Farm style kitchens have become increasingly popular in recent years. It is not uncommon to see them featured in a variety of homes, even those that are far from being located in a rural farmhouse. Kendall Jenner, James Corden or Anne Hathaway are just a few of the many celebrities which have opted to introduce elements of this style for into their own kitchens. We personally love this decorating style and think that it can be very fun to play around with the natural materials and vintage or antique elements that give it an overall cozy, homey feel.
The possibilities within this decor style are endless, and you can decide just how far you want the rustic farm-house feeling to go, which is great. Want to combine it with an industrial look? No problem! With a modern touch? Say no more!
However, there are some key elements to keep in mind which you should center your decor and elements around to achieve this cozy and charming kitchen style. Here are 9 cornerstones off of which you should center your kitchen around!
Highlight Natural Materials
Whenever you can, make sure to bring forward natural materials such as wood, stone or brick. These elements bring forward an earthy touch that will help achieve the overall rustic feel a farm style kitchen has. As a primary element, wood should be mainly used for a dinner table, cabinets, countertops, flooring and beams. Further in this article we will also discuss how stone can also play a vital role in your kitchen. Whatever you decide, keep the elements harmonious within the scope of the kitchen. Too much natural materials will stray away from the feel you’re going for, and too little will just fall short of a true farmhouse kitchen style.
The most common places to place these materials, some of which will be discussed further in this article, are:
- Kitchen islands
- Flooring & countertops
- Dining & seating Area
- Exposed ceiling beams
- Backsplash and accent walls
Install an Apron-Front Sink (aka Farmhouse Sink)
This type of sink is signature in farmhouse-style kitchens and it features a deep, wide sink with an exposed front. These sinks are often made of porcelain, cast iron, or fireclay. This type of sink is often larger and deeper than your usual kitchen sink, featuring just one large rectangular bowl instead of two separate sections. Whilst they were originally used for houses where people would get water from a well to fill up the sink, they have remained a staple of the 20th century farmhouse style and we actually love this design.
It is not uncommon to find a skirted cabinet close to the sink. This elements will elevate the farmhouse feel, but we don’t recommend overdoing it: one or two cabinets should be enough to achieve the look you’re going for!
TIP: Try to match the cloth to a nice tablecloth in the same colors to give the room a vibrant touch and contrast the warmth of the natural materials. Or choose both colors in a combining warm tones and elevate the farmhouse feel while keeping it very homey and bright!😊
Go for Open Shelving & Glass Cabinets
A feature of this type of kitchens is the tendency to have open shelves and cabinets made of glass, displaying what is inside them. Dishes and cookware becomes visible, which is why we also recommend collecting an antique set that can accompany the rustic feel or making sure your dishes are part of the decoration.
If you cannot change your tableware (completely understandable!) or it doesn’t match the style of your kitchen, consider opting for nice closed wooden shaker-style cabinets instead. Unless as a farmhouse kitchen with modern tableware is the feel you are going for! This type of cabinet has minimal detailing and features a flat central squared panel. Not a fan? You can opt for a more cottage-looking cabinet skirt touch instead.
Seal the Deal with Butcher Block or Stone Countertops
When it comes to this type of kitchen, these types of countertops will accentuate the rustic feel we’re going for. The first variant (Butcher Block) is made of strips of wood that are glued together for a durable and visually warm surface. On the other hand, soapstone, marble, or granite contribute to durability and also showcase the classic farm-style aesthetic.
Beware though of some downsides of these type of countertops, we have an entire article dedicated to the pro’s and con’s of each type here.
Add Vintage or Rustic Accents
For the ultimate rustic feel make sure to add some features that will achieve this for you. For instante, one of our favorites is a wooden beam. Place it over your stove, on the ceiling, over a door to frame the transition between spaces or even as shelves! There’s so many ways to play around with a wooden beam, just make sure to find the one that fits your space the best.
You can also opt for including vintage hardware: cup pulls, iron knobs or rustic light fixtures add character and charm to this type of kitchen.
Need more ideas? Here are some of our other favorites accents for this type of kitchen!
- Add antique paintings (if they’re thrifted or have this undeniable old art effect, even better!).
- Add old cookbooks you buy secondhand to a shelf to give a nostalgic feel.
- Flowers!!! What screams “farm-style” than fresh flowers? The wilder they look, the better!
- Ceramic canisters.
- Woven baskets.
- Mason jars.
Invest in a Large Wooden Kitchen Island
These kitchens often feature a big wooden island or table in the center. If you can include storage within the island (as mentioned, glass cabinets would fit great!), and a butcher countertop, you will be well on your way to achieve the right look. Add fresh flowers, fruits & veggies in a basket and even hang some rustic pots & pans on top for the ultimate farm-house look.
Keep the Colors Cozy, but don’t be Afraid to add a Pop of Color
We like to advocate for coziness above all, as this style evoques a sense of warmth, similar to the scent of freshly baked bread, a crackling fireplace and a steaming cup of tea. This is why colors such as whites, beiges and greys fit perfectly in this type of kitchen. Nonetheless, soft blues, greens or warm earth tones can also be perfect. If you want to be even bolder but still keeping that cozy feel, add a pop of color to a single elements in the kitchen. Here are some ideas:
- Wooden barstools with boldly colored seats.
- Using tiles for your backsplash with a fun design.
- Having the apron-front sink in a fun color.
- Statement lights in colored glass.
- A pop of color on the door leading to the kitchen.
- A bright, vintage-looking rug in earthy red or green tones.
Play with the Lighting: The More Natural, the Better
If you can get the sunrays into the kitchen, you will accentuate the style and “bring the outside in”, which is precisely one of the goals of this type of decor. Large windows, skylights, or even a glass-paneled door can maximize natural light and make the space feel open and airy.
If that’s not possible, always opt for yellow & warm lightbulbs that will mimic the sun’s golden glow. The right lighting fixtures will also reinforce the rustic aesthetic, such as:
- Pendant lights over the Kitchen Island
- Vintage Wall Sconces
- A Rustic Chandelier
- Under-Cabinet Lighting
- Candle or Latern-Style Fixtures
A general rule with lighting is always to mix ambient lighting (overhead fixtures) with task lighting (under the cabinets or pendant lights, for example) and accent lighting (wall scones, candles or other decorative lamps).
Keep the Decor Cozy & Functional
Nothing undermines the charm of a farm-style kitchen more than a lack of coziness or impractical decor. Some examples of elements that would be perfect for the style would be:
- A bread box in a nice wooden material.
- A handwoven tray to keep your spices.
- Carved wooden spoons or decorative rolling pins.
- Pattered towels hung on hooks or over the oven handle.
- Antique clock.
- Freestanding cabinet for displaying a special and unique tableware set.
The ideas for decorations are endless & that is what is so great about this style!
TIP: In this type of style, repurposing is your best friend! An empty mason-jar can make the perfect flower vase, a vintage tin can can be a great herb planter or a old wooden ladder can serve as a pot racks or shelf!
Did you like this article? Make sure to check out 30 farm style kitchen decorations from Amazon you can’t miss, or the 10 farm-style kitchen appliances that will blend into your home!
Love this!!!!!!!! So interesting, thank you for sharing