Kitchen Design
3 Warm, Inviting Kitchens We’d Like to Come Home To
See how farmhouse-inspired touches cozy up Colonial, traditional and transitional kitchens
It’s wonderful to come home to a warm and inviting kitchen. Whether you’re drawn to New England Colonial, French-inspired traditional or colorful California casual style in the kitchen, incorporating farmhouse-inspired elements will help create a comfortable atmosphere that also lends itself to a variety of home and kitchen styles. Here’s how designers accomplished this in three kitchens around the country.
1. Furniture-inspired cabinetry. Farmhouse style often incorporates a mix of cabinet styles and finishes. This recalls the Yankee ingenuity of freestanding furniture one would likely have seen in a vintage farmhouse kitchen, such as china cabinets and pie safes. Hanson recommends going with classic cabinet and drawer styles for a similar look.
This kitchen features beaded inset cabinetry with simple raised panel doors and slab drawer fronts. Mixing finishes on the hardware, as well as using the glass-front cabinet doors with mullions, also lends to that freestanding furniture piece look. Simple knobs and cup pulls and exposed finial hinges all work well together.
Cabinets: QCCI Custom Cabinetry; see similar kitchen hardware
This kitchen features beaded inset cabinetry with simple raised panel doors and slab drawer fronts. Mixing finishes on the hardware, as well as using the glass-front cabinet doors with mullions, also lends to that freestanding furniture piece look. Simple knobs and cup pulls and exposed finial hinges all work well together.
Cabinets: QCCI Custom Cabinetry; see similar kitchen hardware
2. Traditional architectural details. In this kitchen there’s an eclectic mix of bracket feet, arched valances, curved corbels, open bookcases and cabinets, open shelves, dentil molding, casement windows and a Dutch door.
This is a custom-designed hutch end that connects the bookcase and the china cabinet. These kinds of clean yet traditional architectural moves give the room its distinct style.
Need More Kitchen Storage? Consider Hutch-Style Cabinets
Need More Kitchen Storage? Consider Hutch-Style Cabinets
3. Decorative antiques. The final touch was decorating with colorful accessories. The homeowners have collections of rustic pottery bowls, pitchers, canisters and antique tiles.
Supporting Elements
Old-fashioned range and surround. The classic blue Aga range adds an English country house touch to the room. “The client decided on the Aga range before we started the project. Along with the beautiful bracketed hood, it became a focal point,” Hanson says.
Soapstone countertops. The true feeling of a warm, cozy kitchen is a sense of homeyness. Contrasting colors help with this. When working with a mostly white or cream palette, Hanson likes to add contrast with soapstone countertops and warmth through wood floors.
Soapstone has its pros and cons and is not for everyone. Other dark countertop materials that will lend a similar contrast include granites like Absolute Black and Aqua Grantique, engineered quartz like Marengo or Charcoal Soapstone by Silestone, Jet Black by Caesarstone or solid-surface countertops like Zodiaq Portoro by Corian and Oiled Soapstone by Wilsonart.
Old-fashioned range and surround. The classic blue Aga range adds an English country house touch to the room. “The client decided on the Aga range before we started the project. Along with the beautiful bracketed hood, it became a focal point,” Hanson says.
Soapstone countertops. The true feeling of a warm, cozy kitchen is a sense of homeyness. Contrasting colors help with this. When working with a mostly white or cream palette, Hanson likes to add contrast with soapstone countertops and warmth through wood floors.
Soapstone has its pros and cons and is not for everyone. Other dark countertop materials that will lend a similar contrast include granites like Absolute Black and Aqua Grantique, engineered quartz like Marengo or Charcoal Soapstone by Silestone, Jet Black by Caesarstone or solid-surface countertops like Zodiaq Portoro by Corian and Oiled Soapstone by Wilsonart.
Shaker-style stools. “Rush seat stools add to the farmhouse feel,” the designer says.
Modern departure: “The client decided on some surprising departures from the rest of the kitchen’s more country traditional feel, choosing the unusual glass-front Sub-Zero refrigerator-freezer as well as the elegant black-and-brass light fixture,” Hanson says. These moves help bridge the gap between the home’s 1924 vintage and 2017, incorporating modern updates within its classic style.
