Rustic Elegant Country Kitchens: Eclectic Mix of Inspiring Examples

We’re exploring an eclectic mix of rustic elegant country kitchens, decorating ideas and shopping resources, and maybe you’ll find ideas to steal a look or two. Rustic design elements often come into play whether it’s English Country style, French Country loveliness, Nordic French beauty, or Belgian chic. There’s a down to earth, wholesome realness to so many more rustic elements. Often they feel right at home in otherwise elegant spaces.

Ashley Gray (Benjamin Moore) in my French country kitchen with Silestone Ivory Coast counters, warm white Thomasville cabinets, and white oak hardwood flooring - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmashleygray #hellolovely #frenchkitchens
Hello Lovely Studio – BM Ashley Gray in our former kitchen.

Rustic Elegant Country Kitchens: Learn the Look

You’ll see that there isn’t a singular way to design a rustic country kitchen. In fact, we’ll take “rustic” to simply describe those elements that aren’t polished, perfect, glossy, bling-y, glam, synthetic, fancy, or formal.

@annamalmbergphoto - beautiful kitchen of a stylist and photographer's breathtaking Stockholm apartment with rustic textured warmth, serene beauty, and soulfully considered design. #stockholmapartment #scandiinterior #modernrustic
@annamalmbergphoto – Rustic elegant country kitchens to inspire along with resources

Emphasis on Natural Materials

Rustic kitchen design elements often include natural materials like wicker, rattan, jute, and seagrass. Aren’t these glorious examples in Desiree’s Cotswolds inspired kitchen with its reclaimed wood ceiling?

Rustic English country cottage kitchen with low wood ceilings, pale green subway tile, and farm table - @desiree_Ashworth_design. #englishcountrykitchen #modernrustickitchen
Desiree Ashworth/BeljarHome – Rustic elegant country kitchens to inspire along with resources

The pendants below as well as rush seats add rustic texture and charm too in a Leanne Ford designed farmhouse kitchen:

Open shelves in a modern rustic kitchen with subway tile by Leanne Ford. #modernfarmhousekitchen
Leanne Ford – Rustic elegant country kitchens to inspire along with resources

Rugged Texture

Imagine how this deVOL kitchen would feel were the walls newly drywalled…

Beautifully rustic English country kitchen in the UK by deVOL has Shaker style cabinetry, farm sink, and a serene palette. #englishcountry #countrykitchen #kitchendesign #rustickitchen #frenchkitchen #shakerkitchen
deVOL – Rustic elegant country kitchens to inspire along with resources

Right?

Jeffrey Dungan Architects designed breakfast nook in a luxurious kitchen - Farmhouse at Shades Creek.
Jeffrey Dungan – see more of his timelessly impeccable work HERE

Wood on walls, ceilings, backsplashes, and floors is an excellent way to inject rustic texture.

Design: Jocelyn Sinauer. Quiet and humble beauty in a lovely country kitchen and dining area with shabby chic vintage style. A chunky antique farm table mixes with antique mismatched chairs and a white chandelier. #shabbychic #countrykitchen #beadboardceiling
Jocelyn Sinauer – Remodelista – Rustic elegant country kitchens to inspire along with resources

Sometimes rustic is an attitude…Jocelyn Sinauer’s kitchen has always been a favorite of mine because of its effortless chic. Not even styled photos feel contrived!

Murphy Mears designed kitchen (Jill Egan interiors) with plaster work by Segreto Finishes.
Jill Egan/Murphy Mears

Plaster adds texture to Jill Egan’s elegant European country kitchen (above), and rustic accessories look right at home, but it wouldn’t fall cleanly into a rustic category!

Antiques, Vintage & Reclaimed Materials

Rustic country kitchens often have a sense of age, not easily emulated with reproductions or even intentional distressing.

Remember in the late 90s when homeowners distressed new cabinets with hammers and chains then painted on antiquing glaze? Unless you’re a gifted artist? Maybe not the best option. Better to source old beams, antique cupboards, vintage lighting, and natural, authentic pieces from the past to incorporate into your design.

A collection of vintage or antique ironstone? So humble and so beautiful for adding non-fussy rustic charm when you love the color white.

Modern French farmhouse kitchen in home near Round Top, TX, designed by Kirby Mears for Eleanor Cummings, interior designer.
Design: Eleanor Cummings; Architect: Murphy Mears Architects

Of course if you have an antique bakers table from France…build a design around it!

But ironstone or even a collection of marble mortars are far easier to locate!

