Creating the Farmhouse Kitchen You’ve Always Dreamed Of
You don’t have to be a born-and-bred Texan to have fallen head over heels for the wildly popular homey, farmhouse kitchen. Farmhouse kitchens have been splashed in magazines and on home design TV shows for over a decade and the trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. If you aren’t familiar, farmhouse kitchens tend to focus on natural materials (yes, lots of hardwood), non-pretentious design and larger cooking and gathering spaces (think: farmhouse table that seats an army of friends and family). This style is also synonymous with furnishings made of hardwoods, cherry, oak and knotty pine. If you’re interested in infusing some farmhouse style into your current space, you’ve come to the right place.
Countertops of Wood
One of the first areas of your kitchen to consider upgrading to farmhouse chic is your kitchen counter. A high-traffic kitchen (one with a large household, kids, pets, etc.) can really benefit from a butcher block countertop. It’s warm and attractive, incredibly durable and cleaning it is a breeze.
Everything… Including the Kitchen Sink
No farmhouse-style kitchen is complete without a massive apron-front sink to go with it. The classic farmhouse sink has a deep, wide basin often made of porcelain or stainless steel. It’s capable of catering to the cooking and cleaning needs of a large, farm-to-table style meal.
Open Shelving
Since cabinets are not just for storage, one trend homeowners are leaning towards is the open shelf concept, allowing kitchenware–that would otherwise be hidden– to be on full display. If you have matching dinnerware sets, vintage wine glasses or custom pieces, this is the perfect chance for them to take center stage in your kitchen.
Add Shiplap, Of Course
Characterized by long horizontal (or vertical) panels formed by overlapping grooved boards, weather-tight shiplap is made from relatively inexpensive pine. Installing shiplap vertically can help emphasize the height of the kitchen, making it feel larger. Shiplap gives texture and immediate visual interest, adding warmth to otherwise blank walls. When painted, it can also be used to make an older, historical home feel more modern and inviting.