Enjoy Farm Fresh Style with a Farmhouse Kitchen Makeover

Farmhouse style kitchens have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Their vintage-inspired look and rustic charm present a cozy and inviting aesthetic that takes the kitchen back to a simpler time. Achieving this charming farm fresh style generally requires a full kitchen remodel to incorporate signature elements like white Shaker cabinets, subway tile, and vintage accents. With proper planning and design, you can execute a successful farmhouse kitchen makeover that results in a light and casual space with loads of character.

If you love antiquing, all things vintage, and the pastoral style of a country farmhouse, then bringing farmhouse flair to your kitchen may be the perfect choice. Before diving in, make sure the aesthetic aligns with your personal style, cooking habits, and the architecture of your home. Farmhouse works best in older homes with existing traditional details to build upon.

Key Features that Define the Farmhouse Look

Certain key features immediately evoke the quintessential farmhouse style. These include:

• White Shaker-style cabinets with visible hinges
• Subway tile backsplash, typically white or light grey
• Stainless steel apron front sink
• Butcher block or marble countertops
• Open shelving for displaying dishware
• Rustic pendants and Edison bulb lighting
• Vintage-style appliances, often in cottage colors like robin's egg blue
• Soft muted paint colors like white, light grey, or antique white
• Wood plank floors, vinyl plank, or concrete

Incorporating most or all of these elements creates an aesthetically cohesive farmhouse kitchen design.

Planning Your Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel

Careful planning is key to successfully executing a farmhouse kitchen remodel. Consider the following steps:

Collect Inspiration and Ideas

Look at farmhouse kitchen images on social media and home renovation shows to hone in on your perfect farmhouse style. Create an inspiration board pulling together your favorite elements like cabinets, sinks, floors, paint colors, and decor accents. This helps formulate your design vision.

Evaluate Your Layout and Storage Needs

Decide if you will keep your existing kitchen footprint or make structural changes to the layout. Ensure you'll have adequate space for cabinetry, appliances, an island or peninsula, and specialty storage like a walk-in pantry. Farmhouse kitchens blend form and function.

Choose Your Key Components

Select the cabinet door style, hardware finishes, countertops, backsplash tile, lighting, flooring, and sinks that support your farmhouse vision. Staying consistent across these elements creates cohesion. Choose appliance suites with clean lines and a vintage vibe.

Select Decor Elements to Achieve the Look

Incorporate farmhouse rugs, drapes, linens, woven baskets, dried floral arrangements, white ceramic pitchers, antique glassware, and artisan pottery. Display collected pieces on open shelving. These accents inject farmhouse personality.

Create a Mood Board for Your Design Choices

A mood board with fabric swatches, paint color chips, and photos of your finishes collaged together lets you visualize how your farmhouse kitchen will look. This ensures your choices work together.

Executing Your Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel

Once your farmhouse kitchen remodel is planned, it's time to execute. Keep these tips in mind:

Hiring the Right Remodeling Contractor

Hire a contractor experienced in period kitchen designs like farmhouse style. Ensure they have keen attention to detail and knowledge of how to properly install key elements like subway tile and apron front sinks.

Tips for Remodeling on a Budget

On a tight budget? Make cosmetic upgrades only, use vinyl plank flooring, paint your existing cabinets, and add DIY touches. Seek out recycled and antique finds to bring down costs.

Common Farmhouse Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Be careful not to go overboard on the rustic antique look. Plan for adequate closed storage. Don't try to force the farmhouse look in a mid-century or contemporary home. Use quality materials that will last.

Enjoying Your New Farmhouse Kitchen

Once your remodel is complete, it's time to enjoy your charming new farmhouse kitchen! Ideas include:

• Decorate and style with floral arrangements, ceramic pitchers, glass bottles, and antique-inspired coffee table books
• Host laidback, family-style meals befitting the casual vibe
• Entertain in an unfussy manner with hearty homecooked dishes
• Maintain your farmhouse finishes like butcher block counters

With its vintage simplicity and timeless warmth, your stunning new farmhouse kitchen will become the rustic heart of your home for years to come.

Farmhouse kitchens present a charming way to bring cozy vintage style into the heart of your home. With signature white Shaker cabinets, subway tile, antique accents, and an emphasis on practicality, this timeless look evokes simpler times. By planning your design, selecting the right elements like an apron front sink, and hiring experienced contractors, you can execute a successful farmhouse kitchen makeover filled with vintage farm fresh flair.