Add Playful Whimsical Kitchen Moments

By whimsy, we don’t mean cute wooden signs everywhere in the marketplace declaring “eat” or “French kitchen” or “kiss the cook.”

Beautiful French country kitchen in Provence with wood stove, blue plates on walls and stone sink. #frenchkitchen #provencekitchen #oldworldkitchen #frenchcountrykitchen
Decorative blue and white plates in a Provence villa kitchen – Haven In

But a collection of mismatched china or plates on the wall can be a pleasingly whimsical installation on the wall.

Rustic white organic and natural kitchen design with exposed rafters and an airy Cali vibe - Lulu and Georgia. #rustickitchen #kitchendesign #modernfarmhouse #organic #modernrustic
Lulu & Georgia…European Country Rustic Kitchen Ideas

Even a mix of cabinetry styles can be whimsical when the overall design looks as good the one above and below.

When lighting adds whimsy…

Serene and stylish Scandinavian kitchen with mossy green cabinets and modern adjustable arm sconces - Petra Bindel. #swedishkitchen #scandinaviandesign #nordicstyle #europeancountry #kitchendesign
Photo: Petra Bindel for Elle Decoration Sweden…in case you are keen on green and serene! For a paint color in this same spirit, look at Farrow & Ball Breakfast Room Green.

Notice how the assorted decorations on shelves below don’t feel too perfect:

French farmhouse vintage decor on lovely white shelves in a kitchen - design by Le Cultivateur. #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign #decorating #openshelving #vintagestyle
Le Cultivateur – European Country Rustic Kitchen Ideas as well as Euro Country designs.

Objects that spark joy when you see them can be weaved into whimsical vignettes.

Rustic English country cottage kitchen with heavily distressed handmade cupboards, open shelving, and industrial vintage lighting. #industrialfarmhouse #rustickitchens #distressedwood
Coastal cabin rustic kitchen with a mix of countertops in East Sussex: The Beach Studios & Locations…in case you love chippy aged glory.

Unfitted Kitchen Designs

It’s an unusual approach for many Americans designing a kitchen, but before kitchens were simply wall-to-wall boxy cabinet rooms, they contained individual unfitted elements.

Unfitted Old World traditional French kitchen with blue cabinets and dishes. Featured in Shauna Varvel's PROVENCE STYLE. #interiordesign #frenchcountry #oldworldstyle
Photo: Tim Beddow, Elisabeth Kotsier for PROVENCE STYLE (Vendome, 2021) by Shauna Varvel. See more from the book HERE! A pair of high-backed kitchen chairs in front of the large blue dresser in the kitchen displaying a collection of ceramics from North Africa, Andalucia, China and Holland.

A combination of fitted and unfitted is often a winning one.

French and Swedish antiques in a Cotswolds cottage by Anton & K. #englishcottage #europeancountry #countrykitchen
Anton & K – see this home with its glorious tile floors here

I love the idea of adding a furniture piece like this to use as a larder or pantry:

Exquisite Belgian kitchen of Brigitte Garnier, an antiques dealer and owner of The Little Monastery near Bruges.
Design: Brigitte Garnier – lovely photos of European kitchens as well as cozy kitchens with influences from England, Italy, France, Scandinavia and Belgium.

You can find them locally because so many folks are getting rid of such heavy, oversized pieces! An absence of upper cabinets can also add a rustic layer…

Custom renovated kitchen in authentic French farmhouse. French farmhouse design inspiration, house tour, French homewares and market baskets from Vivi et Margot.
Kitchen cabinets by Neptune, wood countertops, rugged ceiling beams, and also paint by Farrow & Ball in this kitchen near Bordeaux with a blend of old and new – Vivi et Margot.

Linen & Rustic Textiles

This un-fancy skirted sink look in Brooke Giannetti’s former Patina Farm kitchen is one I admired enough to incorporate into my own country kitchen design.

Patina Farm kitchen by Giannetti Home and Brooke Giannetti - OKL. #patinafarm #frenchfarmhouse #farmhousekitchen #whiteoakcabinets #farmsink #lanternpendant #brookegiannetti
Giannetti Home via Velvet and Linen – European Country Rustic Kitchen Design with farmhouse sink, beautiful white oak, ceiling beams, and wood countertops as well as a stunning kitchen island.

Adding linen or other unfussy fabrics and upholstery can keep the mood casual and laid back.

