Creating Your Dream Primitive Country Kitchen: Tips & Ideas

Creating a beautiful and cozy primitive country kitchen is an art that requires careful attention to detail, textures, and materials. 

It's also a fun and rewarding process, especially with so many lovely ideas and products to work with!

In this blog post, we will explore the various aspects of designing your dream primitive country kitchen space. From selecting wooden elements such as cabinetry and flooring to incorporating traditional metals in lighting fixtures, you'll find inspiration for every corner of your early 20th century-inspired haven.

sturbridge wine chindi placemat set of 4

 Displayed above are the sturbridge wine chindi placemats. They come in a set of four.

We will begin with wooden elements that set the strong foundation of your primitive country kitchen. 

Then we'll turn to favorite homespun fabrics like curtains that frame sunlit windows or table runners that bring families together at dinner. 

We will discuss the value of choosing traditional metals in lighting fixtures for a rustic touch, and the primitive kitchen color schemes that evoke warmth and coziness. 

Lastly, you'll learn how functional decorative items like mason jars and tin containers can serve as charming storage solutions.

All of these intentional pieces come together to compliment your primitive country kitchen atmosphere. 

In our home, the kitchen has always been the place where we gather. Whether when my children were younger and had their friends over for a snack after school, or big family dinners when everyone is home for the holidays, having a kitchen that is cozy and inviting while beautiful and functional is of high value.

Let's delve into these essential design elements:

Selecting Wooden Elements such as Cabinetry and Flooring

Wood is an essential element in any primitive country kitchen design. From cabinets to flooring to accent furniture and decoration - wood is a foundational place to begin and end.

Raised-panel cabinets offer depth and texture which perfectly complements this decorating theme. Here are two popular options you may want to consider:

  1. Recessed-Panel Cabinets: These cabinets feature a flat center panel with raised outer edges, creating an elegant and timeless look. They can be painted in any of the warm earthy colors that we'll mention later to match your desired color scheme.
  2. Glass-Front Cabinets: Glass-front cabinets allow you to showcase your beautiful dishware while still maintaining the primitive country aesthetic. Pair these with wooden shelves or wrought iron brackets for added charm.

To further bring out the best in your wooden cabinets, add a bit of primitive kitchen decor.

Make a statement with a beautiful lighted pip berry garland on top of your cabinets. These garlands are the perfect touch to your wooden shelf as well.

pumpkin spice pip berry and star garland

 
Or add a cozy glow through your glass front or open cabinets with a taper candle on a battery timer. These candles also look great next to any primitive decorative plates on display.

Grungy battery timer taper candle ivory star 6''

Shown here is the grungy battery timer taper candle ivory star 6''.

For flooring options, consider wide plank hardwood floors or reclaimed barnwood to add character and warmth to your space. If you have wooden beams on ceilings or exposed brick walls, incorporate these features for added texture. 

While considering kitchen basics such as flooring and cabinets, don't overlook other opportunities for wooden primitive kitchen decor

Smaller wooden touches add notable value in your dream primitive kitchen scheme.

Display your everyday produce with a wooden bowl like this primitive treenware bowl. 

primitive treenware bowl

Kitchen fruit in the primitive treenware bowl

Bring fresh bread to your guests at the table with this memorable wood medium tray. Be sure to place a tea towel or napkin in the bottom. Direct contact with food is not recommended by our manufacturer. 

 carved wood medium tray

Picture of wood medium tray.

Add extra fun to your counter or table when you are hosting by using these reclaimed wood round iron risers to display your food, mason jar salt and pepper shakers, napkins or decorative items. 

westbury black and tan woven table runner

Shown here is the Westbury black and tan woven table runner displayed underneath the reclaimed wood round iron risers with mason jar salt and pepper shakers.

Wooden elements are a foundational theme for your kitchen. The next perfect pairing is selecting the right fabrics that add warmth and style to your primitive kitchen decor.  

Using Fabrics like Table Runners and Curtains

Fabrics play an important role in creating a cozy atmosphere within your primitive country kitchen. 

Opt for natural fabrics such as burlap, linen or cotton when selecting table runners, placemats and napkins . They not only look great but are also easy to maintain. 

A beautiful primitive table runner is an easy way to add character. They come in various lengths to look just right on your table. 

Consider an alternative way to display a smaller table runner by hanging it over the side of a chair or on top of a shorter cupboard.

black and tan woven coverlet

Westbury black and tan woven table runner displayed over side of a cupboard.

Our Westbury black and tan woven table runner and our Kettle grove stencil stars border braided runner are both beautiful primitive options.

Time to turn our eyes from the table to the windows. 

Window treatments fabrics should be simple yet elegant. And it's a fun way to make a delightful statement in your primitive country kitchen.

For an authentic primitive country look, we've found our customers love to use their windows as a way to bring in some color. Often times wall colors are more neutral and cabinets and floors are made of wood. With this in mind, they love to let their windows make a statement. 

