How to Design a Farm Kitchen

Design your farmhouse kitchen around simple elements.

Whether you live in an old farmhouse or are planning on designing a kitchen for your new home, the farm-style kitchen evokes feelings of country and comfort. Many designers and companies produce vintage or weathered new cabinets and items for your kitchen, so you can bring the farm look together. Mapping out a plan and a design for your kitchen is the first step in tackling a remodeling project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Set a budget. Designing and restoring a kitchen can cost thousands of dollars. Stick with your budget by designing around must-have items such as an antique stove, a farmhouse sink and new cabinets. Save money by shopping at antique outlets and visiting estate sales.

2. Look for inspiration. The best way to start the design process is to know exactly what you want. If you are working with a designer, explore colors and design elements when designing what you want for your kitchen. Looking at portfolios that involve similar styles will give you ideas for how you want your design layout to be. Most farm kitchens have lighter colors on the walls, and color is added with décor and window treatments.

3. Select flooring. Several flooring options are available, and some popular choices for farm kitchens include hardwood flooring, ceramic tile and stone. Hardwood flooring can create an aged effect, which is popular in farm kitchens. Hardwood can also be painted if you desire to add color and contrast to your floor area. Ceramic tile flooring is versatile, and fits in with both rustic and modern farm kitchens. Stone flooring can be installed professionally and provides a natural looking floor that will blend in with rustic and simple farm decor.

4. Choose cabinets that are simple and refined. Natural wood cabinets are an option that will accommodate most design choices. You may also choose to faux finish your existing cabinets. Design a texture that includes weathering and distressing the look of your existing cabinets. Keeping beams and natural wood exposed in the kitchen area will help to add style to your farm kitchen.

5. Incorporate appliances. Decide if you want to use modern-looking appliances or your want to go for a more rustic or vintage feel. Choose an appliance restoration company that will offer completely restored antique appliances that are in safe, working condition. You can also choose to have antique replica appliances that appear to be antiques but are newly made, modern working machines.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your farmhouse design simple. Incorporate as much natural wood and stone as possible.

• Keep your look minimal, and avoid heavy decorating and bright colors on the cabinets and countertops.

References

• House Beautiful: A Modern Farmhouse Kitchen with an Unusual Layout
• Country Living: Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen
• Flooringandcarpets.com: Flooring Materials
• Antiquevintageappliances.com: Vintage Appliances