Embracing the farmhouse style for your kitchen creates a warm, inviting space that feels lived-in and loved. The key elements that make up a farmhouse kitchen are simplicity, functionality, and vintage-inspired details that give it that timeworn charm. By incorporating these 8 essential design components, you can easily achieve the cozy farmhouse kitchen of your dreams.
Rustic Wood Cabinets
Wood cabinets are a hallmark of farmhouse style. Opt for unfinished, distressed or painted wood cabinets to get that aged, rustic look. Shaker-style cabinets with visible hinges and hardware will also help create the casual farmhouse aesthetic. Consider open shelving or glass-front upper cabinets to display cherished dishes and give your kitchen a laidback vibe.
Wood choices like pine, oak or maple with visible wood grains and knots will add to the organic feel. Go for tongue-and-groove cabinet fronts for extra character. Mix up your cabinet colors with lighter woods up top and richly-stained lower cabinets for contrast. Don’t be afraid to mix cabinet styles like integrating a hutch or antique cabinets for eclectic charm. Accent with vintage-look ceramic knobs.
Rustic wood cabinets bring natural warmth and aged appeal to a farmhouse kitchen for that perfectly imperfect look.
Farmhouse Sink
The farmhouse kitchen sink is probably the most iconic element that defines the look. Also called apron-front sinks, these deep, wide sinks feature an exposed front apron and rounded corners for a traditional style. Usually made of fireclay or cast iron, farmhouse sinks make a durable and charming centerpiece for your country kitchen.
Opt for a classic white sink for a crisp, timeless look. For more colorful options, many companies now offer farmhouse sinks in on-trend hues like light blue, charcoal or even retro avocado green. The double bowl version provides extra space for preparing meals and cleaning up. Go for the genuine farmhouse look with a porcelain sink that showcases visible hammer marks from its handcrafted manufacturing.
A farmhouse sink provides old-fashioned style that just feels right in the heart of a country kitchen.
Open Shelving
Open shelves lend a casual, unfussy look in keeping with farmhouse style. They allow you to display treasured dishes or rustic pottery in plain sight rather than hidden away behind cabinet doors. Mount shelves right on the walls, over a sink or on brackets for an airy, furniture-like feel.
Rustic wood, reclaimed barn boards, or distressed metal shelves hold everything from dishes to cookbooks. For a cohesive look, match the finish and tone of your open shelves to other wood elements in the kitchen like cabinets or ceilings. Open shelves keep items within reach for a laidback look. Just be sure to display only your visually appealing items, and group similar looking pieces together for a curated look.
Subway Tile
Classic white 3×6” subway tiles lend vintage farmhouse style as a kitchen backsplash. Their understated, brick-like layout provides just enough texture without overpowering. Subway tiles create a clean, neutral backdrop that allows other finishes to shine.
For more contrast, try subways tiles in black, light blue or sage green. Take them all the way up to the ceiling for a bold but charming farmhouse statement. Rows of subway tiles also make a great rustic frame for an integrated stove or bold vent hood.
Whether kept simple or dressed up with subway tile patterns, this uncomplicated tile gives traditional character to a country kitchen.
Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block countertops bring organic texture along with rugged durability to a farmhouse kitchen. Made from strips of hardwood like maple or walnut, the chopping block style makes them right at home in a country kitchen. The wood surfaces add warmth and are naturally stain- and scratch-resistant.
Light unfinished butcher block counters complement painted cabinets for contrast. Opt for wood types with varied grains like oak for even more visual interest. Keep the look authentic with visible joinery lines between the wood strips. For a more modern but still rustic vibe, go for butcher block counters topped with clear finish.
Naturally antibacterial, butcher block stands up to heavy use while imparting farmhouse charm. Just seal regularly and take care to avoid excessive standing moisture.
Vintage Hardware/Fixtures
Update builder-grade cabinets and drawers with vintage-style hardware for an easy farmhouse facelift. Bin pulls, breadboard pulls and wire pulls have an authentic, timeworn look. Search architectural salvage shops, antique stores or reproductions to find charming, imperfect pieces that appear genuinely old.
