Adding rustic and charming farmhouse decor to your modern kitchen can help create an attractive space for you and your family.
Moving away from the hectic feel of a busy kitchen and going back to the basics of a charming modern farmhouse can be a great way to relax and unwind. Adding elements such as charming apple boxes and stylish coach lanterns to the room can really help.
Giving your normal kitchen the modern farmhouse flair can be as simple or as elaborate as you want to make it. You can choose to switch up nothing more than a few dining chairs or a kitchen rug, or might go for a complete overhaul and replace your cabinets with open shelves.
Whatever you choose to do, here are 30 ideas to help turn your average kitchen into a charming modern farmhouse kitchen.
1. Make use of unique styles of lighting
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Spacious Kitchen With Egg-Shaped Lights
Spacious Kitchen With Egg-Shaped Lights
Spacious Kitchen With Egg-Shaped Lights
Spacious Kitchen With Egg-Shaped Lights
Spacious Kitchen With Egg-Shaped Lights
Regardless of the size of your kitchen, you can add an eye-catching yet practical element to the room with the style of lighting you choose. Look for rustic or unique lights that blend the charm of an old farmhouse with the practicality of modern elements.
2. Blend seating colors with other decor
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Barstools Matching The Color Of Lamps
Barstools Matching The Color Of Lamps
Barstools Matching The Color Of Lamps
Barstools Matching The Color Of Lamps
Barstools Matching The Color Of Lamps
Barstools Matching The Color Of Lamps
Barstools Matching The Color Of Lamps
Barstools Matching The Color Of Lamps
When it comes to tying the whole room together, adding a few colors here and there can do the job. Try matching some of your dining furniture with lighting elements, for example. Or consider using rugs to blend in with cabinets if that works better in your space.
3. Add elegance to the room with reflective surfaces
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Kitchen With Shiny Countertops And Refrigerator
Kitchen With Shiny Countertops And Refrigerator
Kitchen With Shiny Countertops And Refrigerator
Kitchen With Shiny Countertops And Refrigerator
Kitchen With Shiny Countertops And Refrigerator
Kitchen With Shiny Countertops And Refrigerator
Kitchen With Shiny Countertops And Refrigerator
Kitchen With Shiny Countertops And Refrigerator
While it might seem odd, having shiny surfaces in your kitchen can not only catch your eye, but encourages cleanliness as well. Consider looking for well polished countertops, stainless steel sinks and refrigerators, and glass lanterns to not only add a reflective shine but also a charming elegance to the room.
4. Add color to the room with pastel blues
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Charming Kitchen Using Light Blue Colors
Charming Kitchen Using Light Blue Colors
Charming Kitchen Using Light Blue Colors
Charming Kitchen Using Light Blue Colors
Charming Kitchen Using Light Blue Colors
Blue is a very relaxing color that does exceptionally well in kitchens. You don’t need to cover the entire room in blue to get the effect. In fact, a few simple spots of pastel or muted blue is all it takes to really boost the mood of anyone entering the room.
5. Go bold with dark wood and black accents
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Dark Rustic Room With Natural Wood
Dark Rustic Room With Natural Wood
Dark Rustic Room With Natural Wood
Dark Rustic Room With Natural Wood
Many people will shy away from dark colors and opt for light and airy colors instead. However, the intense contrast of dark wood, black accents, and deep reds can go a long way in turning your average kitchen into an elegant space with a bold decor style.
6. Use natural herbs as countertop decor
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Kitchen With Live Herbs In Pots
Kitchen With Live Herbs In Pots
Kitchen With Live Herbs In Pots
Kitchen With Live Herbs In Pots
Kitchen With Live Herbs In Pots
Whether you spend a lot of time in the kitchen or are only in there on occasion, adding live herb plants to the countertops can not only provide you with a soothing aroma to the room, but can also provide fresh herbs and spices for your next culinary masterpieces.
