Kitchen Design
20 Kitchens Straight Out of the English Countryside
Find inspiration in these kitchens from across the pond — and learn what gives them their classic English country charm
A kitchen that’s elegant yet unpretentious and only gets better with age? Sounds like a fairy tale. But, as you’ll see in the following photos uploaded to Houzz, it does exist: Behold the quintessential English country kitchen.
Boasting vintage stoves, patinaed finishes and charm in spades, these projects pair modern conveniences with original and period-inspired details, though they’re more about capturing a sensibility than any particular era (or, for that matter, any particular geography). Join us for a virtual tour of country kitchens from the Surrey Hills to the Yorkshire dales, each one representing a different hallmark of this enchanting and enduring style.
Boasting vintage stoves, patinaed finishes and charm in spades, these projects pair modern conveniences with original and period-inspired details, though they’re more about capturing a sensibility than any particular era (or, for that matter, any particular geography). Join us for a virtual tour of country kitchens from the Surrey Hills to the Yorkshire dales, each one representing a different hallmark of this enchanting and enduring style.
Photo from Centaur Media
2. Large Wooden Island or Table
Just southwest of London in the county of Surrey, kitchen designers Churchwood Design fitted this custom tulipwood farmhouse kitchen into an old water mill. It features a large, freestanding wooden island on wheels.
Wooden work tables are a country kitchen staple. Today’s islands are likely an evolution of the farmhouse tables that have been at the center of country kitchens for centuries, both in humbler abodes and in the tucked-away kitchens of grand estates.
20 Inviting Country Kitchens You’re Going to Love
2. Large Wooden Island or Table
Just southwest of London in the county of Surrey, kitchen designers Churchwood Design fitted this custom tulipwood farmhouse kitchen into an old water mill. It features a large, freestanding wooden island on wheels.
Wooden work tables are a country kitchen staple. Today’s islands are likely an evolution of the farmhouse tables that have been at the center of country kitchens for centuries, both in humbler abodes and in the tucked-away kitchens of grand estates.
20 Inviting Country Kitchens You’re Going to Love
3. Color
The first thing you’re likely to notice about the kitchen in this historic water-mill-turned-house in Kingsbridge, Devon (renovated by Woodford Architecture and Interiors) is the bold blue of the cabinets.
Because the idea of a showpiece kitchen is relatively modern, kitchens of ye olde England tended to be painted in practical colors, such as pale gray and other earthy hues produced with natural pigments. Today, grays, greens and blues are universally popular, but earthy ochre, rust, tan and even dusty pink and lavender are trending in England — as well as picking up steam in the States.
The first thing you’re likely to notice about the kitchen in this historic water-mill-turned-house in Kingsbridge, Devon (renovated by Woodford Architecture and Interiors) is the bold blue of the cabinets.
Because the idea of a showpiece kitchen is relatively modern, kitchens of ye olde England tended to be painted in practical colors, such as pale gray and other earthy hues produced with natural pigments. Today, grays, greens and blues are universally popular, but earthy ochre, rust, tan and even dusty pink and lavender are trending in England — as well as picking up steam in the States.
4. Farmhouse Sink
This farmworker’s cottage in County Durham by kitchen cabinet company deVOL shows that classic kitchens needn’t be grand to be gorgeous. Among the features is an apron-front (farmhouse) sink, a style that’s been used in rustic farmhouses since before there was running water.
Everything You Need to Know About Farmhouse Sinks
This farmworker’s cottage in County Durham by kitchen cabinet company deVOL shows that classic kitchens needn’t be grand to be gorgeous. Among the features is an apron-front (farmhouse) sink, a style that’s been used in rustic farmhouses since before there was running water.
Everything You Need to Know About Farmhouse Sinks
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5. Stone Floor
The leather rolled-arm chair in this Victorian (1837-1901) country house by interior design studio Maddalena Minerva (with deVOL cabinetry) is one of the room’s many inviting, well-worn elements. Also note the limestone tile floor, which is a classic country house feature.
In addition to natural stone (which was often locally quarried slate, limestone or flagstone), wood, brick and terra-cotta tiles are common flooring materials that hearken to olden times.
The leather rolled-arm chair in this Victorian (1837-1901) country house by interior design studio Maddalena Minerva (with deVOL cabinetry) is one of the room’s many inviting, well-worn elements. Also note the limestone tile floor, which is a classic country house feature.
In addition to natural stone (which was often locally quarried slate, limestone or flagstone), wood, brick and terra-cotta tiles are common flooring materials that hearken to olden times.
