Designing the perfect farmhouse kitchen

A cosy, inviting atmosphere

While modern kitchens focus on clear lines and smooth surfaces, the charm of traditional farmhouse-style kitchens lies in their cosy, inviting atmosphere. Farmhouse kitchens are a wonderful retreat – a haven inspired by traditional workmanship and natural materials. This style of kitchen is reminiscent of an old country home, reflecting the lifestyle of those who live there. Inspired by the simplicity and authenticity of life in the country, farmhouse kitchens focus on functionality and the pivotal role that they play within the home.

These country-style designs rely on natural fabrics, artisan details and vintage features for their charm. A farmhouse design transforms a kitchen into the heart of the home – a place where memories are made with friends and family. Functionality is therefore just as important as comfort and cosiness in country-style kitchen designs.

What is the best way to furnish a country-style kitchen?

Furnishing a farmhouse kitchen correctly, creates a cosy, homely atmosphere. The following are a few tips for designing a farmhouse-style kitchen:

The colour scheme: soft and natural

Choose a warm and inviting colour scheme with different shades of white to reflect the charm of the farmhouse design. Pastels, soft creams, earthy tones and shades of white or beige are all great choices. Also available in dark Cosmos Grey.

Furniture and kitchen cabinets: decorative and homely

Go for wooden furniture and cabinet doors that have a certain patina or antique-style finish. Open shelving and cabinets with glass fronts can be used to store crockery or put home accessories on display, just like in a traditional country home.

Worktops: natural and hard-wearing

Natural finishes, such as wood, stone and marble, lend themselves perfectly to farmhouse kitchen designs. Choose natural-style worktops with a warm texture. We’ve put together a few more tips on choosing the right worktop for your farmhouse kitchen below.

Tiles and splashbacks: classic and decorative

Tile the wall above your worktop in classic patterns such as chequerboard (black and white) or use subway tiles (white gloss) for your splashback. Another attractive alternative here are white ceramic tiles featuring hand-painted patterns.

Lighting: nostalgic and warm

Hanging ceiling lights, chandeliers or rustic lamps can all add to the authenticity of this style of kitchen and create the warm atmosphere so typical of a beautifully furnished country home.

Accessories: antique and ornate

The perfect complement for farmhouse kitchens are accessories such as crockery, vintage enamel, copper or zinc utensils, baskets and antique odds and ends. Make a feature out of them, rather than hiding them away in a drawer!

Flooring: homely and rustic

Wooden floors are always a good choice for this style of kitchen. Both vintage planks and distressed wood are ideal. Natural-coloured and patterned rugs can also add additional comfort. We’ve put together a few more tips on choosing the right flooring for your farmhouse kitchen below.

Seating: inimitable and comfy

Choose comfortable seating such as wooden chairs or benches with padded, vintage-style cushions, which look beautiful when coordinated with your kitchen cabinets.

Green plants: beautifully fragrant

Integrate plants, fresh bouquets of flowers or pots of herbs to create a natural, inviting atmosphere.

Fabrics: timeless and natural

In terms of fabrics, opt for chequered or striped curtains, tablecloths and chair covers, made from natural materials such as cotton or linen to add an extra authentic touch to this style of kitchen.

Which type of flooring is best suited to a farmhouse kitchen?

In this type of kitchen, the best flooring is one that emphasises the homely character of the farmhouse style.

Wooden floors: the classic choice

A traditional wooden floor – either wooden planks or parquet – lends the kitchen a warm, traditional atmosphere. Natural wood colours or distressed finishes with patina go particularly well with this style of kitchen.

Vintage patterned tiles: a striking feature

Hand-painted ceramic tiles, or those with traditional patterns, can add an extra level of charm. Think about using chequerboard patterns, mosaic or earthy-coloured tiles.

Stone tiles: a hard-wearing floor

Natural stone tiles such as slate, travertine and limestone can give your kitchen that extra special touch. The texture and irregularities of the stone complement this style of kitchen particularly well.

Laminate flooring: an economic solution

High-quality laminated flooring can be a cost-efficient alternative to parquet or stone and still create a similar effect. Choose a wood-effect laminate with a natural grain.

Vinyl flooring: a practical solution

Vinyl floorings are extremely versatile and come in a range of different patterns and finishes. Stone- or wood-effect vinyl flooring can be a great choice to complement your kitchen cabinets.

Cork flooring: the green alternative

A cork floor is environmentally friendly, is comfortable underfoot and creates a warm, natural and relaxed ambiance in the kitchen.

Antique terracotta floor: pure extravagance

Terracotta tiles can lend a Mediterranean feel to farmhouse kitchens, while also bringing out more of the homely character.

Carpets: something different

Natural-coloured or vintage-patterned carpets work well in certain farmhouse kitchens to make a feature of the floor and add an additional level of comfort.

Which type of worktop is best suited to a farmhouse kitchen?

