How to create a farmhouse kitchen 

Creating a farmhouse kitchen involves far more than just loading up on rustic decor from your favourite home goods store. To achieve that classic farmhouse feel, your kitchen needs to be warm, inviting and spacious. Everything from your counters and cabinets to your sink and kitchen furniture should have a natural, rustic look without being too cluttered or messy. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, having it look good and function well will only benefit you. So, if you’ve been thinking about making a change in your kitchen, here are some farmhouse kitchen design ideas to give you the inspiration you need to get started. 

Definition and key characteristics 

Farmhouse kitchens are a more elevated take on the classic country-style rustic kitchen. They are defined by their unpretentious design, use of natural wood elements and large cooking/dining areas. A few key characteristics you’ll find in a modern farmhouse kitchen include pendant lighting, farmhouse kitchen sinks, butcher block kitchen countertops, subway tile backsplash and long farmhouse kitchen tables. A mix of open shelving and shaker cabinets is also common in this style of kitchen. is also common in this style of kitchen. 

Common materials used to create a farmhouse kitchen 

Whether you’re installing new countertops or putting in a new sink, choosing the right materials for your farmhouse kitchen design is crucial. Lean too far into the rustic side of things and you’ll miss the mark but elevate things too much and you risk losing that inherent farmhouse charm. So, before you arrange for contractors to come in for a kitchen remodel, here are a few common farmhouse kitchen materials to consider. 

Hardwood 

From wood floors and furniture to cabinets and shelves, hardwood is the best way to bring in those defining natural touches that farmhouse kitchens are known for. According to Marilena Tricarico, speaker, video host and content creator for EspaceProprio, hardwood is a staple. “A hardwood floor is surely the way to go,” she explains. “It’s always best to pick larger planks (5 inches or more) that have faded multi-coloured shades to make it look rustic, matching the style of the farmhouse kitchen.”  

 She continues, “If your kitchen is in an open area connected to dining or living spaces, it is important to have the same wood throughout the floor. If you can’t change the whole floor, pick another type of flooring for your kitchen, such as tile with patterns or large stone-looking tile. The intention is to make it feel like the floor has been there for a long time.” 

Many farmhouse kitchens feature natural hardwood beams and trim as well. But which type of hardwood is best for your kitchen? Here are some common examples: 

• Cherry wood It offers a warm tone and is easy to maintain, making it an ideal choice for cabinets. 
• Oak wood Perfect for long dining tables due to its durability, affordability and minimal maintenance. 
• Maple wood Good option for flooring because it’s durable and easy to clean. 

Beadboard and shiplap 

Beadboard and shiplap panelling have similar looks and are commonly used in farmhouse kitchens. Both beadboard and shiplap offer clean lines and are usually made from plywood or MDF. Their main difference is that beadboard covers the lower half of a wall while shiplap can be used as an accent wall almost anywhere.  

Stone 

Natural stone is a fun element to play around with and helps add a bit of rustic flair to any farmhouse kitchen. When it comes to the farmhouse style, stone works best for backsplash and flooring but can be used on countertops as well.  One thing to keep in mind is that most natural stone will require regular cleaning and will need to be resealed every 1-3 years. Another way to incorporate natural stone into your kitchen remodel is with the kitchen sink. Stone farmhouse sinks (also known as apron sinks) are also a popular choice and help add texture and visual appeal to an otherwise overlooked area.  

Ceramic, cast iron and fireclay 

If you’re hoping to go the traditional route with your apron sink, then choosing materials like ceramic, cast iron or fireclay is the way to go. While all three are valid options, remember that cast iron sinks will be significantly heavier, and your existing kitchen counter may not be able to handle the weight. It’s not the end of the world though, as your contractor can add special reinforcements to new or existing counters to help accommodate the added weight. 

Chalk paint 

Chalk paint is commonly used in the DIY community to add a rustic touch to furniture. In a farmhouse kitchen, it can be used to spruce up your table, dining benches or kitchen island. If you’re installing a new pantry, chalk paint is a great way to add a quick and easy message board where your household can keep track of what items are running low.  

Choose the right table

Choosing the right table is vital to the success of your kitchen. Because most farmhouse kitchens are designed to accommodate large meals and gatherings, a long, solid wood table with bench seating on either side is a popular choice. However, it’s not the only choice. If you’re working with a smaller space or you don’t envision hosting massive feasts, it’s completely okay to go with something smaller. Installing a multi-purpose kitchen island is a smart way to increase your kitchen storage while still offering plenty of room for sitting down and eating a hearty meal. A smaller round table with wooden chairs is another great option that can easily be tucked away when you need to save as much space as possible. Additionally, you can consider installing bench seating that is attached to the wall to help utilize every inch of space. 

Select the perfect sink 

Installing a farmhouse island is an easy way to add extra storage, seating and prep space. Unlike modern kitchens, where the island is designed to fit seamlessly with the floors and cabinets, farmhouse kitchen islands tend to have a freestanding, natural look. If you already have a kitchen island, it can easily be renovated to better fit the farmhouse style. Things like cabinet refinishing and replacing the island top with a chunky butcher block or a natural stone slab will quickly transform your former island into something brand new. If you’re choosing a new island, consider what your current kitchen is lacking. If storage space is in short supply, then an island with drawers, shelves or cabinets is a must. If you don’t have the space for a traditional dining table, then scoring an island with comfy chairs will make all the difference in the world. 

Add style and functionality with farmhouse kitchen cabinets 

Cabinets contribute not only to functionality and storage but also to aesthetics in any type of kitchen. For the farmhouse kitchen aesthetic, Shaker cabinets are commonly used. This style is known for its square, boxy shape and decorative square indent. Shaker cabinets contribute to that minimal, unpretentious vibe that farmhouse kitchens are known for. They can be made out of various types of wood and usually feature subtle hardware. Another common cabinet option is glass front cabinets. This style leans more toward the country kitchen aesthetic and can be used to help brighten up a dark space. Whichever style you choose, consider how you can best customize your cabinets to make your farmhouse kitchen as functional as possible. Some examples of this include: 

• Install built-in organizers for pot lids and larger appliances. 

• To save space, consider installing the microwave in a slide-out cabinet or drawer. 

• Install a lazy Susan to maximize space in a corner cabinet. 

To inject some soul into the look created by cool subway tile, why not hang kitchen accessories on the wall like copper pans, graters and various-sized cutting boards… 

Mix warm and cool tones for more visual interest 

The colour palette for farmhouse kitchens is based on bright whites, greys, plus soft blues and greens. There are endless ways to infuse some warmth into the space to complement the chosen colours. We’re talking here about gold hardware, blond wood, marbled granite in honeyed hues.