7. Consider adding horizontal wall coverings
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Charming Kitchen With Horizontal Wood Panels
Charming Kitchen With Horizontal Wood Panels
Charming Kitchen With Horizontal Wood Panels
Charming Kitchen With Horizontal Wood Panels
Charming Kitchen With Horizontal Wood Panels
Charming Kitchen With Horizontal Wood Panels
Charming Kitchen With Horizontal Wood Panels
Charming Kitchen With Horizontal Wood Panels
While horizontal paneling may seem more befitting to the exterior of your home, try adding it to the interior as well. For the ultimate rustic charm and farmhouse feel, horizontal wood panels are a great way to bring a little piece of the country life into your kitchen.
8. Use floating shelves instead of cabinets
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Simplistic And Charming Kitchen With Shelves
Simplistic And Charming Kitchen With Shelves
Simplistic And Charming Kitchen With Shelves
Simplistic And Charming Kitchen With Shelves
Simplistic And Charming Kitchen With Shelves
Simplistic And Charming Kitchen With Shelves
Simplistic And Charming Kitchen With Shelves
Cabinets can sometimes make a small kitchen feel even smaller. Instead, consider using floating shelves to hold drinking glasses, dining items, and even pantry products. This will be a practical way to open up the room and make it feel more spacious and open.
9. Make a statement with cabinet colors
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Kitchen With Blue Cabinets And Island
Kitchen With Blue Cabinets And Island
Kitchen With Blue Cabinets And Island
Kitchen With Blue Cabinets And Island
Kitchen With Blue Cabinets And Island
Kitchen With Blue Cabinets And Island
Adding color to your kitchen can be done in a variety of ways, but adding color to your cabinets can make a bold statement. Try going for muted tones of blue, green, or red to bring in a piece of that country charm without making the colors too overbearing in the room.
10. Consider using glass-front cabinets
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Kitchen With Glass Fronted Cabinet Doors
Kitchen With Glass Fronted Cabinet Doors
Kitchen With Glass Fronted Cabinet Doors
Kitchen With Glass Fronted Cabinet Doors
Kitchen With Glass Fronted Cabinet Doors
Kitchen With Glass Fronted Cabinet Doors
Having cabinets with glass doors can not only make the room feel larger, but can make it easier for you to see what you want to grab. You can even go one step further with your kitchen decor and match your cabinet fronts to your window paneling for the ultimate blend of farmhouse charm.
11. Blend horizontal ceiling beams into the room decor
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Kitchen With Exposed Horizontal Ceiling Beams
Kitchen With Exposed Horizontal Ceiling Beams
Kitchen With Exposed Horizontal Ceiling Beams
Kitchen With Exposed Horizontal Ceiling Beams
Kitchen With Exposed Horizontal Ceiling Beams
Kitchen With Exposed Horizontal Ceiling Beams
Kitchen With Exposed Horizontal Ceiling Beams
Kitchen With Exposed Horizontal Ceiling Beams
If your kitchen has architectural touches that cannot be removed or hidden, embrace them instead. You can match your cabinets or kitchen island to the same wood style and tone your exposed ceiling support beams are in for a stylish and eye-catching blend of rustic elegance.
12. Focus on unique wood grain patterns
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Kitchen Bar With Unique Wood Grains
Kitchen Bar With Unique Wood Grains
Kitchen Bar With Unique Wood Grains
Kitchen Bar With Unique Wood Grains
Kitchen Bar With Unique Wood Grains
Rustic style wood can come in a wide range of colors and grain patterns. When you’re looking for something for your kitchen, try to find wood that has a very unique and attractive grain. These unique patterns will be 100% unique to your kitchen and can even blend with other furniture elements in the room.
13. Use copper accents for the ultimate farmhouse charm
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Kitchen Using Various Copper Design Elements
Kitchen Using Various Copper Design Elements
Kitchen Using Various Copper Design Elements
Kitchen Using Various Copper Design Elements
Kitchen Using Various Copper Design Elements
Kitchen Using Various Copper Design Elements
Kitchen Using Various Copper Design Elements
Copper is an extremely common element in older country homes. You can add it to your newer home as well to bring in that true country farmhouse feel. Look for copper sink fixtures, copper pan holders, copper framing for shelves, and more. If you can get copper with a nice patina on it, the look will be even more charming!
