Farmhouse style kitchens with wood cabinets are a popular and timeless design choice. Wood evokes a sense of warmth and comfort, while also providing durability. Farmhouse kitchens manage to feel cozy yet spacious at the same time. In this article, we’ll explore five beautiful examples of farmhouse kitchens featuring wood cabinetry and see what design elements make them so appealing. From cabinet style to backsplashes to flooring, there are many factors that contribute to the charming farmhouse aesthetic.
Elements of Farmhouse Kitchen Design
When designing a farmhouse style kitchen, there are some key elements to keep in mind:
Natural Materials
Wood cabinets are a must for a farmhouse aesthetic. Other natural materials like stone, brick, and wood floors further enhance the organic feel. Materials should look raw and unfinished rather than polished.
Neutral Color Palette
Stick to a neutral color palette primarily made up of whites and wood tones. Pops of color can come from accessories like curtains, a rug, or a standout oven range.
Lighting Fixtures
Wrought iron or brass pendant lights work well over kitchen islands. Also incorporate plenty of natural light with large windows.
Sink and Hardware
An apron-front farmhouse sink and bin-style pulls in a bronze or brass finish complement the look.
Open Shelving
Floating shelves, ladder shelves, and open cabinets give a farmhouse kitchen a light and airy feel while displaying choice decor.
Backsplash
Subway tile, brick, stone, and wood are fitting backsplash materials for farmhouse kitchens. Keep colors simple.
Farmhouse Kitchen with White Shaker Cabinets
This spacious farmhouse kitchen utilizes white Shaker-style cabinets with a brick backsplash to create a timeless and inviting aesthetic.
White Shaker Cabinets
The clean lines of the Shaker-style cabinets allow the natural wood floors and exposed brick backsplash to shine. Choosing white paint allows the cabinets to reflect light and feel fresh, while not detracting from the other elements.
Brick Backsplash
The brick backsplash adds charming texture and feels true to the farmhouse style. The red tones connect to the hardwood floors. Keeping the brick simple without elaborate patterns allows the kitchen to feel cozy rather than busy.
Exposed Beams
Leaving architectural beams exposed plays up the traditional farmhouse character. Wood beams complement the cabinetry and floors.
Natural Lighting
Abundant windows including over the sink area and glass cabinet doors allow plentiful natural light to stream in. This creates an airy, welcoming ambiance.
Modern Updates
While the kitchen employs many traditional farmhouse design elements, the stainless steel professional appliances and simple pendant lighting feel fresh and modern. This prevents the aesthetic from feeling too rustic.
Photo credit: Simpson Design
Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen with Wood Countertops
Wood countertops, open shelving, and a reclaimed wood vent hood give this farmhouse kitchen a wonderfully rustic vibe.
Wood Countertops
Wood countertops are less common than stone or quartz, but they bring organic warmth. Opting for a butcher block style emphasizes the rustic farmhouse look. Wood pairs nicely with the cabinets.
Reclaimed Wood Vent Hood
The reclaimed wood vent hood stands out as an artistic focal point. The raw, natural wood has gorgeous grain patterns and texture that aligns perfectly with the farmhouse aesthetic.
Open Shelving
The wall of open shelves provides easy access to cookware and ingredients. Floating shelves keep the space feeling light and clutter-free. Displaying vibrant pottery and cookbooks personalizes the shelves.
Apron Sink
The deep apron sink is a farmhouse staple. The white ceramic pairs with the white cabinetry while making a statement. A gooseneck faucet enhances the vintage appeal.
Hanging Pendant Lights
The trio of bell jar pendant lights add charming country flair over the sink and island. Their milk glass appearance complements the white cabinetry.
Photo credit: Chris A Dorsey Photography
Modern Farmhouse Kitchen with Black Accents
Black window frames, accent beams, and pendant lights modernize the traditional farmhouse aesthetic in this gorgeous kitchen.
Black Window Frames
The black window frames make a dramatic statement against the white cabinetry. This unique touch makes the windows the focal point of the kitchen.
Eye-Catching Range Hood
The modern black range hood with exposed piping has an industrial edge that contrasts nicely with the traditional cabinets. It provides a bold focal point.
Black Accent Beams
Strategically placed black painted beams draw attention to the architecture while adding striking contrast. They keep the eye moving around the space.
Wrought Iron Pendant Lights
The three black wrought iron pendants add a vintage touch while coordinating with the other black accents. Their airy, open design balances the weight of the beams.
Mixture of White Cabinets
Offsetting upper and lower Shaker-style cabinets with open shelving creates attractive visual variety and texture. The crisp white paint color unites the cabinetry.
Photo credit: Jennifer Green Interiors
Spacious Farmhouse Kitchen With Butler’s Pantry
This expansive farmhouse kitchen employs a spacious butler’s pantry for storage and prep work. Crisp white cabinetry paired with wood elements creates a light and welcoming ambiance.
Butler’s Pantry for Storage and Prep
The roomy butler’s pantry provides extensive storage space and countertops for organization and prep work, keeping the main kitchen tidy. Built-in cabinets streamline the space.
White Shaker Cabinets
White Shaker cabinets keep the look timeless and versatile. The clean lines complement the reclaimed wood elements without competing. Sturdy cabinetry provides plentiful storage space.
