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How To Create A Farmhouse Kitchen

How To Create A Farmhouse Kitchen - Tips From 40 Interior Designers (Part 2)

How To Create A Farmhouse Kitchen

Our first expert roundup about how to decorate a farmhouse kitchen, conducted by the lovely Minuca Elena, had a tremendous success.

That's why we decided to add a second part in which we share the insights of 40 other interior designers, home decor experts, and this time we also contacted some food bloggers who love cooking and organizing their kitchens. 

Living on a farmhouse it's more about how your home is decorated. It's about a way of living and being connected with your roots, and family. 

Whether you have just moved on a farm or you live in a city but love the farmhouse vibe, I'm sure you will find some valuable tips in this post that you can apply yourself in designing a gorgeous farmhouse kitchen. 

 Marina Umali - Marina V Design Studio

Marina V. Umali

When I think of an ideal farmhouse kitchen the first thing that comes to mind of course is the farmhouse sink. It is such a distinctive feature of the farmhouse kitchen style.

It definitely demands attention and provides lots of space for one of those many necessary kitchen tasks.

To create the ideal farmhouse kitchen, one must pay attention to the selection of finishes. Materials such as warm woods and warm neutral colors are a good place to start when designing.

Open shelving and large islands are symbolic of the farmhouse kitchen. A large island that becomes the center of the kitchen is a perfect way to bring the look and feel of the farmhouse kitchen to the space.

And don’t forget to include a rustic sign to declare a space the farmhouse style.

But most importantly it should be a warm environment that incorporates natural materials, feels welcoming and gives a homey atmosphere for those living there as well as guests.

Kim Depole Design

Kim Depole

I am a modernist that loves farmhouse design for its simplicity and functionality . A city girl that yearns for the great outdoors

DESIGN NOTES

The mass exodus from cities to more rural settings has inspired the look of the farmhouse kitchen. This is not your grandmothers space any longer with the addition of modern smart appliances

Begin your process with material selections. Collect all the elements and keep them to a count of no more than three. Wood, metal and stone should all be in the original finish.

Antique or weathered finishes often appear too fake unless you utilize vintage pieces .

This is a great way to create instant farmhouse by actually utilizing old wood cabinetry doors. Hardware reproductions look as good as the old ones and function better.

Remember it is not about looking perfect and pristine. Farmhouse style is about character and Natural beauty .

The heart of the farmhouse is always the kitchen sink. All you need to do is add one with a ceramic facing and antique looking faucet. It should always be over scaled .

One great look is to feature natural metals in the room scheme such as copper . A hammered copper sink adds instant character. The stove hood is another key element that can provide an opportunity to integrate with the same metal finish.

Hanging cooking pots from a ceiling is always a charming detail. This can be achieved with more industrial materials with blackened steel hooks.
Be sure to raise them high so the space is not cluttered

Open shelving is another great way to add instant farmhouse charm . Feature a collection of ceramic mixing bowls or pitchers. Remember that Farmhouse style can be French or American.

The most important aspect is to have the materials be natural and simple. Function is key and superfluous details will confuse the inherent simplicity of the design .

Alice Benjamin Interiors

Alice Benjamin

The ideal farmhouse kitchen contains certain elements that are a must if you want to reproduce the look. A wonderful farmhouse fireclay front apron deep sink which is traditionally white but copper is super luxe too.

We need a large country faucet usually with a rounded goose neck (Rohl makes a beautiful one).

Add some marble countertop with a butcher block section. Use tones that are earthy - natural woods, ceramic tile as a backsplash, warm white cabinets, or earthy greens or blues are all nice accents.

You can add some great vintage lighting and it would be a sure hit! If you want to keep it traditional - add some rustic elements such as display copper pots/pan or put up a pot rack, add Italian pottery on display, and a Roman blind over the windows.

For a more modern twist, keep the lines clean and simple, use a quartzite countertop with simple edging, use modern lighting and have fun with a great tall industrial looking faucet.

Ashley Haase - City & Shiplap

Ashley Haase

A farmhouse kitchen is the idyllic American way. How does a kitchen become farmhouse? With white. And more white.

The key ingredients are white cabinets, a white backsplash and a large white porcelain sink.

Add a striking statement faucet and a flash of gold hardware and you have farmhouse kitchen magic.

Match a center island rustic wood top to similar floors, and you’re just showing off.

A farmhouse kitchen is a place to gather, cook, dance and love.

Janet Lorusso - JRLInteriors

Janet Lorusso

The hallmarks of a farmhouse kitchen are simplicity and casual finishes that hark back to life on, well, a farm!  Not every home’s architecture calls for an authentic farmhouse kitchen, but there are ways to incorporate elements of farmhouse style in any setting. 

Here are a few;

simple cabinet door and drawer styles and finishes - forgo anything with elaborate moldings or glazes and instead opt for simple shaker panel doors

simple cup pulls for drawer hardware paired with knobs on doors are a farmhouse classic

simple but substantial millwork around windows and doors. Divided light windows will often have grills painted in dark colors.  Dutch doors are a casual rear entry option, and sliding barn doors can might be used for pantries as space permits

farmhouse sinks - an apron front sink in a simple porcelain finish is a farmhouse classic and a practical sink type for any kitchen

simple but classic style faucets with two handles - bridge style faucets or wall mounted in natural brass, oil rubbed bronze, or polished nickel are especially apropos for the style

simple lantern light fixtures and barn style sconces, again in natural metal finishes

wood or natural stone flooring

a mix of natural wood and painted finishes - white is always classic, but so are warm taupes and grays for cabinetry mixed with a rustic wood finish on an island, beams, open shelves or a stove hood.

wood, or soapstone countertops  - any stone should preferably be in a honed or leathered finish rather than polished.

