Farmhouse style kitchens: how are they made? When are they the ideal choice?

Farmhouse style kitchens recreate the warmth and conviviality typical of country homes, adding a more modern and personal touch to the environment.

The greatest strength of this style is its ability to transform the space where meals are prepared into a cosy, lived-in room that becomes the true centre of home life.

What are the characteristics of farmhouse style kitchens?

Farmhouse style kitchens represent the perfect balance between tradition and modernity: they combine the charm of country houses with the functionality of contemporary environments, ensuring an exceptional result.

This style is characterised by the use of natural materials, neutral colours and cosy details, which make the room in which food is prepared warm and familiar. One of the key elements of a farmhouse kitchen is wood, which is often reclaimed from previous projects. This material can be used in all its forms and is usually the main feature of floors, furniture and exposed beams.

Wood is generally combined with other materials, such as natural stone, hand-crafted metal and ceramics. These combinations, with their rustic and traditional character, give the kitchen an irresistible lived-in but well-kept appearance.

In a typical farmhouse style kitchen the dominant colours are light and bright: the most used shades are white, beige and light grey, often combined with natural wood details or pastel accents.

Unlike kitchens, which focus on a more raw and authentically rural aesthetic, in farmhouse style kitchens traditional elements are mixed and balanced with modern touches. In these types of spaces it is common to find visible electrical appliances, metal components or industrial lamps. This coexistence of tradition and modernity allows for a harmonious result with a very personal character.

Let’s move on to the point that perhaps interests you the most, the reader. A farmhouse style kitchen is the ideal choice for those who want to furnish the room giving it a cosy feel and making furnishing choices that bring out the brightness of the space and the functionality of the different components. This is especially true for custom-made kitchens (that have been designed in this style.

What rules should you follow when furnishing farmhouse style kitchens?

When furnishing a farmhouse style kitchen, it’s essential to choose materials and finishes that convey a sense of authenticity and warmth.

As we’ve already mentioned, wood is an essential element in this type of furnishing. To bring out the lived-in character of the house and to create a link with traditional country life, it’s a good idea to include vintage furniture in the design, accessories recovered from old rustic houses or restored furniture.

As well as the materials, the finish also plays a decisive role in conveying the typical warmth of the farmhouse style. In this sense, furniture with matt or slightly aged surfaces is preferable, as it is more welcoming than those with shiny, modern textures.

To further warm up the atmosphere, you can add carefully selected details, such as wrought iron or brass handles and taps.

The traditional look of farmhouse style kitchens can then be balanced with the addition of modern elements. In addition to leaving appliances visible, you could consider metal elements or worktops made of innovative materials.

A very important rule to follow when designing a farmhouse style kitchen is the need to consider the functionality of the room. From this point of view, it is essential to keep in mind the needs and preferences of those who will be preparing the food.

Those who love order will prefer to have numerous wall units and drawers in which to store all the objects used in the kitchen, while those who love a more essential aesthetic may prefer to have shelves on which to display everything in plain sight.

What also makes this kind of kitchen even more welcoming is the presence of elements that recall nature. These could be elements with floral decorations, or plants and flowers placed in strategic positions.

How can you enhance a farmhouse style kitchen?

To bring out the charm of farmhouse style kitchens it’s essential that every detail is taken care of and balanced, mixing rustic elements with modern touches, to obtain a cosy and functional environment.

One of the aspects to pay the most attention to is space. In fact, kitchens of this type are often found in large rooms, and the right furnishing solutions can amplify their convivial character.

Another tip? By adding solid wood tables, central islands and extended worktops, you can give the kitchen a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings or moments of sharing.

Finally, we like to emphasise that Farmhouse style kitchens  also lend themselves very well to being personalised with customised solutions that can meet particular needs or specific requirements.

Il Piccolo, second generation family-run carpentry shop, opens its showroom in Lugano. With over 50 years of experience, Il Piccolo brings with it a wealth of technical and design knowledge of the highest level, thanks to the many interiors designed and furnished all over the world. In addition, Il Piccolo represents the most prestigious brands of furniture worldwide. Il Piccolo designs, manufactures and sells the best of interior design made in Italy, following the customer from design to implementation, delivery and installation of the work, integrating the process with a precise and professional service. CONTACT US