When selecting curtains for your kitchen, consider the following tips:

  1. Choose colors that complement your existing color scheme. Varying colors of cremes, tans and earth tones blend well. Consider complementary accent colors such as burgundy, navy, black, and mustard for an authentic primitive country feel.
  2. Select patterns such as checks, plaids or vintage prints that add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
  3. Measure carefully, ensuring the curtains are neither too long nor too short. They should frame your windows perfectly while providing privacy when needed.

Primitive Star Quilt Shop offers a variety of beautiful primitive kitchen curtains to choose from that will remain true to your early 20th century style. Prairies, swags, prairie swags, tiers and valances are all favorable options.

The Sturbridge black lined prairie curtains offer a traditional homespun feel with black and tan fabrics. A drawstring gives you options on how to style this look.

Sturbridge black lined prairie curtain

Pictured is the Sturbridge black lined prairie curtains 63".

Swags are another classic choice to softly frame your windows. The burgundy check scalloped lined swag curtains are a favorite.

Burgundy check swag curtain

Burgundy check scalloped lined swag curtain pictured here.

If you are drawn to a neutral curtain that compliments the space but blends in, consider our burlap natural prairie swag curtains that are light and airy and go with most any primitive kitchen decor.

Burlap natural prairie swag

Featured here are the burlap natural prairie swag curtains.

If you'd like a little privacy, adding a tier might be a great option. The Millsboro scalloped lined tier curtain made of 100% washable cotton seamlessly pulls in the traditional accent colors of burgundy and navy with a fun bottom edge. It comes in a set of two, so you can still pull open your tier curtains on days when you'd like to let more light in or to watch kids play in the back yard.

 

millsboro scalloped lined tier curtain 24''

 On display is the millsboro scalloped lined tier curtain.

A valance is another way to add color and style to your windows but not block your great view. We love the way our soapstone layered lined valance adds expertly paired layers of black, tan and white plaid with stripes.
 

soapstone layered lined valance 72''

 

Incorporating primitive country fabrics like table runners and curtains into your primitive country kitchen will not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also create a warm and inviting ambiance where family members can gather together each day.

Incorporating Traditional Metals in Lighting Fixtures

To create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your primitive country kitchen, it's essential to pay attention to the lighting fixtures. Lighting can greatly affect the ambiance of your space. 

Tin and other similar metals are commonly found in primitive country kitchens. And lighting is a perfect way to feature these metals.

Consider wrought iron chandeliers or tin pendant lights that cast a warm glow throughout the room. Primitive Star Quilt Shop has a few striking options that blend perfectly with primitive kitchen decor. Lighting options to consider:

  • Pendant Lights: Hang these above your kitchen island or dining table for focused task lighting while preparing meals or enjoying family dinners.
  • Wall Sconces: Install them on either side of windows or doorways for ambient light that adds warmth without overwhelming the room.
  • Table Lamps: Place one on countertops or side tables as accent pieces that provide additional illumination when needed.

Let's talk a bit more about how you can feature wrought iron and tin with your lighting selections.

Wrought Iron Features for a Rustic Touch

Wrought iron lighting fixtures are an excellent choice for adding that rustic touch to your primitive country kitchen. Wrought iron light fixtures come in a variety of forms, including chandeliers, pendant lights, wall sconces and table lamps. 

This striking lancaster americana series wooden chandelier combines wood and wrought iron to make a perfect statement piece for your primitive country kitchen and dining space. 

lancaster americana wooden chandelier in red

The lancaster americana series wooden chandelier in five colors, shown in red. 

Another great option is the sheraton six-arm black chandelier with a black finish and beautiful crimped pans.

sheraton six arm black chandelier

Pictured here is the sheraton six-arm black chandelier.
 

Using lamps is an easy way to add character to your primitive country kitchen. The Betsy Ross Lamp with black metal shade is a popular option featuring both wrought iron and punched tin.

betsy ross lamp with black metal shade

 
The beauty of wrought iron lies in its durability and versatility - it can be molded into intricate designs or kept simple with clean lines.
 

Traditional Tin that is Tried and True

Our Springhouse pendant light made of polished tin is a fun way to add dimension. Look for other ways to symbolize simpler days gone by such as with this milk can zinc pendant light or colander zinc pendant light.

 springhouse pendant light

     

Punched tin is a favorite way to incorporate traditional metal with a decorative look, such as in punched black pendant. Add more coordinating punched tin with this cherished half-round lantern that is small enough to fit in any kitchen nook.

Homestead punched black pendant

Shown above is the homestead punched black pendant.

You can also use punched tin panels as cabinet door inserts or wall accents to add an extra touch of rustic charm.

Consider utilizing tin for various projects, such as ornamental plates or even backsplashes.

Choosing the right textures and materials for your primitive country kitchen is essential to creating a cozy atmosphere. To complete the look, selecting colors that evoke warmth and coziness will bring this rustic style together.

Color Schemes for Primitive Country Kitchens

Colors play an essential role in achieving the desired look of a primitive country kitchen. 

