Farmhouse kitchens embody an enduring style that not only looks good in actual farmhouses, but all kinds of homes. Imagine a warm design that “takes comfortable classics and elevates them in a new way,” says IKEA Senior Interior Design Leader Viola Mushkudiani. The style’s eclectic spirit means vintage or antique items and brand-new finds feel equally at home here, so you can store Grandma’s serving bowls next to a new kettle without disrupting the look. The trick is tying it all together with natural materials finished with bold displays of your multifaceted style.
“Classic American farmhouse style includes shiplap, exposed wood beams, and open shelving,” Mushkudiani says. “Mixed materials like wicker, wood, and metal accents add dimension, [and] colors are predominantly neutral: camel, white, and matte black.”
Equal parts form and function, farmhouse-inspired is a great way to go for a kitchen renovation if you love “soft fabrics, warm exposed wood, neutral colors, and simple lines,” says Mushkudiani.
While the style is easy to fine-tune, it should be low maintenance and sturdy. There are a few essential hallmarks that really hold this aesthetic together. Luckily, IKEA has everything you need, and then some, to establish that coveted eclectic farmhouse look.
IKEA
The star: an apron sink
The most iconic piece of a farmhouse kitchen is the apron sink, which displays its porcelain front for everyone to see. The design is such a key part of achieving the look that it’s sometimes called a farmhouse sink. The most classic version is big, bold, and versatile—large enough to take in a haul of dishes and still have room to wash greens.
Laid-back kitchen island
A ready-made island adds a welcome asset to any busy kitchen: significant workspace. Exposed-grain oak surfaces and an off-white finish will extend the aesthetic, and shelving below can be both useful and decorative.
Extra storage space
A versatile cart that’s small enough to be out of the way, yet large enough to hold go-to ingredients or tools, is useful in a regularly-busy kitchen. Opt for one with open shelving below—yet another place to show off your wares—and some wood-grain finish for a handmade look.
Contrast countertops
Dark or walnut-tone countertops can offer a dramatic contrast from the typical whites and light woods in a farmhouse kitchen.
A genuine-feeling farmhouse kitchen is full of personality, and eclectic accents and finishes will help set the stage.
IKEA
Easygoing lighting
Powder-coated steel in a neutral color makes for a reliable light fixture that’ll also fit in with the farmhouse aesthetic. An option with a cord that’s adjustable for height and a shade that’ll distribute light well are ideal for different sizes of kitchens.
Leather pulls
If you’re really going for a home on the range, tanned-leather pulls make the look sing. They become even more rustic over time as their patina develops.
Orchard-style boxes
Maybe there’s an orchard out back, maybe there isn’t—but keep your apples here and nobody will know the difference, as long as they haven’t looked out the window. This crate offers open storage and exposed-grain wood. Plus, it’s unfinished, so you can leave it as-is or add a wood stain like VÅRDA.
Wooden spice racks
Double up on spice racks that affix to the wall to create hymnal holder-like storage, so they can display anything from small jars and knickknacks to cookbooks or plates.
Fill in the details with décor that grounds the look, without making it feel too cookie-cutter. Some choices may be purely decorative, but so many items can add to the aesthetic while still being useful.
IKEA
Mesh produce bags
Reusable materials are good for both the planet and the farmhouse aesthetic. Gather up your fruit and vegetables in versatile mesh bags—their neutral color allows what’s inside to shine, and they collapse into a ball when you need to store them away.
Artsy animals
Perch understated animal sculptures up with your dry goods or bookend them on either side of your cookbooks. They bring in a little more of the natural world while contributing some new texture.
Eye-pleasing plants
Bring some green into the kitchen with this dainty planter, and try planting a variety of hard herbs to have close at hand.
Country-cool kettle
What’s a farmhouse kitchen if you can’t put the kettle on? You’ll always want to be ready for coffee or tea, and this steel kettle is functional, but still a little hygge.
Designing a farmhouse kitchen look takes a little more preparation than you think. Whether you need help visualizing what is possible, or are looking for a partner in making your dream kitchen come true, IKEA Kitchen Services is here to help. Schedule an appointment to get started.