Amy Curtin - Indigo & Alabaster Design

Amy Curtin

There are several elements in an ideal farmhouse kitchen. The first, is to have a plain or shaker-front cabinet doors on the cabinetry.

Cabinetry can be painted in white, blue, or green or can be stained in a wood stain color. Either choice will work, or you can have a mix in the space.

Ideally, the backsplash is a simple subway tile, beadboard, or other simple application. White is the best color to have for your backsplash, because the modern farmhouse look is light and bright!

Having open shelving instead of upper cabinets is another great feature of an ideal farmhouse kitchen. The open shelving adds an element of casualness to the space while giving an extra area to create something to look at besides cabinet fronts!

It is a wonderful way to display decorative kitchenware, plants, glassware, or any number of interesting items.

A deep apron-front sink is another great farmhouse-style accent that is practical while making a statement. Often, these apron-front sinks are large and can hold a lot. Which makes filling a pot or doing dishes for a crowd easier.

Kitchen Islands are another staple of the farmhouse kitchen. It can be created with kitchen cabinetry or, if you are limited in space or want something more unique, finding an antique table will really add personality to the space.

You can also have a shelf attached to the bottom to store large baskets or pots for an added layer of character along with usable storage space.

Lighting really makes the finishing touch to any space, especially the kitchen and, if chosen wisely, the style can really add to the farmhouse feel while also aiding in the light and bright feeling.

Catherine Carton - Dainty Dress Diaries

Catherine Carton

To create the perfect farmhouse kitchen, think of tactility, use bare wood and recycled materials to get an authentic farmhouse feel. A farmhouse kitchen is unique and cosy.

Use individual pieces of furniture that have character and history. There are loads of solid wood pieces of furniture on second-hand sites. You can give these a makeover to fit in with your farmhouse style.

Don't be afraid of mismatched pieces of furniture, as you can upcycle these to match each other.

You can match bare wooden pieces of furniture with painted pieces, my favourite colour in a farmhouse kitchen in Farrow & Ball in "cooking apple green".

When I think of a farmhouse kitchen, I think of a beautiful solid wood table. You can style your farmhouse table with thrifted table lines, wicker table mats and a fresh bunch of flowers that could have been picked from a cottage garden.

You can layer the floor in your farmhouse kitchen with rugs to add an extra cosy feel. Overall, when I think of creating a farmhouse kitchen, I think of texture, unique pieces working together to create a warm and cosy feeling.

Cate Griffing - West Magnolia Charm

Cate Griffing

As a lover of all things farmhouse, I found that there are a few key pieces you can add to your kitchen to give it the farmhouse charm we all know and love.

Shiplap is huge in farmhouse design so if it's possible, add it somewhere in your kitchen. It can be a blank wall, an island, a peninsula, or even the ceiling. You can use old reclaimed shiplap or the DIY version of it, both will have the same effect.

Another way you can bring the farmhouse style to your kitchen is by incorporating antique pieces into the design.

Whether it's a vintage sign you found at an antique shop or a set of vintage corbels you found at a flea market, adding vintage elements like this will pull the farmhouse design together. It will also make your kitchen one of a kind.

Most kitchens have a door in them, it could be a pantry door or a basement door. Whatever it is, if you want to add some farmhouse style to your kitchen, switch out that door for an antique one. Not only will it add some farmhouse charm but it will also create a beautiful feature in the space.

Finally, to create the ideal farmhouse kitchen, think neutrals. Keeping all the tones of your kitchen on the neutral more muted side will create a timeless and classic look.

Katelynn Dortch - The Inspiring Investment

Katelynn Dortch

If the intention is to create the ideal farmhouse kitchen, you’ll want to include the following elements:

An Apron sink

Large cast iron sinks are historically farmhouse elements. Although not 100% necessary to be deemed a farmhouse kitchen, having one definitely seals the deal.

Warm Wood Tones

This element could come in the form of a wood beam, floating shelves , or a butcher block countertop, or even a barn door. These can be found at local woodworking shops in your area.

Some Combination of Black and White

We usually combine matte black hardware with white shaker cabinets to create the farmhouse look. Throw in white subway tile and you are halfway there!

Shiplap

No matter the orientation, whether vertical for horizontal, shiplap is also a common theme in farmhouse kitchens.

Signage

Signage in a country kitchen was popular before Joanna Gains made it that way. The trendy “farmhouse sign” is one example, denoting the style in which it sits. But true styling items of a farmhouse kitchen are of items you would see around a farm: chickens, wire baskets, metal tins.

Island Seating

A consistent trend we see in a true farmhouse kitchen involves island seating with a statement fixture or two above. Island seating allows for that eat-in feel that is so classic to the farmhouse, not just kitchen, but lifestyle!

