25 Comfy, Cozy Country Kitchen Ideas

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• 25 Comfy, Cozy Country Kitchen Ideas
• Aluminum Louvers Add Light, Style to Toronto Home
• Home Away From Home in London Evokes a Luxury Hotel
• Twin Loft in L.A. Brings Modern Industrial Spaces Home

25 Comfy, Cozy Country Kitchen Ideas Posted: 15 Dec 2015 06:00 AM PST Country kitchens are an obvious choice for those who love comfort. Who wouldn't enjoy sitting down to a meal and feeling as though they've been transported to a charming farmhouse? In these types of spaces, balance is key. The best spaces incorporate rustic touches without feeling too over-the-top. Luckily, we have researched a plethora of country kitchen ideas that will go a long way toward creating a space that's equally cozy and chic. Check out our country kitchen ideas below. Lighten Up One defining feature of country-inspired spaces is that they typically have a bright, open, airy feel. For anyone who favors a neutral look, white is the obvious choice for the dominant color in the room. But warmer hues such as yellow or tan will also brighten up the space. Additionally, bold colors can be incorporated into the space on a smaller scale. Use bright blues, oranges, greens and reds in accent pieces to give your kitchen more personality. Get an Island It's often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and in no style of design does that feel more true than with rustic kitchens. Those looking to create an inviting space to cook feasts and entertain plenty of family and friends should consider adding a kitchen island. No two islands are created alike. Before you settle on a final choice, consider whether your island should have extra storage, details such as a farmhouse sink or built-in butcher block, or multiple functions like a breakfast bar. Organize Openly With country-inspired spaces, the items used in the room are often visually incorporated into the design. Rather than hiding clutter away behind closed doors, as in more minimalist kitchens, in this school of style it's often put on display. Open shelving is one way to achieve this look. If the idea of constantly dusting plates and bowls seems like too much of a chore, display cabinets offer similar visual impact with some protection from the elements. Hanging pots and pans over the stove or above a kitchen island is also a great way to organize in style. Work With Wood When it comes to furniture for your country kitchen, wood is the obvious choice. However, rather than use pre-stained, mass-produced cabinetry and dining chairs that can be found just about anywhere, farmhouse kitchens often feature pieces with a little bit of personality. There are several ways to go about sourcing these finds. Look for local artisans who hand-make their wares; scope out stores that sell unfinished pieces so you can add your own spin; scour vintage shops for furniture with a history; or, if possible, commission a one-of-a-kind piece to be made from reclaimed natural materials. Embrace Eclectic One of the details that sets rustic design apart from other styles is that the approach to decor is a little more flexible — and there's often more of it. Feel free to amass a collection of various pieces that you love in order to create an eclectic design. Consider items that feature chickens or roosters to drive home that country feel. Look for textiles with gingham or patchwork patterns for towels and tablecloths. Display family photos as a prominent part of the overall design. We hope these country kitchen ideas will inspire you to create a cozy space your whole family will love. Which features do you want in your kitchen? Let us know in the comments below. The post 25 Comfy, Cozy Country Kitchen Ideas appeared first on Freshome.com.

Aluminum Louvers Add Light, Style to Toronto Home Posted: 15 Dec 2015 12:00 AM PST Paul Raff Studio designed this 4,349-square-foot home for a family of four in Toronto, Ontario, who recently immigrated from Europe. Built on a narrow lot in a residential neighborhood, the home's unique facade is made up of flamed basalt and light-reflecting aluminum louvers. The louvers lend more than curb appeal to Counterpoint House; they also draw light into the home. “Their highly polished top surface bounce sunlight deep into the space,” the architects said. The interior features an open-concept space for entertaining and socializing. The sight line spans from the front door out to the garden behind the home.  A modern Scandinavian-style kitchen centers the living room and dining room, where a double-height ceiling fills the space with natural light from the louvers. The adjoining home office includes custom built-in wood shelving designed by the architect. With the exception of the Loire limestone in the kitchen, natural wood flooring flows throughout the home for a warm, clean look. Bright whites and a neutral color palette are carried out in mid-century modern and contemporary furnishings. As the family anticipates friends and family visiting from Europe, the lower level is dedicated guest space, offering two bedrooms, a kitchenette and a bathroom. The upper level includes two bedrooms and a master suite. [Photography provided by Ben Rahn at A-Frame]  The post Aluminum Louvers Add Light, Style to Toronto Home appeared first on Freshome.com.

Home Away From Home in London Evokes a Luxury Hotel Posted: 14 Dec 2015 12:00 PM PST Keir Townsend completed the design of a home away from home in London’s South Kensington neighborhood. Envisioned for a client who visits the city on a regular basis, the project combines the luxury of a five-star hotel with the comfort of a cozy retreat. The original layout of the flat had an narrow galley kitchen that compromised the bathroom space; it also lacked storage space. The layout was changed to create a functional bath and an open-plan kitchen integrated into the living room. Artistic wall lights were introduced throughout the flat, creating a variety of moods for different occasions. Organic patterns and natural materials create a rich visual diversity. "It is a common misconception that the fewer pieces of furniture and features you have in a space, the bigger it will look; this isn't actually the case,” designer Irina Townsend said. “The more zones and features you have, the more it creates a perception of different areas within one room. “The trick is not to have too many contrasts or palette juxtapositions, but to use neutral tones in a variety of textures and materials.” In the living room, the velvet upholstered sofa has a matching ottoman, which gives the flat a sense of expansive luxury. The fireplace is clad in a special material containing layers of liquid metal and resin.  The simple linear kitchen has reflective doors made of bronze glass. The Italian pendant lights have bronze diffusers and dimmers to create mood lighting for dining. [Photos and information provided by Keir Townsend] The post Home Away From Home in London Evokes a Luxury Hotel appeared first on Freshome.com.

Twin Loft in L.A. Brings Modern Industrial Spaces Home Posted: 14 Dec 2015 09:00 AM PST Completed by CHA:COL, this modern home in Los Angeles was initially a loft in need of a redesign. However, during the planning stage, the owner also purchased the apartment next door. “The design goal had switched from the original needs of a single occupant into a larger interconnected space that could accommodate a new and growing family,” the architects explained. By combining the two properties, the Twin Loft was born. Only half of the 3,200-square-foot space is used regularly; the other half is destined for entertainment and guests. The concrete ceiling visually connects the interiors, which exhibit a raw, industrial feel. On the background of heavy concrete walls and massive columns, a contemporary white shelving/storage unit and floating ceiling add a distinctive touch. Wood plank flooring makes the place feel welcoming. The kitchen was developed in the same industrial tone, with premium contemporary finishes enhancing its design. Which elements do you find most inspiring? [Photos by Edward Duarte] The post Twin Loft in L.A. Brings Modern Industrial Spaces Home appeared first on Freshome.com.

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