Farmhouse Kitchens - What are They?

Warm, welcoming and stylish – a farmhouse kitchen blends character and practicality – and you don’t even need to live in the countryside to have one… Find out what makes a farmhouse kitchen, and how you can get the farmhouse look, with our expert guide.

What is a farmhouse kitchen?

More relaxed and informal than some other styles of kitchen, a farmhouse kitchen is simple, practical and well-crafted, with plenty of natural materials and traditional features – typically including lots of warm wood, painted cabinets, freestanding furniture and appliances, an Aga or range oven and open shelving displaying crockery and other items – and boasting a large wooden table or kitchen island at its centre.

A farmhouse style is perfect when the kitchen really is the beating heart of a home – a family space full of warmth, comfort, practicality and personality.

The Raynham kitchen, above, is a clean, contemporary take on the traditional farmhouse kitchen. With plenty of exposed oak timber and a beautiful Aga, complete with corbels, beading and cornices, the kitchen delivers those traditional farmhouse features, while the classic in-frame shaker cabinets conceals integrated appliances and clever modern storage solutions.

The open shelving and glazed units give options for displaying crockery and other items, and the kitchen island in deep Night Sky blue contrasts with the lighter colour scheme, providing a focal point and bringing the kitchen together.

How to get the farmhouse look in your kitchen

Here are some of the key elements of a farmhouse kitchen…

1) Simple, well-crafted kitchen cabinets

The farmhouse kitchen typically features classic, handcrafted kitchen cabinets. Shaker style cabinets really capture the essence of the farmhouse look: simple, practical furniture built to last.

A shaker cabinet is easily recognisable by its ‘shaker doors’, which consist of a large flat wooden central panel, surrounded by a distinctive raised frame with square edges. Their attractive, timeless design with its clean, simple lines means that shaker style cabinets look perfectly at home in a modern farmhouse kitchen, and they can instantly be given a more contemporary edge by adding a set of sleek bar handles.

See more classic in-frame kitchens here

2) Exposed timber and natural materials

Wood is an essential element of a farmhouse kitchen, introducing warmth, texture and a lovely natural grain. As well as being naturally beautiful, hardwood is durable and versatile, making it ideal for family living – and what’s more, all of Naked Kitchens’ timber is environmentally friendly and responsibly sourced.

Even if your kitchen doesn’t have any existing architectural features such as exposed beams or shiplap wall panelling, you can create a farmhouse feel with some wooden cabinetry, worktops and accessories, such as chopping boards and chunky wooden handles. When it comes to choosing a hardwood worktop, there are lots of different options, each of which has its own unique characteristics – from homely oak to rich, luxurious walnut, and fresh, light woods such as maple and birch.

Incorporating other natural materials can also add to the farmhouse feel: a stone or even marble worktop can complement a timber kitchen adding a sleek contemporary edge.

3) A central table or island

A farmhouse kitchen is a sociable space, and traditionally features a large freestanding table or central kitchen island where family and friends can gather to share meals and spend time together. As well as providing a focal point for your farmhouse kitchen, a table or island can also give you additional practical space for food prep and storage. Complete the farmhouse look with some wooden benches or a set of vintage chairs or stools.

If you don’t have enough space for a table or an island in your kitchen, try incorporating a butcher’s block unit.

4) Freestanding cabinets and appliances

The farmhouse kitchen traditionally features freestanding furniture and appliances, which all adds to its individuality and charm. You can recreate the farmhouse look by including some freestanding units in your kitchen, such as a cabinet with open shelving, or a glazed dresser.

Freestanding appliances – an Aga or range cooker, a retro-look fridge – complete the look, especially when paired with a traditional style ceramic Belfast or butler sink.

5) A simple colour palette

Traditionally the farmhouse kitchen colour palette included pale neutrals, and natural earthy tones. These days, however, the farmhouse style also embraces stronger shades and colour schemes, including deep blues and dark greens.

You can add accents to a lighter colour scheme with some colourful appliances and accessories, or make a more dramatic statement with some darker cabinets. In a smaller kitchen, or one with a low ceiling, consider choosing dark colours for the bases and lighter colours for the walls and wall units, to increase the sense of height and space. Add some extra drama and interest with some vibrant vintage tiles or a statement splashback.

6) Plenty of open storage

The traditional farmhouse kitchen includes plenty of open storage for displaying crockery, antique jugs, cookbooks and other items that help create that homely, real-life-happens-here feel.

Bespoke floating shelves are good for the open and informal feel of a farmhouse kitchen, while also making the most of the vertical wall space in a smaller kitchen. Bespoke kitchen islands can also include open shelving for display and for storing large pots and pans within easy reach.

7) A pantry cupboard

The trick is to make sure you also have plenty of concealed kitchen storage, so you can keep your open shelves looking beautiful – not minimalist, but not too cluttered either.

Pantry cupboards and larders are perfect for that...

8) Vintage accessories

Browse the antique and vintage markets for the finishing touches. Carver chairs, wooden stools, ceramic jugs, brass and copper pots and pans and old-fashioned tea sets can all help complete the look.

Your choice of kitchen lighting can really make a statement too: a rustic chandelier or a set of oversized metal and glass lanterns can look fabulous in a farmhouse kitchen setting, especially suspended over a central table or kitchen island.

Great farmhouse kitchens are as beautiful as they are practical: warm, welcoming family rooms built for real life. At Naked Kitchens, we particularly love giving the farmhouse look a bespoke contemporary twist.

Talk to us about how we can bring your dream kitchen to life. Here’s how to get started.

Farmhouse kitchens: Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose a farmhouse kitchen?

A farmhouse kitchen is a warm, welcoming and practical space – a place you can relax in but also keep your family fed and entertained. Its emphasis on simple, natural materials gives it a timeless charm and appeal, and means it can easily be adapted to reflect the latest trends.

Can a farmhouse kitchen work in a modern home?

Absolutely! The traditional elements of a farmhouse kitchen work brilliantly in combination with all the conveniences of a modern kitchen, such as built-in larders, wine fridges and a whole range of other clever storage solutions.

Is it ok to mix and match materials in a farmhouse kitchen?

Yes! The great thing about the traditional farmhouse kitchen is the individual, eclectic nature of its design. Traditional materials such as wood and stone work beautifully next to modern materials such as stainless steel, metal and concrete, and by mixing and matching you can create a stylish, contemporary farmhouse kitchen that still has that timeless quality.

See also

What is a Shaker Kitchen?

Frameless versus In-frame kitchens: what’s the difference, and which should you choose?

Clever bespoke kitchen storage solutions - 11 ingenious ideas to inspire you

What Are The Benefits Of A Wooden Kitchen Worktop?

Kitchen cabinets: what is a wood veneer?

The Japandi style kitchen: what it is, and how to get the look