Statement Lighting

The best vignettes have a focal point, which in a kitchen’s case is it’s lighting. Usually in the farmhouse style, there’s a theme of aged, dark metals.

Dani O'Brien - Culley Avenue

Dani O'Brien

Farmhouse kitchens notoriously have a cozy feeling about them. They're a place for family and friends to gather while making a great meal and discussing the day's events.

To create a farmhouse kitchen in your home I would recommend starting with white (or painted) cabinets and an apron front sink.

These two elements together create a soft look in the kitchen. In my opinion, they are a farmhouse kitchen stable.

Then I would add vintage-inspired decorations such as old cutting boards, ceramic pitchers, and linen textures like curtains or a tablecloth. Don't forget to mix patterns like florals and geometric shapes.

I always recommend thinking about how your own mother or grandmother decorated and try to find pieces that remind you of them.

vintage-inspired decorations

Erika Franchuk - The Best Nest

Erika Franchuk

When you're designing or renovating a farmhouse kitchen the biggest thing is to keep in mind what farm life looks like.

Big cast iron sinks aren't just for aesthetic; they were built to withstand the washing of garden veggies, the banging of cast iron pots, and years of use.

Farmhouse kitchens put practical solutions over looks - that usually means open storage and simple accents. Usually they opt for simple, industrial lighting. Not every farmhouse kitchen has to be old fashioned, though!

Bringing more modern elements in like marble countertops and gold handles will give you a more trendy kitchen, while sticking to whites and woods keeps things more traditional.

For any farmhouse kitchen, though, you'll definitely want to pull in natural woods in the form of shelving, ceiling beams, and hardwood flooring.

Once thing to keep in mind with a farmhouse kitchen is that your accessories really have to match the design.

With open storage every dish, mug, and bowl needs to be tied into the design. Even something as simple as a modern utensil holder on the counter can throw off the whole look.

What’s great about the farmhouse style, though, is that it’s one of the few timeless design choices. Elements like apron front sinks, wood or quartz countertops, and hardwood floors never go out of style.

Even if you choose to make things more modern it’s relatively inexpensive to update faucets, door handles, and paint as your style changes.

If you’re on a budget there are two places I would recommend splurging. One is the sink; it’s the focal point of your kitchen. The second is the cupboards.

Not only do you want something durable, but opting for solid wood that can be painted or a trusted brand that sells just the fronts separately can save you from having to remodel as your design tastes change.

This is especially true if you opt for a non-traditional colour.

Kelly Dall Antonia - Walls By Me

Kelly Dall Antonia

Rooted in white walls, well-loved furniture, and plenty of natural light, the charming farmhouse aesthetic is timeless. This doesn’t pigeon-hole you as much as you might think.

For example, you can alter the look by selecting whites that have warmer or cool tones. Add texture easily with peel and stick wallpaper featuring shiplap or whitewashed brick designs.

Wooden features are a key element to a farmhouse kitchen. Traditionally these appear as rustic wooden beams and cabinetry. This doesn’t mean you can’t craft your ideal farmhouse-inspired space in a beam-free room.

Careful use of wall treatments such as removable wallpaper can provide this rustic charm, and easy to remove if you decide in a few years that this isn’t the look you want anymore.

Choose strong accent colors such as a dark green, stormy blue, or even a charcoal shade to give depth to your space. A shade of brown that matches your cozy, vintage furniture can also work to marry the pieces with your decor.

If you prefer to add a touch of modern style, select metallic elements can glamorize even the most weathered farmhouse chic.

The stark contrast of gleaming metallic and distressed wood in fact mimics our modern lives as we seek to return to our more natural selves amid the hustle and bustle of never-ending to-dos.

Chris Barrett Design

Chris Barrett

I approach the farmhouse kitchen like all other kitchens. My main goal is beauty and function.

As far as function goes, decide on all of the appliances you will be needing and see if you can accommodate one special appliance like a coffee station, wine storage or some other special item that would enhance your cooking experience.

As with any room, don’t forget about the lighting. You need great light for your work surface.

To create a harmonious farmhouse kitchen it’s all about the materials - vintage beams for shelves or vintage tiles for a backsplash - you need something that says rustic without being too obvious.

Reclaimed white oak is one of my favorites. It’s all about the details. If you use rustic plank cabinets then balance it out with a smooth slab marble countertop - even a slab backsplash.

If you have an island that is the perfect place to add some vintage light fixtures.

You can add a lot of character with vintage finds like an old container stacked on cookbooks a small vintage piece of art on a shelf.

Vivien - Posh Pennies

There are some important elements you need to get right if you want to really capture the farmhouse essence in your kitchen.

I always like to suggest two-tone cabinets, a little bit of open shelving (which is a great place to display a few items with beautiful, natural textures), a vintage-style pendant light, and most importantly, a farmhouse sink with a show stopping faucet.

Add a smattering of vintage accessories (but don't overdo it) and you will have the ideal farmhouse kitchen in no time!

Heather Mastrangeli - Innovatus Design

Heather Mastrangeli

To create the ideal farmhouse kitchen, it’s important to identify the key attributes that come together to create this style. Most love this style for the casual look and the connection it provides to a relaxed attitude and laid back thinking.

Most of my clients see the farmhouse style with more of a modern twist, when really the style originated from agricultural-heavy America, drawing inspiration from rural communities and farming areas.

