What's the difference between a French country kitchen and an English country kitchen? Designers explain how to nail these two timeless styles

We've all become slightly obsessed with rural interiors. These quaint, period homes nestled in the countryside, surrounded by bountiful fields, forests, and farmland, are inspiring our design decisions, especially in the kitchen.

And while country kitchen ideas are nothing new, there are two specific styles that homeowners and designers alike just can't get enough of – schemes inspired by the rural homes of France and England are full of characterful features.

And while they bear similarities, there are a few fundamental differences between these two European countryside aesthetics. To discover what sets French country kitchens and English country kitchens apart, we've turned to designers who specialize in the looks to give us the lowdown. Here's everything you need to know before decorating your kitchen.

What's the difference between a French and English country kitchens?

As two country kitchen styles, there are, as expected, some similarities between the looks. They both echo their surroundings and have a sense of quiet history about them, which is what gives them that unique charm.

'Both styles feel at home in countryside settings like the Cotswolds and Provence. There is a shared focus on natural materials, including stone, aged woods, and exposed beams are all common to both, but it’s how these elements are used that gives each style its own character,' says Cotswolds-based interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.

It's those more traditional details that create a common ground between the French country style and English country decor, but designer Benji Lewis says that's where the similarities end.

'Beamed ceilings and range cookers are possibly the only things that the two countries might have in common in their kitchens. In an English country space, I’d always imagine that the kitchen flooring finish would be flagstone or old timber boards, whereas in France I’d instantly think of terracotta tiles,' he explains.

French country kitchens stand out as the more rustic of the styles. They aren't overly polished or curated – there's a decidedly lived-in, almost collected feel about them that differs from English schemes.

'French country kitchens are typically more rustic in feel, often made up of lighter colors and soft textures that suit the warmth and brightness of the Mediterranean light,' explains Lauren. 'The kitchen layout is often more traditional and separate, with kitchens leading out to shaded terraces or gardens rather than being part of one large open space,' she adds.

As well as the way the kitchen flows with other spaces in the home, Benji notes there is a real difference in the way the structure of the kitchen is designed, too. 'In France, notably in places where the climate is kind, you often see kitchens in beautifully proportioned rooms with lofty high ceilings and big windows giving out onto the countryside.'

It's often not quite the same in English country kitchens, where the proportions are usually much cozier. 'Over here, possibly because we have to withstand long, brutally dismal winters, we want to hunker down in smaller spaces to try and keep warm,' he adds.

It's not just the layout of the kitchens that differs here. French country kitchens epitomize the freestanding kitchen style, filled with unique furniture and an unfussy selection of pieces.

'I think the idea of a fitted kitchen, even in rural homes, came later to France – we’ve invested in built-in cabinetry for years, whereas the French happily lived with beautiful freestanding furniture to accommodate their culinary requirements. The deconstructed look in France is still so lovely, with armoires serving the purpose of storing crockery and even jars of confiture or tins of confit de canard,' says Benji.

Where French country kitchens embrace a more rustic style, English country kitchens are slightly more polished. Think built-in kitchens with painted cabinets and deeper, more traditional color palettes, a stark contrast to the lighter tones typical of French schemes.

'English country kitchens often include painted cabinetry, natural timber, stone flooring, and traditional joinery. Because of our cooler, often cloudier climate, the colors tend to be a little deeper,' explains Lauren. And if you're wondering what color is good for a country kitchen of each region, there are some staple hues to consider.

'We often use rich greens, chocolate browns, or muted blues to bring warmth and depth to a space. These kitchens are usually part of an open-plan layout, with dining and sitting areas nearby, and are often supported by adjoining rooms such as boot rooms or utilities.'

While the essence of French and English country kitchens is really similar, their location and how they function for everyday life make them really quite different. Even down to the details – the type of brick or stone used to build the homes, when left exposed, feels worlds apart.

'The biggest difference lies in the way the spaces are planned and how they respond to their environment. English kitchens are often the centre of the home and built to support everyday family life, with open-plan layouts and extra rooms to manage the practicalities. French kitchens tend to be quieter, more contained spaces, with a simpler approach to storage and layout,' Lauren notes.

Shop French country kitchen decor

Want to bring a dose of French country style into your kitchen? There are a few features, big and small, that can bring this more rustic aesthetic into your scheme, whatever your current kitchen style or color.

'Some details I think of for a French country kitchen would be croissants on a plate under a glass domed cloche on the rustic freestanding sideboard, a linen bag hanging from a peg to hold the baguette, an array of copper pans hanging from hooks on the wall,' says Benji.

Shop English country kitchen decor

English country kitchen decor has its own feel, slightly more polished and refined, but with that countryside aesthetic we all know and love. Think pretty patterns, light wood tones, and even some moodier accessories to offer a nod to traditional decorating.

So, if you're wondering how to create a country kitchen, whether you're inspired by the English or the French way, these are the features to consider. 'Both styles are rooted in traditional materials and a strong connection to their setting,' says Lauren, which is what makes these aesthetics so timeless and sought-after.

While English and French schemes have some similarities, there are so many beautiful elements of country kitchens that make them unique. From the way the cabinets are designed to the color chosen and the decor introduced, it all comes back to the natural surroundings and how they influence the way of life.