How to Create the Perfect Farmhouse Kitchen

You want to try something new with your kitchen, but you don’t know where to start. You love the rustic look of farmhouses, but are unsure how to incorporate it into your home. If you’re struggling with these things while planning your kitchen renovations, we’ve got some tips. 

The farmhouse kitchen style is a versatile aesthetic that allows you to be flexible with your decor. To create this look, you can go all in and completely renovate to mimic a traditional farmhouse. Or, you can add farmhouse elements to your kitchen cabinets for a chic modern take.

Keep reading to learn more about this style and how to perfect it. 

What are the Basics of a Farmhouse Kitchen?

Farmhouse kitchens usually have two distinct elements: the materials that are used and the colors incorporated within those materials. Common materials found in farmhouse kitchens include reclaimed or distressed wood, iron, wire, and glass. Distressed wood is a huge element that many people like to incorporate, but may be hesitant as they don’t want their kitchen to look shabby. 

The best way to counteract this is by adding elements that elevate the distressed wood. This can include high-quality accent pieces found around the kitchen, like framed artwork, hanging pots and pans, and open-shelves for your favorite dishware. 

Colors commonly found in farmhouse kitchens include neutral shades like white, beige, and cream. You can have cabinets painted these colors, or you can allow the natural wood to shine through by only painting it over with a finish. Warmer tones or brighter colors like red and blue are typically used as accents to add more depth to the kitchen. “Color blocking” is a common practice and includes having only the bottom or top cabinets painted an eye-catching color. This can be a fun way to add charm to your home.

Materials and textures found in this style of kitchen are canvas, cotton and wool. Consider including chicken wire or steel somewhere in your designs to elevate the decor even further. Cotton or canvas storage bags for flour, potatoes, or other items can be left out on shelves or open-concept cabinets. Baskets or repurposed steel containers that hold produce or baked goods are also a charming touch. 

Ideas for Farmhouse Kitchen Cabinets

When it comes to kitchen cabinets, choosing to follow a farmhouse style offers you so much to choose from. While it’s common for farmhouse cabinets to be made of wood and painted white to reflect the materials surrounding them, you can always go against the grain. 

This is your time to get creative with your custom kitchen cabinets. Think about how you can incorporate some of the materials mentioned above. Instead of having solid wood cabinets, add glass panels to them. If you want to go even more bold, try adding cross-hatched wire to an open panel instead. 

For a French or cottage aesthetic, add curves or panels into the wood for more intricate designs. Specifically, you could try what’s called “beadboard” cabinets, which have several vertical lines running down through the wood. 

Other Elements and Small Details to Consider 

Don’t forget about the hardware either. Adding black iron handles or knobs to your cabinets is another way to incorporate rustic, farmhouse style while still maintaining a modern flare. This could also be achieved with glass knobs. 

The type of wood you decide to go with can also dictate how rustic you’d like your kitchen to appear. Untreated, textural wood can be left natural or topped with a stain. Cherry or oak works well for this style. If you want to paint the cabinets, it’s probably best to go with a lighter and more smooth wood. Birch is a great choice for this. 

If you have the space, consider adding a custom island into the kitchen. Having a large, communal counter or table in your kitchen evokes a sense of community, which is what the farmhouse aesthetic is all about. 

Bring It All Together

There are many iterations of the farmhouse style, and it’s a versatile decor option that allows you to be creative. Whether you want to completely evoke a traditional farmhouse, or you want to add your own modern twist, you can complete this with custom kitchen cabinets. The style of cabinets you choose will influence the overall look of the kitchen, so it’s important to keep them top of mind while planning. 

If you have questions or want to start planning your home renovation, reach out to one of our cabinet experts.