To infuse this look into your kitchen, there are some key elements that you should look for.

Open shelving in kitchens has surged in popularity over the last couple of years in kitchen design, especially within the farmhouse style. Seek open shelving that has a natural wood look and exposed metal bracketry.

White dishes and mason jars are perfect to store here. They provide a clean look without overwhelming the space.

Farmhouse sinks are also a staple of a farmhouse kitchen. Loved for their large basins, farmhouse sinks include an exposed apron on the front of the cabinetry below.

Aesthetically farmhouse sinks are perfect for visually breaking up long expanses of cabinetry. Functionally, farmhouse sinks can offer more space for washing dishes and meal prep.

The backsplash is another great place to infuse the farmhouse style. Look for natural materials, irregular ceramic tiles, and steer clear of polished finishes or anything that’s glossy.

Countertops should also be low gloss and area a great place to experiment with different materials. Butcher block counters are wonderful for a farmhouse vibe, but also require more maintenance than a honed quartz surface.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match materials, such as butcher block on an island or beverage station, and quartz on the main prep surfaces.

The farmhouse style also incorporates many natural and reclaimed materials.. Sliding barn doors to cover a pantry are a great way to bring the style into a kitchen in an unexpected way.

If you have seating in your farmhouse kitchen, natural woods, and metal materials pair well with a modern farmhouse style.. If a metal chair sounds too cold to sit on, then find one with a cushioned seat.

For longer tables, bench seating is also characteristic of the farmhouse style, however, be cautious if small children are meant to sit on the bench. We recommend chairs to help keep the smallest members of our families stable.

Georgina Borneman-Street - Cobalt Blue 1802

Georgina Borneman-Street

One of the essential elements of a farmhouse kitchen, is the farmhouse sink.

Anytime you see a deep, farmhouse sink in any kitchen, your eye is immediately drawn to it. It has that down home feel thanks to its utilitarian design.

For added texture and a more lived-in approach, a farmhouse kitchen look might also incorporate open shelves and white cabinetry.

To really lock in the look, try distressing any natural wood elements in your space.

Talia Rosen - Avakian Interiors

TALIA ROSEN

It’s easy to fall into one design trend when decorating, however, the most impactful spaces are the ones that combine elements from multiple periods, styles, and pull inspiration from various places.

Farmhouse is a great trend, but our advice to mix design elements of various styles, to create a space that won’t go out of style. Here are the best elements from the farmhouse style for you to draw inspiration from.

1. Farmhouse sink - rustic looking sink that is oversized and more industrial looking that the typical kitchen sink.

2. Hardwood floors - your wood floors don’t have to stop at your kitchen. Extend the wood flooring into your kitchen to create a rustic and earthy look.

3. Wood countertops - rustic, natural wood is a sure fire way to bring the farmhouse to the kitchen. Consider unfinished edges that make the look even more rustic.

4. Pendant lighting - a kitchen isn’t complete without beautiful lighting. This is your opportunity to balance out the rest of the kitchen, and incorporate a more refined material such as glass or even brass.

5. Neutral colors - opt for simple and neutral colored cabinets that will pair great with the rustic wood countertops.

Megan Dufresne - MC Design

Megan Dufresne

When envisioning the ideal farmhouse kitchen, the first thing most people think of is the iconic farmhouse sink. While it is a must-have for any farmhouse style kitchen, it is by no means the only thing.

Farmhouse kitchens are timeless and conjure homey and nostalgic feelings.

White is the go-to color scheme in traditional farmhouse kitchens but incorporating warm neutral tones or even blue accents can bring a bit of dimension to the design.

The use of wood to bring natural texture into the space is a great choice. From choosing wood flooring to adding beadboard or shiplap to the walls, wood will create a sense of warmth in the room.

Seating also plays a role in creating the ideal farmhouse kitchen. Whether adding seating around an island or, if space allows, including a table and chairs, having seating in the kitchen will drive home the farmhouse aesthetic and create the family-oriented feel that these kitchens offer.

Another traditional design choice in the ideal farmhouse kitchen is the use of oversized lighting fixtures. This can be achieved in lantern style lights or pendant lights with oversized shades.

These fixtures become beautiful focal points that also offer an opportunity to be playful and creative with the design and really make the design your own.

Finally, as with any room, the details really do make the biggest impact. Brass hardware in classic farmhouse styles like scoop drawer pulls or lock style cabinet latches will add the final touches to complete your ideal farmhouse kitchen.

Sharon McCaskill - The Helpful GF

Sharon McCaskill

I believe the ideal farmhouse kitchen is one that ties in elements of the homeowner's individual style (industrial, Boho, modern), but has the following key elements: an apron front "farmhouse style" sink, some type of wood paneling, and lots of light.

An apron-front sink will transform almost any cabinet and countertops to have that eye-catching farmhouse statement. In addition, some element of wood (whether natural or painted) will also draw in that homey farmhouse feel.

Try wood flooring, butcher block on for your countertops or on your island, exposed ceiling beams, or shiplap on your walls.

Lastly, farmhouse kitchens should have lots of light! If natural light is limited, be sure to add extra lighting such as pendants to brighten the space.

Ellen Bigs - Pretty Home 

Ellen Bigs

Growing up in a farmhouse, the thought of having a farmhouse kitchen also makes me feel warm inside.