Modern departure: “The client decided on some surprising departures from the rest of the kitchen’s more country traditional feel, choosing the unusual glass-front Sub-Zero refrigerator-freezer as well as the elegant black-and-brass light fixture,” Hanson says. These moves help bridge the gap between the home’s 1924 vintage and 2017, incorporating modern updates within its classic style.
Southern Horse-Country Luxe
Who lives here: A couple and their two tweens
Location: Leesburg, Virginia
Designer: Lauren Clement of Lauren Nicole Designs
“These clients are very formal and very traditional and live in the heart of horse country in Loudoun County, Virginia,” Clement says. “Their keeping room and kitchen are the hub of their home, and they wanted this space to feel warm and welcoming while still compatible with their more formal style.”
Key details:
Who lives here: A couple and their two tweens
Location: Leesburg, Virginia
Designer: Lauren Clement of Lauren Nicole Designs
“These clients are very formal and very traditional and live in the heart of horse country in Loudoun County, Virginia,” Clement says. “Their keeping room and kitchen are the hub of their home, and they wanted this space to feel warm and welcoming while still compatible with their more formal style.”
Key details:
- Large windows that bring nature inside
- Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures and accessories
- Hearth-inspired range nook
1. Large windows. The paned windows open the kitchen right up to horse country, bringing pastoral views into the kitchen. This bay window was also an opportunity to bring in a little French farmhouse style via the fleur-de-lis canisters, a topiary, pottery and paisley on the scalloped window treatments.
2. Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures and accessories. The antique look of the oil-rubbed finishes on the bronze faucets and hardware bring in a feeling of age and a rustic touch within the luxe space. Clement repeated the finish on the faucets, pot filler, hardware and decorative lantern to tie everything together. This finish also picks up colors in the marble countertops. The silhouettes on these pieces are elegant in their classic simplicity.
2. Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures and accessories. The antique look of the oil-rubbed finishes on the bronze faucets and hardware bring in a feeling of age and a rustic touch within the luxe space. Clement repeated the finish on the faucets, pot filler, hardware and decorative lantern to tie everything together. This finish also picks up colors in the marble countertops. The silhouettes on these pieces are elegant in their classic simplicity.
3. Hearth-inspired range nook. This homey touch was a chance to add something a little more farmhouse casual into the kitchen. The tile’s small-scale lattice design with a navy border gives the kitchen a more casual feel, Clement says. “It dresses down the elegant marble a bit.”
The mantel above the nook also gave the designer a chance to display some farmhouse accessories, like the oil-rubbed bronze lantern and that proud, colorful rooster art piece. By the way, let’s talk more about that rooster. Whether it’s a rooster on a tray, lamp, weathervane, tile, painting, you name it, a rooster in the kitchen not only brings in farmhouse cheer but is also said to bring good luck to a kitchen. Even if you’re not into roosters, hide a rooster around your kitchen somewhere — on top of a wine stopper or referenced on a tea kettle.
The mantel above the nook also gave the designer a chance to display some farmhouse accessories, like the oil-rubbed bronze lantern and that proud, colorful rooster art piece. By the way, let’s talk more about that rooster. Whether it’s a rooster on a tray, lamp, weathervane, tile, painting, you name it, a rooster in the kitchen not only brings in farmhouse cheer but is also said to bring good luck to a kitchen. Even if you’re not into roosters, hide a rooster around your kitchen somewhere — on top of a wine stopper or referenced on a tea kettle.
Supporting Elements
Traditional white cabinets. “The white cabinetry is classic in a farmhouse luxe style. It provides a very clean, crisp and bright backdrop to this very open space,” Clement says. Like Hanson, she also likes to mix door styles. “Having the glass front on a few of the cabinets breaks up all of the wood and provides the perfect place to display family treasures,” she says.
Finally, thinking carefully about details like lighting finished things off just right. “The interior lighting in these glass-front doors also provides a warm glow that is a great backdrop for the glass pieces, some of which were collected on this family’s many travels.”
Subway tile backsplash. The backsplash is a classic 3-by-6-inch subway tile that complements, rather than competes with, the countertops.
