The Secret to Designing a Warm and Welcoming Farmhouse Kitchen
Farmhouse kitchens evoke coziness and charm with their classic rural design. White kitchen cabinets can help enhance the light and airy feeling that is central to the farmhouse aesthetic. But simply installing white cabinets is not enough to guarantee your kitchen will have that welcoming farmhouse vibe. The secret lies in choosing the right shades of white and contrasting materials, as well as incorporating unique fixtures and finishes. Follow these tips to design a farmhouse kitchen with white cabinets that feels as warm and inviting as a charming country cottage.
Choose the Right White for Your Cabinets
Not all whites are created equal. The shade of white you select for your farmhouse kitchen cabinets will dramatically affect the overall look and feel of the space.
A bright, crisp white will lend a clean, modern farmhouse style. Softer whites like Swiss Coffee or Alabaster White have a subtle warmth that evokes a more traditional farmhouse. Choosing a white with a barely detectable undertone like warm white or antique white can provide a subtle farmhouse look.
The way white shows is also heavily influenced by lighting. Whites take on a cooler tone in natural light but can look quite warm under incandescent bulbs. Consider the lighting in your kitchen and look at cabinet sample boards under similar conditions to your space.
Some popular white paint colors for achieving different farmhouse vibes are Swiss Coffee, Alabaster White, Pure White, and Simply White.
Create Contrast with Wood Tones
Pairing crisp white cabinets with wood elements creates welcome contrast and visual interest. Darker woods like walnut and oak make the white really pop while lending beautiful warmth.
Butcher block islands are a farmhouse classic that complements white cabinets nicely. The rich wood tones provide balance with the light and airy quality of white.
Wood open shelving is another way to infuse rustic texture. Bracketed floating shelves made from reclaimed barnwood add charm while reinforcing the cozy farmhouse aesthetic.
Using reclaimed wood for the countertops or backsplash is a great way to bring in more warm wood tones to contrast all that white.
Use Farmhouse-Style Hardware
Hardware is one of the easiest ways to customize the look of stock cabinets. Bold black hardware paired with white cabinets lends a more modern farmhouse style. Try vintage style bin pulls in an antiqued brass or bronze finish for a traditional charm.
Opt for drawer pulls and knobs with character like galvanized metal, cast iron, or ceramic. This more eclectic hardware will add cottage personality to your farmhouse space.
Incorporate Natural Textures and Materials
Natural textures help reinforce the welcoming farmhouse aesthetic and add lovely contrast to crisp white cabinets. A stone or brick backsplash injects organic texture and earthy elegance. Extending stone or brick to the floors grounds the space.
Exposed ceiling beams constructed from reclaimed wood introduce rustic texture while harkening back to traditional farmhouses. Knotty pine wood paneling on the walls or neutral ceramic tile in shapes like hexagons can give a nod to cottage style.
Wrought iron accents and fixtures also feel fitting for farmhouse decor, with their timeworn, handcrafted quality.
Include Farmhouse Sinks and Lighting
Certain fixtures can make a farmhouse kitchen feel extra special. An apron-front farmhouse sink looks like a timeless original but provides modern convenience. Opt for white enameled cast iron to complement white cabinets.
Pair your sink with a gooseneck faucet in matte black, unlacqured brass, or oil-rubbed nickel for a vintage farmhouse look. Over-the-island pendant lights with exposed Edison style bulbs, clear glass, or brass finishes reinforce the welcoming country kitchen aesthetic.
Vintage-style sconces with curved "barn light" shapes in metal add ambiance and a touch of farmhouse personality to the walls.
Display with Open Shelving
Open shelving gives a laidback farmhouse vibe, which contrasts beautifully with crisp white cabinets. Glass-front upper cabinets allow you to display glassware and favorite tableware while maintaining a streamlined look.
Wall-mounted shelves made from reclaimed wood are perfect for stowing cookbooks and small decor items. For a quick DIY look, try bracketed shelves mounted right to the walls.
Built-in hutches or bookcases with glass doors on top make great display spaces for collectibles. The glass maintains the light and airy feeling.
Add Character with Farmhouse Accessories
Farmhouse-style accessories complement your new white farmhouse kitchen. Fresh floral arrangements in ceramic vases, woven baskets, and glass canisters add warmth. Hang cheeky farmhouse-themed signage for extra personality.
Vintage-style appliances like a two-tone farmhouse refrigerator give country appeal. Galvanized metal buckets, crates, vases, and canisters add rustic flair.
Designing a warm, welcoming farmhouse kitchen is all about choosing the right soft white cabinets and contrasting with wood tones and eclectic finishes. Pay special attention to statement lighting fixtures and accessories to infuse cozy farmhouse personality. With these tips, your kitchen is sure to become a charming heart-of-the-home gathering spot for family and friends.