Refresh Your Kitchen with Our Favorite Farmhouse Color Combinations
If you're looking to give your kitchen a stylish yet timeless makeover, embracing the cozy warmth of farmhouse style is a charming option. Farmhouse kitchens balance vintage inspiration with modern amenities to create a space that feels rooted in tradition while still being fresh and inviting.
Incorporating the right color palette is key to achieving an authentic farmhouse look. Light, airy neutrals paired with natural woods and pops of cheery color result in a kitchen that is both elegant and full of cottage charm. Read on as we share some of our favorite farmhouse-inspired color combinations to refresh your kitchen's style.
Farmhouse Style 101: The Look and Feel You'll Love
Farmhouse kitchens are known for their focus on natural materials and textures. From rough-hewn wood accents to timeworn tiles, there is a sense of history in the details. But while farmhouse style embraces vintage inspiration, it also prioritizes a clean and crisp look. Abundant use of white or other pale neutrals keeps the space feeling bright and airy rather than dark or cluttered.
Pops of color in the form of cheerful painted cabinets, colorful curtains or patterned rugs provide delightfully playful contrast. At the heart of it, farmhouse style aims to create a kitchen that feels cozy and lived-in - a welcoming place for family gatherings that you'll want to spend time in.
Benefits of a Farmhouse Kitchen
There are many reasons farmhouse style remains one of the most popular kitchen design aesthetics:
- It emanates warmth and charm with its vintage styling.
- The look is timeless and versatile, suitable for both classic and modern homes.
- It's budget-friendly, mixing high-end and inexpensive elements.
- Simple styling makes it easy to decorate and update over time.
With the right color palette, any kitchen can take on a cozy farmhouse feel that families will gather in for years to come. Read on for our go-to color combinations that will have you embracing farmhouse style.
Choose a Light and Airy Base Palette
One of the hallmarks of farmhouse style is an abundance of light, neutral hues. Typically white or pale neutrals like cream or beige serve as the foundational palette. This bright, airy look opens up smaller kitchens and forms a clean backdrop for darker woods and colorful accents.
The Beauty of White
Crisp white is the quintessential farmhouse kitchen color. White paint has an undeniably fresh, clean appearance that pairs beautifully with wood tones and pops of color.
If going all-white feels too stark, consider white cabinets with an antique-inspired backsplash tile and warm wood countertops or floors. White also makes small kitchens appear more spacious.
Warm Off-Whites and Creams
For a softer neutral palette with vintage charm, try an off-white paint color with cream or beige backsplash and countertops. Warm whites like Swiss Coffee or Cream make for an elegant yet cozy look.
Pair with distressed wood flooring and open shelving. Buttery cream shades also complement red farmhouse accents nicely. The light neutral base keeps things airy and bright.
Incorporate Natural Wood Tones
While painted cabinets may be trendy, wood cabinetry adds beautiful warmth and texture to a farmhouse kitchen. Wood countertops, accent walls or beams also introduce rustic character.
Types of Wood Tones
Medium brown stained woods complement white paint colors well in a farmhouse kitchen. Oak provides attractive graining. For a more modern but still cozy look, try white-washed oak cabinets.
Weathered barn wood or reclaimed woods like pine introduce variances in tone for a timeworn appearance. Salvaged vintage woods add unique patina.
Wood Finishes
The finish on your wood elements impacts the overall look. A smooth, natural finish exudes casual elegance. Distressed and brushed finishes have an artisanal quality perfect for farmhouse style.
Whichever finish you choose, aim for a satin, matte or flat sheen rather than high-gloss for a muted, organic look.
Include Vintage Touches
A key component of achieving authentic farmhouse charm is the inclusion of vintage-inspired details. From the antique white ceramic farmhouse sink to the tongue and groove wood paneling, embrace old-fashioned elements.
Vintage Backsplashes and Cabinets
Subway tile, beadboard paneling or reclaimed barn wood make excellent backsplashes that nod to the past. Glass-front cabinets also have an antique look. For counters, butcherblock evokes old-world kitchens.
Timeworn Textures
Consider adding wood accent walls with reclaimed shiplap or tongue and groove planks. A porcelain or concrete sink evokes traditional homesteads. Knob hardware in an antique brass finish fits the farmhouse aesthetic.
Vintage-inspired lighting like exposed Edison bulbs, pendant lights and wrought iron finishes complete the time-weathered style.
Add Pops of Color for Contrast
While farmhouse kitchens tend to use a neutral base palette, cheerful pops of color provide eye-catching contrast. Vibrant hues on the island, accent wall or cabinets enliven all that pale wood and white.
Color Combination Ideas
Some classic farmhouse color schemes include:
- Robin's egg blue cabinets against white walls
- A fire engine red oven range and vintage accessories
- Mint green or sage green painted island for brightness
- Sunny yellow as an accent on curtains, vase or coffeemaker
Even small hits of color through tiles, rugs or decor make a big impact against neutral backgrounds. Just be strategic with bold hues.
Incorporate Color Throughout
Beyond paint, bring color to your farmhouse kitchen through:
- Colored glass bottles and vases on open shelves
- Patterned fabric used for curtains and seat cushions
- Vintage-look ceramic pieces in colorful glazes
Let your personal color preferences shine through. Just stick to 2-3 hues so it doesn't feel chaotic.
Tying Your Farmhouse Color Scheme Together
When considering farmhouse kitchen colors, choose a light base, layer in wood tones, include vintage elements, and use pops of color for contrast. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Neutrals + Wood + Colorful Accents
Try a white or cream cabinet base with oak counters and an antique brick or ivy backsplash. Add a sage green island and vintage red accessories.
All White Kitchen with Natural Wood
For contemporary farmhouse, go all white with walls, cabinets and counters paired with light oak floors and a reclaimed wood vent hood.
Blue and White Classic Combination
Robin's egg blue cabinets with white marble countertops, subway tile backsplash and brass fixtures for timeless appeal.
Whether your taste leans traditional or modern, farmhouse style offers timeless versatility. Refresh your kitchen with vintage charm and warmth with our favorite pale neutrals, natural woods and pops of bright color.
For more farmhouse kitchen ideas or help redesigning your space, contact us today. Our team brings extensive expertise designing kitchens tailored to your needs and style.