kitchen in the country. No stove in the house? Buy a regular gas stove or hob, install a large gas cylinder – a standard one is enough for a season.
The second important element is a refrigerator. In the summer heat, it helps to preserve food, and drinking a refreshing chilled drink is a real pleasure. For a small kitchen, a small model under the countertop will be enough, for a large kitchen, there will be enough space for a standard high one.
Additional household appliances are purchased according to needs: a vegetable dryer, a mixer, a blender and other small things will significantly simplify housekeeping.
The photo shows a colored set in a log house
The main requirements for furniture are practicality and wear resistance. You do not need to choose too expensive models made of solid wood, give preference to functional analogs made of laminated chipboard. Metal remains reliable – cabinets made of wood, and a tabletop and apron made of steel. Such a set will have no equal.
The dining area is ideally compact and mobile. Stackable chairs, a light table will allow you to change the layout of the kitchen. Rattan and plastic are the main contenders that meet the requirements. If desired, move them to the veranda or leave them inside the house.
Where is the best place to install a sink?
Dreamed of a sink by the window, but could not implement this idea in the apartment? Move it to the garden! Thanks to natural light, you will save electricity, while providing yourself with a beautiful view while washing dishes. It’s good if the view is not blocked by tall trees or bushes, and there is a flower bed under the window.
The photo shows a discreet kitchen design
It is logical to place a cupboard (above or below) or a separate drying rack on the countertop next to the sink.
The photo shows storage on open shelves
How to make convenient lighting?
It will not be possible to arrange a kitchen at the dacha without lamps, light is the most important component of comfort. The lighting above the work area should be bright. Use pendant lights, LED strips, sconces, spotlights, fluorescent lamps.
Hang one ceiling chandelier above the dining table; maximum illumination is not required here.
When choosing electrical appliances, pay attention to their efficiency: this is an important criterion for country lamps.
The photo shows wood trim and furniture
Choosing decor, curtains and other textiles
Do not block sunlight from entering the room. For this purpose, you should refuse curtains altogether or hang light transparent tulle. A suitable option is short cafe curtains, which add coziness, but almost do not block the light.
When the windows opposite the neighbors’ windows, you cannot do without curtains. Choose thick Roman or roller blinds – they are more practical.
Additional kitchen textiles – towels, aprons, tablecloths, napkins, potholders – are selected in accordance with the chosen style.
The photo shows short curtains on the windows
Functional decor – pots, wicker baskets, frying pans, plates of all sizes and shapes. Or natural – bunches of onions, bouquets of wild flowers, green houseplants, flower pots. Make open shelves instead of bulky hanging cabinets, place beautiful things, jars and baskets on them, decorate with flowers, then additional accessories will not be needed at all.
The photo shows decorative plants and pots
What style is best for the interior?
Country interior styles look harmonious in a country kitchen. Rough country, for example, with an abundance of warm texture of solid brown wood combined with authentic decor, gives a special charm to the dacha.
Romantic Provence, the classic style of the French village, charges with positive emotions and promotes relaxation.
The photo shows a bar counter in a garden house
The modern Scandinavian trend will perfectly fit into the interior design of a country house. The abundance of white is ideal for compact spaces.
In brick houses, an interesting industrial or loft style will be appropriate. Expose the brickwork, concrete floor and ceiling to achieve maximum impact.
Life hacks for a small kitchen
When creating a kitchen in the country with your own hands, pay attention to these nuances:
- Light color scheme. The more white and shades, the more spacious a small kitchen in the country seems.
- Minimum furniture. Do not clutter up an already tiny room.
- Monochrome. If you choose facades to match the walls, they will seem to dissolve, leaving a lot of free space.
- Redevelopment. If it is possible to combine the kitchen with the living room, do it!
- Narrow cabinets. In a small area, saving even 10 cm will play into your hands.
- Minimalism. Reduce visual noise to zero to make the kitchen look bigger.