Breathtaking, elegant, and rustic luxe English country kitchen by deVOL kitchens in the UK with bespoke cabinetry, AGA stove, steel windows and doors, woven pendants, and copper accents. Interior design by Susie Atkinson.
Classic English Cotswold kitchen with rich texture by deVOL Kitchens – design as well as rush seat chairs: Susie Atkinson Design. 

My favorite woven pendants with a rustic look are found HERE.

Rustic Accents & Decor

The details matter too, and shopping for the right rustic accents and decorations can be fun but also challenging.

French farmhouse design style by Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #stilllife #shabbychic #frenchfarmhouse #vintagestyle
See MY KITCHEN HERE. Hello Lovely Studio – A still life with a meditative mood as well as a French farmhouse design style.

If you’re shopping for vintage items, it can take time to find the just right pieces.

Milieu magazine (Spring 2021) on my kitchen counter (Viatera Minuet white quartz) with urn and candle holders - Hello Lovely Studio. #viateraquartz #minuet #milieu #modernfrench
Hello Lovely Studio

But the access to beautiful handmade and handcrafted items online now is incredible. Have you seen the beautiful examples curated by Jenni Kayne for Olive Ateliers?

I found my own urn from Shabby Chic Couture by Rachel Ashwell.

Even those once hard-to-source items like artisan lighting are within reach thanks to Etsy and custom kitchenware sources such as deVOL.

Terracotta hexagon tiles in a kitchen in France. French farmhouse design inspiration, house tour, French homewares and market baskets from Vivi et Margot.
French farmhouse kitchen with copper pots and also reclaimed terracotta hex tiles – Vivi et Margot.

Should online shopping not float your boat, you could make a trip of it and travel to markets in Europe! I spy lots of treasures in this French kitchen:

Traditional French Country kitchen in Provence in a villa available from HavenIn. #frenchcountrykitchen #frenchkitchen Rrustickitchens #provencekitchen
Traditional and cozy kitchen in a Provence, France Villa – Haven In…in case you love elegance paired with your rustic.

Your local antique mall may have everything you need too.

The easiest way to add instant rusticity to your countertop? Beautiful wood cutting boards, charcuterie boards, or bread boards:

French farmhouse kitchen by Vivi et Margot has a luxurious Ilve range and cabinets painted Farrow & Ball Smoke Green. #frenchfarmhouse #frenchkitchen #kitchendesign #farrowandballsmokegreen
Vivi et Margot – Kitchen design inspiration as well as ideas for incorporating texture and rusticity. (Color on cabinets: FARROW & BALL Green Smoke…in case you love this sophisticated tone.)

They’re easy to find, useful, and look great in multiples too.

French country style dining area with farm table, pale colors, and antiques in Nora Murphy Country House book.
Nora Murphy Country House book – see more HERE

Another addition that will add a layer of rusticity is a rugged farm table, orchard table, or harvest table.

My simple white Shaker kitchen with white oak floors, marble subway backsplash, Viatera quartz "Minuet" counters, and a window seat. #hellolovelystudio #whiteshakerkitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #classickitchen #viateraquartz #minuet
Hello Lovely Studio – this harvest table in our kitchen was built with reclaimed barn wood as well as square nails.

Ours has served us so well!

Kitchen in France. French farmhouse design inspiration, house tour, French homewares and market baskets from Vivi et Margot.
French kitchen design inspiration from Vivi et Margot’s rustic kitchen in France…in case you love blush pink (tablecloth is Maison de Vacances Blush Check).

And when you want a break from its woodsy ruggedness, cover it with a pretty cloth.

Ceiling Details for Rusticity

We often forget about ceilings and their potential as a layer in the mix.

Rustic white organic and natural kitchen design with exposed rafters and an airy Cali vibe - Lulu and Georgia. #rustickitchen #kitchendesign #modernfarmhouse #organic #modernrustic
Lulu & Georgia – French Country and European inspired country kitchens with a rustic look as well as vintage style.

So many gorgeous examples of charming country kitchens with texture on the ceiling:

Rustic French farmhouse European country cottage with pale blues and green interiors - Decor de Provence. #frenchcountry #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign #cottages
Decor de Provence – in case you love soft aquas and French green. Notice how the white marble counters feel extra beefy because of the built-up edge.

There are even companies who specialize now in the production of faux beams that can fool anyone.

Kichen in France. French farmhouse design inspiration, house tour, French homewares and market baskets from Vivi et Margot.
European sensibilities as well as French farmhouse kitchen design inspiration – Vivi et Margot.

Sometimes it is about uncovering what’s already there!