Crystal chandelier. “The crystal chandelier provides elegant beauty and function to the island for prepping and dining,” Clement says. While the piece is the biggest departure from other farmhouse details, it’s also an important one, as it puts more of a luxe touch on the space.
Traditional white cabinets. “The white cabinetry is classic in a farmhouse luxe style. It provides a very clean, crisp and bright backdrop to this very open space,” Clement says. Like Hanson, she also likes to mix door styles. “Having the glass front on a few of the cabinets breaks up all of the wood and provides the perfect place to display family treasures,” she says.
Finally, thinking carefully about details like lighting finished things off just right. “The interior lighting in these glass-front doors also provides a warm glow that is a great backdrop for the glass pieces, some of which were collected on this family’s many travels.”
Subway tile backsplash. The backsplash is a classic 3-by-6-inch subway tile that complements, rather than competes with, the countertops.
Crystal chandelier. “The crystal chandelier provides elegant beauty and function to the island for prepping and dining,” Clement says. While the piece is the biggest departure from other farmhouse details, it’s also an important one, as it puts more of a luxe touch on the space.
Colorful California Country
Who lives here: Carole and Doug Rawson, empty nesters with four grown children
Location: Santa Monica, California
Designer: Alison Kandler
“Carole is a rabid collector of Bauer pottery and Graniteware and wanted a backdrop to show off her collections. She also likes large, overstuffed furniture in comfortable fabrics,” says interior designer Alison Kandler. Additionally, the couple wanted to create a place that their four adult children and future grandchildren would enjoy visiting, and colorful California country style makes for a cheerful, inviting home.
Key details:
Who lives here: Carole and Doug Rawson, empty nesters with four grown children
Location: Santa Monica, California
Designer: Alison Kandler
“Carole is a rabid collector of Bauer pottery and Graniteware and wanted a backdrop to show off her collections. She also likes large, overstuffed furniture in comfortable fabrics,” says interior designer Alison Kandler. Additionally, the couple wanted to create a place that their four adult children and future grandchildren would enjoy visiting, and colorful California country style makes for a cheerful, inviting home.
Key details:
- Apron-front sink
- Barn-style lighting
- Quilt-inspired tile backsplash
1. Apron-front sink. The classic fireclay sink with the apron front is the very definition of a farmhouse sink. Fireclay is a clay that’s dried into the sink shape, then coated in porcelain and fired in a kiln, fusing the two together. This makes it very strong and durable, which is practical for a hardworking kitchen. Its simple yet homey style is just right for the look.
Kandler chose an exposed plumbing faucet, which means the cold and hot water travel to the spout above the counter. This is also called a bridge faucet. “It is a very utilitarian look that has become an elegant choice in recent years, but it really is based on a practical need,” Kandler says.
Apron-front sink: Shaws Original, see more apron-front sinks; faucet: Perrin and Rowe
Kandler chose an exposed plumbing faucet, which means the cold and hot water travel to the spout above the counter. This is also called a bridge faucet. “It is a very utilitarian look that has become an elegant choice in recent years, but it really is based on a practical need,” Kandler says.
Apron-front sink: Shaws Original, see more apron-front sinks; faucet: Perrin and Rowe
2. Barn-style lighting. “It looks like it’s right off a farm. This was a must-have for Carole,” Kandler says of the island light fixture. The fixture adds a rustic barnlike touch with its mix of reclaimed wood, metal barn lights and metal chains.
Island light: Farmer’s Barn Chandelier, Mulligan’s
Island light: Farmer’s Barn Chandelier, Mulligan’s
3. Quilt-inspired tile backsplash. “Carole cooks a lot and wanted something very country in feel. This tile, with the flower pattern, brought in Carole’s favorite shade of blue, but also complemented the farm theme with its quilt-like look,” Kandler says.
Tip: “Whenever possible I add 8 to 12 inches behind the range for cooking oils and display,” Kandler says. “The more display spots the better.” Some of the homeowner’s smaller Bauer pieces sit on display here.
Backsplash tile: Country Floors Tile
Tip: “Whenever possible I add 8 to 12 inches behind the range for cooking oils and display,” Kandler says. “The more display spots the better.” Some of the homeowner’s smaller Bauer pieces sit on display here.
