Introduction to Farmhouse Style
Farmhouse style refers to a design aesthetic that embraces vintage and rustic charm. This style has roots dating back to early American farmhouses built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Traditional farmhouse designs emphasized simplicity, functionality, and natural materials.
Today, farmhouse style is defined by some key characteristics:
**Rustic elements**: Farmhouse decor embraces imperfections like chipped paint, distressed wood, and worn finishes. This helps create a cozy, lived-in look. Weathered barn doors, reclaimed wood furniture, farmhouse Kitchen Cabinet Ideas and galvanized metal accents are common.
**Vintage accents**: Vintage signs, containers, textiles, and accessories help evoke old-fashioned farmhouse life. Items like washboards,Farmhouse Kitchen Cabinets, milk cans, woven baskets, and enamelware add nostalgic flair.
**Neutral, earthy color palette**: Farmhouse schemes use natural, muted hues like whites, creams, greys, browns, greens, and blues. Soft pastels and earth tones create a calm, welcoming vibe.
**Natural materials**: Natural fibers, wood, stone, and metal give farmhouse spaces a raw, organic feel.Think cotton, wool, linen, oak, pine, marble, and iron.
**Distressed finishes**: Farmhouse furniture and surfaces feature visible nicks, scratches, and other signs of aging. Whitewashed, antiqued, or weathered finishes make things look timeworn.
The farmhouse aesthetic embraces humble, uncomplicated living and seeks to infuse homes with vintage rural charm. This enduring style continues to grow in popularity today.
Key Elements of a Farmhouse Kitchen
The key elements that define the farmhouse kitchen style include white cabinets, open shelving, wood countertops, vintage accents, apron sinks, exposed beams, and pendant lighting.
White Cabinets
Crisp, bright white cabinets are a hallmark of the farmhouse kitchen. The white paint gives the space an airy, light feel and allows the textures and grains in natural wood elements to stand out. Shaker-style cabinets with recessed panel doors and visible hinges suit the farmhouse aesthetic. For added character, consider weathered, antique white, or off-white cabinet colors.
Open Shelving
Open shelving lends the casual, lived-in vibe characteristic of farmhouse style. Shelves lined with cookbooks, dishes, and decor show off personality. For a light and airy look, use wall-mounted floating shelves. Or get creative repurposing and mounting salvaged wood. Just be sure to display only your most visually appealing items.
Wood Countertops
Wood countertops bring natural warmth and texture to the farmhouse kitchen. Butcher block countertops are trendy, available in maple, walnut, cherry, or oak. For a rustic look, use reclaimed wood planks. Finish the countertops with food-safe oil to protect and enhance the natural wood grains. Add character by opting for a mix of wood tones or alternating end-grain and edge-grain butcher block patterns.
Choosing Farmhouse Style kitchen Cabinets
When selecting cabinets for a farmhouse style kitchen, there are a few key elements to look for that will help achieve the rustic yet refined aesthetic.
Door Fronts
Shaker style cabinet doors with their clean, simple lines are a popular choice for farmhouse kitchens. The flat recessed center panel and frame give a timeless look. For added character, consider choosing cabinets with a distressed paint finish. Some companies even offer door fronts made to look like repurposed wood from old barns or fencing.
Materials
Beyond just style, the material the cabinets are constructed from matters too. Solid wood cabinets can be pricier but offer beauty and durability. For a more budget friendly option, many companies offer styles made from wood veneers over medium density fiberboard (MDF) or laminate. Talk with kitchen designers about how different materials will impact the overall look and feel.
Hardware
Don’t forget about the hardware! Swapping out the standard handles for bin pulls, knobs or cup pulls in an antique brass, oil rubbed bronze or satin nickel finish can go a long way in achieving the farmhouse vibe. Prioritize function as well – larger cup pulls or handles may be better choices for cabinets that get more wear and tear.
When thoughtfully combined, the right farmhouse style cabinet door fronts, finishes, materials,farmhouse Kitchen Cabinet Ideas and hardware will create a kitchen with both vintage appeal and modern functionality.
Farmhouse Kitchen Island Ideas
The kitchen island is often the focal point of a farmhouse style kitchen. Choosing the right island design and materials is key to achieving the charming farmhouse aesthetic.
Popular farmhouse kitchen island ideas include:
**Butcher block island tops** Butcher block offers natural, organic texture and warmth. Butcher block pairs nicely with white cabinetry for contrast. Opt for wood tones like acacia, oak, or walnut. Consider pairing butcher block with an apron front island design.
**Wood top islands** In addition to butcher block, hardwood tops like oak, maple, and hickory make great farmhouse kitchen island tops. The wood tones add natural color and texture. Distressed or reclaimed wood tops boost the vintage farmhouse vibe.
