When it comes to creating a rustic, natural kitchen space, nothing beats a Dorset style kitchen design. The Dorset style is inspired by the charming rustic cottages and farmhouses scattered across the idyllic county of Dorset in Southwest England. With its emphasis on traditional materials, practical layout, and relaxed aesthetics, this design style brings a sense of warmth, conviviality, and timeless beauty into your kitchen. Here are some essential tips to help you achieve a Dorset style kitchen design:
1. Embrace Rustic Materials: The key factor that sets Dorset style apart is its focus on traditional, natural materials. Wooden furnishings are a staple, from sturdy oak cabinets to pine kitchen islands. Choose solid, aged wood with visible grains, knots, and imperfections for a rustic appeal. Consider adding a stone feature or a brick accent wall for added farmhouse charm.
2. Classic Colour Palette: Keep your palette simple, borrowing inspiration from the rural surroundings of Dorset. Neutral shades like beige, cream, and white can be base colours, paired with earthy tones like terracotta, olive greens, or deep blues for accents. Warm, muted colours bring out the natural beauty of your wooden furniture and highlights the rustic appeal of your space.
3. Open Shelving: Open shelving is a definitive feature of a Dorset style kitchen. These shelves provide a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, giving you an open and airy atmosphere. You can display your collection of beautiful ceramics, glass jars filled with homemade preserves, or your curated cookbooks. To maintain the rustic charm, choose wooden shelves or wrought-iron brackets.
4. Traditional Appliances: Opt for appliances with a traditional aesthetic but modern functionality. The AGA stove is classic, a British icon known for its superior cooking capabilities and a staple in rustic kitchens. Retro-style fridges or old-world copper kettles and toasters can add character to your kitchen.
5. Practical Layout: Practicality is central in a Dorset style kitchen, reflecting the hustle and bustle of busy farmhouse life. An ‘L’ or ‘U’ shaped layout works best to optimise space and provide easy access to cupboards and appliances. Consider incorporating a large wooden kitchen island or traditional farm table in the centre of your kitchen for additional work surface and dining area.
6. Incorporate Plants: Given Dorset’s rural charm, incorporating potted plants, herbs, and foliage adds to the authenticity of the design. Create your small indoor herb garden next to a sunny window or hang trailing plants on open shelves.
7. Mismatched Furniture: Avoid the uniform look typical of modern kitchens. Dorset style leans more towards mismatched, eclectic furniture, which contributes to the rustic charm. Perhaps consider a dining table with mismatched chairs or different kitchen design dorset cabinet handles.
8. Natural Lighting: Enhance the space with as much natural light as possible, reflecting the bright and airy nature of Dorset’s geographic location. Large sash or bay windows, or even skylights, would be an ideal addition.
9. Finishing Touches: For a truly Dorset style kitchen, incorporate country accents, such as wicker baskets, vintage crockery, quirky farm animal décor, or antique wall clocks. Textile touches like gingham curtains, floral cushions, or rag rugs, provide warmth and texture.
A Dorset style kitchen design isn’t just about the look; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about baking with family, hearty dinners, and stories shared around the table. The key is to keep things simple, natural, and cosy. With these essential tips, you should be well on your way to designing a genuine Dorset kitchen
blessed with a classic rural charm.