Backsplash tile: Country Floors Tile
Supporting Elements
Oversize range nook with mantel. Well, this is starting to sound familiar in this guide, and it was completely unintentional. But now I have a theory that the hearth-like element is inspired by real farm folks cooking over their fireplaces 200 years ago. What’s wonderful is that even though the ideas behind this range nook and the previous ones are similar, their individual looks are distinctive.
Shaker-style cabinets. The perimeter cabinets feature an antiqued creamy finish. “The island is painted a soft gray, and the corbels and feet are reminiscent of farmhouse furniture,” Kandler says. “All of the lines are simple and practical.”
Oil-rubbed bronze hardware. “Oil-rubbed bronze bin pulls were mixed with simple oil-rubbed bronze knobs,” Kandler says. “The bronze works perfectly with the dark galvanized light fixture over the island. They both look old and worn in.”
Oversize range nook with mantel. Well, this is starting to sound familiar in this guide, and it was completely unintentional. But now I have a theory that the hearth-like element is inspired by real farm folks cooking over their fireplaces 200 years ago. What’s wonderful is that even though the ideas behind this range nook and the previous ones are similar, their individual looks are distinctive.
Shaker-style cabinets. The perimeter cabinets feature an antiqued creamy finish. “The island is painted a soft gray, and the corbels and feet are reminiscent of farmhouse furniture,” Kandler says. “All of the lines are simple and practical.”
Oil-rubbed bronze hardware. “Oil-rubbed bronze bin pulls were mixed with simple oil-rubbed bronze knobs,” Kandler says. “The bronze works perfectly with the dark galvanized light fixture over the island. They both look old and worn in.”
Mix of shelving types. “I varied the display options to show off the most pottery possible,” Kandler says. She mixed bracketed shelves, open shelving, cabinet boxes without doors, glass china cabinets and bookshelves. Like the light fixture, these open shelves are a more rustic touch. They are alder wood stained and beaten to look like old wood, and the brackets are heavy wrought iron.
Warm, neutral walls. “The overall feel of the kitchen is cozy, warm and vintage due to the super creamy finish,” the designer says. The paint colors were custom mixed, and the cabinets are all antiqued. She papered the walls in a cream-on-white Quadrille wallcovering. “Everything was selected to show off the Bauer pottery collection, so most of the backdrop is neutral,” Kandler says. The 3-by-6-inch cream subway tile around the sink is from Ann Sacks and matches the cabinet color.
Quartzite countertops. This particular shade of gray blends well with the neutral backdrop “and was perfect for showing off the Bauer,” Kandler says.
Warm, neutral walls. “The overall feel of the kitchen is cozy, warm and vintage due to the super creamy finish,” the designer says. The paint colors were custom mixed, and the cabinets are all antiqued. She papered the walls in a cream-on-white Quadrille wallcovering. “Everything was selected to show off the Bauer pottery collection, so most of the backdrop is neutral,” Kandler says. The 3-by-6-inch cream subway tile around the sink is from Ann Sacks and matches the cabinet color.
Quartzite countertops. This particular shade of gray blends well with the neutral backdrop “and was perfect for showing off the Bauer,” Kandler says.
Rush-seat stools. Like Hanson, Kandler also opted for counter stools with traditional rushed seats. These are Papa Bear stools from Mulligan’s; their seat cushions are covered in fabrics from Donghia and Kravet. The designer chose blue to carry the color over from the blue range backsplash.
Rustic wood flooring. The flooring is European oak that has been aged to look like reclaimed barn wood.
More
Homeowner’s Workbook: How to Remodel Your Kitchen
12 Great Kitchen Styles — Which One’s for You?
Rustic wood flooring. The flooring is European oak that has been aged to look like reclaimed barn wood.
More
Homeowner’s Workbook: How to Remodel Your Kitchen
12 Great Kitchen Styles — Which One’s for You?
Who lives here: Empty nesters
Location: Newton, Massachusetts
Designer: Nancy Hanson of Heartwood Kitchens
“The house was built in 1924. It is a Colonial, but this elegant New England farmhouse-inspired kitchen would work well in a Victorian home or any vintage home,” says designer Nancy Hanson.
Key details: