Living in the country myself, I've seen my fair share of country kitchens. And if I'm totally honest, I've grown slightly tired of them, or tired of the tropes anyways, constantly seeing the same colors, decor, and rustic finish that feels more like chasing an aesthetic than a curated design.
But when I saw designer Heidi Caillier's latest kitchen project, a classic country kitchen in Seattle that feels fresh and inspiring, I immediately reconsidered my opinion of this enduring style. And it's also one of the most dramatic before-and-afters I have seen in a long time.
I'm not the only one who loved the design – the comment section is full of followers that are just as impressed (and shocked), with one follower commenting, 'I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more satisfying before/after,' while another added, 'I bet their jaws are still on the floor.'
And for good reason. What was once a dated kitchen filled with cold white surfaces and too-warm wood tones has been reimagined into an inviting, characterful space filled with the perfect blend of modern and traditional details. There's so much inspiration here, whether you too are designing a kitchen from scratch or just looking for ways to add a country feel to your current space.
Tasked with transforming an outdated white kitchen with shiny orange wood accents, designer Heidi Caillier had to rethink the whole design of this space. And the before and after photos she shared on her Instagram prove just how big a project the remodel was.
It wasn't as simple as moving around a few kitchen cabinets – she opened up the entire room by moving a dividing wall, leaving space for a large kitchen island and allowing her to leave the walls surrounding the windows storage-free. The effect? A kitchen that is larger, more functional, and filled with far more natural light.
But what's perhaps the most impactful is the change in kitchen style. While I have an oddly nostalgic draw to the before kitchen, there's no denying it wasn't the most beautiful to look at, the after couldn't be more different, exuding a classic country aesthetic with a modern twist.
So much character and personality have been injected into the space. Color has been introduced through the Shaker cabinets – the soft, muted green adds a cleaner look to the design, a stark contrast to the more rustic finishes we usually see from country kitchens. Paired with the warm white walls, marble countertops, and classic brass hardware, it feels utterly timeless.
But what struck me the most about this space (and my absolute favorite feature) is the kitchen flooring. While I'm used to seeing the classic black and white checkerboard design, Heidi introduced a mix of white and dark wood tiles, giving the design a more natural, warm finish, perfect for the more traditional aesthetic.
In the range alcove, Emerald Green London Tiles from deVOL add contrast, while the wooden counter stools add depth and an organic element to the design. But for me, it's the decorative details that tie the space together.
My eyes were immediately drawn to the ceiling beams – a hallmark of a country kitchen. While adding exposed beams can be controversial, in the right space it can be really effective. In this design, it's helped to reintroduce character and a sense of traditional style to the space and tying together all of the wooden details.
I love how traditional she's gone with the rest of the decor. Café curtains over the windows add a softer texture to the room while serving a function, while blue and white ceramics add a touch of vintage charm.
Vintage really does describe the decorative items perfectly. From the brass pot rail above the range cooker to the ornately framed artwork on the wall and the ceramic plates on the mantel, it feels curated and lived-in and perfectly balances that classic country kitchen look with contemporary touches.
The design is a new take on a country kitchen that makes it feel more accessible and transitional. It's not the totally rustic look we are used to seeing (and in all honesty, slightly bored of), but rather a visually interesting space that proves this style can work in homes of every style.
Get the look
A brass pot rack is a chic way to add extra storage, and the perfect addition to a country kitchen. This design looks stylish above a cooker or even above your countertops for a striking focal point.
Cafe curtains are a great way to not only add privacy to your kitchen, but also add a softer texture. This beige design is very similar to the ones used in Heidi's kitchen project.
Displaying pretty plates is a great way to decorate your kitchen walls, especially above a mantel like Heidi has done. Opt for a classic set like these, or visit your local antiques sales for vintage ones.
Heidi strayed from the usual country look with the sconces, opting for brass spot light-style wall lights. This design from Pooky is really similar and offers the same subtle profile.
Heidi introduced wooden elements throughout this design, including the slightly lighter-toned fruit bowl. This design from Lulu and Georgia feels right at home in a country kitchen.
For a more vintage-inspired look, artwork, like this floral painting, is a timeless way to add characterful decor. Displayed in a pretty frame, it's the perfect way to fill an empty kitchen wall.
If you like a drastic before and after like me, I think you'll agree this one is pretty extreme, totally unrecognizable, in fact. The vision it takes to get from a retro kitchen that's likely been in place for decades, to an on-trend yet timeless country space is inspiring. The main takeaway I am getting from this space, though? That flooring! Bye bye black and white checkerboard tile, hello warm woods and white instead. Same classic look, just softer and better suited to more country-styles.