**Reclaimed wood islands** For added rustic appeal, use reclaimed wood beams or barn wood for the kitchen island top and base. This gives a sense of history and authenticity. Try combining with turned legs and an apron front design.
**Turned legs** Wood turned legs add cottage charm and craftsmanship to a farmhouse kitchen island. Turned legs often feature decorative balls or curves carved into the legs. White turned legs pop against wood island tops.
**Apron front** An apron front island has a farmhouse inspired front panel that covers the cabinet bases. Look for paneled or grooved designs. Combine with turned legs and butcher block for a classic farmhouse island look.
**Open shelving**Incorporate open shelving or wine racks into the island design for display space. This adds visual interest and ties into the farmhouse aesthetic. Iron brackets or corbels add support for open shelves.
**Sink** Include a sink in the island for added function and workflow. Farmhouse apron front sinks pair nicely with farmhouse style islands. Opt for classic white ceramic or timeworn copper.
With the right combination of reclaimed woods, handcrafted details, and vintage-inspired accents, the kitchen island can become a charming farmhouse centerpiece. Keep the design simple and functional – that is key to achieving an authentic farmhouse style.
Farmhouse Kitchen Backsplash
The backsplash is a key design element that can make or break the farmhouse style in your kitchen. A classic choice is white subway tile with black grout for high contrast. The simple, clean subway tile paired with the bold grout lines embodies farmhouse chic.
White subway tiles have a timeless look, but you can also consider bricks or tin panels for a more rustic farmhouse feel. A brick backsplash with dark grout brings warmth and texture. For a unique industrial vibe, try a backsplash made of galvanized tin panels in black, gray, or silver. Tin offers an affordable, durable option.
Wood is another charming farmhouse backsplash idea. White painted boards, reclaimed barn wood, or tongue-and-groove planks add homey appeal. Unfinished wood adds natural texture, or customize the tone with stains and paints. Accent the wood backsplash with black iron brackets or hardware for an extra touch of character.
Don’t limit yourself to just one material either. Mixing and matching tiles, wood, metal and other elements creates depth and visual interest in the backsplash. Going for an eclectic, collected-over-time look works perfectly in a farmhouse kitchen. The key is choosing textures and colors that flow together, like wood paired with white tiles or brick combined with galvanized metal panels.
With creative use of materials, your backsplash can become the heart of your farmhouse kitchen’s rustic, vintage design. Let it be the crowning touch that brings the whole space together.
Farmhouse Kitchen Countertops
The countertops are an integral part of any farmhouse kitchen’s style. They need to look natural and vintage, while still being functional for food prep and durable over time. Some top choices for farmhouse kitchen countertops include:
Butcher Block
Wood countertops, especially butcher block, are very popular in farmhouse kitchens. The natural patterns and grains of the wood fit the cozy farmhouse aesthetic beautifully. Butcher block offers a sturdy surface for meal prep and cooking. It can be sealed to resist moisture and stains. Butcher block does require careful maintenance with seasonal oiling and conditioning to prevent drying out. Dark stained wood or lighter natural wood tones both work well.
Marble & Quartz
Natural stone like marble, granite or soapstone can be an elegant choice. The veining and colors add to the rustic charm. Marble especially evokes an old world feel. However it can stain and etch from acids, so it requires resealing over time. For a lower maintenance alternative, quartz countertops can mimic the look of marble or concrete with more durability.
Concrete
Concrete counters are enjoying a revival for their raw, industrial vibe which pairs well with farmhouse style. The mottled gray tones and matte finish look like weathered concrete. Concrete is heat resistant, strong, and can be molded into custom shapes like integrated sinks. The downside is concrete can be prone to chipping, staining, and cracking without proper sealing and care.
Bar or Drink Station
Having an area of the kitchen countertop dedicated as a bar, drink assembly area or coffee station is a popular element in many kitchens today. For farmhouse kitchens, use repurposed vintage wood to make a rustic drink station. Or include a concrete section of the counter fitted with plumbing for a speciality sink just for mixing beverages.
Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks
A key component of any farmhouse style kitchen is the sink. Farmhouse sinks are a classic vintage style, often with a deep rectangular basin and an apron front. The most iconic farmhouse sinks feature an exposed apron front made of materials like fireclay or porcelain.
Farmhouse sinks frequently have a double bowl rather than a single bowl. The double bowl allows for soaking dishes in one side while washing on the other. It also provides more flexibility. You may choose to use one bowl for washing fruits and vegetables and the other for dishes. Some people prefer keeping one side empty to hold serving bowls when hosting guests.
When selecting materials, fireclay and porcelain are classics. Both offer durability and an attractive finish that develops a patina over time. Porcelain tends to be shinier and more resistant to chipping. It’s also typically a bit more affordable than fireclay. Cast iron is another option, though it can be prone to chipping without proper care.