Display collections of glassware or utensils in open cabinets fitted with vintage chicken wire instead of doors. A repurposed ladder turned on its side opens up to shelving or towels. Salvaged crates stacked into cubbies offer farmhouse charm on a budget.
Visually balance vintage elements with more modern updates so your kitchen doesn’t feel too theme-y. Vintage lighting fixtures, faucets or door handles bring a touch of personality while keeping your farmhouse kitchen relaxed and livable.
Wood Cutting Boards
Rustic wood cutting boards give a timeworn touch and echo the wood finishes seen throughout a farmhouse kitchen. Made from solid woods like maple, walnut or teak, these boards are naturally antimicrobial and safe for food prep when properly maintained. Look for boards shaped like state names or butcher block styles for easy farmhouse vibe.
Hang smaller cutting boards on the wall for storage and decoration. Wrap boards with leather straps or hemp rope for rustic accents; just remove before use. Carved, edge-grain boards absorb knives’ impact best. Give new boards a protective mineral oil finish before use, and oil regularly to prevent drying and cracking.
Wood cutting boards lend authentic farm character to kitchen prep and serving. Choose planks in varying sizes, and don’t be afraid to distress boards for an antiqued appearance. Just make sure any cuts in the wood are smooth to prevent splintering.
Pendant Lighting
Suspended pendant lights give an industrial touch to offset all the wood and vintage elements in a farmhouse kitchen. Bare-bulb pendants embrace the exposed warehouse trend. Edison-style bulbs add vintage flair; carbon filament LEDs give an even more authentic golden glow. Multi-pendant arrangements make a big visual impact while keeping the look relaxed.
Black wrought iron fixtures complement both light and dark wood finishes. Go modern with clear glass globes or sleek metal pendants in satin brass. Choose galvanized metal pendants and adjustable hangers for a rustic cottage feel. Most pendant lights work well over a kitchen sink, island, or dining table. Just position them at proper heights for ambient lighting and task lighting as needed.
Pendant lights lend industrial contrast and direct task lighting that keeps a farmhouse kitchen feeling current and practical.
Farmhouse Kitchen FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about achieving the perfect farmhouse kitchen design:
What paint colors work best in a farmhouse kitchen?
Traditional farmhouse kitchens embrace light, airy paint colors like cloud white, antique white, light gray, or very soft pastels for a fresh, countryside feel. Accent walls in deeper hues like navy, charcoal, or olive instantly warm up the space.
What flooring options suit farmhouse style?
Wood flooring like oak or pine boards, brick, and stone complement farmhouse decor, along with linoleum or concrete for budget-friendly options.
Should I choose shiplap or beadboard for farmhouse kitchen walls?
Either option provides great rustic texture, so you can opt for the look you prefer. White shiplap has more prominent boards while beadboard offers a more refined, consistent pattern.
How much should I budget for a farmhouse kitchen remodel?
Budget $20,000-60,000+ for a full farmhouse kitchen renovation depending on finishes, appliances, size, and if you make structural changes. Focus on big visual elements like cabinets, sinks and backsplashes to get the look for less.
What types of countertop work for farmhouse kitchens?
Butcher block, wood, concrete, and soapstone suit the style well. Quartz in solid white or neutral colors also complements the farmhouse look.
Should my farmhouse kitchen have an island?
Farmhouse-style islands provide valuable prep space and storage, along with a place for casual dining. Just be sure to allow adequate circulation space around the island.
Conclusion
Creating your dream farmhouse kitchen is all about blending traditional character with rustic and vintage touches for timeless appeal. Start by incorporating key farmhouse elements like classic wood cabinets, an apron-front sink, open shelving, and butcher block counters. Give it further authenticity with salvaged lighting and hardware, wood cutting boards, and subway tile backsplashes.
Keep the overall look light, airy, and unfussy for a welcoming kitchen that feels comfortably lived-in. Rustic woods, vintage metals, and white accents strike the perfect balance between vintage charm and practical farmhouse function. Embrace small imperfections and a mix of styles for a space with natural warmth and personality.
With these fundamental farmhouse kitchen components in place, the rest of the design choices are up to you. Incorporate colors, materials and textures you love while keeping the casual vibe. A thoughtfully-designed farmhouse kitchen becomes a cherished space where memories are made.