6. Aga Stove
Davonport Kitchen & Home renovated this kitchen in a protected historic country house in Essex to add square footage and style. Unsurprisingly, it kept the Aga cooker.
Invented in Sweden, Agas became popular in England in the 1930s. Originally they were all cream-colored and stayed on all day, warming homes, drying laundry and keeping kettles simmering. Today vintage models are coveted, but new versions in a variety of colors and sizes, as well as electric models, are also available.
Davonport Kitchen & Home renovated this kitchen in a protected historic country house in Essex to add square footage and style. Unsurprisingly, it kept the Aga cooker.
Invented in Sweden, Agas became popular in England in the 1930s. Originally they were all cream-colored and stayed on all day, warming homes, drying laundry and keeping kettles simmering. Today vintage models are coveted, but new versions in a variety of colors and sizes, as well as electric models, are also available.
7. Stove Alcove
Designed by Artichoke, this kitchen in a grand country house on the Isle of Wight is filled with beautiful period details, including a gorgeous stone sink with a skirt peeking out here.
As with the Aga in the previous image, this Officine Gullo stove is in an alcove reminiscent of (or actually formed by) an old hearth, which is a common country kitchen design. Often, corbels support a shelf mounted on a chimney breast above the cooking area, as seen two photos back.
This kitchen’s refrigerator is housed in a furniture-like cabinet set into the wall opposite the sink. Disguising the large appliance maintains the kitchen’s period look without sacrificing convenience.
Designed by Artichoke, this kitchen in a grand country house on the Isle of Wight is filled with beautiful period details, including a gorgeous stone sink with a skirt peeking out here.
As with the Aga in the previous image, this Officine Gullo stove is in an alcove reminiscent of (or actually formed by) an old hearth, which is a common country kitchen design. Often, corbels support a shelf mounted on a chimney breast above the cooking area, as seen two photos back.
This kitchen’s refrigerator is housed in a furniture-like cabinet set into the wall opposite the sink. Disguising the large appliance maintains the kitchen’s period look without sacrificing convenience.
The alcove in the previous photo is lined in period-appropriate tin-glazed porcelain tiles fastened by brass nails.
Tin-glazed earthenware made in England and the Netherlands is known as delftware, named after the Dutch city of Delft. Antique blue-and-white Delft tiles (like those pictured here, reproduced by cult-favorite cabinetmakers Plain English) are highly prized.
Tin-glazed earthenware made in England and the Netherlands is known as delftware, named after the Dutch city of Delft. Antique blue-and-white Delft tiles (like those pictured here, reproduced by cult-favorite cabinetmakers Plain English) are highly prized.
8. Beamed Ceiling
The large, rustic wood beams in this old cottage in northern England’s Lake Country by Field Day Studio aren’t original to the house, but they’re authentic-looking replacements for the beams that would have supported the floors and roofs of historical timber-framed English homes like this one. Today, they’re often used to hide steel beams.
Read more about this Lake Country cottage
The large, rustic wood beams in this old cottage in northern England’s Lake Country by Field Day Studio aren’t original to the house, but they’re authentic-looking replacements for the beams that would have supported the floors and roofs of historical timber-framed English homes like this one. Today, they’re often used to hide steel beams.
Read more about this Lake Country cottage
Photo by Lukonic
9. Stone Countertop
Verity & Beverley architects renovated this idyllic stone cottage in the Cotswolds, a region in central-southwest England famous for its rolling hills and thatched-roof cottages dating back hundreds of years.
Although often thought of as a high-maintenance luxury material today, marble has long been a common kitchen countertop material. The centerpiece of this new kitchen, which appears to take inspiration from Georgian and more recent periods, is a beautiful marble-topped oak island.
9. Stone Countertop
Verity & Beverley architects renovated this idyllic stone cottage in the Cotswolds, a region in central-southwest England famous for its rolling hills and thatched-roof cottages dating back hundreds of years.
Although often thought of as a high-maintenance luxury material today, marble has long been a common kitchen countertop material. The centerpiece of this new kitchen, which appears to take inspiration from Georgian and more recent periods, is a beautiful marble-topped oak island.
10. Brass Hardware
Another Cotswold cottage, this one designed by Jo Shore, has a compact kitchen with Shaker-style cabinets and clean-as-a-whistle lines. Its brass hardware and sconces give it a bit of gleam.
Brass develops a beautiful patina over time when it’s unlacquered and it’s a popular choice for period-style cabinet hardware (often bin pulls) and faucets.