I guess there are many women like me out there as many women decide to make their kitchen into a farmhouse kitchen or give their kitchen a farmhouse look.

When we decide to work on a farmhouse look, the first thing we need to focus on is the basics. reclaimed or natural wood, soapstone or marble, glass and wire look and finally, you can use wrought iron.

When it comes to colors, you need to keep in mind that the tones should be subdued and mild. You can opt for colors that are cool and neutral like cream, white, grey and beige.

You can use warmer colors like canvas, chenille, wool and cotton to accentuate certain features in your kitchen.

The kitchen is the heart of a home. Make sure you keep it warm and your family will always be smiling.

warmer colors

Jessica Formicola - Savory Experiments

Jessica Formicola

Farms houses have cute kitchens that are totally functional. While so many folks love the idea of a cast iron or porcelain apron sink, they are also easily chipped, scratched and require maintenance. You can get the same look with less time required using fire clay.

Fire clay is super durable for daily use and is also colored through the whole piece so if it should chip, the interior color is the same as the finished. It also comes in a wide variety of colors to easily customize the look.

Weekly maintenance includes cleaning with a mild abrasive or just soap and water.

I also look at the range which can make or break the farmhouse aesthetic. Many people want farmhouse and then gravitate towards sleek and modern appliances.

Instead some of the ranges than come in colors or with cast iron grates will have all the modern amenities that home chef needs and wants, but won’t break the overall appeal.

Mixed metal trim package and brushed looks help to elevate the ambiance. Many of these designs extend to whole packages with refrigeration, ovens and dishwashers too.

Morgan McBride - Charleston Crafted

My biggest tip for designing a farmhouse kitchen is to focus on texture over color.

Farmhouse kitchens are usually light, bright, and rather monochromatic.

Whether you want to bring in creamy tans or cool grays, sticking to a neutral color palette helps to really establish that farmhouse look.

To keep it from being boring, add a variety of textures in your core colors.

For example, a glossy farmhouse sink (like one from Annie and Oak!), a bleached wood cabinet, a smooth marble countertop, and a textured handmade tile backsplash could all be white but add a variety of sheens and textures to the space.

Don’t forget linens and accessories like soap dispensers and vases of flowers, which are other easy places to add unexpected pops of textures.

Brooke Grasley - Restore Decor And More

Brooke Grasley

If you are looking to create the ideal farmhouse kitchen there are some key elements to keep in mind. Consider adding a farmhouse sink as well as butcher countertops.

If you are able to do so, wood floors or wood beams help to establish an ideal farmhouse look. Open concept shelving also adds character and style to a farmhouse kitchen.

When it comes to the walls and cabinets, the ideal farmhouse kitchen would be bright and light. Consider painting the kitchen white, grey or a light blue.

One element you will see across farmhouse kitchens is the use of brick or shiplap on the walls.

The farmhouse look is all about pulling together old and new elements so don’t be afraid to mix your new decor with your vintage finds.

When creating an ideal farmhouse kitchen you want to think about using different textures such as wood, copper pots, wrought iron hardware and metals.

You can easily achieve the farmhouse look with your decor as long as you focus on mixing together these different elements.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to create the ideal farmhouse kitchen.

While the basic design elements are there, it's the personality you add to the space that makes your farmhouse kitchen unique.

Simone Bumpus - Kitchens by Good Guys

Simone Bumpus

The appeal of a farmhouse kitchen is it feels warm and cozy like grandma's kitchen, just modernized.

Typically, in a farmhouse kitchen you'll see white shaker styled cabinets with some sort of accent island whether it's a warm wood or an accent paint color that becomes more of a furniture piece and the gathering center.

Glass display cabinets or X mullions are very common along with industrial elements like metal accents in the lighting, cabinet hardware, and plumbing fixtures that create a contrast (and you can't go wrong with a farmhouse sink).

Then there's a lot of depth, warmth and texture added through accent pieces like handmade ceramic items, wood cutting boards, live plants, decorative signs, floating shelves, woven rugs and usually a handcrafted subway tile look.

All of these aspects combined creates the very popular farmhouse kitchen that feels like home and lived in, but also feels pretty timeless.

Yasir Hussain - Qaleen

Yasir Hussain

There are endless ways to design a farmhouse kitchen. Here are top three features that you must consider to create that authentic vintage feel.

WOODEN TOUCH:

A farmhouse kitchen would be incomplete without a hardwood floor. Avoid using tiles or other types of flooring and opt for a hardwood floor to evoke an actual farmhouse feel.

Carry the natural look of hardwood floors up to your ceiling with exposed wooden beams.

OPEN SHELVING

Incorporate open shelving to give your farmhouse kitchen a more spacious feel. You can achieve that by removing some of the doors to existing cabinets or installing new open shelving.

Paint the cabinets in cream or white color to brighten up your space and balance the darker tones of the natural wood elements.

VINTAGE CEILING LIGHT:

It's important to include some rustic decor to emphasize your farmhouse style.

Adding a mid-century light fixture on top of your gathering place (either a table or an island) would bring the entire design together.

Ryan Jones - Land of Rugs

Ryan Jones

One of the best ways to create a great farmhouse kitchen look for your home is to blend white cupboards with hardwood countertops. Of course, complete white is not to everyone's taste so you can also look for cream colours.

