Shabby chic country kitchen: how are they made? A complete guide to choosing

Shabby chic country kitchen represent a perfect union between the rustic style typical of country homes and the lived-in charm typical of shabby chic environments.

This type of furnishing is the result of the combination of the warm and cosy soul of country furnishings and the sophisticated beauty of the aged effect that characterises the shabby style. This union creates cosy, familiar and simple spaces.

What distinguishes shabby chic country kitchen?

In shabby chic country kitchen the real protagonist is aged wood. Depending on whether one style or the other is more predominant, the wood may appear simply varnished, pickled or deliberately left rough.

In rustic kitchens, it is usual to use the wood in its entirety. What do we mean by this? As well as for the furniture, it is often used for the floors and, if possible, it is emphasised in the ceiling beams. Such extensive use of this material makes the kitchen authentic and warm, and is a sort of trademark of the rustic furnishing style.

In country kitchens that add a shabby touch, the starring role of wood is toned down and balanced by special finishes, carefully selected details and the inclusion of elements in other materials, such as masonry and natural stone.

Generally speaking, in a kitchen functionality and aesthetics must always go hand in hand, and the furniture and accessories should stand out. In projects that include shabby chic country kitchen, it is therefore advisable to leave the walls white or, at most, paint them in neutral or pastel colours that match the room’s furnishings.

Fabrics also play a fundamental role in a kitchen designed according to this style. You can warm up the atmosphere and make the room in which you prepare food even more welcoming by adding light curtains, for example, or choosing tablecloths and tea towels that are consistent with the shabby chic country kitchen style.

Another tip? In rooms that recall country life, natural fabrics such as linen or cotton in pastel or neutral colours are preferable. Beige, cream or powder blue are all excellent choices that help give the kitchen a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

How should shabby chic country kitchen be furnished?

The shabby country style is ideal for those who love simplicity, for those who want to rediscover a slower way of life and for those who want their home to be cosy. The perfect shabby country kitchen thus becomes the heart of the home. In particular, they represent a space in which to share authentic moments with family and friends, and in which to rediscover the small daily pleasures.

When furnishing a shabby country kitchen it is important to start from these considerations, in order to create a place that transmits warmth and that skilfully combines the colours, materials and details typical of the style.

The combination of country and shabby elements offers many possibilities for customisation. In fact, this type of kitchen can easily adapt to large and bright spaces, as well as small and dark spaces. In the first case, it’s a good idea to opt for a custom-made kitchen with a large central island, while in the second case it’s best to choose light-coloured furnishings and organisational solutions that maximise the use of space.

In any case, the secret to a successful interior design project lies in the ability to balance the typical shabby chic elements with the rustic country ones. When you manage to combine the shabby look of worn furnishings with a romantic touch, with the solid wood and natural materials typical of country environments, the result is elegant and warm.

You can make a shabby country kitchen more personal and more refined by adding details such as ceramic handles, handmade curtains or vintage accessories. As for colours, milky white, sage green or lavender are preferable.

What you need to know if you want to include a shabby country kitchen in an interior design project

Incorporating shabby chic country kitchen into interior design projects requires attention and sensitivity. In fact, you need to carefully balance the materials and colours to create an environment that is always harmonious and welcoming.

Furthermore, the versatility of this style needs to be carefully managed. In fact, the many possibilities for personalisation allow you to experiment with unusual combinations, mixing antiques, modern solutions and custom-made furniture to obtain original and personalised results.

When well integrated into the home, shabby chic country kitchen manage to convey freshness and romance, while maintaining a strong link with the simplicity of rural life.

The balance between the elements characterising these two styles, which are similar but different, allows you to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also able to convey a sense of warmth and tranquillity. A shabby country kitchen, in fact, invites you to slow down and is a space in which to take refuge and rediscover the pleasure of conviviality and traditions.

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