What is a farmhouse kitchen?
Born out of the classic kitchens of 1900s English farmhouses, farmhouse kitchens are traditional-looking kitchens that are warm, inviting, and unpretentious. They typically feature traditional rustic stylings such as shaker cabinets and natural materials, but in 2022 modern farmhouse styling means more relaxed finishing touches such as gloss finishes and neutral tones.
Popular farmhouse kitchen colours
The most popular cabinet colour for farmhouse kitchens has always been white. Timeless, traditional, and simple colours are synonymous with the farmhouse kitchens of old. Consider our Pearl tone – a warm, rich off-white colour that can be combined with any number of colours and textures. Neutral earthy tones such as off-white, beige, and grey work best at making rooms feel more inviting.
A painted finish is key to any kitchen that you’re looking to keep for the long term. The beauty of them is that you can sand them down and repaint them whenever you want. You can experiment with colour over the years and still have a beautiful door underneath your paint!
How to make your kitchen look farmhouse
Traditional farmhouse styling is typically characterised by neutral-painted shaker doors, open shelving, a sprinkling of repurposed rustic pieces, and natural wood finishes. There are plenty of different ways to incorporate farmhouse decor in your kitchen:
Shaker kitchen cabinets
Farmhouse kitchens are quality, solid and traditional. Nothing screams all three of these things more than an in-frame kitchen. Our Hampton range is a great example of an in-frame kitchen with solid timber doors and beautiful little details. To provide an instant feeling of an old farmhouse choose Hampton.
If you’re looking to keep costs a little lower, then consider a shaker cabinet range in place of the in-frame. You’ll get a very similar look for a much more reasonable price. Our Vard range comes in all the same colours as our Hampton range too and still comes with a solid timber door and painted finish!
Embrace natural elements
Classic farmhouse kitchens always have a warmth and a wooden aspect to them. This look can be brought into your kitchen in a multitude of ways by exposing wooden beams, opting for an Oak internal cabinet finish, using oak wall shelves, or choosing a solid wood worktop. Wood-effect laminates are a great cost-effective way to achieve this rustic look for less. Displaying nostalgic personal items on wooden open shelving can help to create a warm and inviting kitchen, and provide an easy way to change up the look of your neutral kitchen with accessories.
Find the right range
Range cookers scream farmhouse. Whether you’re looking for that truly vintage feel or a modern take on the classic, range cookers are the centrepiece of any farmhouse kitchen. Not only that but consider how you frame your range cooker. Traditionally they sat beneath a chimney breast. If you don’t have the ability to do this, consider framing with units or stud walls. Installing a mantel can be the perfect way to display more accessories.
A Butler’s Sink
Butler’s or Belfast sinks are a brilliant way to bring through the vintage feel that is synonymous with farmhouse kitchens. A classic and beautiful addition to any kitchen, they’ll really add to your space and add a tonne of character!
Include an island
A hive of activity and socialisation, islands are great, assuming you have the space. An island is now one of the most requested items in any kitchen. But islands were originally born out of the farmhouse style, so they’re a great way to add that farmhouse vibe to your kitchen.
Feeling inspired to start designing your farmhouse kitchen? Our expert designers can help bring your vision to life. You can plan your layout with our online kitchen planner or speak to a designer today.