Read more about this Cotswold cottage
Another Cotswold cottage, this one designed by Jo Shore, has a compact kitchen with Shaker-style cabinets and clean-as-a-whistle lines. Its brass hardware and sconces give it a bit of gleam.
Brass develops a beautiful patina over time when it’s unlacquered and it’s a popular choice for period-style cabinet hardware (often bin pulls) and faucets.
Read more about this Cotswold cottage
11. Wall Clock
This Berkshire farmhouse by John Lewis of Hungerford has a quirky feature with a history that’s hard to trace but that pops up time and again in contemporary English farmhouse kitchen decor: an oversize round wall clock.
Shop for wall clocks
This Berkshire farmhouse by John Lewis of Hungerford has a quirky feature with a history that’s hard to trace but that pops up time and again in contemporary English farmhouse kitchen decor: an oversize round wall clock.
Shop for wall clocks
12. Open Storage
No English kitchen is complete without pretty crockery and a tea service within arm’s reach.
In Wiltshire, this sweet gamekeeper’s kitchen by Winfreys (uploaded by Anya Rice Photography) shows off a teapot, cups and collection of china with a plate rack and a shelf above the range.
No English kitchen is complete without pretty crockery and a tea service within arm’s reach.
In Wiltshire, this sweet gamekeeper’s kitchen by Winfreys (uploaded by Anya Rice Photography) shows off a teapot, cups and collection of china with a plate rack and a shelf above the range.
13. Copper Pots
Another historic Cotswolds country house refurbished by Verity & Beverley — this one dating to the 17th century, with an addition from the 1920s — shows off a feature common to both modest farmhouse kitchens and those staffed by servants in grand country estates: gleaming copper pots and pans.
As with open shelves, hanging pot racks like these allowed for quick access to cookware in busy working kitchens.
Another historic Cotswolds country house refurbished by Verity & Beverley — this one dating to the 17th century, with an addition from the 1920s — shows off a feature common to both modest farmhouse kitchens and those staffed by servants in grand country estates: gleaming copper pots and pans.
As with open shelves, hanging pot racks like these allowed for quick access to cookware in busy working kitchens.
14. Chandelier
Speaking of copper, the metal brightens the otherwise dark and moody interior of this stone cottage in Cornwall, uploaded by Unique Homestays. Its shine pairs well with the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
Generally speaking, traditional country kitchens emphasize function, and chandeliers probably would have been reserved for formal rooms in years past. But contemporary country kitchens often include an ornate chandelier for a touch of grandeur.
Speaking of copper, the metal brightens the otherwise dark and moody interior of this stone cottage in Cornwall, uploaded by Unique Homestays. Its shine pairs well with the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
Generally speaking, traditional country kitchens emphasize function, and chandeliers probably would have been reserved for formal rooms in years past. But contemporary country kitchens often include an ornate chandelier for a touch of grandeur.
15. Symmetry
When people think of classic English kitchens, they’re often picturing Georgian-style kitchens, which, in larger homes used to be hidden in the basement and staffed by servants. Today’s iterations can lean large and formal or more plain, as is often the case in the countryside. But a common characteristic is an emphasis on symmetry.
This country home’s kitchen in the Surrey Hills, by kitchen designers and remodelers Thomas Ford & Sons, exemplifies this with its matching windows flanking the chimney breast and mantel. The brass bridge faucet and beaded inset cabinets are other Georgian-style details to note.
When people think of classic English kitchens, they’re often picturing Georgian-style kitchens, which, in larger homes used to be hidden in the basement and staffed by servants. Today’s iterations can lean large and formal or more plain, as is often the case in the countryside. But a common characteristic is an emphasis on symmetry.
This country home’s kitchen in the Surrey Hills, by kitchen designers and remodelers Thomas Ford & Sons, exemplifies this with its matching windows flanking the chimney breast and mantel. The brass bridge faucet and beaded inset cabinets are other Georgian-style details to note.
16. Imperfect Finishes
From rustic stone cottages to stately country manors, houses in the English countryside take many forms. But a consistent stylistic theme is a lack of pretension and an embrace of imperfection. Patinaed finishes, antique elements and well-worn natural materials are not only welcome but preferred.
When remodeling this circa 1760 country home, Vaughan Design and Development used reclaimed materials to create the rustic, period-appropriate-with-a-modern-twist design.
From rustic stone cottages to stately country manors, houses in the English countryside take many forms. But a consistent stylistic theme is a lack of pretension and an embrace of imperfection. Patinaed finishes, antique elements and well-worn natural materials are not only welcome but preferred.
