How To Craft A Farmhouse Kitchen Without Overdoing It

Farmhouse kitchens — those that combine antique and vintage looks with modern and industrial design elements — continue to evolve as interior designers move away from a mainly country vibe to adding just a few touches here and there. That means not going crazy picking up every piece of farmhouse decor or fixture available, but rather focusing on select lighting, sink, and furniture choices that can add a few touches without overdoing it. 

Color selections like painting shiplap instead of leaving it white can also be a welcome addition to the farmhouse kitchen, and replacing cutesy 'farm fresh' signs with pastoral paintings and prints can offer a more sophisticated look for wall art. If hiring a decorator isn't in your budget, that's not a problem — this is a concept that can be mastered on your own. There are a number of other farmhouse ideas you can meld with modern design elements for a classically beautiful kitchen that won't scream farmhouse. 

One thing you'll notice over and over again in current kitchen decorating is the farmhouse sink. It's a safe bet for standing the test of time as a classic style. You can choose a traditional porcelain model or go with something fancier like copper. There are even stainless-steel and travertine options to explore. Adding this element to your kitchen will likely require some cabinet alterations, though, so keep that in mind when estimating costs.

Eye-catching islands are also still a big deal in kitchen design, and you can add elements to an existing island to give it farmhouse flair. This can be as simple as repainting it in a soft green or dusty blue and changing out the hardware. Another option, especially if you have a standalone island without a sink or cooktop, is switching out the surface to butcher block. This offers the rustic look of wood without having to redo all your countertops. Make it a beautiful piece of reclaimed wood and that's even better. 

Some interior designers, however, are ditching the island altogether in favor of multi-use farmhouse tables. HGTV personality Leanne Ford is one of those individuals as noted on Instagram where she showed a vintage wooden table with mismatched chairs as part of a recent kitchen remodel. This offers more space for gathering together with friends and family since everyone always ends up in the kitchen anyway, right?

If a complete remodel just isn't possible, there are several budget-friendly changes you can make. You can paint your kitchen cabinets in a farmhouse-friendly color and add hardware that coordinates with the color of the stone to tie the look together. Switching out the faucet for new hardware can elevate the look for far less than replacing the sink. Another relatively easy swap is lighting, especially if you already have a pendant light or two in your kitchen and they're starting to feel dated. Brass and copper show up frequently in farmhouse kitchens, while modern globe lighting coordinates well with farmhouse décor if you're growing tired of industrial looks.

Decorative accents can also improve the look of your kitchen. Vintage and antique items like egg scales or baskets can add an authentic farmhouse feel rather than going with discount store kitsch. Also look for authentic green Depression glass, antique blue and white dinnerware, and all types of stoneware that can be used as decorative touches while you're scouring flea markets. Just remember that a little farmhouse goes a long way in current kitchen design, and melding modern with country is the key to avoiding overdoing the look.