Kitchen worktops made from natural materials can reinforce the style of the farmhouse kitchen, especially when they look traditional and authentic. The following options are great ways to complement farmhouse kitchen furniture and cabinets:

Worktops with wood-effect finishes:traditional and full of character

A worktop brings warmth and character to the kitchen. Oak and pine effect finishes with a natural grain go particularly well with farmhouse-style kitchen cabinets, cupboards and drawers.

Natural stone: stylish and hard-wearing

Granite, marble and slate are natural stones that lend kitchens a pure elegance. The unique patterns and textures of these types of stone are the perfect match for farmhouse kitchens.

Concrete worktops: rustic and robust

Topping kitchen cabinets off with a concrete worktop creates a clean style and provides a robust, hard-wearing surface on which to work.

Other design features for farmhouse-style kitchens

Wooden cupboards and open shelves: decorative features

Go for authentic, wooden cabinets with interesting details. Include open shelving for storing crockery and home accessories to fully emphasise the retro look.

Antique furniture – steeped in history

Integrate antique or vintage furniture, such as an old chest of drawers to serve as a kitchen island, or put a farmhouse table in the corner for family meals.

The farmhouse sink: a decorative feature

A deep, white farmhouse sink is a distinctive feature of country-style kitchens.

Vintage accessories: pure authenticity

Decorate your kitchen with vintage crockery, copper or zinc utensils, enamelware, baskets and other authentic accessories.

Natural materials: back to the roots

Use natural raw materials such as oak and stone flooring, or ceramic tiles.

Traditionally patterned tiling: timeless elegance

Choose tiles with traditional patterns, such as chequerboard or herringbone, to create a design that stands the test of time.

Wooden beams: authentic charm

If there are any exposed beams in the kitchen, these add an extra touch of nostalgia.

A warming fireplace: true farmhouse style

If there’s enough room, a small fireplace or wood burner makes the kitchen even more cosy.

What other types of kitchen are there?

When it comes to kitchen design, there are so many different styles, each with their own charm, colour schemes and design features. Here are some of the most popular styles of kitchen to provide you with inspiration for your new kitchen design:

Modern design. Minimalistic and neutral

This style revolves around clean lines, minimalist charm, neutral colour schemes, smooth surfaces, stainless steel appliances and innovative technology.

Industrial design. Stylish features and contrasts

Inspired by factories and warehouses, this kitchen design focuses on raw materials such as concrete and metal, open shelving, exposed plumbing and modern hanging ceiling lights.

Scandinavian kitchens. Pale and elegant

Light colours, basic furniture, natural materials, functional design and plenty of daylight are hallmarks of this classic Scandinavian-style kitchen.

Mediterranean kitchens. Warm and inviting

Hot colours, Mediterranean tiles, simple wooden units, vaulted ceilings, copper accessories and terracotta are typical of this sun-blessed style.

Traditional design. Timelessly elegant

Refined details, ornate furniture, embellished decorations and high-quality raw materials such as marble and dark wood are all characteristic features of this timeless design.

Which style of kitchen suits you best?

Are you looking for a modern kitchen, a minimalistic design or Scandinavian hygge? To find the right kitchen style for you, it is essential to consider your personal preferences, lifestyle and, of course, the space available.  We have put together a few questions to help you find the right design for your new kitchen so that you can get many years of enjoyment out of it.

What design aesthetic do you like the most?

Are you one for modern minimalism or traditional style? Or is the homely charm of farmhouse kitchens more your thing? Think about which visual design elements appeal to you the most.

Which colours do you like?

Consider the colour scheme that best matches your taste. Do you prefer pale, neutral colours such as white or shades of cream, or are you more into strong, vivid colours?

Which kind of lifestyle do you want your kitchen to reflect?

Think about how you’re going to be using your kitchen. Do you cook frequently and need a lot of space for storing utensils and cooking appliances? And should the kitchen be the social hub of your home?

What materials do you prefer, and what do you want them to feel like?

Do you have a preference for certain elements, such as stone, steel or glass? Which materials and textured surfaces appeal to you the most?

What key design features should be in your kitchen?

Think about factors such as lighting, cabinet and drawer handles, tiles and other decorative elements. Are there certain things that are absolutely essential?

What would you like your kitchen appliances to look like?

Modern, built-in appliances really look the part in modern designs, while nostalgic vintage-style appliances could be a better choice for farmhouse kitchens.

How much room is there in your kitchen?

Bear in mind the amount of space available for creating your dream kitchen.

Are there any cultural or local elements that you’d like to work into your kitchen?

Some people find it inspiring to integrate these types of unique feature into their kitchen design.

What budget do you have available?

Some styles represent a higher financial investment than others.

Have you already found inspiration or have you got examples of kitchen designs that you particularly like?

Choosing the right style of kitchen for you can be easier if you’ve got pictures of the kind of kitchen you like, or you’ve gathered together a few ideas.

Conclusion

Bear in mind that there are no strict rules to adhere to. You can also combine different styles to create a unique result and a kitchen that corresponds exactly to your own needs.