Rustic mountain kitchens: what do they look like? When can you choose them?

Rustic mountain kitchens are a space with a warm and cosy atmosphere, which is perfect for retreating to a safe place after a day spent outdoors, between a trail and a ski slope. Not a few, however, like to transport this type of ambience to city contexts as well.

The elements used to furnish such a kitchen, which we find in huts, chalets and mountain homes in general, recall the surrounding area and evoke a feeling of simplicity that is impossible to resist.

What makes rustic mountain kitchens so unique?

The rustic kitchen design is not just a stylistic quirk. In an environment such as the mountains, the interior design first and foremost fulfils a practical function and meets the daily and organisational needs of the family.

In a typical rustic mountain kitchen, we find:

– Natural materials
Solid wood and natural stone are the main protagonists of the furnishings: the former is used for furniture and wall coverings, while the latter are present on worktops, floors and walls. In addition to giving a traditional look to the kitchen, these materials also determine its solidity and durability.

– Fireplace or wood stove
In rustic mountain kitchens, especially the older ones, there was no separate oven, but a wood-burning stove that served as a heating source for the house, an oven and a hotplate on which to cook. In more modern kitchens, a fireplace is often present, especially in small houses where there is only one room for the kitchen and living room.

– Earthy tones for furniture
Rustic mountain kitchens often have neutral, natural colours. The most typical solutions are brown wall units, which are left in the natural colour of the wood or painted beige, grey or white.

– Handcrafted design elements
Enriching the simplicity and essentiality of rustic mountain kitchens are the details, which are strictly handmade and made-to-measure . A few examples? Wrought iron handles, handcrafted wooden knobs, wrought iron hanging lamps and handmade utensils are all solutions that make such a kitchen more elegant and certainly more personalised.

How to design a rustic kitchen inspired by a mountain home?

As we have already seen, rustic mountain kitchens are elegant, cosy and functional. To achieve such a result, it is necessary to carefully plan every detail and select the furniture that best meets your living needs.

The first step in planning the interior design of this type of kitchen is to consider the size and shape of the room. Every kitchen is unique and this is even more true for mountain homes, which often offer small and irregular spaces.

In smaller rooms, one can consider developing the kitchen over several walls, perhaps placing the sink under the window. Such a solution not only optimises the use of space and natural light, but also allows you to exploit the view to make the room even more interesting.

Another idea to consider for small kitchens is to provide full-height wall units. In this way, you can make maximum use of vertical space and have more storage volume. All without weighing down the room.

In order to achieve an optimal result, it is however essential to decide on the type of arrangement to be given to the furniture. You can use the classic linear layout or arrange wall cabinets and drawers on several walls, creating an L- or U-shaped arrangement. Or you can opt to integrate a central island .

Often, in mountain homes, it is necessary to resort to a made-to-measure kitchen design that takes into account the specifics of the space and the particular needs of those who will then use it.

What furniture should be used to create a rustic-looking mountain kitchen?

As already mentioned, when designing rustic mountain kitchens, the choice of furniture is crucial to achieve the desired effect and create a cosy and authentic ambience.

In this sense, it is necessary to select furniture that, through its finishes and materials, is consistent with the rustic style. Rusticated doors, for example, are a classic and distinctive element of rustic kitchens and, together with unfinished or slightly aged finishes, emphasise the authentic and robust look of the furniture.

The materials used for the sink and worktops also play a very important role. Ceramic and natural stone are very attractive options that can be used for both kitchen elements. They also help to create a sense of cohesion and emphasise the traditional character of the interior design.

And what about electrical appliances? It is advisable to opt for built-in models in order to preserve the aesthetics of the kitchen and give stylistic continuity to the décor.

In terms of style, you can choose to install a kitchen that fully reflects the rustic style, or you can decide to soften it with elements closer to the country style. Both solutions fit perfectly into this context and allow a good margin for customisation.

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!