Wood Elements
Wood shelves, butcher block countertops, and an antiqued oak island counterbalance the white cabinets. The natural wood injects warmth and texture.
Exposed Beam Ceiling
The exposed beam ceiling enhances the traditional farmhouse feel. The stained wood beams stand out against the white ceiling and tie into the oak island base.
Stainless Steel Appliances
Allowing the stainless appliances to blend into the cabinetry creates a cohesive look. Their streamlined style suits the farmhouse aesthetic.
Photo credit: Jennifer Green Interiors
Cozy Farmhouse Kitchen with Wraparound Windows
Abundant natural light from wraparound windows gives this intimate kitchen an especially bright and airy ambiance. The windows tie the whole look together.
Wraparound Windows
The walls of windows spanning multiple sides of the room flood the space with natural light. Positioning windows high and low enlarges the feeling of the compact kitchen.
Beadboard Backsplash
Beadboard backsplash in a warm wood tone adds farmhouse character. The subtly rustic texture pairs well with the wood floors without competing with the views.
Apron Front Sink
The quintessential farmhouse apron front sink gets the spotlight in front of the wraparound windows. The vintage appearance suits the charming space.
Open Shelving
Wood shelves that match the backsplash provide open storage space without obstructing sightlines. Their airy, built-in look enhances the room’s character.
Modern Updates
While many traditional farmhouse elements are present, modern touches like the stainless range, industrial stools, and simple track lighting keep the kitchen current.
Photo credit: Jessica Lagrange Interiors
Design Considerations for Achieving an Ideal Farmhouse Kitchen
When designing your own farmhouse-inspired kitchen, keep these important considerations in mind:
- Focus on achieving a cohesive, well-thought-out aesthetic rather than just throwing together trendy farmhouse elements. Think about your personal style and daily needs.
- Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and metal for an organic look and feel. Distressed, repurposed, or handcrafted pieces add character.
- Choose cabinetry styles like Shaker that have clean lines and a timeless charm. Soft close hinges also maintain a modern, sleek look.
- Include some visible architectural elements like exposed beams, brick backsplash, or an articulated vent hood. Don’t cover all character of the original space.
- Factor in lots of storage solutions like pull-out shelves, built-in pantry space, and clever drawers to keep the kitchen neat yet functional.
- Splurge on key statement pieces that reflect your personal taste, like an apron front sink, statement chandelier, or vintage-inspired stove. Quality over quantity.
- Incorporate modern updates alongside traditional elements to give a cohesive, livable feel. Consider airy pendant lights, updated fixtures, or stainless appliances.
Commonly Asked Questions About Farmhouse Kitchens
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about achieving the perfect farmhouse kitchen design:
What cabinetry styles work best for a farmhouse kitchen?
- Shaker style cabinets with their clean, simple lines are a popular farmhouse choice. Other styles like cottage and classic flat panel also complement the aesthetic.
What backsplash options suit a farmhouse kitchen?
- Common farmhouse kitchen backsplash options include: subway tile, beadboard, brick, stone like marble, and wood planks. Keep colors neutral.
What types of sinks work well in a farmhouse kitchen?
- Apron front sinks are a farmhouse staple. Look for deep, wide single basin sinks in materials like fireclay or porcelain. Gooseneck faucets enhance the vintage vibe.
What are good farmhouse kitchen flooring ideas?
- Hardwood floors are a classic choice that brings natural warmth. Other options that can work include stone like slate, tile with a wood-like motif, or concrete with added texture.
Should I install open shelving in my farmhouse kitchen?
- Open shelving provides lovely display space in a farmhouse kitchen. Make sure to thoughtfully style and edit shelves to avoid clutter taking over. Glass door shelving is another option.
What are top tips for lighting a farmhouse kitchen?
- Incorporate pendant lights over islands and sinks. Opt for vintage inspired styles like bell jar or filament bulbs. Larger fixture lighting should be black, brass, or bronze. Allow for abundant natural light.
Creating a Warm and Inviting Farmhouse Kitchen
The charm of a farmhouse kitchen lies in the little details. Keeping cabinetry, flooring, and materials consistent and neutral allows you to layer in personal touches. Showcase collections of worn cookbooks, antique vessels, or lush potted herbs and plants to infuse character. Use textiles like tea towels, curtains, and table linens to bring in colorful accents.
Incorporate meaningful pieces that have been passed down or discovered at a local flea market to make the space feel curated. Have any repairs or imperfections show – rather than being hidden – to embrace the worn, vintage vibe. Most importantly, focus on creating an inspiring space for making memories with friends and family. Allow your kitchen’s design to reflect how you actually live.
Conclusion
Farmhouse kitchens manage to encapsulate comfort, character, and functionality all in one charming space. From brick backsplashes to butler’s pantries, the elements seamlessly work together to create an inviting aesthetic. While white Shaker cabinetry, wood elements, and apron-front sinks make up the bones of these spaces, you can incorporate personal flair through styling and accessories. If you approach your design with creativity, care, and a bit of imperfection, your kitchen is sure to realize the warmth and livability of an authentic farmhouse style.