9 Elements to Use When Designing a Farmhouse Kitchen

It’s no surprise that farmhouse kitchen designs continue to be popular year after year. The simple yet elegantly rustic aesthetic appeals to make homeowners because it is both comfortable and beautiful. From traditional farmhouse kitchens to modern farmhouse kitchens, there are a variety of ways you can put your own spin on this popular design trend. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you narrow down your favorite elements to include when designing your farmhouse-style kitchen.

Natural Colors

Although there are no set design rules when piecing together your farmhouse kitchen, you’ll likely want to select a color palette that includes neutral colors, such as white and black, as well as natural wood tones. This ties back to the start of the farmhouse design when farmers did not spend their hard-earned money on colorful paint or wallpaper to spruce up their kitchens. Instead, they kept it looking clean and natural with a neutral or light color scheme.

Wide Plank Flooring

While your floors may not be the first element on your mind when designing your kitchen, they should be near the top of the list! Your flooring selection helps to tie together the entire space, which is why you must choose an option that perfectly evokes the farmhouse style. Our favorite is wide plank flooring made boasting natural wood tones, helping to round out the rustic design aesthetic. Depending on your preference, you can opt for natural hardwood or luxury vinyl flooring that will still give you the natural wood look for a fraction of the cost.

Wood Elements

When you step foot in a farmhouse-style kitchen, you’ll likely notice several wood elements that help ease the transition from outdoors to indoors. There are several ways you can introduce wood into the space, such as creating a beautiful wood range hood as a focal point in the room. If you’re looking to create a blend between the modern and farmhouse aesthetic, you can install open shelving made from wood planks that match your floors. You may even decide on kitchen countertops made from wood.

Apron Front Sink

The most iconic element in any farmhouse-style kitchen is a farmhouse sink. Instead of having a traditional sink that is built into the countertops and cabinets, a farmhouse sink displays the front of the sink known as an ?apron?. In most cases, farmhouse sinks are large and white, tying into the neutral color palette of your kitchen. If you want another option instead of the standard farmhouse, you may even consider a similar style that is made of bamboo.

Barn Door Pantry

Barn doors are popular in a variety of design aesthetics, but they tie in perfectly with the theme of a rustic, farmhouse kitchen. If you are incorporating a pantry into your kitchen design, consider hiding the pantry behind a beautiful barn door. This popular accent makes for a great focal point in the space, allowing you to add a bit of your own personality and character to the kitchen.

Shaker-Style Cabinets

Look no further than shaker-style kitchen cabinets when browsing the variety of offerings for your kitchen. They are simple yet boast a charming elegance that will bring your farmhouse style to life. Opt for natural farmhouse kitchen cabinet colors such as white, gray, light blue, or sage green, and pair them with hardware that ties in with other elements in your space to complete the farmhouse aesthetic.

Shiplap Walls

Why stick with plain, boring walls when you can jazz them up with shiplap? Shiplap is a staple design element for homeowners looking to create a truly rustic feel within their kitchen. It helps add clean lines to the space, creating a sleep appearance that marries perfectly with the rustic design elements. The best part about shiplap is that it doesn’t have to be decided on during the initial design phase (although that does make it easier!). If after your kitchen is built you think it needs a few more rustic touches, you can easily add shiplap to the room!

Metal Accents

Although farmhouse kitchens often boast natural elements such as wood, you’ll also find a mix of industrial elements tying back to the farmhouse lifestyle. Adding in metal accents can bring your vision to life, while also allowing you to show your personality in the space. Consider how you can incorporate metal accents into the space through your cabinet hardware, light fixtures, and faucet to farmhouse design accessories such as stools, baskets, frames, and art.

Butcher Block Countertops

We love when homeowners go all-in on the design aesthetic and select countertops with an exposed wood grain. Butcher block countertops are the perfect way to incorporate natural wood elements into the space, complementing the more industrial elements nicely. Plus, this option is typically more cost-effective than traditional countertop surfaces! If you aren’t sure you want all of your countertops to be made from wood, you can install the wood counters for your island and opt for marble or quartz for the rest of the space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are popular kitchen styles?

If you are in the design phase of your kitchen remodel, you’re probably spending your time browsing Pinterest to better understand the various design aesthetics. While we are a fan of the farmhouse style, you may also want to consider other popular styles such as modern, coastal, industrial, Tuscan, and minimalist.

What is the difference between a farmhouse sink and an apron sink?

A farmhouse sink refers to a sink that is larger and deeper than a traditional kitchen sink. An apron sink is a similar size to a farmhouse sink, however, the front of the sink is exposed to the kitchen — giving off the appearance of an apron.

Does wood make a good countertop material?

Wood is an inexpensive and beautiful countertop option. However, homeowners need to know that they will require a bit more maintenance than some other surfaces.

Wood is more easily damaged by water and not every kind of wood will stand up to the kind of abuse that a normal countertop will see. However, if they are well-maintained, you can expect them to last for years.

Do barn doors need a track at the bottom?

Adding a barn door to your kitchen’s pantry is an ideal way to bring the farmhouse style to life. However, you don’t want to cut corners when installing the sliding barn door. While you may think you don’t need a bottom track for the door, it is recommended in a high-trafficked area like the kitchen where the door will be utilized frequently. The track ensures there is proper clearance between the door and the floor to prevent damage to your beautiful flooring.