A farmhouse-style kitchen evokes a feeling of comfortable simplicity, natural materials, and vintage inspiration. This charming and inviting kitchen style has become increasingly popular over the last decade as more people seek beauty in imperfection and want a space that feels authentic.
Farmhouse decor walks a fine line between rustic and refined. It takes the coziness of traditional country style and adds a layer of sophistication through contrasting textures, upgraded materials, and hints of modernity. A farmhouse kitchen brings together old and new seamlessly for a timeless look you’ll love for years to come.
Elements of the Farmhouse Kitchen Style
When designing your dream farmhouse kitchen, keep these key elements in mind:
Natural Materials and Textures
The farmhouse look celebrates raw, organic textures that add cozy appeal. Some top choices include:
- Wood: Weathered barn wood, butcher block, shiplap walls
- Stone: Marble, travertine, granite, soapstone
- Metal: Galvanized tin, wrought iron, antique tools
- Fabric: Burlap, muslin, denim, linen
Mix and match materials for lots of depth and contrast. For example, pair a reclaimed wood dining table with metal stools and a marble-topped kitchen island.
Neutral Color Palette
Stick to a neutral palette reminiscent of the countryside to keep your farmhouse kitchen feeling calm and natural. Some go-to shades include:
- Whites: Buttermilk, ivory, cotton, snow
- Tans and browns: Khaki, walnut, chestnut, camel
- Greys: Heather, fog, ash, charcoal
- Blacks and greens: Soft sage, olive, emerald, ebony
Add warmth with natural wood tones and pops of cheery accent colors like brick red, buttercup yellow, or robin’s egg blue.
Vintage-Inspired Accents
Vintage, antique, and hand-me-down pieces add character and charm to a farmhouse space. Scout flea markets, antique stores, or even your grandparents’ attic for finds like:
- Display cabinets
- China sets
- Silverware
- Framed botanical art
- Enamelware pots
- Glass canning jars
- Cast iron cookware
Mix old with new and keep pieces simple for a timeworn look.
Rustic and Worn Finishes
Farmhouse style celebrates imperfection and welcomes worn, rustic finishes that reflect the natural aging process. Consider:
- Distressed wood with nicks, dents, peeling paint
- Chipped marble or limestone counters
- Handscraped, wide-plank floors
- Exposed wood ceiling beams
- Objects repurposed in creative ways, like a bucket turned into a light fixture
Avoid anything too polished or shiny. The more character and patina, the better.
Cozy Textiles and Soft Touches
Add warmth and softness with cozy linens, vintage-inspired patterns, and natural fiber rugs. Ideas include:
- Checkered tablecloths
- Gingham curtains
- Braided rag rugs
- Floral tea towels
- Macrame wall hangings
- Patchwork pillows
- Crocheted blankets on furniture
Stick to homespun-style fabrics and comfortable textures.
Farmhouse Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
The cabinets set the foundation for your kitchen’s style. Here are some farmhouse cabinet ideas to consider:
Shiplap Cabinets
Shiplap paneling instantly gives cabinets a rustic farmhouse look. Opt for wide planks with visible gaps for a weathered vibe. Paint or stain a natural wood tone for contrast.
Beadboard Cabinets
Beadboard paneling adds pretty vintage-inspired detail. Use it on doors, drawer fronts, and open shelving. Paint it soft white or pale blue for airy charm.
Distressed Cabinets
Buy pre-distressed cabinets or distress them yourself. Sand corners and edges to mimic natural wear, apply white paint, then sand again to reveal wood beneath. The more cracks and nicks the better.
Open Shelving
Open shelving gives a casual, country vibe and shows off pretty dishware. Try glass-front upper cabinets to avoid dust, or leave lower shelves open. Mix with closed cabinets for balance.
Hardware
Wrought iron handles, brass knobs, and reclaimed wood shelves add farmhouse personality. Opt for visible hinges for a rustic look.
Keep your cabinets light and airy with crisp white, light gray, or soft blue-green paint colors. Avoid ornate detailing and let the materials shine through.
Farmhouse Sink Ideas
A farmhouse-style sink is the heart of any country kitchen. Popular options include:
Enameled Cast Iron
A classic. White enamel over cast iron looks freshly painted and resists stains. Brands like Kohler offer many size and color choices.
Stainless Steel
A budget-friendly option, though prone to scratches. Look for a deep single basin with an apron front.
Fireclay
Fireclay has a glossy look and feels cool to the touch. The material is chip- and stain-resistant. Great for active homes.
Apron Front
Apron-front sinks have a wide exposed front. This vintage style works with any material to amplify the farmhouse vibe.
Double Sink
A double sink provides extra space for busy cooks. Opt for two identical bowls or mix a large and small one.
Rustic Stone
Rough-hewn stone sinks feel pleasantly old-fashioned. Materials like soapstone develop a vintage patina over time.
Pick a deep, spacious sink to fit large pots and pans. A classic white apron front pairs well with many kitchen styles.
Backsplash Ideas for Farmhouse Kitchens
The backsplash protects your walls while adding eye-catching style. Farmhouse-friendly options include:
Subway Tile
Classic 3×6” glossy white subway tile evokes vintage charm. Pair with pencil trim or mini tiles for contrast.
