Embrace the cozy comfort of country living in your kitchen. Meal preparation, leisurely coffee breaks, family activities, and casual gatherings of friends and neighbors all take place here. As the heart of the home, this special room should be inviting and efficient.

For this comprehensive guide. Country Living's editors have compiled five hundred of their best decorating ideas and quick changes. There are sections on color, walls and floors, storage, appliances, sinks, work surfaces, windows and lighting, and accessories. A wealth of inspiring color photographs is also included.

Evoke a favorite locale with color. In a Provencal-inspired kitchen, the painted cabinets are a deep French blue and a farmhouse table is an earthly red, while the polished hardwood floor shines a golden yellow. It's not hard to imagine yourself dining in a lovely French cottage.

Add storage in many fast and easy ways. For example, try stacking vintage picnic baskets on the floor. They make great decorative accessories and are also excellent containers for holding seldom used or seasonal items such as Christmas cookie cutters.

Modern stainless-steel appliances don't have to look out of place in a comfy country d�cor. They integrate beautifully with such timeless elements as Shaker-style cabinets, marble and wood countertops, and antique accessories./p
pSoapstone has been used in country kitchens for centuries. While it's attractive and soft to the touch, soapstone is also durable. What's more, this stain resistant material doesn't react to acid spills such as lemon juice, vinegar, and wine, making it a popular choice for work surfaces./p
pFrom small changes to larger transformations, here's how to give your kitchen a homey new look./p