12 Farmhouse Touches That Bring Homeyness to a Kitchen

The overdone ruffles and plethora of hens in 1980s-style “kountry kitchens” may be out, but farmhouse details in the kitchen will always be in style. Even in the most contemporary kitchens, tiny details derived from the farmhouse ideal add charm and personality. These elements, derived from real farmhouse kitchens, barns and country stores, conjure a relaxed feeling from a simpler time: the era evoked by Laura Ingalls Wilder — or at least the days when people talked to one another instead of texted. Whether you’re raising chickens in the country, canning tomatoes in the suburbs or ordering takeout from a studio apartment in the city, adding a dash of farmhouse style with any of these 12 touches will give your kitchen a happy feeling.

A showstopping patinated antique. The hardworking green worktable on the right is an antique Mexican grain-sorting table. Its chipped green paint and unique form bring utilitarian farm style to this collected kitchen.


Shaker style. The simplicity of Shaker style inspired this modern farmhouse. The bright colors that designers Rafe Churchill and Heide Hendrix spied at Hancock Shaker Village assured them that this sunny yellow would fly in a newly built farmhouse.

The icing on the cake is the pitcher of sunflowers — the flowers look as though they could have been freshly plucked from the field.

See the rest of this new farmhouse


This style of cabinetry is the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Shaker style in the kitchen. The fronts are simply framed, and the clean lines could work with just about any style.


Freestanding furniture. Historic farmhouse kitchens didn’t have the unified cabinets and counters we see today; they were more likely to have a collection of freestanding pieces. Pieces like this cabinet break up the bland continuity that can take over a kitchen, and they can provide a key display space for collectibles.

Also, note the whitewashed primitive siding here. Tongue and groove or less-finished butt boards have it all over drywall when it comes to farmhouse style.


Beadboard. Beadboard adds a traditional element to any kitchen. Accessorizing with mason jars brings to mind good old-fashioned canning and jam making.


Minor details. This kitchen mixes sleek industrial elements, like the stainless steel vent hood and pendant lights, with farm-style accessories. Baskets, antique crocks and corbels on the open shelving recall our American yeoman farmer roots.


Homespun art and accessories. A simple needlework sampler adds farmhouse charm to this kitchen. The primitive table, baskets and barn lights add to the fresh farm vibe.


Folk art is another great farmhouse touch. It can be a piece of Americana, like this flag, a weather vane, a rooster or a funky piece from a self-taught artist.


Barn doors. Sliding barn-door panels on overhead tracks have taken the design world by storm. Use reclaimed wood to warm up a kitchen with a barn-like patina.

View ideabooks about installing barn doors


X-trim detailing on these doors creates a barn or hayloft look.


In this kitchen a small barn door covered in chalkboard paint slides to hide a storage area.

See the rest of this kitchen


Tractor seat stools. These stools look as though they could have been pulled off a tractor.


These lovely wooden perches portray the tractor seat more figuratively than literally. They’re a great example of how to modernize farmhouse inspirations.


A farmhouse sink. This is probably the most obvious farmhouse touch. The sink’s apron front stands out among the cabinets and lends a collected look to this transitional kitchen. A milk glass collection in the window also adds a traditional touch.


A soapstone sink. This fantastic sink is deep enough to hide all of the pots, pans and dishes while the owners are entertaining. The galvanized steel cover on the refrigerator also lends a utilitarian farm look.

Learn more about soapstone


A rustic farm table. The knotty wood table, overhead beams and traditional candle chandelier add farmhouse charm to this contemporary kitchen.


Bin pull hardware. These drawer handles bring to mind an old-fashioned country store. Though the overall style of the room is uncluttered and contemporary, other details — like the butcher block, canisters and barn pendant light — give it an intimate farmhouse feeling.

More: 12 Rustic Touches That Add Warmth to a Kitchen

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