Whatever material you choose, be sure to pair your farmhouse sink with vintage-style fixtures. A bridge faucet with separate hot and cold handles complements the aesthetic beautifully. For a modern twist, opt for a bridge faucet in black, brass, or another on-trend hue.
The generous size and double basin of a farmhouse sink give it versatility and charm. For those seeking the ultimate country kitchen, a stately apron-front fireclay or porcelain farmhouse sink is a must.
Farmhouse Kitchen Lighting
Lighting plays an integral role in achieving the cozy, vintage vibe of a farmhouse kitchen. Some key lighting elements to incorporate include:
Pendant Lights Over the Island
Hanging pendant lights over the kitchen island is a must for farmhouse style. Opt for black metal or wooden fixtures with multiple bulbs. Vintage-inspired pendants work perfectly to add charm and illumination for food prep and dining areas. Go for pendants with visible Edison bulbs or filament lighting to complement the industrial farmhouse aesthetic.
Choose pendant heights that allow them to hang low enough without obstructing counters and seating. Scale the size appropriately – don’t go too massive or too petite. For optimal illumination, look for pendants that point light upwards and downwards.
Vintage Edison Bulbs
Vintage Edison bulbs with their visible coiled filaments are a farmhouse lighting staple. They emit a beautiful warm glow that feels nostalgic. Use them in pendant lights, sconces, table lamps or other fixtures. Opt for classic edison shapes like A19, ST18, or G25 bulbs.
To add character, mix and match different edison bulb shapes and sizes. Go for bare bulbs or bulb cages for an exposed industrial look. Dimmer switches allow you to control the mood.
Repurposed Lighting Fixtures
In line with farmhouse style’s emphasis on reusing materials, look for unique repurposed lighting. Vintage finds like old barn lights, milk can pendants, or antique gas pump fixtures make creative statement pieces.
For a DIY option, you can easily convert used materials like baskets, crates, jars, or tins into hanging lights. Add lampshade kits or visible bulb sockets. This type of rustic chic lighting adds lots of personality and charm to a farmhouse kitchen.
Farmhouse Kitchen Decor
The decor you choose for your farmhouse kitchen helps reinforce the overall rustic style.So, here are some key decor elements to incorporate:
Open Shelving
- Open shelving is ideal for displaying antique dishware, mason jars, spices, cookbooks, and other decorative items. Stagger items on the shelves for a casual look. Shelving can be made from reclaimed wood planks for an authentic farmhouse feel.
- Consider an open shelf “hutch” area to create a focal point. Opt for 4-6 shelves in different heights and widths. Add fun elements like a vintage ladder placed horizontally as a crate.
- Simple bracket shelves mounted on the wall provide open storage. Alternate between buying and DIY-ing shelves based on your budget and skillset.
Repurposed Storage
- Incorporate repurposed crates, baskets, and boxes for a rustic storage solution. Stack crates or baskets on open shelving to hold fruits and vegetables.
- Repurpose old drawers and build them into shelving units. Mismatched sizes and styles add charm.
Rustic Accents
- Farmhouse kitchens tend to feature natural textures and earthy elements. Incorporate terracotta pots, woven baskets, and dried floral arrangements.
- Look for unique ways to display kitchen items. Hang antique utensils or pots from hooks on the walls. Place flowers in enamelware pots on the windowsill.
- Add a vintage rug for the floor and roman shades for the windows to complement the overall farmhouse vibe.
- Include reclaimed wood cutting boards, pot racks, and signs with folksysayings for additional rustic flair.
Bringing It All Together
Achieving a cohesive farmhouse style kitchen means bringing together all the elements in a thoughtful, integrated way. Here are some tips:
- Mix old and new – Blend antique or vintage pieces with modern conveniences to get the farmhouse look. An old farmhouse sink paired with new faucets and appliances works well.
- Texture is key – Incorporate different textures like wood cabinets, marble counters, subway tile backsplashes, and woven rugs. The blend of natural textures enhances the rustic farmhouse vibe.
- Add personal touches – Display cherished kitchen items like rolling pins, ceramic canisters, or a collection of jugs. This gives your space character and personality.
- Light it up – Use pendant lighting over islands and sinks. Go for vintage-style filament bulbs in dark metal fixtures for mood lighting.
- Don’t overdecorate – Allow breathing room between pieces. Crowding the space takes away from the casual farmhouse aesthetic.
- Budget-friendly options – Distressed wood cabinets, butcher block counters, galvanized metal buckets, and second-hand finds make farmhouse style achievable on a budget.
- Focus on function – A farmhouse kitchen cabinets should be highly functional.
Pulling together all the elements cohesively creates a farmhouse kitchen that is beautiful, functional and full of homey character because with thoughtful design choices, you can achieve this lovely vintage style on any budget.