The Complete Guide to Farmhouse Kitchen Cabinetry
Farmhouse style kitchens are having a major moment. This vintage-inspired look blends rustic and traditional elements for a cozy, timeworn aesthetic. Crisp white cabinetry, wood accents, oversized farmhouse sinks, and charming vintage details come together to create a welcoming heart-of-the-home.
Whether you're doing a full remodel or just want to integrate some farmhouse flair, read on for inspiration and tips to craft your dream space.
Achieving the Farmhouse Look with Cabinetry
No farmhouse kitchen is complete without rustic, vintage-style cabinetry. From painted finishes to door styles and hardware, your cabinetry choices make a major impact.
Here are the essentials for nailing farmhouse cabinetry.
Crisp, Painted Finishes
A fresh coat of bright white paint is the hallmark of farmhouse cabinets. For a smooth factory-finished look, have your cabinets professionally sprayed. For more texture, opt for a hand-painted technique. Look for paint with a slight sheen for easy wiping.
Some ways to infuse extra character:
- Lightly distress cabinets for a worn, chippy look by sanding and rubbing paint away in key spots.
- Choose accent colors like light blue, green, or brick red for island cabinets or open shelving.
- Pick out design details like drawer fronts or crown molding trim in a darker color.
Unfinished and Gray Washed Wood
Wood cabinets help strike that rustic farmhouse balance. Opt for classic wood stains like provincial maple or cherry or go more natural with unfinished oak. Another trendy look is the gray washed finish, achieved by pickling white paint over wood.
Door Styles
Simple Shaker style cabinets with recessed centered panels pair perfectly with farmhouse decor. For a bit more flair, try glass front doors or hutch designs with angled fronts. Beaded inset cabinetry also looks delightfully old-fashioned.
Hardware
Dress up your cabinetry with vintage-inspired hardware in finishes like galvanized metal, wrought iron, and antique brass. Bin pulls, knobs, and handles should look well-worn. Mix and match shapes and sizes for interest.
Open Shelving
Built-in open shelves lend that casual farmhouse vibe while allowing you to display pretty dishware. Try incorporating a few open shelves on one wall or above cabinets. For more closed storage, use glass cabinet doors.
Kitchen Island
A wood butcher block island instantly warms up a farmhouse kitchen while providing extra prep space. Look for overhangs, built-in dining space, and lower open shelving. Choose a stain that matches or contrasts your cabinetry.
Warm and Rustic: Farmhouse Countertops
Your countertop choice impacts the look and functionality of your kitchen. For farmhouse style, natural materials like wood, marble, and stone create an organic feel.
Butcher Block
Wood countertops infuse rustic warmth, perfect for prep work. Opt for sturdy maple, oak, or walnut butcher block. Pros include rich character and durability. Cons are maintenance and potential staining and scratching. Proper sealing and oiling are a must.
Marble
For an elegant yet cottage-inspired look, marble is a classic choice. Whites, grays, and carrara patterns are especially suited for farmhouse style. Marble requires diligent sealing to prevent stains and etching but rewards with timeless beauty.
Quartz
As a low maintenance alternative, quartz delivers durability at an affordable price point. With today's matte finishes like leathered and suede, quartz can mimic marble's soft patina. Downsides include a more homogeneous look compared to natural stone.
The Focal Point: Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks
A gorgeous, deep farmhouse sink makes a serious style statement. From double bowl stainless to chunky fireclay, choose a sink that stands out.
Materials
For a budget-friendly classic, stainless steel is hard to beat, with its durability and wide range of styles. Cast iron offers unmatched heat retention but can be quite heavy. Fireclay combines good looks with lighter weight.
Styles
Apron front sinks are a farmhouse staple. Undermount sinks seamlessly integrate with countertops. Opt for double bowl for multi-tasking or single for a streamlined look.
Features
Prioritize deep basins, wide sides, and sloped bottom grids for drainage. Look for accessories like bottom grids to protect sink surfaces and built-in cutting boards or drain trays.
Backsplash Options: Subway Tile and Beyond
From natural stone to vintage tin, backsplashes provide the perfect finishing touch for your farmhouse kitchen.
Subway Tile
Classic white 3x6 inch subway tile delivers clean, understated style. Jazz it up with fun patterns like herringbone, basketweave, or a bold marble subway tile. Avoid super busy patterns for a look that stays farmhouse.
Tin Tiles
For vintage appeal on a budget, decorative tin tiles recreate the look of a traditional tin ceiling. Available in square and hexagon shapes, these affordable tiles install directly over existing surfaces.
Stone
Natural stone like marble, travertine, and limestone exude old world charm, but come with higher maintenance. Stacked stone provides rustic texture. Be sure to properly seal any porous surfaces.
Flooring to Ground Your Space
Warm, eco-friendly flooring options help anchor your farmhouse decor. Rich hardwoods like oak or hickory wear beautifully over time. For a more budget-friendly alternative, opt for engineered hardwood planks with a thick oak veneer top layer. Classic encaustic or Moroccan cement tiles and terracotta add artisanal appeal. For a cozier feel, try natural stone flooring like slate, travertine, or French limestone.
Creating a farmhouse kitchen is all about blending vintage character with modern convenience. Focus on natural materials, crisp white cabinetry, and just the right amount of country charm. With this guide to achieve the perfect balance of rustic and refined, you'll enjoy cooking and relaxing in cozy farmhouse style for years to come.