Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas
From the best farmhouse sinks to sink accessories, see all our best farmhouse kitchen ideas here.
Farmhouse is the latest trend in home design, but what exactly is this style? It can often seem like any style with a white color scheme and shiplap is farmhouse. But this style is far from being that simple.
If you’re interested in this popular style, here’s the background you need for farmhouse kitchen ideas.
And for more specific information, check out our other guides:
What is Farmhouse style?
At its heart, this style is just an update on the rustic, country looks that have been around for decades.
The original look was derived from traditional, American farmhouses, particularly those in the west. As a whole, it embraces those elements of practicality and coziness that made farmhouses icons of rustic domesticity. It includes plenty of natural light, simple but bright color schemes, and vintage items.
But it would be a disservice to suggest that the style is in any way antiquated. What makes this style so influential on current design trends, is its ability to embrace the modern. It incorporates a lot of things that make modern style so appealing, including its simplicity and minimalism.
This shows just how flexible farmhouse can be. It’s able to take in a number of designs and mix them with their aesthetics, while never losing its inherent qualities.
And that’s part of what makes it so popular and widespread as a style. It’s easily adaptable to a number of tastes, from the primitive, to the hyper modern, to the industrial. No matter what your tastes, there’s likely an element of farmhouse style that can fit.
If you’re interested in this style, here’s everything you need to know to get it in your home.
What are the Hallmarks of Farmhouse Style?
As with any style, farmhouse has a few hallmarks that make it distinctive. Here are all the basics that you can expect when working with this style:
Bright and Airy Spaces
One of the main highlights of this style is how it likes to incorporate natural light and open spaces.
This means having big windows is to your benefit. Ideally, you’d want wide windows that can let in plenty of light.
This also plays into the open floor plans that are popular in current architectural trends. Having an open flow from one room to the next is ideal for this style. In particular, it’s great to have a kitchen that opens into a dining area or living area.
But that doesn’t mean you have to call in an architect to get this look. Any dark, small space, can be immediately brightened by the aid of a light color scheme. You can also switch out your light bulbs for ones that mimic daylight.
And if you don’t have an open floor plan, you can still make your rooms feel more open. Take a minimal approach when it comes to your furniture and decor choices. By decluttering the room, you can create the illusion of more space.
Simple Color Schemes
Another main feature of this style is it’s bright and inviting color schemes.
On the whole, this style favors white and off white colors the most. This is what helps spaces look brighter and more open. It’s also a great complement to other elements of this style.
However, that doesn’t mean that white is the only color you can use. There are still plenty of colors that you can incorporate. Some popular choices include pastel green, pink, and blue. You can also go darker with black and grey accents throughout.
Here are some other popular colors and patterns you can use with this style:
- Copper
- Bronze
- Navy
- Periwinkle
- Beige
- Buffalo Check
- Gingham
- Florals
Overall, as long as the room still feels bright and open, you’re probably safe.
Rustic or Natural Elements
Since this style is based off of farm life, it’s easy to see why rustic and natural elements are a must. They help ground the style in its history, and also give it that cozy feeling it’s known for.
For rustic things, the older or more unfinished the better. This is the ideal style for incorporating vintage or antique items. Of course, you can always get brand new items, just try to get them with a vintage or distressed look.
It also helps to add in a lot of natural elements. Any natural fiber fabrics, like cotton and burlap are a great choice. You can also go with wood, stone, metal, and other natural materials.
And for the ultimate natural touch, be sure to incorporate plenty of plants.
In the kitchen, this is an easy prospect. An herb garden is the ideal choice, since it’s both functional and aesthetic. One popular option is to do a mason jar herb garden although there are plenty of other great methods. You can even do a vertical herb garden on the wall, if you don’t have a lot of space in your kitchen.
And if you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry! Fake plants and dried plants work too. The main point is to add in a bit of nature to make the space more inviting. However you choose to do that is really up to you.
Wood
As previously mentioned, wood is the ideal material for this style. It has that perfect blend of rustic and natural that makes it a great addition.
