How to plan a country-style kitchen

Planning to give your kitchen a country-style makeover? Our essential guide is packed full of advice to kick-start your project.

From choosing the right appliances to considering which materials work best, you'll be planning your perfect country kitchen in no time.

Choose the right furniture and fittings Shaker-style units A must-have for the traditional country-style kitchen , shaker-style units are ideal for bringing that welcoming family touch to the scheme. Choose cabinets made of wood with aged surfaces and opt for round knobs to add to the country-style feel.

Tongue-and-groove panelling Panelled walls or units left in wood or painted in a complementary shade are an easy way to create a rustic feel in a country kitchen.

Chunky freestanding furniture Make the kitchen the heart of the home with a large rectangular table made of pine, oak, walnut or mahogany with wooden chairs or old benches that are similar in style and material.

Opt for a Belfast sink A deep Belfast sink will add to the period feel of this traditional country-style look. Get the look at Armitage Shanks , or visit Twyford .

Select your colour Cream is the perfect colour for that warm and welcoming country look. Use it on the walls or on wooden kitchen units. Visit Dulux of The Little Greene Paint Company for a wide range of paint colours. Add the finishing touch to your country-style scheme , with antique buys, rustic accessories, and personalised touches - go for sugared-almond shades to add a touch of nostalgia.

Pick the perfect appliance Invest in timeless kitchen appliances , like a large range cooker in a pastel shade. Make the most out of any original features when you're planning your layout - this brick surround is ideal to house the pale blue AGA.

Get this stylish design at AGA , or visit The Aga Shop or Rangemaster for more classic and timeless range cookers.

Find the right window treatment Bring your kitchen window to life with blinds or curtain swags in a country-coloured plaid pattern. For best results, choose a colour to complement your units.

Here, the green and yellow check goes perfectly with the wall and utility cupboard. You can also use coloured curtain valences to give your windows that farmhouse country look . Go for a tartan print in earthy tones for an extra rustic feel, or faded florals for a cute cottage style.

Feeling crafty? A café curtain is a great way to introduce country style - follow our step-by-step guide on how to make one yourself.

Buy rustic accessories No country kitchen is complete without rustic accessories. Consider things like tableware and soft furnishings when choosing your colour scheme. It will help you visualise the finishined product.

Display tableware proudly Opt for a painted dresser or antique cupboard to show off your ceramics and pottery. Open shelving not only provides storage, it gives the room a country look, especially when earthware, stoneware and rustic items are displayed.

Rustic storage Tuck away kitchenalia in rattan storage baskets to maintain the country feel without creating clutter. A feminine plate rack is also a great way to display your best china. Place a hanging pot rack on the ceiling to hold vintage cookware.

Hang rustic accessories Add country-style accessories to the walls. Hang old fashioned, weathered wood signs, vintage pots and pans, frames holding old farm recipes. You can also hang, old vintage spice hooks and iron hooks on the walls to add interest.

Mix-and-match tableware Go for chunky mix-and-match tableware in creams, or soften with ditsy florals and polka dot designs. Get the look at Emma Bridgewater and Cath Kidston .

Pretty soft-furnishings Other ways to accessorise your country-style kitchen is to add fabrics in cute polka-dots or country-style plaid. Choose tablecloths, napkins and seat cushions to complement your curtains or blind.