Rustic chic kitchens: a complete guide to choosing the right model for you

Rustic chic kitchens are becoming increasingly popular, even in contexts that are not exactly rustic.

Where does the growing success of these kitchens come from? It is to be found in the fact that they are not only beautiful to look at, but also embody a way of life. Specifically, a style that is inspired by tradition, comfort and quality. All values towards which great attention is being paid in recent years.

What distinguishes rustic chic kitchens?

Rustic chic kitchens combine the timeless charm of the traditional style with the modern elegance of carefully selected materials and details. The result is always a cosy and refined ambience.

Although they originate from and are typical of country houses, rustic kitchens today are also very popular in city dwellings. The success of this furnishing solution lies above all in its ability to respond to the desire to rediscover slow rhythms, to choose solid furniture made of quality materials and to move into more intimate and warmer environments.

This is not the end of the story. The furniture in rustic chic kitchens is often made of solid wood. Among the most commonly used woods are oak, chestnut and walnut. They all lend robustness and a naturally warm aesthetic to the space.

Work surfaces can be made of marble, granite or other natural stones, i.e. hardwearing materials that add a touch of elegance and authenticity to the design.

To make the kitchen more chic without distorting its rustic character, you can act on its details, for example by using wrought iron handles, hand-painted ceramic decorations or doors with pickled finishes. Solutions of this kind not only make it possible to obtain a kitchen that is perfectly tailored , they also give a lived-in and sophisticated look to the room, making it much more intriguing and interesting.

The wood used for rustic kitchens is often left natural or with a matt finish and is an ideal match for furniture in warm, neutral colours such as white and cream. Or it can be combined with beige and dusty grey. To make the end result more original, you can also resort to vintage accessories, such as brass taps or metal lamps, which can add extra character to the room where food is prepared.

What are the best layouts for a rustic chic kitchens?

The layout of rustic chic kitchens must be functional and in harmony with the available space. For small rooms, a linear layout is often the best choice. In fact, in this case, all kitchen elements are arranged on a single wall and the use of space is optimised without sacrificing the natural elegance of rustic style. In larger rooms, on the other hand, you can consider a layout with a central island . Such a choice offers more work surface and storage space, introducing a central element that is also ideal as a hub around which to cook or socialise.

Often, rustic kitchens are also distinguished by the presence of masonry elements, which give the room a solid, traditional look. As we have already indicated, it is also common to opt for made-to-measure solutions. In this way, you can make the most of every corner of the room and achieve a customised result.

What is the most common material used in rustic chic kitchens? It is solid wood: cabinets, sideboards and drawers are usually made of durable and warm-looking woods such as oak, chestnut and walnut.

Another suggestion. To give a more contemporary and chic look to the kitchen, you can consider integrating modern elements, such as stainless steel hoods or small appliances left exposed.

What to know when designing a rustic chic kitchens?

When designing a rustic chic kitchen, it is absolutely essential to maintain consistency with the general furnishing style of the house. Every element, from furniture design to the choice of colours and materials, must contribute to a harmonious end result.

The secret is to create a strong balance between rustic aesthetics and refined details that define the chic character of the room.

And what about colours? The options are diverse, let’s see them. Natural wood is always a winning choice, as it lends warmth and authenticity. Alternatively, you can use neutral colours, such as white, beige or grey, which fit in perfectly with the rustic style. If you want to add an extra touch of originality, you can resort to pastel colours such as dove grey, sage or lilac. The latter are trendy solutions that can soften the style without departing from the rustic theme.

Before closing our guide, one last piece of useful advice. Another important aspect not to be missed is the brightness of the room. Rustic chic kitchens must first and foremost be cosy, and light plays a major role in this. If possible, it is preferable to make use of natural light, supplementing it with lamps preferably made of materials that also have a rustic look, such as wrought iron or copper.

Il Piccolo, second generation family-run carpentry shop, opens its showroom in Lugano. With over 50 years of experience, Il Piccolo brings with it a wealth of technical and design knowledge of the highest level, thanks to the many interiors designed and furnished all over the world. In addition, Il Piccolo represents the most prestigious brands of furniture worldwide. Il Piccolo designs, manufactures and sells the best of interior design made in Italy, following the customer from design to implementation, delivery and installation of the work, integrating the process with a precise and professional service. CONTACT US!