Shiplap is perhaps the best known wood when it comes to farmhouse style. This wood is taken directly from farm looks, since it’s the type that’s most often used on barns or outbuildings.
However, it’s different from what’s known as barnwood. With barnwood, it’s usually an almost vintage purchase. It comes directly from old barns, hence the name. Shiplap on the other hand, can be purchased brand new.
But don’t feel limited to just wood found on farms. Any type of wood is great to incorporate into your design. In fact, it’s easy to adapt any wooden decor to this style, including anything you already have in your home.
To update your wood decor, all you need to do is give it a new finish. Getting a light wood, or grey-toned stain is one easy way to renovate your decor. You can also paint it white and then distress it for a vintage, rustic look.
Here’s a great tutorial you can try for some extra shelving:
As you can see, it’s a simple process of painting and then distressing. And you can apply the same concept to other decorations, or even furniture items.
Maximizing Your Decor
This style isn’t one to shy away from decor. In fact, you should absolutely use decorative items along the walls, shelves, and anywhere else you want to put them.
Farmhouse walls, in particular, are a popular trend within this style. Creating a gallery with prints, metal art, or wooden signs is common.
However, you don’t want to get too cluttered or ornate. Remember that this style still likes simplicity and open spaces, so don’t overcrowd your rooms.
And if you have small rooms, it’s still better to go as minimal as possible.
Farmhouse Sinks
Another important and popular component of farmhouse kitchens, is the farmhouse sink.
These sinks get their names from their particular style. Much like farmhouse style itself, their design originates from the traditional farm kitchens that they were first used in.
Today, they can come in a variety of colors and materials, but each has the same basic features.
The defining element of these sinks is that they have visible fronts. In many cases for typical kitchens, sinks are not visible at all. Only the basin is visible, from beneath the countertop.
The difference is that, with farmhouse sinks, the exterior of the basin is visible as well.
The result is that the sink itself is visible from behind the cabinets and countertops. As such, it becomes an important part of the design.
In some case, the sink has a finished edge on all sides. In other cases, as with apron front sinks, there is a single, finished side. There are even reversible options!
You can go modern with metal options, or more traditional with things like porcelain and cast iron. You can also consider decorative front options, or colorful ones.
If you’re choosing this type of sink, be careful with your selection. Make sure you consider how it will fit into your overall style.
Why are farmhouse sinks popular?
Part of the reason farmhouse sinks are popular is just their aesthetics. They tend to have clean lines that are perfect for a number of styles, not just Farmhouse.
They fit modern minimal design just as easily as rustic or country. And a metal farmhouse sink is the perfect accent for any industrial look.
Of course, it’s also important for a sink to be functional as well. Farmhouse sinks have a number of benefits, the main one being the fact that they’re so spacious.
The deep basins they tend to have are perfect for rinsing and soaking. It also makes it easier to reach into and clean large pots.
Really, it’s just a matter of preference. There are a lot of reasons to buy a farmhouse sink, but there are plenty of things to consider before you purchase one as well.
Farmhouse Sink Styles
Sink style main concerns any part of the sink that will be visible. That means the focus is on the basin, or basins, as well as the front.
For basins, the main issue is color. Since sinks tend to be large, whatever color or finish you choose needs to be one that complements your design.
When it comes to a sink that will be visible from the front, there are a lot of options available. Although having a smooth finish is the most popular, there are plenty of more unique, texture options.
Here is a basic overview of some of the different styles you can choose from:
Texture
Most sinks are smooth, but you can get options that have a lot of texture.
A hammered metal finish is one gorgeous option. The hammering technique creates little dent and divots in metal sinks. Together, these divots form a textured pattern across the surface.
It’s an industrial look that can add interest to any kitchen. It’s also a perfect way to dress up a plain copper or stainless steel option.
Another option is to get a rough, unfished stone sink. These options carry over the natural texture of the stone, so you get a very rustic look.
