For sheer warmth and homey nostalgia, nothing quite comes close to a farmhouse-style kitchen. These kitchens transport us back to simpler times when even the hustle and bustle of cooking still felt slower and less hectic than today’s fast-paced world.
If you’ve penciled in a farmhouse-style kitchen into your remodeling plan, here are eight elements you need to realize your farmhouse kitchen dreams.
Open shelving and glass-front cabinets
Keeping dishware, utensils, and other kitchen knick knacks easy to find and grab is a hallmark element of the farmhouse style. You can accomplish this by installing wall-mounted shelves as well as door-less and glass-front kitchen cabinetry. You can also save on your budget by converting existing cabinets. Remove some of the doors on your old cabinets or replace upper cabinets with floating shelves.
Freestanding cabinetry
Built-in appliances and cabinetry were of course nowhere to be found in traditional farmhouse kitchens. Standalone pieces like freestanding cabinetry stood in their place. For a more modern touch, you can replicate the standalone look by using a built-in unit with furniture-style details. You can also play up the freestanding nature of the cabinet by painting it a different color from the rest of your kitchen cabinetry.
Vintage gas range
Having a vintage gas range as a focal point will cement the mood and style of your farmhouse kitchen. There are numerous companies who make modern gas ranges in vintage styles, although for authenticity you might want to consider having an actual vintage gas range refurbished by professionals.
Classic wood flooring
No flooring material says “warm and cozy” like wood. Paint them or leave them in their natural color – the choice is yours. Remember that lighter hues enhance a space’s airy mood while a darker floor drives up the cozy atmosphere. If wood is out of the question, don’t fret. Black and white checkered floors will also do nicely.
Big family table
No farmhouse kitchen will be complete without a big family table. Whether you use it for dining, for entertaining, or for food preparation, a big central table ties the whole space together in a warm and welcoming embrace.
Cozy fireplace
After the table, the fireplace serves as the second central gathering spot in a farmhouse-style kitchen. If installing an actual working fireplace is out of the question, you can always emulate one by bricking in one section of your kitchen wall. A mounted mantelpiece with decorative accessories will also work.
Apron-front sink
With their broad faces and deep bowls, apron-front sinks are built for heavy use, making them the perfect fit for a busy farmhouse kitchen. As with vintage appliances, you can get either a modern sink with an apron-front design or scour salvage yards and antique sales until you find one that can be restored.
Vintage accents and accessories
Period-appropriate accents and accessories serve to further give the space an old-fashioned vibe. Mason jars, pottery, and galvanized metal accessories are just a few of the many vintage touches with which you can adorn your farmhouse-style kitchen.
