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Farmhouse kitchen

39 replies

Chocolateorange70 · 12/02/2025 06:27

Help! I am completely stuck on how to create a farmhouse kitchen. We have a small house that is a complete shell (it needed a lot of work doing) so we essentially have a blank canvas.

Thoughts I have had already included:
-Sage green shaker cupboards
-White porcelain/ Belfast sink
-Range style cooker
-Tiles (no idea on style/colour though)
-Table and chairs in the centre

Does anyone have any experience of what makes a cosy & traditional farm kitchen? Any advice would be really appreciated as I am completely overwhelmed by google/Pinterest. Thank you 💕

Note: Money is tight so anything that can be done ourselves/ up-cycled/ salvaged would be great

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
BunnyWilliams · 12/02/2025 07:30

Chocolateorange70 · 12/02/2025 06:27

Help! I am completely stuck on how to create a farmhouse kitchen. We have a small house that is a complete shell (it needed a lot of work doing) so we essentially have a blank canvas.

Thoughts I have had already included:
-Sage green shaker cupboards
-White porcelain/ Belfast sink
-Range style cooker
-Tiles (no idea on style/colour though)
-Table and chairs in the centre

Does anyone have any experience of what makes a cosy & traditional farm kitchen? Any advice would be really appreciated as I am completely overwhelmed by google/Pinterest. Thank you 💕

Note: Money is tight so anything that can be done ourselves/ up-cycled/ salvaged would be great

Think about freestanding furniture rather than going all fitted. Welsh dressers and butcher block islands (that you could have against the wall) all work well and can also be sourced second hand to save money.
Tiles on the floor could be stone (porcelain effect stone is cheaper but still pricey), brick, terracotta tile or wood. If you're going for wood, try getting reclaimed boards to look authentic.
Range cookers are generally really expensive and it's a minefield. We ended up with a Stoves and it has been really great. It's cream coloured so doesn't look too modern.
If you can stretch to solid worktops (as opposed to wood or laminite), you absolutely won't regret it. Have a look for a local granite supplier near you. We went directly to them and cut out the middle man which saved us a lot of money. We even requested to visit their enormous warehouse and we were able to choose the exact slab we wanted.
Have a look at Plain English kitchens for inspiration. They are eye-wateringly expensive but their pictures will give you lots of ideas.
A farmhouse table in the centre is a great idea.
You don't have to go with green cupboards unless that's your preference. Any warm colour can fit in with the farmhouse style.
Belfast sinks look authentic but are a pain to keep clean. If you're happy with that, then they're great (speaking from experience!).

BunnyWilliams · 12/02/2025 07:31

Chocolateorange70 · 12/02/2025 06:27

Help! I am completely stuck on how to create a farmhouse kitchen. We have a small house that is a complete shell (it needed a lot of work doing) so we essentially have a blank canvas.

Thoughts I have had already included:
-Sage green shaker cupboards
-White porcelain/ Belfast sink
-Range style cooker
-Tiles (no idea on style/colour though)
-Table and chairs in the centre

Does anyone have any experience of what makes a cosy & traditional farm kitchen? Any advice would be really appreciated as I am completely overwhelmed by google/Pinterest. Thank you 💕

Note: Money is tight so anything that can be done ourselves/ up-cycled/ salvaged would be great

Think about freestanding furniture rather than going all fitted. Welsh dressers and butcher block islands (that you could have against the wall) all work well and can also be sourced second hand to save money.
Tiles on the floor could be stone (porcelain effect stone is cheaper but still pricey), brick, terracotta tile or wood. If you're going for wood, try getting reclaimed boards to look authentic.
Range cookers are generally really expensive and it's a minefield. We ended up with a Stoves and it has been really great. It's cream coloured so doesn't look too modern.
If you can stretch to solid worktops (as opposed to wood or laminite), you absolutely won't regret it. Have a look for a local granite supplier near you. We went directly to them and cut out the middle man which saved us a lot of money. We even requested to visit their enormous warehouse and we were able to choose the exact slab we wanted.
Have a look at Plain English kitchens for inspiration. They are eye-wateringly expensive but their pictures will give you lots of ideas.
A farmhouse table in the centre is a great idea.
You don't have to go with green cupboards unless that's your preference. Any warm colour can fit in with the farmhouse style.
Belfast sinks look authentic but are a pain to keep clean. If you're happy with that, then they're great (speaking from experience!).