When remodeling this circa 1760 country home, Vaughan Design and Development used reclaimed materials to create the rustic, period-appropriate-with-a-modern-twist design.
17. Freestanding Cupboards
Fitted kitchens with built-in, wall-to-wall cabinets are a 20th century invention. Using mismatched, freestanding kitchen storage pieces is more in tune with the casual, collected approach and historical references typical of classic English country style.
Another beautiful project by Artichoke, this Victorian-inspired kitchen for a country house in Hampshire stores its plates and silver in furniture-like cupboards or china hutches (called kitchen dressers in England) featuring antiqued glass with sandstone countertops.
Fitted kitchens with built-in, wall-to-wall cabinets are a 20th century invention. Using mismatched, freestanding kitchen storage pieces is more in tune with the casual, collected approach and historical references typical of classic English country style.
Another beautiful project by Artichoke, this Victorian-inspired kitchen for a country house in Hampshire stores its plates and silver in furniture-like cupboards or china hutches (called kitchen dressers in England) featuring antiqued glass with sandstone countertops.
Photo by Emma Lewis
18. Scullery, Larder and Pantry
Early, grand English country house “kitchens” often comprised not just a room for cooking (the kitchen proper) but also a scullery (for washing and cleaning), larders (a cool area for storage of foods such as meats) and pantries (for storage of dried goods and tableware). The advent of refrigeration put larders largely out of business, but the walk-in pantry as well as the concept of a scullery (now serving as a secondary kitchen or laundry room plus pantry) persist.
Take a peek into a pantry filled with copper molds in this lovely, understated country kitchen in a Queen Anne-era (1702-1714) house, designed by Tim Moss.
18. Scullery, Larder and Pantry
Early, grand English country house “kitchens” often comprised not just a room for cooking (the kitchen proper) but also a scullery (for washing and cleaning), larders (a cool area for storage of foods such as meats) and pantries (for storage of dried goods and tableware). The advent of refrigeration put larders largely out of business, but the walk-in pantry as well as the concept of a scullery (now serving as a secondary kitchen or laundry room plus pantry) persist.
Take a peek into a pantry filled with copper molds in this lovely, understated country kitchen in a Queen Anne-era (1702-1714) house, designed by Tim Moss.
19. Shaker Peg Rail
As you’ve seen, simple Shaker-style cabinets and wooden pulls fit perfectly with the practical and unpretentious English country kitchen aesthetic, pairing particularly well with similarly subdued Georgian details. So it’s no surprise that other Shaker details crop up frequently too.
Among them is the wooden Shaker peg rail, which often circled the rooms of Shaker homes. In this kitchen in far northern England, Lake District-based designers Lund and Law used a Shaker peg rail with a shelf for cup and teapot storage.
Learn about Shaker style
As you’ve seen, simple Shaker-style cabinets and wooden pulls fit perfectly with the practical and unpretentious English country kitchen aesthetic, pairing particularly well with similarly subdued Georgian details. So it’s no surprise that other Shaker details crop up frequently too.
Among them is the wooden Shaker peg rail, which often circled the rooms of Shaker homes. In this kitchen in far northern England, Lake District-based designers Lund and Law used a Shaker peg rail with a shelf for cup and teapot storage.
Learn about Shaker style
20. Dog
This West Midlands home by Border Oak architects has all the necessary English country home design ingredients: Shaker cabinets, wooden countertop, apron sink, beamed ceilings, views of the countryside and so on. But it has one last special detail that we think no country kitchen should be without: an adorable hound curled up by the stove.
What’s your favorite detail in an English country kitchen? Tell us in the Comments.
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This West Midlands home by Border Oak architects has all the necessary English country home design ingredients: Shaker cabinets, wooden countertop, apron sink, beamed ceilings, views of the countryside and so on. But it has one last special detail that we think no country kitchen should be without: an adorable hound curled up by the stove.
What’s your favorite detail in an English country kitchen? Tell us in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more stories about homes around the world
See more kitchen photos
Find a pro for your project
Shop for kitchen and dining furniture
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1. Inset Cabinets
This kitchen by designer and remodelers Drew Forsyth & Co. is in Cumbria, which is in northwestern England bordering Scotland.
Described as a “classic colonial-styled kitchen,” it has inset cabinets in a style typical of the Georgian era (1714-1830), with a touch of delicate beaded molding around the frames. Simpler five-piece, flat-panel Shaker-style cabinet fronts (named after the religious community that left England for America in 1774), like those in the next photo, are very common in English farmhouses too, as are the classic Shaker kitchen-style wooden countertop and knobs seen here.
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