Decorative Fronts
If you like the idea of texture, but want something a little more ornate, try a decorative front.
Some are more modern, with lines and geometric patterns. But the majority of these options lean towards French or country styles.
The most popular options are usually floral, or include some kind of scrollwork pattern.
For something simple yet traditional, you can also try a fluted option.
These are perfect for country or rustic styles.
Colors
If you’ve ever looked at sinks in a store, you might have thought that sink colors are pretty basic.
With metal sinks, you’re going to end up with whatever color the metal is. In this case, steel grey and copper are your two main options. Apart from that, sinks tend to be either black or white, with white being the most popular.
However, those are far from being your only options.
For a real pop of color, you can get blue, brown, or even red sinks. You don’t feel like you’re limited. There are plenty of other great choices that will fit any design.
You can even customize your color if you want. With options like cast iron, that need to be coated or painted, there are a lot of color possibilities.
If you’re replacing your sink, consider adding in some color to your design.
Other Farmhouse Sink Features
While style is definitely important, sinks are also meant to be functional. Luckily, when it comes to function, these sinks offer a lot of possibility.
Single basin farmhouse sinks are usually large and deep, giving you plenty of space. They’re great for thawing or washing large items. For example, they’re very popular for washing cookie sheets.
Double basin farmhouse sinks are also large, but the divider provides more organization. It allows you have to have two separate drains, and two separate spaces for washing.
There’s benefits and downsides to each type. So if you’re not sure which one you want, do some research before deciding.
For either option, you can also add functionality and organization with sink accessories. Things like cutting boards, drying racks, caddies, and even sink dividers can help you maximize any basin.
You can also find sinks that come with these accessories.
Workstation sinks are a popular option. They come with basins, strainers, cutting boards, and other accessories, depending on the option.
They’re designed so that these accessories fit perfectly over the basin, and can be removed and added as needed. That makes them a convenient and efficient option.
Although slightly more complicated to use, these options are ideal for people who do a lot in the kitchen. They provide a much easier way to prep food, and eliminate the need for a lot of additional tools.
Farmhouse Sink FAQ
There are of practical features that you’ll need to consider when purchasing a sink. Depth, materials, and size are just some of those features. When deciding on your ideal sink, consider all of these features first.
Which farmhouse sink material is best?
There are several different materials you can use for your kitchen sink. The deciding factors tend to come down to look and price, although durability is also an issue.
For a metal sink, stainless steel and copper are popular choices. Both are the perfect way to add an industrial, modern feel to your kitchen. Copper and other colorful metals can also add a bright pop of color.
The main issue with metal is that it can warp if you expose it to extreme temperature. However, it’s an otherwise durable, and cheap material.
Cast iron is another popular option. This material is one of the most durable options available, however it can get pricey. It also happens to be super heavy, so installation can be a pain.
If you’re more a fan of stoneware, some great options would be porcelain, ceramic, Fireclay, or composite. All of these options are durable and come in a variety of finishes.
Plus, composite comes in a variety of options. You can get quartz, granite, or even concrete composites, just to name a few.
If you’re on a budget, go with composite or ceramic instead of porcelain. They’re both cheaper and have a lot of the same benefits. Ceramic also has the benefit of being super heat resistant.
For something really unique, you can also think outside the box. Bamboo, for instance, is a great alternative to traditional materials. This material both looks good, and is environmentally friendly!
The best one for your kitchen really depends on your style as well as your budget. For more detailed information, check out our guide and farmhouse sink material comparison.
How do you install a farmhouse sink?
If you’re replacing your current farmhouse sink for a new one, installation is simple. You just have to make sure your measurements are right, and then switch out the sinks.
If you don’t already have a farmhouse sink, installing one can be a bit of a process.
Most farmhouse sinks are undermount. This means you come in from beneath the countertops to install the sink. Sometimes this type of sink also requires additional supports that will need to be added beneath.
From the front, you’ll have to make further adjustments. If you want the face of the sink to be visible, you’ll likely have to cut the countertops and cabinetry.
