That’s not a wood-burning stove, but rather a replica that features an electric oven and six gas burners.

My Country Kitchen

Rhapsody in Blue

By Geri Williamson, Rainbow, California

You might say my husband and I are still fairly new transplants to country living, since we left the city only about 7 years ago. We bought a small ranch in a quiet, rural area with nurseries and avocado groves, and our new bit of paradise was 5 acres of mostly dead orange tree stumps. But today, we’re thriving.

I love to garden, and I now tend many fruit trees—everything from apples, peaches and pears to kiwi and guava, plus grapevines. Robert, a tool-and-die mold maker, has become a volunteer firefighter. We’re transforming our home both outside and in, as our recently remodeled kitchen demonstrates.

We were fascinated to learn of its original history. Not only is our kitchen the heart of our home now, but it once served as the entire area of the cabin built here about 1964.

So when we remodeled, we did it with an eye toward the past. My stove is a replica of an 1800s wood-burning model—though it has an electric oven with six gas burners. And my blue refrigerator, with freezer on the bottom, resembles one from the 1950s, so much that guests often say it looks just like the white one they remember from their childhood home.

The adjoining dining room provides a preview of her Blue Willow theme.

Into the Blue
Then there’s the Blue Willow. You can’t miss it—on my walls, on the countertops, inside and atop the birch cupboards, right on into the adjoining dining room.

I began collecting at age 16, when I inherited my grandmother’s Blue Willow dishes. So when it came time to choose colors, blue and white was a natural to showcase my treasured collection. The countertops, flooring, drawer pulls and even my rug, dish towels and placemats carry out the theme.

Before we reached that point, though, we had some major work to do. Robert and I tore the walls down to the studs and hung the insulation ourselves. We also installed the drywall and painted the walls white.

Removing a stove island opened up extra space. We need that space every day, since we have four energetic dogs, none of them small! (That’s one reason—or rather, 16 good reasons—why we opted for easy-to-clean tile flooring.)

Geri and husband Robert break for tea.

Room to Grow
We also appreciate the added space whenever our six grandchildren visit. Our daughter, Theresa, and son, Jesse, each have three children, who range from age 4 to 17. I love cooking big meals for them.

My Blue Willow kitchen is such a cheerful spot now for baking, canning garden produce or making candy, all of which I love to do. Even daily cleanup goes quickly when you’re standing at the sink, gazing out at the sun or moon slowly creeping over the mountain beyond.

Yes, I enjoy living in the country, especially now that I have a homey country kitchen that offers the best of past and present.

To include some of Geri’s style in your own kitchen, see purchasing information.

Photos: Ce Ce Canton

Geri’s cheerful kitchen combines yesterday’s charm and modern comfort.

Even the cushions on the back entry bench bear the distinctive design.

Mind if We Drop by? We're looking for interesting kitchens to share with other Country Woman readers. We’ll pay you $50.00 if the kitchen you suggest—a friend’s, neighbor’s or even your own—is one that we feature. Send clear, color photographs and a detailed kitchen description to “Kitchens.” See our Contributor’s Guidelines.