The kitchen is typically the place that people migrate to in the home. It's a comforting and inviting space that lends itself well to entertaining and socializing. It's easy to catch up with old friends while helping them prepare dinner or have quality family time while peeling potatoes. Down to earth kitchens are those that we honestly just don't ever want to leave.
There's no one single feature that makes a kitchen down to earth or ultra appealing, it's essentially the vibe of the entire kitchen and of all of the combined components that give the space that feeling. Some of the most popular components in a down to earth kitchen might include:
• open shelving: this creates an open environment and puts everything out in the open, there's nothing hidden or put behind closed doors.
• hardwood floors: there's always a rustic quality of hardwood floors in the kitchen, particularly if they're original to the house or have been purposely distressed. They create a truly no-fuss ambiance and we know it's ok if we spill a little milk.
• contrasting colors & materials: stainless steel and dark wood, black and white or modern paired with traditional are all easy ways to bring your kitchen down to earth. Use a rustic reclaimed wood table and industrial chairs in your dining room to create interest and contrast.
The wonderful thing about down to earth kitchens is that there really isn't a right or a wrong way to achieve the look. It's all about what you feel is comfortable and inviting!
Shown above:
1. Kool and Kreative
2. Kitchenisms
3. From Moon To Moon
4. SchappacherWhite Ltd.
5. Rue Magazine
Images: as linked above
Small Cool Lessons: Discovering Small Space Design Ideas That Really Work
Beatriz's Fun & Functional Workspace
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Sheex Bedding
How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Energy Bars at Home
How to Make Fresh Pasta Dough in the Food Processor
#3...i've never seen anything like it and I love it!
I love all of these and wish my kitchen was that big!
I think I agree with the three things you said a down-to-earth kitchen might include. I'd really like an industrial-modern style kitchen, which I think for me would have open shelving in place of the top cabinets, concrete counters, reclaimed pine floor, a graphic curtain and industrial touches in things like lighting.
Although I love the look of all of these kitchens, I think the look and layout of the last one is the best of the bunch, with number 5 a close/smaller second. I say that because the eating/seating space is counter height so can also be used for food prep and it's close enough to the stove to make it easy to go back and forth or just keep an eye on what's cooking. It also looks like the pots, pans and utensils are in easy reach - as is the sink, which is convenient for many reasons (washing veggies, dishes, soaking pots/pans, getting water for cooking, etc.). The only question I have with my first choice is where's the fridge?
OOPS, I meant with #4 a close second.
Addicted to open shelving.
ALL down-to-earth kitchens have furs on every chair!
::sarcasm::
5 is lovely (my favorite of the bunch), but I don't think I'd call it down to earth. Everything in there looks expensive, and I'd be happy if my kitchen were half that size (actually, maybe my kitchen IS half that size, if the room doesn't go on much past the right side of the picture).
#3 is absolutely dreamy...
The third picture resembles the kitchen of a beautiful old house in France that we rented for a while. It makes me nostalgic for that sort of cosy, lived-in environment (although I love the ultra-modern kitchen I have now, too).
#3 reminds me of a Hobbit's kitchen. I adore that one. #4 is probably more my style, though, just out of practicality (and, of course, finances).
I've always wondered how people who put framed photos and other non-cooking-related knickknacks in their kitchen keep them clean. In photo #1, they're right above the stovetop, and I don't see an exhaust fan. I guess they never have a stir-fry for dinner... or possibly they have a separate wok room ;-)
Nothing says down to earth kitchen more than a stripper pole? (#2)
Picture 1 - Not a kitchen!
@lulu54 it is a kitchen :)
hyzen is right