Farmhouse Kitchen Design Ideas

Nothing says friendly and inviting like the warmth of a farmhouse kitchen. Farmhouse kitchen design ideas center around cozy nooks and small details such as beadboard, shapes and color revealed through glass or wire cabinet doors or the use of pottery and cooking utensils as a decorative focus. Whether opting for an Italian, French, Mediterranean or American farmhouse style, three basics combine to contain the warmth of a farmhouse kitchen---walls, floors and furniture. Does this Spark an idea?

Finding a Wall Finish

The greatest impact in any room can be delivered via wall finish. If traveling to France or Italy is not in the budget, then movies, magazines and books about a region can reveal a lot of great ideas. American farmhouse kitchen styles span the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, changing according to state and city and the influences available during a particular era. Wall finishes are generally soft muted colors, often washed with a light sepia or off-white to give an older, worn appearance. Books such as "The Farmhouse" by Jean Rehkamp Larson, "Farmhouses"by Marie Proeller Hueston and "50 Ways To Paint A Wall" By Gail McCauley can inspire lots of great wall finish ideas.

Creating Farmhouse Floors

Think farmhouse and wood floors often come to mind---not a bad choice, but there may be more practical options. Today's flooring products offer the convenience of easy maintenance and the look of wood or stone in a ceramic, vinyl or laminate surface. Locate flooring ideas from interior design magazines, books or visits to flooring manufacturers and retailers. Take a "green" approach and locate a reclaimed, remilled flooring supplier. Add charm with the use of throw rugs or specially designed, hand-painted rugs or painted floors. Contact local artisans to design and paint the floors and walls of a farmhouse kitchen.

Locating Farmhouse Furniture

Old farmhouses were not filled with built-in cabinets and storage. Work surfaces and storage of utensils and food utilized separate furniture pieces---pie safes, work tables and buffets. Return to the place you found original inspiration and notice the details of the furniture used. Farmhouse kitchen furniture often has simple edges and lathe-turned details. Adding a few antique or vintage furniture pieces alongside modern interpretations adds a further layer of personality. Whether purchasing an antique or not, checking out the local auction house or antique store will reveal more possibilities for a farmhouse kitchen design. Don't forget to take a camera.