Renowned for their high-quality materials, construction, and attention to detail, Shaker kitchens exemplify the beauty, simplicity, and practicality associated with the English Country style. Often featuring natural wood finishes, such as oak, walnut, and neutral colour palettes, they reflect the rural charm and muted tones of our wonderful country landscapes.
When designing an English Country kitchen, the choice of cabinet is naturally of paramount importance. The classic ‘Shaker’ door is a staple in this style of kitchen.
Originating in Manchester in the 18th century, the Shaker door has clean lines complementing the rustic charm and simple elegance of this style. This is in contrast to the more detailed Victorian or Edwardian style, which generally had ‘beadings’ and panel mouldings that would give the door more character and interest.
Although the Belfast sink was created in Northern Ireland, it has become widely associated with English Country kitchens due to its classical design. The prominent apron front in a white ceramic naturally lends itself to the traditional and rustic feel of this style of kitchen. The English Country kitchen gives off the feeling that it will be loved and lived in, used to its fullest potential; therefore, it requires a sink that is functional, and the large size of these sinks is why they are the perfect choice.
English Country kitchens radiate a welcome and warmth. A perfect way to further emphasise this is by using brass hardware. Brass has a warm feel due to its natural warm tones and a surface that will age beautifully. Consider your handles or tap being in this finish to really enhance the English Country style, and to make the kitchen even more rustic, why not go for an aged or antique brass?
Using timber is an effective way of bringing the rustic theme into the space. Traditionally, timber has been used within kitchens for centuries and brings a sense of warmth due to its natural colours and beautiful grain. These knots and grains show off the timber’s organic quality, ideal for the English Country style. Timber can be used in numerous ways within the kitchen: cabinet fronts, worktops, and open shelving are also a predominant feature within English Country kitchens.
The English Country style arose during the Victorian era, when range cookers were introduced. Range cookers are the optimal appliance if you want your ovens and hob to be all in one.
Overmantels, linking back to the English Country style due to their traditional nature, are the classical way to create interest in the surround of the range cooker. The overmantel can be used as easy storage for your herbs and spices and also to house the extractor fan. Today, English Country kitchens still often have range cookers and overmantels, together bringing a truly heartwarming feel to a busy, practical kitchen – whether in a family home, a classic farmhouse, or a grand country house.
Whether this is your style or we’ve sparked other ideas, feel free to call into our showroom for a chat about your aspirations – and to browse our stunning display range.
All our work is bespoke, so we’d love to hear from you if you’d like us to help make your ideas a fabulous reality.
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