For the walls, earth tones like tans, cremes, and greige will work well with this style of decor and evoke warmth and coziness throughout your space. You can also opt for washed-out hues such as muted sage green or creme with a hint of yellow. 

Washed-out Colors that Evoke Warmth and Coziness

  • Cremes and tans: A versatile shade that can be used on walls, cabinetry, or even furniture pieces to create a calming atmosphere.
  • Greige and sage green: Can bring a sense of tranquility while still adding character to the room.

These colors can be combined harmoniously in your primitive country kitchen design in various ways.

  • Painting your walls: Even choosing a darker color for your kitchen or dining space can make a warm difference and add depth.
  • Painting your cabinets: Wooden cabinets can take on a different look with a fresh coat of versatile paint.
  • Table runners and curtains: Incorporate the colors you love in every decor piece of your primitive country kitchen.
  • Functional items: Consider your dish towels, decorative tea towels, aprons, pot holderschair pads, and more to incorporate the cozy colors that you love.

farmhouse start pot holder

This is the farmhouse star pot holder.

Using a combination of warm colors, wooden elements, traditional metals and soft fabrics can help create an inviting, cozy atmosphere in your primitive country kitchen. 

To complete the look, functional decorative elements such as mason jars and tin containers are great additions to any primitive country kitchen.

Functional Decorative Elements

Primitive kitchen decor elements such as wood, metals, color, and fabric are essential. 

And so is functionality!

Create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your primitive country kitchen by incorporating stylish yet practical accessories. 

We all know how much time we spend in our kitchens making food for those we love!

These functional decorative elements not only enhance the overall aesthetic but also make everyday tasks more enjoyable.

Mason Jars as Functional Storage Solutions

Mason jars are a staple in any primitive country kitchen, offering both charm and functionality. 

Use them to store utensils, dry goods like pasta or rice, or even homemade preserves. 

I keep a large glass container of granola on my counter. It's great for easy access in the mornings and isn't an eye sore for a counter.

glass jar with granola

Glass jar with granola in my kitchen.

With every delicious meal comes a heap of dishes to wash. Our quart mason jar dishsoap dispenser is the perfect companion to my sink space when I'm cleaning up after dinner.

quart mason jar dish soap dispenser

Shown here is the quart mason jar dish soap dispenser.

Display these charming containers on open shelves or countertops for easy access while adding visual interest to your space.

mason jar salt and pepper shaker and toothpick holder

These are the mason jar salt and pepper shakers and mason jar toothpick holder.

Tin Containers Holding Everyday Items

Incorporate vintage-inspired tin containers into your primitive country kitchen decor for a touch of nostalgia and practicality. 

Tins can be used to store essentials such as tea bags, coffee pods, spices, or even small baking tools out of sight but within easy reach. Look for tins with charming designs that complement your color scheme and other decorative elements in the room. 

Primitive Star Quilt Shop's collection of tinware offers various options perfect for storing everyday items while enhancing your kitchen's rustic appeal.

Add character to your primitive country kitchen with functional decorative elements that blend style with utility. 

A beautiful tin with rolled dish towels is a simple way to combine functional with country decoration. Or consider using a few tea towels draped over the side of the tin that contains all of your tea and coffee supplies. Our olive buckets would be a perfect fit, coming in a set of two wtih a large and small bucket.

This display includes the olive buckets set of two, lemon beauty candle ring, and woven table runners.

Other functional items can add just that extra bit of charm as the primitive country theme flows throughout your dream kitchen. 

Consider this metal paper towel holder, or these fashionable half round metal wall buckets with a beautiful open metal weave to catch your mail, keys or other items.

open weave half-round metal wall buckets

Hanging here are the open weave half-round metal wall buckets.

The black wire basket is a great choice for display items on your counter. 

black wire basket with heart ornaments

Pictured is the black wire basket with our set of six fabric heart ornaments.

The Emily pitcher is a fun way to display fresh cut flowers or stand as in for that extra primitive touch and bright spot in your kitchen.

emily pitcher

Shown here is the Emily picture.

Mason jars provide versatile storage solutions, while tin containers keep essentials organized and accessible. These charming accents can not only help optimize your kitchen's efficiency, but also create a cozy and inviting ambiance for all to enjoy.

Functional decorative elements can help to bring a touch of rustic charm and practicality to any kitchen. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a primitive country kitchen is all about selecting the right textures and materials such as wooden elements, fabrics, and traditional metals. Warm earthy colors that evoke warmth and coziness are perfect for this type of kitchen along with functional decorative elements like mason jars and tin containers.

Lighting fixtures made of traditional metals add a rustic touch while primitive country curtains frame sunlit windows perfectly. For those who desire to craft a comfortable and hospitable area for meal preparation or hosting company, all of these tips for style and function are helpful.

If you're looking to decorate your own primitive country kitchen, check out Primitive Star Quilt Shop for all your decor needs!