Oh la la! How to create a French country style kitchen

Creating the setting for your French country kitchen is easy; if your kitchen has light, airy open spaces then you're already halfway there. You can create the charismatic touch in your kitchen by introducing natural style materials such as stone, brick and wood. The rest of the design of a French country kitchen can be achieved through the details, and that's where your accessories come in.

First of all start with your colour scheme. Muted earthy tones such as creams, browns and greens have a rustic appeal and can be a timeless feature of your design. If you haven't got them already, then traditional style cabinets with wooden framed doors are ideal to showcase your design. You could add subtle detail such as tongue and groove end panelling, a distinct feature of the country style kitchen.

The beauty of this design is that you can let your personality shine through. Forget minimalistic and sleek; put all of your items on display to make your kitchen look lived-in. Open shelving is a great way to display your plates, ornaments and recipe books. Decorate your walls with overhanging crockery such as copper pans and hang your utensils above your cooker, an especially decorative, yet practical touch.

Use beautiful fresh flowers in ceramic jugs or vases to adorn your table and worktops, conveying the fresh feeling of the countryside. You could even use materials to create a floral influence in your kitchen, from your oven gloves to your tea towels, or even incorporate a farmhouse style skirted cabinet under your sink.

Have fun designing your new kitchen, but remember that a French country style kitchen needs to be warm, welcoming, elegant and practical, mirroring the traditional flair of the French country cottage.