Essentially, you are looking for a light bright colour to counteract the natural wood look of your countertops. This really is the ideal way to create a farmhouse look for your kitchen.

If hardwood is not to your taste, or would not match your existing interior design, then you can also use marble or soapstone to get the same effect.

Incorporating open shelving where possible is another great option, especially when used for storing glassware or plates.

One of the most essential pieces of design for a farmhouse kitchen, although this will not be an option for some homes, is to incorporate an island and a large kitchen table.

Farmhouse décor is all about creating a sense of community within the home, and islands and tables are the best way to accomplish this!

Whether you have family all gathered round the island to have breakfast, or enjoying a large family meal together in the evenings, this gives a great sense of community.

Sarah Symonds - Grace In My Space

Sarah Symonds

Designing a farmhouse kitchen is a wonderful style to choose get your feet wet as a designer. It is a style that is casual, forgiving, and full of charm.

One of the benefits of choosing farmhouse kitchens is that there are so many design off shoots from farmhouse if you want to incorporate more than one style.

You can lean towards a polished look with modern farmhouse, incorporate tons of character with a vintage farmhouse feel or stick to a slightly rustic design with a traditional farmhouse style. An ideal farmhouse kitchen has several key elements to consider.

First, farmhouse kitchens almost always have an apron front, or farmhouse, sink. This is a key design element that is sought out when designing farmhouse kitchens.

Another characteristic is unusual storage combinations. Whereas a traditional kitchen design would have lower and upper cupboards all built in a similar style, farmhouse kitchens incorporate more charm with unmatched cabinets for storage, and peg racks or open shelving in place of upper cabinets.

Often, farmhouse kitchen islands are non traditional furniture pieces like antique butcher blocks, retrofitted dressers or vanities, or old store counters.

Incorporating historical pieces into a farmhouse kitchen gives it that character that people are so often looking for in the farmhouse style.

Ana Ochoa - Fiddle Leaf

Ana Ochoa

My husband and I completely DIY renovated our kitchen in May 2018 to a farmhouse style, and we still love it today.

One key element to a gorgeous farmhouse kitchen is creating contrast. In particular, the white – black – wood contrast is quintessentially farmhouse.

White cabinets, with a fun white backsplash tile, wood accents like a hood vent or barstools, and black hardware are easy design choices to make any kitchen perfectly farmhouse.

You can then add in more personal touches, like lighting, perhaps concrete, quartz or butcher block countertops, and even some chunky open shelves.

Farmhouse style can be taken in one direction to a more vintage farm look, or elements can be added (i.e. swapping the black hardware for brass) to change it to a more modern farmhouse look.

Cast iron apron sinks are also a huge staple in farmhouse kitchens right now, and you can never go wrong with adding some shiplap or bead board ceilings!

The possibilities with a farmhouse design are truly endless, and can be customized to include the specific elements you love, and exclude the ones you don’t!

Jon Jordan - Evergreen Home

Jon Jordan

A farmhouse-style kitchen is often the heart of the home for any house that has one. They’re typically large spaces with big kitchen tables for feeding lots of guests or big families.

If you’re planning a farmhouse kitchen, start by securing the space. Plan for lots of room if you’re building new, or consider knocking out walls to open up the kitchen to the rest of the house if you’re remodeling.

Treat yourself to the comforts of a large center island and plenty of kitchen cabinets.

Another defining feature of excellent farmhouse kitchens is their use of natural materials, especially wood grain and fabric.

Consider wood or accents of wood for the kitchen table, chairs, cabinets, shelves, window seals, and underneath the countertop.

Consider a nicely contrasting and matching color for fabrics including seat covers, drapes, curtains, and even placemats.

My advice for anyone looking to renovate to their ideal aesthetic is to carefully choose the builders or contractors you work with.

Let them know about your goals even before your first consultation, ask them to bring photos of remodels they’ve done in your preferred style. That will give you both a strong foundation to plan from.

 Adam Mitchell - Home Buying Guys

Adam Mitchell

Farmhouse Kitchen has gained massive popularity within few years. There are various things that you can do to create your own ideal farmhouse kitchen and below mentioned are some important ways to do so.

First of all, as an experienced real estate agent, I have noticed that natural and neutral colors are perfect for kitchen cabinets. It goes very well with steel and other metallic knobs.

Secondly, a farmhouse-style sink is very essential as, without its inclusion, the kitchen will not be complete. It should include a traditional countertop and a deep basin.

Lastly, lights and lamps are everything when it comes to kitchen designing. Soft and soothing light goes perfectly well with the natural color tone of the kitchen.

The basic feel of the farmhouse kitchen should be cozy and home-like and for this soothing lamps are essential.

neutral colors are perfect for kitchen cabinets

Patty Johnson - Farmland Dream

 Patty Johnson

The ideal farmhouse kitchen should have a carefully considered tie to the land, whether you're on a town lot, or the hundred-acre farm of your dreams.

It's obvious that your kitchen needs work for your family and your lifestyle - big family, small family, two-cook family, no-cook family. And your kitchen should have ready access to other work spaces, like your office, and perhaps your laundry area.

And a family entrance, maybe even a mudroom, can help you manage the day to day comings and goings of a busy family.