Zonder · 12/02/2025 07:32

We had our Belfast sink replaced. They're really not practical. And whatever you do don't have wooden worktops. We had those replaced too. Whoever thought wooden worktops near the sink was a good idea?

Fishandchipsareyum · 12/02/2025 07:40

A plate rack on wall. Ikea have a nice one. I have one and I only have 4 plates on top rack ( the 4 seasons ) and other decor on rest. I also have a bookshelf for cookbooks. Ceramic handles and knobs. Rug under the table. Nice tap for the sink with character. I'm more shabby chic mixed farmhouse style lol. So I also use bunting garlands on window.

Fishandchipsareyum · 12/02/2025 07:42

We have off white cupboards. Ikea bodbyn.

OwlStreet99 · 12/02/2025 07:42

Hello! I have a farmhouse style kitchen it's the original from when the house was built but it's only 30 years old.

I have a belfast sink absolutely love it. Had a drainingboard made to fit on it for drying I'll share a pic. I have wooden units sage green walls and my tiles are green and cream with a pattern of flowers in a few tiles I'll show a pic of my sink for reference and it sort of shows the tiles and units. I don't have a range but I have a double oven side by side in a fake chimney style recess.

Farmhouse kitchen
Fishandchipsareyum · 12/02/2025 07:44

OwlStreet99 · 12/02/2025 07:42

Hello! I have a farmhouse style kitchen it's the original from when the house was built but it's only 30 years old.

I have a belfast sink absolutely love it. Had a drainingboard made to fit on it for drying I'll share a pic. I have wooden units sage green walls and my tiles are green and cream with a pattern of flowers in a few tiles I'll show a pic of my sink for reference and it sort of shows the tiles and units. I don't have a range but I have a double oven side by side in a fake chimney style recess.

Ah I love this. I need one. Where can I get one made please ?

Baguettesandcheeseforever · 12/02/2025 07:46

Zonder · 12/02/2025 07:32

We had our Belfast sink replaced. They're really not practical. And whatever you do don't have wooden worktops. We had those replaced too. Whoever thought wooden worktops near the sink was a good idea?

Why was it not practical? I love mine. Enough space for a washing up bowl and space to rinse. It’s easy to clean and looks beautiful.

OP, I’d go for what you said and make it cosy with accessories. I always like the look of shelves with utensils/appliances on but have avoided this myself as my stuff is far too mismatched (not in a good way) to look good and I know I’d be irritated by the dust/grease.
If you have an island, a big vase of seasonal flowers always looks beautiful.

OwlStreet99 · 12/02/2025 07:48

Oooh also I have flagstone floors....freezing cold but look great. Put some rugs down!

The company is called worktop drainers they make them bespoke, on Instagram search all one word worktopdrainers x

Needanadultgapyear · 12/02/2025 08:05

Having been in many farmhouse kitchens with my job the table in the centre of the kitchen is essential - it is always a simple table and sits 4-6 people.

Chocolateorange70 · 12/02/2025 10:20

Thank you so much everyone, that is really useful! I love cooking and I really want to to be the room where everyone congregates.

Do people rate ikea kitchen cabinets for quality /durability? We have someone in the family who could fit the kitchen which is really useful.

What kind of accessories would elevate a plainish kitchen? And would a freestanding or concealed fridge freezer be more in-keeping?

OP posts:
BunnyWilliams · 12/02/2025 11:20

Chocolateorange70 · 12/02/2025 10:20

Thank you so much everyone, that is really useful! I love cooking and I really want to to be the room where everyone congregates.

Do people rate ikea kitchen cabinets for quality /durability? We have someone in the family who could fit the kitchen which is really useful.

What kind of accessories would elevate a plainish kitchen? And would a freestanding or concealed fridge freezer be more in-keeping?

You could do a Smeg fridge freezer which would look lovely!

Bideshi · 12/02/2025 11:39

Really? I had a cheap Ikea kitchen in a flat let to students. They were not kind to it. It was the only thing to survive a bad house fire. Had to replace one set of hinges, but when we sold the flat after 25 years the kitchen was still going strong.
Belfast sinks are fine. Wood worktops are fine provided you keep up to date with the recommended treatment. Round the sink we do a couple of refresher coats a year - takes 15 minutes.
Farmhouse kitchens tend to grow organically. Second-hand is your friend.