14. Small kitchens can benefit from bold colors
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Small Kitchen With Bold Green Cabinets
Small Kitchen With Bold Green Cabinets
Small Kitchen With Bold Green Cabinets
Small Kitchen With Bold Green Cabinets
Small Kitchen With Bold Green Cabinets
Small Kitchen With Bold Green Cabinets
Small Kitchen With Bold Green Cabinets
If your kitchen is small and cozy, consider adding one centerpiece color to the room. Dark forest green, deep apple red, or midnight sky blue can all be great choices. Cabinets are the best option when it comes to adding color, but you can also add color with a fridge or window coverings too.
15. Don’t overlook flea markets and antique malls
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Kitchen Using Rustic Style Decor Items
Kitchen Using Rustic Style Decor Items
Kitchen Using Rustic Style Decor Items
Kitchen Using Rustic Style Decor Items
Kitchen Using Rustic Style Decor Items
Kitchen Using Rustic Style Decor Items
While you can find some new items that work well in a country farmhouse, don’t ignore secondhand shops, flea markets, and antique malls. You may be able to find genuine antique decor that fits into your farmhouse decor perfectly such as apple boxes, biscuit tins, and barnwood shelving.
16. Open shelving can fit into any kitchen space
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Kitchen Making Use Of Open Shelving
Kitchen Making Use Of Open Shelving
Kitchen Making Use Of Open Shelving
Kitchen Making Use Of Open Shelving
Kitchen Making Use Of Open Shelving
Kitchen Making Use Of Open Shelving
Kitchen Making Use Of Open Shelving
Open or floating shelving is a great choice for smaller kitchens that may not have room for wall mounted cabinets. With shelving, you not only have the option of how large to make the shelf, but you can also choose unique or rustic wood styles to add to the farmhouse charm.
17. Keep it simple with two unique colors
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White Kitchen With Various Wood Accents
White Kitchen With Various Wood Accents
White Kitchen With Various Wood Accents
White Kitchen With Various Wood Accents
Your kitchen doesn't need to be full of color or decorative items to still have that country farmhouse charm. In fact, two simple colors can be all you need to bring the room together. Try blending white with gold, light wood tones, or tan to help break up the stark whiteness without being too bold.
18. Find an antique sideboard or China cabinet
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Kitchen With Antique Sideboard Cabinet Furniture
Kitchen With Antique Sideboard Cabinet Furniture
Kitchen With Antique Sideboard Cabinet Furniture
There are a wide range of furniture options for your kitchen that aren’t just tables and chairs. In fact, you may be able to find a range of vintage or antique sideboards, serving tables, combination countertops, or China cabinets that fit perfectly into your kitchen spaces.
19. Use a backsplash as a decor element
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Kitchen With Eye-Catching Backsplash Covering
Kitchen With Eye-Catching Backsplash Covering
Kitchen With Eye-Catching Backsplash Covering
Kitchen With Eye-Catching Backsplash Covering
Kitchen With Eye-Catching Backsplash Covering
Kitchen With Eye-Catching Backsplash Covering
Kitchen With Eye-Catching Backsplash Covering
Kitchen With Eye-Catching Backsplash Covering
Having a backsplash of tile or another durable material is a great choice for any kitchen. However, in charming farmhouse kitchens you may notice the backsplash also doubles as a larger wall covering accent. You can opt for a unique color and pattern, or use one that blends in with furniture or other decor choices.
20. Pale mint green makes a great kitchen color choice
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Kitchen With Mint Green Cabinet Decor
Kitchen With Mint Green Cabinet Decor
Kitchen With Mint Green Cabinet Decor
Kitchen With Mint Green Cabinet Decor
Kitchen With Mint Green Cabinet Decor
If you’re having trouble deciding on a unique color for your kitchen, consider going with mint green. This color comes in a wide range of shades, but pale or muted shades are versatile. It blends well with a variety of other colors and isn’t too overbearing if you decide to use it on all of your cabinetry.