What often gets overlooked is that the ideal farmhouse should work with the land, whether you're on a postage-stamp lot, a mountain retreat, or a working farm.

Recognizing the tie between our homes and our land, can help bring added beauty and utility to our lives. And kitchen is the ideal place to achieve this.

Are you taking advantage of views? We often seem to think that our best views should be reserved for other parts of the house, but if you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, you may want those spectacular views for yourself.

The placement of your driveway can have an impact on how functional your kitchen is. Can you readily see who is coming in and off of your property? Can you easily get your groceries from the car to the kitchen?

Can you readily access your outdoor recreation areas? Can you easily see your kids' play areas?

When it comes to the ideal farmhouse kitchen, it might just be what's outside that counts.

Nikki Muhilly - Farmhouse Decor Mama

Nikki Muhilly

In 2017, we bought our first fixer upper home. It was built in the 1950s and I knew that my husband and I would be changing up the inside to fit our style decor.

I've always had a love for farmhouse decor and I was excited to incorporate that in our home. The first thing I wanted to tackle was the kitchen.

The first step in creating the ideal farmhouse kitchen is the color palette. I wanted it to be light and airy so I chose a matte white. In choosing white, you also need some contrast.

The next steps would be finding that tone contrast you desire. I tend to go towards the darker, rustic features of wood and black. You can also choose a lighter contrast such as grey. Which is precisely what I used for the wall colors.

The best part in transforming any area of your home is the decor. This is what ties everything together.

When decorating a farmhouse kitchen you can add simple touches such as tiered trays, risers, canisters, bread box and farmhouse signs. You can change up your decor with the seasons and holidays.

It's all about balance and finding an end result that makes your space feel like home. 

Devan Cameron - Braised & Deglazed

Devan Cameron

As a chef, strategic kitchen design is very important to me because I spend a lot of time in the kitchen (Go figure!).

If you’re going for the farmhouse style, make sure you don't forget to buy that large farmhouse-style sink.

Not only does it look great, but it’s also very useful for washing vegetables and makes cleaning dishes a lot easier with the extra space.

There are a few tools that you can add to your kitchen to fit the design and are also very functional.

An extra-large wooden cutting board is a great addition to your farmhouse kitchen because it’s big, versatile and looks beautiful.

Throw in a couple of heavy cast iron pans and you’ve got yourself a beautiful kitchen that’s also ready to entertain. Now you just need some farmhouse recipes!

Katie Taylor - Thrifted & Taylor

Katie Taylor

Farmhouse style is most definitely a large part of my decorating style so this is right up my alley.

For the ideal farmhouse kitchen the first thing that comes to mind is something cozy, warm, and inviting. Many kitchens in this style tend to go with white and other light neutral colors with touches of wood accents to add warmth and color. A big ole farmhouse sink is a must have to really sell that farmhouse style.

Decorating with antique kitchenware, subtle patterns such as ticking, and vintage cookbooks is a great way to really bring that homey feeling that farmhouse creates.

Anything that has some chippy paint is another great addition. Things like an old ladder you can use as a kitchen towel rack or even add some cute little hanging potted herbs as well. Or using an antique door on your pantry to really bring some character to the space.

Lighting is another important aspect of a farmhouse kitchen. Anything that can display an Edison bulb is a great fit. Lantern lighting, barn lights, and wood chandeliers would be perfect choices.

As far as where to shop for your farmhouse kitchen, there are a few favorite places to shop. Thrift stores, antique malls and stores, and flea markets are all places you will want to check out to find the best hidden gems.

Cheryl McColgan - Heal Nourish Grow

Cheryl McColgan

 A key component to my ideal farmhouse kitchen is some reclaimed wood. I love the way it warms up the space and gives the feel of being on a real farm. Using reclaimed wood on the floor is my first choice for this part of the farmhouse kitchen.

As a recipe developer, another component that would be critical for me is the right sink.

A large, traditional farmhouse sink gives me plenty of space to put the dirty dishes out of the way as I plate and photograph my creations.

Finally, it’s important for any kitchen to have the right flow. This is partially based on the design of the kitchen and there are certain components that are more permanent than others and not easy to change.

However, you can improve the flow of any kitchen by storing items in the right places and creating a clutter free space that inspires creativity. 

Joseph Marini - At Home With Joseph

Joseph Marini

Creating a farmhouse style kitchen is less about the materials used and more about the feeling that it invokes.

It requires striking a balance between clean, classic lines such as shaker style cabinetry with full-inset doors and drawers, and accessories that make a thick and bold visual impact such as an apron front porcelain kitchen sink or heavy hammered iron hardware.

The ideal farmhouse kitchen will have a mixture of finish materials such as natural or reclaimed wood, natural stone like marble or soapstone, glass front cabinets or open shelves, wrought iron and usually a free-standing piece of furniture incorporated into the kitchen such as a pine hutch for storing cooking equipment.

Restraint must be given when choosing materials for a farmhouse kitchen so as not to over saturate the space with too many patterns, finish materials, grout lines and colors.

Shiplap and white cabinets should not define a farmhouse kitchen look, instead the ability to create an industrious room that looks like it is comprised of bespoke, functional furniture rather than traditional cabinetry.

