The nuances of the design of the country kitchen
The design of the kitchen in the country does not begin with the choice of the color of the walls, there are a lot of technical issues that have to be solved:
- Power supply. It is more convenient and cheaper to be powered from a common system by stretching the wires. If this is not possible, you will have to install solar panels or a generator.
- Water pipes. Connect to the center pipe. The second option is a well or a well.
- Sewerage. A standard cesspool for the toilet and kitchen should be enough.
- Gas. Electricity is expensive and is not available everywhere, so it is better to cook on gas stoves connected to cylinders. Or in the oven.
- Ventilation. An important question, especially for a small kitchen in the country. If you do not think over the air duct, it will be unbearable to be in the country house during cooking.
When you have thought over and solved the issues related to the distribution of communications, you can start developing a kitchen design in the country.
Features of the layout
The kitchen can be open, semi-open and closed. The first two options are more suitable for southern regions or as a summer kitchen. Closed, on the contrary, can be used all year round - this is the main advantage.
A large kitchen in the country is an exception, not a rule. Usually, space is quite small and it is not easy to create a functional kitchen. Practical options for placing a kitchen set are linear and angular. In the first case, the kitchen is more compact, but the spaciousness and working area are much smaller. The L-shaped set does not take up too much space, while allowing you to arrange what you need and even cook together.
The arrangement of the kitchen in the country does not end with the installation of the headset. You need to find a place for a dining table or bar counter. If you have a kitchen, a living room in the country, you can organize a dining area with a sofa at a distance from the working one. Alternatively, set up a long, rectangular peninsula between the two zoning spaces - it is used as a table and worktop.
Finishing recommendations
There are many options for the interior of the kitchen in the country - from the usual rustic to the ultra-modern. But whatever style you choose, rely on practical natural materials and quality - coatings must withstand changes in temperature and humidity.
Floor
The choice depends on the kitchen in the country house, or rather, on the foundation. Anything will hold on a solid foundation - linoleum, laminate, board. Any of these floor coverings are demanding on conditions, do not tolerate high humidity, and can become moldy or rot.
A self-leveling floor, concrete or tile is considered practical. Such a floor will last for many years, it is not afraid of high humidity, it has increased wear resistance - what is needed for harsh conditions. To add coziness and warmth, lay homespun rugs over the top.
Walls
When decorating a kitchen in the country, standard materials are used:
- Wallpaper. Not paper by any means. The most moisture-resistant option is non-woven, but vinyl is considered the best choice. They are not afraid of water, they hold well, they stick easily.
- Paint. For unheated rooms, choose a formulation that can easily withstand low and high temperatures. Rubber is considered durable, but high-quality water-based paint will also work.
- Tile. Durable, reliable, easy to clean - a great way to decorate walls in your country kitchen. Use silicate glue and epoxy grout to avoid water ingress and mold growth.
- Lining. "Country" option, which can be used to decorate the walls. But on top of the wooden boards, be sure to soak with a special compound with water-repellent, heat-resistant properties.
- A rock. Due to its heavy weight, it is only suitable for houses with solid (brick, concrete) walls. Heat-resistant, you can refine the corner near the stove.
Ceiling
Renovation of a spacious or small kitchen starts from here. Before starting decorative work, make sure there are no leaks, treat the surface with a hydrophobic, antiparasitic impregnation.
If white paint is a classic for an apartment, then lining or boards are more often used in the country. They are easy to fasten, communications are hidden behind them, the final version looks aesthetically pleasing. Cover the wood with varnish or paint to protect it from corrosion and fungus.
An inexpensive alternative is foam tile. It does not need processing, it is cheap, it lasts a long time.
The modern counterpart is a stretch ceiling. Installation will not be cheap, but the structure will last for a long time.
Apron
The walls in the food preparation area need to be provided with additional protection - stick on ceramic tiles, install a standard MDF panel, or place an economical plastic apron.
Choose the type according to the expected load: it is better not to put plastic or MDF next to a gas burner or stove.
