The kitchen is the heart of the home: a space for entertaining,  and negotiating family life.

So, it’s no surprise that the country style kitchen is still a firm favourite with designers and homeowners alike.  Rustic yet timeless, cosy and homely, what’s not to love?! We’ve put together ten top tips to help you ensure your country kitchen exudes that rustic charm.

Creating your perfect country kitchen doesn’t need to be arduous - after all, the country kitchen is not supposed to be refined and pristine.

Use open shelving or an armoire to display tableware and antique finds. Try adding a few houseplants or herbs to soften the space and bring the outside in.

Add style and personality to your country kitchen by introducing bursts of colour.

Liven up your cabinets with a statement colour - try a deep blue or pink for a dramatic look - or keep it traditional with a classic green.

The Provence tile range offers deep glazes of blue and green. Hand-finished in Wiltshire, they have the classic French country style that has been popular at Fired Earth for over 20 years.

Try Valette or Monaco for a true touch of style.

Patterns can be added simply in textiles such as a table runner or blind. Or, if you feel a little more confident, introducing the Marrakech or Paris tiles will make your kitchen the envy of friends and family.

Handmade and decorated with an antique finish, each tile is subtly different, giving an aged appearance with a rustic feel, and is sure to make a house feel like a home. 

Using a classic rectangle in a herringbone effect commands attention to even the subtlest tile.

A classic option durable enough to handle every pace of life, with beautiful natural details.

Continuing the rustic theme, nothing says country kitchen more than a terracotta floor. Having somewhat of a revival recently, terracotta has never been more popular.

Aging beautifully over time in warm orange and red tones, terracotta is simple and honest with extraordinary longevity. Terracotta not only exudes character but brings warmth to any kitchen.

Abbey tiles are inspired by the decorative floors popular in the Victorian era and this ceramic tile is a low-maintenance alternative to the traditional encaustic floor tiles.

Designed to look just as striking, these tiles are also super-practical for high traffic areas.