An ideal farmhouse kitchen looks less like a comfortable room decorated with Knick knacks than it does a classic, well curated, highly functional space for a multitude of daily chores. The final touches to complete your ideal farmhouse kitchen.

 

Savannah Phillips - The Knobs Company


A farmhouse sink is one of the biggest sellers when it comes to the ideal farmhouse kitchen.

Farmhouse sinks are available in stainless steel, fireclay, porcelain and even cast iron. A farmhouse sink is deep and has an apron front, which is great for doing dishes and cooking.

A farmhouse sink is typically white to fit the aesthetic of the rest of the materials.

The ideal farmhouse kitchen is filled with antiques and old accessories. Farmhouse kitchens tend to be light and bright throughout.

Most of the colors in the ideal farmhouse kitchen are muted, neutral, and natural.

Incorporating white teapots, plates and other ceramic trinkets on open shelving is a staple of the farmhouse design.

Instead of using closed cabinets, changing to open shelving can highlight the perfectly procured items in the ideal farmhouse kitchen.

Natural elements that are whitewashed are one of the biggest trends for farmhouse kitchens.

Including whitewashed cabinets with glass doors is a great way to incorporate both natural materials and the emphasis the accessories in the cabinets.

In some cases removing the entire cabinet door can open replace using glass doors.

David Shell - Tradesmen Costs

David Shell

Choose The Correct Decorations

The smallest details can complete your farmhouse kitchen. Even if you have the larger elements such as a farmhouse sink, or a wooden table, decorations are still important.

You can make use of perennials flowers, a pot rack, canisters, or mason jars.

Wooden utensils, a butcher block, or white dishes can also help you complete the look. It’s worth noting that you avoid decorating more than necessary.

Have A Farmhouse Sink

A farmhouse kitchen is never complete without a farmhouse sink. The sink is not only stylish but also functional and versatile. It is deep and wide which will allow you to wash even the largest pots. Your kitchen palette should be the same as your farmhouse sink’s color.

Large Island And An Even Larger Wooden Table

If you have space, have a large kitchen island installed in your farmhouse kitchen. A kitchen island will help you bring everyone together. You can make things better with a large wooden table. Make sure you place the table where it’s accessible to everyone.

Open Furniture

Exposed shelves and glass-front cabinets are the best additions for you to achieve the farmhouse to your kitchen.

You can show off your kitchenware while enjoying the spaciousness. Glass-front cabinets and exposed shelves are not only functional but are also stylish.

Hardwood Flooring And Exposed Beams

Fundamentally, every farmhouse kitchen should have exposed ceiling beams. They are simplistic yet eye-catching. And no farmhouse kitchen is complete without wooden floors. You can choose from reclaimed wood, oka, barn board, or walnut.

Peter Despotopoulos - Moro

Peter Despotopoulos

First up, certainly, is the farmhouse sink, also known as an apron-front sink.

Depending on the intended kitchen style (traditional/modern/transitional/etc) you have many material options such as fireclay, stainless steel, cast iron, stone, etc.!

A classic white porcelain/fireclay or a stainless-steel sink is always a safe option but, in my past designs I have used stone (cement) that really stood out and made a statement in the kitchen.

Next, I think the most important decision are the cabinet fronts style and color.

Typically, shaker-style or recessed panel are most used, which I like, but I would recommend something like a raised panel with a recessed molding.

Soft earth-tone colors like cream, grey, olive green, navy, or white work best for farmhouse kitchens.

For a more rustic, distressed look a natural or stained reclaimed oak would look amazing.

Of course, hardware, faucet, and light fixtures are integral details/selections that pull your design together but before that comes the countertop and backsplash.

Farmhouse kitchens should feature a simple, solid color stone countertop; nothing with veins or sparkles.

Of course, a wood countertop like butcher block for example would work great as well. The backsplash safe choice is a subway tile, but my favorite is copper or gold. Brick or white painted wood (shiplap or beadboard) are also beautiful options…all depends on the rest of your design choices.

Anna Rider - Garlic Delight

Anna Rider

Farmhouse kitchens are in style because they offer a cozy and warm feeling with a functional design. It's a great way to pair a rustic and traditional aesthetic with modern touches to bring your kitchen to the 21st century.

My idea of a perfect farmhouse kitchen focuses on picking elements from the iconic farmhouse look that introduces a functional design to your kitchen. That's why these aspects come together to create an ideal farmhouse kitchen:

An apron sink: this is a big sink that allows you to easily wash big pans and stack dirty dishes to clean up from big dinner parties

Wood and other natural textures: a butcherblock countertop, especially on an island, is a great way to incorporate the warmth and timeless look of wood into a kitchen

Open shelving: these are convenient for displaying your heirloom dishware and knick knacks. Open shelving is also a terrific way to quickly scan your kitchen to find things that might otherwise be hidden in drawers

Subway tile: this is one of the most affordable tiles you can get. It looks classic and doesn't appear to be going out of style anytime soon.

Plus, ceramic subway tiles are very low maintenance because they're easy to keep clean. 

You can also easily pick a fancier subway tile made from natural stone such as marble for a high-end look.

Subway tile

Thank you for reading this post! I hope you enjoyed and learnt useful things from it. Remember that interior design relies on creativity not on rules. Feel free to experiment and choose what you like. 
If you need professional help you can reach out to any of the experts featured in this post. 

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