Printedword · 12/02/2025 12:24

Open shelving, hanging utensils or pans. Shaker style. Baskets and retro storage jars. Cookbooks on shelf, vintage items. Natural flooring.

Farmhouse kitchen
Zonder · 12/02/2025 12:56

@Baguettesandcheeseforever firstly because they're white porcelain and need more bleach to keep them looking white. They chip. They are really deep so I found I had to bend over more. I would much rather a metal double or one and a half size sink.

tirednessreigns · 12/02/2025 13:02

We’ve had a farmhouse style for about 10 years.
wickes shaker cupboards-still going strong
locally sourced black granite countertop
Belfast sink-we love ours. Wish I’d bought a double though now.
best addition was a false reclaimed chimney built around the range.

We bought everything separately and it saved us a fortune

LoveLabradors · 12/02/2025 18:43

A mantle over the cooker, I have antique green glass bottles on mine. A Welsh dresser - again with vintage or handmade pottery displays. Farmhouse style kitchens are always cosy. I had a window seat made with my shaker kitchen too.

LoveLabradors · 12/02/2025 18:46

As well as good warm lighting, a lamp looks nice and adds to the cosiness.

Sallyslider653 · 12/02/2025 18:50

Sheila Maid
Rocking Chair
Farmhouse table with traditional chairs
Niche for dog beds
Sofa in kitchen or window seat
Aga or equivalent

YourWinter · 12/02/2025 19:10

My kitchen was put in nearly 40 years ago by the previous owners. The cabinets are handmade natural medium oak, rather fussily carved so they’re a pain to clean. The wall tiles are cream, a few accented with woodland glade scenes! The sink is a 1.5 bowl beige inset type, maybe not authentically “farmhouse” but I really dislike the deep butler sink in DD ‘s new kitchen, I wouldn’t have one. Modern built-in double oven and separate hob, free standing fridge-freezer and washing machine. The floor is horrid dark brown Marley tiles, with a few mats dotted about.

There’s a useful plate rack above the sink, with a couple of shelves, nice for jugs and casserole pots. The house is beamed, the ones in the kitchen are black so even with white walls it’s quite dark. I have two wooden pulley airers screwed into the beams. Pine farmhouse table and six chairs were cheap second-hand, I didn’t want furniture I’d be precious about, with kids and pets.

It will have to last my lifetime!

Mangoesintoapub · 12/02/2025 19:14

We have this sort of thing (this is not my kitchen, just similar) - open shelves and a dresser style (but actually fitted). I love a plate rack in a country kitchen too.

Farmhouse kitchen
derxa · 12/02/2025 19:18

I grew up in a farmhouse. We had a Rayburn, giant table and dresser. But I bet not one of you would want to live in it. 🤣

SpidersAreShitheads · 12/02/2025 19:21

I've got a thread on here from last year for a load of building work I had done, including a new kitchen.

We wanted a farmhouse sort of vibe, without going the whole way - mainly because I liked the convenience of fitted cupboards!

We have a big range cooker, a double belfast sink (which I bloody LOVE), and brick slip tiles on the wall. Worktops are solid iroko wood - they are way more resistant to water damage than other types of wood as they grow in a swamp. I appreciate we're only one year in but absolutely no sign of any issues at all. I love the warmth of the wood - we were worried when we chose them but I'm glad I did. And we have two clumsy teen DC!

Copper backsplash, distressed copper handles. Wooden island.

We are still building - because it's neverending! - so we haven't finished the flooring yet. However, we've got a distressed wood effect flooring to go down to mimic the style of an older kitchen rather than all polished and new.

We still need to get some open shelving put up - and we need to get a new kettle, toaster, and microwave.

Here's a couple of the photos I posted on here last year (please bear in mind we were still unpacking and building at this point so not finished and very scruffy!)

Farmhouse kitchen
Farmhouse kitchen
SpidersAreShitheads · 12/02/2025 19:25

Oh also, apparently IKEA kitchens are an absolute pig to fit. I know there are quite a few professionals who refuse.

From a quality/longevity point of view, I think they're fairly average but for the same price you could get much nicer.

We used DIYK for our kitchen and DM/s and both were really good value and excellent quality.

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