21. Use a kitchen hutch for your main cabinetry
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Kitchen With Hutch And Large Sink
Kitchen With Hutch And Large Sink
Kitchen With Hutch And Large Sink
Kitchen With Hutch And Large Sink
Kitchen With Hutch And Large Sink
Kitchen With Hutch And Large Sink
Kitchen With Hutch And Large Sink
Kitchen With Hutch And Large Sink
A kitchen hutch is an item that was once very popular, but has since become less so. However, if you happen to find a large kitchen hutch at an antique mall or secondhand store, it may be worth purchasing. These pieces of furniture can work in any kitchen setting and bring an immense amount of farmhouse charm along with them.
22. Try using a sideboard as a kitchen island
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Kitchen With Various Design Elements Shown
Kitchen With Various Design Elements Shown
Kitchen With Various Design Elements Shown
Kitchen With Various Design Elements Shown
Kitchen With Various Design Elements Shown
Kitchen With Various Design Elements Shown
Kitchen With Various Design Elements Shown
Having enough counter space in your kitchen may be difficult if you do a lot of cooking or entertaining. Kitchen islands may not give you the design style you are looking for. Instead, consider adding a sideboard to the room. It will provide ample workspace on top with plenty of storage drawers below.
23. Use sleek and reflective covering on low ceilings
Not every kitchen has the luxury of high or vaulted ceilings. If your kitchen has low ceilings, consider adding a sleek and reflective tile or paneling to it. This not only helps reflect light and eliminate shadows in the room, but can also make it much easier to clean should steam or smoke reach them.
24. Try adding a single bright color to the room
If a large amount of color just doesn’t seem to work in your kitchen, try adding a small amount of a bright and eye-catching color. Vibrant yellow, orange, or red can be a great color to consider for farmhouse charm. Consider adding this color with rugs, dining chairs, barstools, or kitchen towels.
25. Blend your backsplash and countertops together
Having a backsplash near your stove and sink can be helpful in preventing damage to your wall in these areas of high activity. You can go one step further with the design aspect and match your countertops to your backsplash. This can be done by using the same material or by having a backsplash custom designed for you.
26. Use tiles and bricks for unique designs
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Kitchen With Tile And Brick Designs
Kitchen With Tile And Brick Designs
The entire feel of a kitchen can be changed by switching up the wall coverings. If you’re looking for a unique yet stylish way to mix things up, consider adding tile or brickwork to your kitchen. This can be as simple as a brick or tile backsplash, or as elaborate as the entire kitchen wall covering.
27. Large kitchens need eye-catching accents
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Massive Kitchen With Unique Design Elements
Massive Kitchen With Unique Design Elements
Massive Kitchen With Unique Design Elements
Massive Kitchen With Unique Design Elements
Massive Kitchen With Unique Design Elements
Massive Kitchen With Unique Design Elements
Massive Kitchen With Unique Design Elements
Massive Kitchen With Unique Design Elements
If you find yourself searching for a way to add an eye-catching element to your kitchen, consider looking at lighting options. Large artistic globes, shades, or other light aspects can be just what you need. Not only is lighting a vital part of any kitchen, a uniquely designed one can draw your eye and add something special to the room.
28. Don’t be afraid of non-traditional seating options
Your kitchen doesn’t need to be a cookie-cutter of another kitchen you saw in a magazine. In fact, adding your own unique touches to the room can give it that custom charm you can’t find anywhere else. Consider looking for uniquely shaped wooden barstools or eclectic style dining chairs to fill this niche.
29. Don’t underestimate the value of lights
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Kitchen Making Use Of Several Lights
Kitchen Making Use Of Several Lights
Kitchen Making Use Of Several Lights
Kitchen Making Use Of Several Lights
Kitchen Making Use Of Several Lights
Kitchen Making Use Of Several Lights
Kitchen Making Use Of Several Lights
Kitchen Making Use Of Several Lights
Having ample amounts of light in your kitchen can be important for many reasons. It helps you see when you’re cooking or cleaning, and eliminates shadows around the room to make it feel more welcoming. Consider adding a variety of rustic styled lights, lanterns, and lamps to turn your dark kitchen into a bright and charming space.