Beadboard
Beadboard panels instantly create a cottage feel. Use tongue-and-groove planks for easy DIY installation.
Tin
Galvanized tin tiles or panels offer rustic, industrial appeal. Mix metal finishes like nickel, copper, and brass for depth.
Stone
Natural stone like marble, travertine, or slate bring organic texture. Stick to a simple stacked pattern.
Brick
Salvaged brick has loads of character and feels pleasantly imperfect. Use full or partial bricks for accent.
Wood
Reclaimed wood planks make a warm, eco-friendly option. Try weathered barnwood or parquet patterns.
Keep your backsplash neutral like white, beige, or gray to let materials shine. Add pops of color with handmade ceramic tiles or antique glass bottles.
Farmhouse Kitchen Countertops
The counters see daily use, so choose materials that are durable as well as stylish:
Butcher Block
Warm wooden butcher block blends well with most color schemes. Opt for easy-care composite over natural wood.
Marble
Classic for good reason. Carrara is the iconic white marble, but gray, blue, and veined options work too. Stain resistant if properly sealed.
Quartz
Offers the look of stone with excellent durability. Select textured finishes and white/neutral hues for a natural vibe.
Concrete
Concrete makes a super durable and stain-resistant surface in any color. Has an urban industrial look that works well with farmhouse style.
Soapstone
A metamorphic stone with a soft look and feel. Develops a patina over time. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Choose wood, marble, or concrete for authentic farmhouse appeal. Keep counter edges simple – squared or rounded – to match the style.
Farmhouse Kitchen Island Ideas
A kitchen island expands your workspace and storage while serving as a casual dining spot. Consider these farmhouse island ideas:
Rustic Wood Top
A hand-hewn reclaimed wood countertop brings organic texture. Try using the end of a weathered barn beam.
Built-In Rolling Pin Holder
Add charm with a built-in rolling pin holder. Opt for turned wood or wrought iron designs.
Vintage-Style Stools
Iron-frame stools with wood seats complement the aesthetic. Add saddle leather for a luxe twist.
Farmhouse Sink
Make the island multitask by adding a farmhouse sink. White enamel or fireclay suits the style best.
Open Shelving
Built-in open shelving provides space to display pretty kitchenware and cookbooks. Try glass doors to prevent dust.
Breadboard Details
Edge your island with wood breadboards or use them as butcher block accents. Shows off artisan craftsmanship.
Mix up materials like wood, marble, metal, and stone for lots of depth. Keep shapes clean-lined and craftsman-like in style.
Farmhouse Kitchen Appliances
Appliance finishes make a big impact. Options like these suit farmhouse decor:
Vintage-Style Ranges
Reproduction vintage ranges have a colorful, retro feel. Brands like Big Chill, Lacanche, and SMEG offer fun styles.
Apron-Front Sink
Models with front apron panels echo old-fashioned sinks. Look for options in stainless steel or enamel.
Paneled Refrigerators
Refrigerators paneled with wood or beadboard match cabinetry for a seamless look. Great for built-in designs.
Farmhouse Style Microwaves
New microwaves come in vintage styles with charming accents like chicken wire and wood trim.
Rustic Open Shelving
Open shelving gives a casual feel for microwave stands or extra display space. Use reclaimed barnwood for the shelves.
Cast Iron Accents
Decorate with antique cast iron pieces like arched stove hoods or kettle pots for country character.
Stick to crisply tailored appliances in white, black, or stainless steel. Add color and charm with accent pieces.
Farmhouse Kitchen Dining Nook Ideas
Carve out special spots to gather with these dining nook concepts:
Built-In Banquette Seating
Banquettes lined with plush cushions tuck neatly into corners to save space. Add storage underneath the seats.
Rustic Wood Table and Benches
A handcrafted wood dining set suits a cozy nook. Try pedestal-based tables or retro metal chair frames.
Vintage Furnishings
Set the scene with flea market finds like a restored farm table, clawfoot chairs, or china cabinet.
Plentiful Windows
Frame the nook with large windows to connect indoor and outdoor views. Add pretty curtains.
Fresh Florals
Complete the space with a vase of garden flowers or eucalyptus greens on the table.
Rustic Accents
Wrought iron candleholders, chalkboard menus, galvanized buckets, and ceramics add charm.
Create a welcoming place to gather family and friends. Focus on durable furnishings that improve with age and use.
Farmhouse Paint Color Ideas
Paint colors enhance the overall style and mood of your kitchen. Try these farmhouse-friendly hues:
Soft White
Crisp white has vintage appeal but can feel sterile. Opt for soft whites like alabaster, vanilla, or buttermilk instead.
Blue-Green
Muted aqua, sage, and other blue-greens feel fresh yet soothing. Especially nice with white trimmed cabinets.
Warm Gray
Subtle grays with beige or brown undertones provide cozy contrast to all-white kitchens.
Black Accents
For dramatic flair, use black on an island base or window frames against light walls.
Earthy Neutrals
Colors drawn straight from nature – sand, clay, woodland green, straw – help rooms feel grounded.