Obviously, there’s a lot of things to consider when installing a farmhouse sink. Your best option is to have a profession come and install it for you. Most sink retailers offer some type of installation service for an extra fee.
However, doing one on your own is also possible. Just make sure that you do your research beforehand. You can also check out our guide to give you some more background information.
How deep are farmhouse kitchen sinks?
Farmhouse sinks are known for their deep basins. Of the sink types, these are typically the deepest. They tend to average between 8″ and 10″, although there are tons of options.
Of course, deeper sinks have their own benefits. They’re a more functional option than shallower sinks.
However, if your personal preference leans towards shallower sinks, you still have options. With apron front sinks especially, you can get a shallow sink that is still visible from the front.
In some cases, the apron even hangs down below the depth of the basin. That way you can get the appearance of a full farmhouse sink, without the depth.
How much do farmhouse sinks cost?
As with any other product, the price of your sink has a lot to do with the quality.
To get a full porcelain farmhouse sink, expect to pay a lot. Porcelain is already one of the most expensive sink materials, and it doesn’t help that farmhouse sinks are usually large.
Of course, porcelain is expensive for a reason. It’s a super durable material that can last decades when cared for. It’s also comes in a variety of colors.
For a more budget friendly option, you can get composite sinks, or similar stone-like options. These have the same look and feel of porcelain, but cost a fraction of the price.
However, your cheapest option will be metal. Stainless steel and copper don’t come in a a variety of colors, but they’re much cheaper. They also tend to weigh less, which can make installation easier. Plus, you’ll still get that farmhouse feel with the square shape and open front.
The downside with the cheaper options is that they tend to be less durable. Although each sink material has its own benefits, so don’t be afraid to be budget friendly.
The Best Kitchen Sinks
Choosing the right sink for you can be difficult since the options are seemingly endless. With a variety of colors, styles, and features, you can get almost any type of sink.
It helps to take a look at your current sink before buying a new one. To limit installation costs, it helps to get a sink that matches the basic features of your current one.
You’ll need to identify how your current sink is mounted, it’s size, and how many drains it has. These are the main features that require renovation if they don’t match up. It also makes a difference if you plan on having the front of the sink visible or not.
From there, you can get into selecting materials and styles. There are a surprising amount of materials and colors to choose from, so don’t be afraid to try something new.
If you’re switching from a typical sink to a farmhouse sink, keep in mind that you’ll probably have to do a lot of renovation.
In many cases, you have to cut out the front of the counters to show the apron front. You also might need to create reinforcements below the sink to support it’s weight.
Regardless of what you decide, getting a new sink is always a good choice for updating your kitchen.
There are plenty of reasons to update your sink. Style is probably the main reason. Sinks tend to get replaced less often than other kitchen fixtures, so it’s easy to fall behind on sink trends. Purchasing a new one can provide a much needed finishing touch to any design.
Of course, sinks can also just wear out. Almost all sink materials are fairly durable, but accidents to happen. Sinks can scratch, chip, and stain. they can also suffer if you’re not caring for them properly.
The only downside to replacing your sink is the price tag. Sinks are expensive, and they only get more expensive the more features you add on.
However, there are still budget options for sink. As previously mentioned, it helps to get one that’s as similar as possible to your old sink, so that you won’t have high installation costs.
You can also go with cheaper materials, or even get a used sink. The options are only limited to whatever your preferences are.
While it can be overwhelming to be confronted with so many possibility, take heart. A good sink isn’t hard to find. And with the right materials and good maintenance, a good sink can last a lifetime.
Variations of Farmhouse Style
One of the best things about this style is its almost unlimited potential. No matter what your tastes, there’s a variation on this style that’s sure to satisfy.
Here are just some of the options you have for changing up farmhouse:
- Modern
- Industrial
- Rustic
- French Country
- Primitive
The key to switching up your style is to consider what accessories, colors, and materials you’re choosing.
For more help, see our detailed style guides for more in-depth information about each variation.
