Rustic wooden kitchens: the complete choice guide

Rustic wooden kitchens undoubtedly possess a timeless charm, which makes them suitable for any type of environment, from mountain homes to city dwellings, including studio apartments and homes with large open spaces.

In today’s post we describe them in detail, so that you have a safe guide to effectively orientate yourself in your choice of purchase.

What are the features and designs of rustic wooden kitchens?

What distinguishes a rustic wooden kitchen is more than anything else the warm and cosy atmosphere it emanates. In fact, a kitchen furnished in this particular style is not only a functional room in the home, but becomes a meeting point where family and friends can get together to share pleasant moments.

The main protagonists in the design of rustic wooden kitchens are natural materials. Besides wood, of course, stone is often used for worktops and upholstery, and vegetable fabrics are used for curtains and linens.

With its naturally warm and natural aesthetics, wood is a great help in creating a comfortable and inviting room. The use of natural finishes, such as wax, oil or varnishes that respect surfaces, protect the wood fibres and enhance the grain, giving each panel a unique look.

It should also be borne in mind that wood is a durable and sustainable material, making it ideal for this room in the home. Thus, the furniture in these kitchens withstands the wear and tear of time, humidity and heat fluctuations very well.

In rustic kitchens, it is also the details that catch the eye, especially if they are handcrafted. Good examples are wrought iron handles, door engravings or mouldings, which add even more personality and character to the space.

In typical rustic wooden kitchens, warm tones dominate. We are referring to the nuances of the various types of wood used, as well as the earthy tones of accessories and fittings. Taken together, these furnishing elements create a relaxing place, that is, a place that really allows you to feel at home.

How to design and organise a rustic wooden kitchen?

Designing a rustic wooden kitchen requires a certain amount of attention in order to find the right balance between functionality and aesthetics.

If you want a harmonious result and want to bring out the beauty of the wooden furniture, it is essential to consider the layout of the space. In a large kitchen, you can, for example, opt for a structure with a central island, which serves as a work surface and convivial area.

In smaller spaces, such as those in a mountain house or a small townhouse, it is advisable to resort to linear layouts, arranging the various cabinets and modules that make up the kitchen on one or two walls.

Even though aesthetics is at the forefront in rustic wooden kitchens, functionality should not be sacrificed. When designing the furniture in the room, it is therefore essential to consider the so-called ‘rule of the triangle’, and to arrange the refrigerator, sink and hob ergonomically. Which is? The distance between them should be reduced as far as possible.

Another aspect to pay attention to is lighting. To bring out the rustic character of the kitchen, it is a good idea to include warm, diffuse lighting. Vintage-style pendant lamps are also good solutions, to be placed in the centre of the room or to illuminate the island area. Another tip? You can consider placing spotlights or strips of lights under the shelves.

How to care for rustic wooden kitchens?

Proper maintenance of a rustic wooden kitchen is essential to preserve its beauty and functionality. Although it is a room that is made of durable materials, care and attention is needed to avoid visible damage caused by humidity and daily use.

Any tips in this regard? Kitchen surfaces should be cleaned regularly with mild detergents that are compatible with the treatment the wood has undergone. Periodically applying specific oils or waxes will help keep the surface protected and enhance the beauty of the various components in the room.

A rustic wooden kitchen can retain its charm for decades, but it can also adapt to the passing of time. If you want to make the place more contemporary, for example, you can insert visible appliances or smart and domotic systems.

Acting on colours also helps to make the space more modern. In this sense, you can alternate wooden elements in natural colours with modules in neutral or pastel shades. This is a good solution to create an interesting contrast, which gives the room a dynamic look.

As is obvious, rustic wooden kitchens lend themselves well to made-to-measure projects . Thanks to complete customisation, kitchens can be created that fit ideally into the space and perfectly reflect the style of the home and the taste of the client.

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