Cheery Red
A true farmhouse hue. Deep apple red or brick red pops nicely against white. Use in moderation.
Pick a light main color to keep the kitchen feeling airy and sunlit. Accent with mood-boosting brights.
Farmhouse Kitchen Flooring Ideas
Choosing the right flooring pulls the whole space together. Ideas that suit farmhouse style include:
Wide Plank Wood
The wider the better, for that rustic vibe. Oak and walnut have beautiful natural grain.
Wood-Look Tile
Realistic wood-look ceramic or porcelain tile provides the visual appeal without the maintenance of real wood.
Brick Flooring
Brick flooring looks wonderfully timeworn in red, brown, grey, or mixed tones. Seal properly.
Stone Tile
Natural stone like slate, travertine, and limestone offer organic texture.
Concrete
Simple, durable concrete floors gain character over time. New staining techniques allow any color.
Vinyl Plank
Budget-friendly vinyl plank flooring mimics wood or stone with realistic visuals and textures.
Choose materials known for durability, like wood, tile, and concrete. The more aged and imperfect, the better.
Farmhouse Kitchen Ceiling Treatment Ideas
Don’t overlook the fifth wall – the kitchen ceiling! Some trendy farmhouse options:
Exposed Beams
Leave structural beams exposed for an authentic vintage look. Natural or whitewashed wood finishes work well.
Wood Planked
Use reclaimed boards to create a rustic paneled ceiling. Varying widths and stains add interest.
Tin Ceiling Tiles
Affordable tin ceiling tiles quickly create an industrial feel. Opt for faux versions rather than weighty real metal.
Open Rafters
Expose roof rafters and leave them unfinished for an airy, barn-like vibe. Saves money too.
Pendant Lights
Draw the eye up with galvanized metal pendant lights over the kitchen island. Add chandeliers for drama.
Soft White
Painting the ceiling a very soft white can make a kitchen feel airier. Adds brightness without glare.
Think beyond basic flat white for the ceiling. Creative treatments add country character and dimension.
Decorating a Farmhouse Kitchen: Tips and Ideas
Decorating and accessorizing the space brings everything together. Use these farmhouse decor ideas:
- Display antique kitchen tools like whisks, rolling pins, and enamelware.
- Add glass-front cabinets to showcase pretty dishes, mugs, and linens.
- Incorporate natural elements like woven baskets, sliding barn doors, and potted herbs.
- Pick fabric patterns reminiscent of the countryside like gingham, floral, and plaid.
- Use chalkboard menus, galvanized buckets, and fruit crate storage.
- Include cozy textiles like tablecloths, curtains, rag rugs, and tea towels.
- Choose lighting fixtures that feel handcrafted like wrought iron, woven rattan, or mason jars.
- Decorate sparingly for a casual, lived-in look. Focus on quality over quantity.
- Displaycollected antiques, cookbooks, and family photos.
Seek out pieces with special meaning, like hand-me-downs or flea market treasures. Don’t over-decorate – let the worn, welcoming vibe speak for itself.
Tips for Achieving Farmhouse Style on a Budget
Creating a farmhouse kitchen doesn’t have to bust your budget. Some cost-saving tips:
- Shop secondhand stores and online auction sites for unique vintage furnishings at a fraction of the cost. With a good eye and some elbow grease, you can transform great finds.
- Use faux finishes like pre-distressed wood or tin ceiling tiles to mimic pricier materials for less.
- Refresh what you already have with new paint colors, knobs, and seating cushions rather than replacing everything.
- Choose affordable flooring options like stained concrete, sheet vinyl, or laminate wood-look planks.
- Install shiplap or beadboard paneling on walls and cabinetry yourself. Pre-cut pieces make DIY installation simple.
- Buy stock cabinets and upgrade them with glass fronts, new hardware, or shiplap facing.
- Use natural lighting and mirrors to brighten up small kitchens rather than investing in expensive renovations.
With creativity and resourcefulness, you can achieve charming farmhouse style on any budget. Focus your dollars on a few standout focal points.
Maintaining a Farmhouse Kitchen
Farmhouse style celebrates natural wear and tear. But to keep your kitchen looking its best:
- Use sealers and gentle cleaners suitable for more porous surfaces like wood, concrete, and natural stone.
- Avoid abrasive scouring pads and powders that will scratch surfaces.
- Immediately wipe up spills and splatters to prevent stains, especially on grout and textiles.
- Wash dishes and empty the sink before bed to deter ants and other pests.
- Vacuum crumbs from cracks frequently to prevent buildup.
- Clean surfaces using a circular motion to follow the direction of brushed metals.
- Use cutting boards and trivets to protect counters and tables.
- Spot treat textiles as needed and wash gently on cool. Air dry only.
- Dust high surfaces like open shelves frequently.
With proper care, your farmhouse kitchen will develop even more charm as it naturally ages. Refresh paint and finishes periodically.
Achieving an Authentic Farmhouse Look
The most important step for creating an authentic farmhouse kitchen is to reflect your genuine style and needs. Avoid overly rustic clichés or a
