The modern farmhouse look has become very popular, especially in kitchens. Many people wonder how to implement this look in their houses. Understanding a few basics of the style will help you take steps towards implementing it in your own home.
Neutral Color Scheme
Farmhouse kitchens are supposed to feel peaceful and airy, so stick with colors that help convey that feeling. Most kitchens have a neutral palate of gray, white, and brown. Some farmhouse kitchens look great with a black-and-white theme, while others use gentle greens and blues as part of the main color scheme. Don’t forget to add splashes of color with accessories and accents- you don’t want it to feel sterile and industrial.
Wood-Look Floor
A wood-look floor is a necessity with a farmhouse kitchen. This can be achieved with an actual wood floor, or with a more durable look-alike, such as porcelain tile or luxury vinyl planks. Stick with a rustic look by using flooring that is gray-tinted, weathered, or variegated. You want to avoid the polished smooth look that you would see in elegant house styles.
Open Concept
Open concept kitchens are part of the farmhouse style. Ideally, the kitchen and dining/living areas are in one large room where large families can gather and enjoy each other at the same time. The space is usually divided visually with an island area where people can sit and eat, cook, and chat with each other.
Ditch the Glitz
One thing you won’t find in farmhouse kitchens is shiny, fancy, glitzy features. All the decorations and features in the room have either a rustic old-fashioned look or a simple design without a lot of drama.
Vintage Pieces
Vintage pieces really bring the farmhouse style home and separate it from the modern style. Adding vintage pieces is really fun and allows you to bring your personality into your kitchen. A few vintage canisters on the counter, a wall hanging incorporating an old sign, or a ladder used as a shelf are all great examples of adding vintage items to the kitchen.
Farmhouse Style Table
No farmhouse kitchen is complete without its farmhouse table. Farmhouse tables are characterized by their large size, planks of weathered wood, and simple lines. Many farmhouse tables are accompanied by a combination of benches and chairs, making them great for seating large groups.
Hanging Pots
A hanging rack of copper or cast iron pots can add a rustic and traditional look to your kitchen while being practical. These racks often hang over the island, table, or along a wall. Beautiful pots are works of art and deserve to be displayed, so if you are proud of your collection, consider using a hanging rack.
Natural Textures
Natural textures are part of the farmhouse kitchen and bring the outdoors in through greenery, wicker, twine, wood, and stone. Potted plants and wooden bowls are also good choices. Natural textures should be used sparingly and for emphasis or accent, as you want to preserve the simplicity and airiness of the room.
Add Detail with Fixtures
Light fixtures are one of the areas where you can be most creative in your kitchen. With a large light fixture over the island and smaller features in other areas, you have a lot of options. For a farmhouse kitchen, you can go rustic or more modern with your lights. You want to avoid shiny metals, but black, copper, or brushed bronze can all look good. Consider pairing your lights with Edison bulbs to emphasize their uniqueness.
Creative Island Ideas
A creative island can set the tone for a farmhouse kitchen. Designers are often trying to make the cabinets look more like pieces of furniture than built-ins, and there is no better place to do this than the island. Some people get custom furniture built for this special piece, while others use custom touches on a purchased cabinet, such as decorative end and side pieces, incorporating legs rather than toe kicks, and using a color that contrasts with the other cabinets. Also, consider adding a butcher block countertop to the island.
Two-Toned Cabinets
Two-toned cabinets are becoming a well-known feature and for good reason. With two-tone cabinets, you can have the color you want on the lowers, and keep the uppers a more neutral color, like white or gray. This helps the kitchen look larger and more open. Some people are also using contrasting colors on specific pieces to increase the look of separate pieces of furniture, such as a pantry cabinet or the portion under the sink.
Unique Appliances
Using unique appliances can help take your kitchen from box store to beautiful. From vintage appliances to doors that match your cupboards, there are many ways to incorporate a custom look. If you cannot go with custom appliances, consider changing the handles to a custom style to get the same look for less money. Don’t forget about the range hood, which can influence the feel of the whole room. Adding custom wood, brass, or copper hoods can make the whole room feel special.