Dealer
Select country and language

The rustic country house kitchen with charm and character

    09/24/2025

    5 min.

    entertheloft (design studio)/ vertcreation | eviewillowkitchens | Jens Pfisterer | ERBEE Keukens

A warm, cosy surface design and rustic, natural materials with historical flair are typical of the rustic country house kitchen. Traditional looks and elements meet modern appliances and details to create an exciting symbiosis of old and new. What characterises the rustic country kitchen, who does it suit and how do you design your traditional dream kitchen?

What is typical of the rustic country house kitchen?

Rural, dignified, unpolished and close to nature - this is how the term rustic can be interpreted. It is precisely these features that characterise the rustic country house kitchen: It is characterised by the use of natural materials that are as original as possible, radiates a rustic charm thanks to historical details - and is highly functional at the same time.

Modern electrical appliances and a country house kitchen made of wood with a rustic look are by no means mutually exclusive - on the contrary. Customised kitchen designs that incorporate the existing building fabric combine historical elements with innovative technology. This works best in old buildings with history. However, newer properties are also ideal for a country-style kitchen with rustic details.

    Classic vs. rustic - country house kitchens at a glance

    When you think of country kitchens, do you think of predominantly light-coloured furniture with decorative mouldings, cabinets with mullioned windows and floral decorations? The country house kitchen can also be different. But what distinguishes the classic from the rustic country house kitchen?

     

    Style featureClassic country house kitchenRustic country house kitchen
    MaterialsLight real wood, veneers, lacquered MDFDark real wood, cast iron, steel, natural stone
    Colour schemeLight pastel shades, cream and sand coloursDark wood tones, Earth and natural colours
    Surface designSilk matt lacquers, used looks, oiled surfacesNatural, oiled wood, brushed steel
    EffectLight, friendly, playful, traditional and elegantWarm, nostalgic, cosy, rustic, handcrafted

      Materials for the rustic country house kitchen

      Oiled or waxed solid wood surfaces bring warmth and naturalness - and characterise the authentic character of the rustic country house kitchen. The traditional style is not just about classic kitchen furniture. Instead, the original design is also characterised by historical building materials - some of which can also be used in new buildings.

      • Clay plaster on the walls gives the room a natural rustic look and regulates the humidity. 

       

      • Real wood floorboards on the floor emphasise the old building touch. 

       

      • Antique individual pieces with a new function become a visual highlight - such as a historical workbench, which blends naturally into the kitchen ensemble as a storage or work surface. 

        Traditional worktop design: here's how it works

        Whether you prefer open work surfaces with wall shelves and hanging solutions or classic cabinets - solid wood in dark, warm tones is the first choice in the rustic country house kitchen. The furniture can be perfectly combined with other natural materials: 

         

        • Worktops made of natural stone or granite delight with their robust, durable quality and rustic look. 

         

        • Details such as cookware and crockery made of ceramic, enamel and copper create harmonious, rustic accents. 

         

        • Irregularities in the material are part of the concept - they celebrate craftsmanship and tell stories

         

        Tip: An eye-catcher with a wow effect, for example, is a kitchen island made of real wood with a striking grain and naturally grown edge. In the old building, historical components and raw materials can be integrated into the ensemble: Original floorboards serve as the base for a kitchen island, while antique tin containers can be converted into a charming muesli station.

        The handcrafted character of a country house kitchen made of wood in a rustic design is emphasised by nostalgic details: Hang copper crockery and dried herbs on large hooks above the hob or worktop, arrange vintage kitchen scales and small appliances such as food processors and kettles with a retro look. In this way, you create a place where cooking is celebrated as a craft and people simply enjoy coming together.

         

        Good to know: Rustic country kitchens are predestined for open-plan living and cooking areas. The rough, untreated materials, the rough surface design, as is often found with untreated wood and natural stone, are shown to their best advantage on large surfaces

          Integrate modern appliances with style

          In a country-style kitchen, rustic and modern are not opposites. Innovative built-in appliances blend seamlessly into the overall look and emphasise the open character of combined cooking and living areas.

           

          These tricks ensure a harmonious whole in the rustic country house kitchen:

          • Favour dark appliances with matt fronts

           

          • Hide small appliances in cupboards. 

           

          • Go for toasters, kettles and food processors in retro designs

           

          • Integrate flush hobs for a seamless look. 

           

          Solid wood, natural stone, ceramic and copper form a stylish symbiosis with modern electrical solutions - and the result is a rustic country kitchen in which you can concentrate on the essentials: exciting conversations and good food.

            Fresh air and clear view The discreet fume cupboard solution

            The BORA cooktop extractor systems absorb vapours and fumes where they arise - and remain visually in the background.

            NewsletterDon’t miss out on any news

            Our newsletter conveniently brings you all you need to know about our products.

            More stories