Choosing Your Perfect Style
Even after deciding you want farmhouse style in your home, there’s still a lot of choices to make. You need to consider what direction to take the style in, as well as what will best suit your budget.
If you’re wondering how to make farmhouse work in your home, here are some things you’ll need to consider:
Budget
Anytime you renovate or update your style, it’s going to cost money.
With home decor, the price of items often comes down to an issue of materials. It doesn’t matter what piece of furniture, or what decoration it is. The material that an item is made out of will determine the price.
Because of that, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before deciding what direction to go in.
Budget Friendly Options
Modern farmhouse is probably the cheapest variation of farmhouse style. In general, modern styles allow for a wider range of cheaper materials. Things like glass, plastic, fake wood, and cheap metals are all easy to purchase, and look good with this style.
You can also find a lot of easy, cheap ways to DIY this type of decor.
Modern is also what’s popular, so it’s easier to find the exact look you’re going for. Manufacturers tend to stick to the trends, so you have more options for inexpensive, mass-produced decor.
That’s not to say that you can’t find cheap things in other styles, just that it tends to be easier with modern decor.
Higher Cost Styles
Variations like industrial farmhouse are better suited to larger budgets. Industrial style favors materials like concrete, wood, and sturdy metals. Unfortunately, items made of out those materials doesn’t come cheap.
And while you can get dupes or fake items, that’s not always preferable. It’s easy to spot fake metal or concrete, so your design may not stand up to scrutiny. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get this look for less.
If you love this style, but have a tight budget, the key is to plan smart. Focus your budget on some key items that will make a large statement. Things like shelving or seating are a good choice.
These items will take up most of the focus, allowing you to skimp on smaller details. You can go with cheaper or even fake items, for any other decor.
Rustic, traditional, and French country styles have the same problem as industrial farmhouse. The materials they favor tend to be expensive if you’re going for the genuine article.
In this case, wood is the issue. These styles favor real, ornate wood work, which doesn’t come cheap. To get a genuine piece of carved, real wood decor can cost several hundreds of dollars, depending on the item.
Luckily, fake wood is easier to find, and tends to look better than fake versions of other materials. There are also cheaper types of wood. Balsa wood, for example, is remarkably cheap, but functions perfectly for things like boxes and other containers.
Going Vintage
With the more expensive variations, like rustic and industrial, going vintage is another great way to save money.
The main downside to this is that you may need to spend some time and money on renovating items. Depending on how worn an antique is, it will require some extra love and care. However if you are comfortable with renovations, it’s a great way to get a quality item for less.
Personal Tastes
Another important thing to consider is your own personal taste.
Obviously you’re changing your kitchen because you want to, however, it’s still easy to get roped into following the trends. Too often, this leads to a design that becomes outdated in a matter of years.
Think back to the early 2000’s. The trend at that time was floor to ceiling brown, with stone floors, traditional tiles, and dark cabinets. While none of those elements is bad on its own, the combination of them is now woefully out of style.
It wouldn’t necessarily be an issue, if not for the fact that kitchen renovations are expensive. The fixtures decorations you put in are often meant to last decades, not just years. You don’t want to look around in a few years and realize that your kitchen has become tacky and outdated.
The key to avoiding this issue is to just do what you like. You can certainly choose whatever style is popular, but that doesn’t mean you have to incorporate every trend. Instead, choose timeless things that speak to you.
To that end, don’t be afraid to keep things simple. In this case, larger fixtures are better when they’re more universal. Save your creative energy for the smaller items that are easy to change out.
Your Ideal Farmhouse Kitchen
When it comes to designing your own farmhouse kitchen, the key is to enjoy the process.
Pick out the items that speak to you, and that you know you’ll enjoy using. The kitchen is one of the busiest parts of the house after all. You want to make sure whatever you place inside is right for you.
But don’t feel too restricted. The great thing about this style is that it’s adaptable. There’s something for everyone. And you can take any variation and adapt it as well.
With some forethought, you can come up with farmhouse kitchen ideas for your dream look.