We select practical furniture and appliances
The heart of the kitchen is the hearth. It's great if the house already has a stove. But every time, in order to boil a kettle or fry an egg, you will not start it - so keep a portable gas stove with a small cylinder in reserve. The same solution is perfect for a small kitchen in the country. Doesn't the house have a stove? Get a regular gas stove or hob, put in a large gas cylinder - the standard one is enough for the season.
The second important element is the refrigerator. In the summer heat, it helps to preserve food, and to drink a refreshing chilled drink is a pleasure. For a small kitchen, a small model is enough for a countertop, for a large one there is enough space for a standard high one.
Additional household appliances are purchased according to needs: a vegetable dryer, mixer, blender and other little things will greatly simplify the management of the household.
The main requirements for furniture are practicality and durability. No need to choose too expensive solid wood models, give preference to functional counterparts from laminated chipboard. Metal remains reliable - cabinets are made of wood, and the tabletop and apron are made of steel. There will be no equal to such a headset.
The dining area is ideally compact and mobile. Stacking chairs, light table will allow you to change the layout of the kitchen. Rattan and plastic are the main contenders to meet the requirements. Move them to the veranda or leave them inside the house if you wish.
Where is the best place to install a sink?
Have you dreamed of a sink by the window, but couldn't bring this idea to life? Take her to the garden! Save energy with natural light while providing a great view while washing dishes. It is good if the view is not obstructed by tall trees or shrubs, and there is a flower garden under the window.
It is logical to place a cupboard next to the sink (top or bottom), or a separate dryer on the countertop.
How to make comfortable lighting?
It is impossible to equip a kitchen in the country without lamps, light is the most important component of comfort. The lighting above the working area should be bright. Use pendant lights, LED strip, sconces, spots, fluorescent lamps.
Hang one ceiling chandelier above the dining table, no maximum illumination is required here.
When choosing electrical appliances, pay attention to their efficiency: this is an important criterion for country lamps.
Choosing decor, curtains and other textiles
Do not block sunlight from entering the room. For these purposes, curtains should be abandoned altogether or light transparent tulles should be hung. A suitable option is short cafe curtains, which add coziness, but almost do not block the light.
When there are neighbors' windows opposite the windows, curtains are indispensable. Choose thick roman or roller blinds - they are more practical.
Additional kitchen textiles - towels, aprons, tablecloths, napkins, potholders - are selected in accordance with the chosen style.
The decor is functional - pots, wicker baskets, pans, plates of all sizes and shapes. Or natural - bunches with onions, bouquets of wild flowers, green indoor plants, flower pots. Make open shelves instead of hanging bulky cabinets, place beautiful things, jars and baskets on them, decorate with flowers, then additional accessories are not needed at all.
In what style is it better to decorate the interior?
Rustic interior styles in the country kitchen look harmonious. Rough country, for example, with an abundance of warm texture of massive brown wood combined with authentic decor, gives a special charm to the country house.
Romantic Provence, classic style of the French countryside, charges with positive emotions and promotes relaxation.
The modern Scandinavian trend will perfectly fit into the interior design of a country house. The abundance of white is ideal for compact spaces.
In brick houses, an interesting industrial or loft would be appropriate. Expose the brickwork, concrete floor and ceiling for maximum exposure.
Life hacks for a small kitchen
When creating a kitchen in the country with your own hands, pay attention to these nuances:
- Light colors. The more white and shades, the more spacious a small kitchen in the country seems.
- A minimum of furniture. Don't clutter up an already tiny room.
- Monochrome. If you pick up the facades to match the walls, they seem to dissolve, leaving a lot of free space.
- Redevelopment. If it is possible to combine the kitchen with the living room, do it!
- Narrow wardrobes. In a small area, saving even 10 cm will play into the hands.
- Minimalism. Neutralize visual noise to make the kitchen look bigger.
Photo gallery
Now you know how to equip your summer cottage in order to get not only a beautiful, but also an ergonomic functional space. What ideas did you like the most?