But plenty of other times it involves thoughtful consideration, shopping, and calling upon artisans for help.

From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. A quiet-toned newly constructed kitchen incorporating antiques from France. #frenchkitchen #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #bespokekitchen
From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair: a quiet-toned newly constructed kitchen incorporating antiques from France. Architectural Consultant & Designer: Sarah West – Building Designer: Robert Dame Designs – Builder: Parker House – Photographer: Wade Blissard.

In our former kitchen, the ceiling was low, and wood beams were not something I desired. But since I hated the swirly 90s textured ceiling, I went in the opposite direction and plastered the ceiling myself! I don’t have many photos of it so use your imagination!

Modern French white kitchen with Viatera Minuet countertops, stainless Italian range hood, and farm sink - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

This would have been swell to uncover:

Shabby Chic White Cottage Interior Design Inspiration from a beautiful home in East Sussex by The Beach Studios (Atlanta Bartlett & Dave Coote). #shabbychic #whitedecor #housetour #cottagestyle #interiordesign #rusticdecor
The Beach Studios…in case you love white painted hardwood floors with your rustic charm.

And just as charming? A pristinely perfect architecturally magnificent ceiling paired with rustic design elements:

After: luxury bespoke kitchen design by Artichoke in a Tuscan villa.
Luxury bespoke kitchen design by Artichoke in a Tuscan villa – also see more of Artichoke HERE.

Add a Rustic Branch, Plant or Topiary

Is it really so simple?

Shaker style white cabinets in simple serene kitchen with white oak floors and Viatera Minuet quartz countertops - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio – Minuet quartz (Viatera) countertops and marble backsplash in our former Shaker-style kitchen with white oak floors…in case you like your country kitchen serene.

Why yes, yes it is. Even dried, straight from the wild overgrowth outside your door will do…

deVOL. The Scullery is one of the three rooms that make up the downstairs of the Millhouse showrooms at Cotes Mill, it’s a very simply furnished room and of all the spots to see this Classic English range, it’s the most humble.
Tuscan Farmhouse Carrara marble sink by deVOL in the Scullery (one of the three rooms that make up the downstairs of their showroom at Cotes Mill.

If you follow Loi of Tone on Tone on IG, then you know about his gardening and way with myrtle. But even if you’re less topiary-savvy, look for organic elements to display casually.

Classic Nordic French white kitchen with light grey painted floors, topiaries near window, and classic pendants (Circa Lighting) over island - Loi of Tone on Tone. #whitekitchens #toneontone #bmshoreline #bmchantillylace
BM Shoreline for floors and BM Chantilly Lace for painted cabinets and walls – Loi Thai.

For a peek at beautiful French farmhouse kitchens, visit here, and to see a collection of beautiful white kitchens, check out this.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Rustic Cozy Finds to Shop the Look

Vintage Dundee Marmalade crock jar from England - ShopTaylorMade4U on Etsy. #dundeecrock #marmaladejars
Vintage Dundee Crocks HERE, ShopTaylorMade4U on Etsy
3R Studios distressed white French country metal console table.
Distressed Console Table: HERE and HERE
Carrera marble mosaic herringbone tile
Marble Mosaic Tile – so pretty for a backsplash!
Antique Chinese weathered wood bench
Antique Chinese Weathered Bench…in case you care to add a vintage design element.
REDECKER Natural Fiber Bristle Pot Brush, Comfortable Beechwood Handle, Durable Heat-Resistant Design for Cleaning Pots, Pans and More, 2-1/4 inch Diameter, Made in Germany
Wood Pot Scrubbing Brush…in case you love hardworking tools that look good too.
Chandelier…in case you care to add a bit of romance to your rustic space.
Cross back dining chair
Cross Back Farmhouse Dining Chair…a timeless as well as rugged piece for the dining area.
Aged terracotta pots in metal basket
Terracotta Pots & Basket…in case you love to bring the outside in.
Teak farmhouse stool
Farmhouse Stool…certainly an easy piece to pull into service.
Farmhouse dining table
Farmhouse Dining Table…certainly a friendly price.
Holborn weathered lantern lighting pendant
Weathered White Holborn Lantern…in case you need an idea for a pendant light.
French picnic baskets with lids
French Picnic Baskets…certainly a rustic and lovely way to hide kitchen stuff.
Market Basket
tap for buying info
Aryana Farmhouse Chic Console Table
Farmhouse Chic Console Table: FIND HERE

Tips for Designing a Kitchen With Old World Style

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
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29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
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Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing