Name a more popular kitchen style than the farmhouse kitchen. It's a look that's been much-loved for decades and is always in the top kitchen trends in some form or another. And it's understandable why it's such a popular choice, this look is timeless and versatile and gets that perfect balance of chic and rustic. But with so many designers and homeowners alike choosing this aesthetic for their spaces, how do you make your farmhouse kitchen feel different?
This answer is a simple one. Introduce one-of-a-kind antiques that will add character and personality to the space and allow you to avoid your farmhouse kitchen looking exactly like everyone else's.
So we asked designers what antique pieces they recommend incorporating into a farmhouse kitchen to ensure it feels unique and authentic. From cookware to lighting, here's what they suggested.
1. Elevate a farmhouse kitchen with antique lighting
Farmhouse kitchens are often very rustic due to layers of organic textures. Elegant antique lighting can create a soft contrast and a unique focal point, perfect for hanging above a kitchen island or on the walls.
Antique lighting is key anywhere in a farmhouse-style home but it's arguably most essential in the kitchen as it acts as a characterful addition and fulfills all of your practical needs. While there are many kitchen lighting trends, certain styles work best when designing a farmhouse-style kitchen.
'I incorporate antique-inspired items, like the bronze pendant lights used in this project,' says Leonardo Bravo from Lifestyle M Interiors. 'The warm wood tones in the beams echo the patina of the antique-style accents, creating harmony.' Metallic lighting is really easy to implement into a scheme as they naturally pair with other kitchen pieces, such as copper pans or cooker knobs.
Interior designer Alice Crawley agrees antique lighting can elevate a farmhouse kitchen, explaining that her favorite designs are 'ceramic rise-and-fall ceiling lights, which always add charm to any kitchen setting.'
2. And plenty of texture with vintage textiles
Vintage textiles do a great job of making a kitchen feel cozier due to their soft texture and fun patterns. The farmhouse style feels inviting and charming, so to create a truly welcoming kitchen space, you'll need to consider fabric decor or upholstery.
'A favorite way to decorate a farmhouse kitchen is with vintage textiles,' says Leonardo. 'I often use antique upholstered barstools with a classic botanical pattern tie in texture and charm.'
And there are plenty more ways to incorporate vintage textiles in the kitchen. You can elevate a plain wooden table by turning a few yards of Toile de Jouy fabric into a tablecloth. Or you can embellish a window with some DIY curtains made from vintage-style cloth or embrace the kitchen trend for cabinet skirts.
It's crucial to choose traditional patterns like repeat florals or Toile de Jouy as they are examples of antique textiles, synonymous with the farmhouse look.
Printed with the classic French Toile de Jouy pattern, this pretty fabric would make the perfect addition to a vintage chair or draped around a window.
Neutral yet intricate, the Cabonon print fabric is utterly sophisticated yet retains that classic farmhouse feel.
Composed of linen, this blue and cream floral printed fabric is sturdy yet delicate making it the perfect choice for a kitchen bar stool or dining room chair.
3. Incorporate vintage tiles
Typically you'll see a fusion of contemporary and old elements in the farmhouse kitchen designs of today. Designers may opt for a modern use of marble on their kitchen surfaces but then incorporate a more traditional kitchen tile choice around the backsplash. Featuring antique decor like hand-painted tiles provides an extra element of unique rustic charm.
There's an array of handpainted tiles out there so it couldn't be easier to introduce the look into your own home. Delft tiles are a recognizable style that has deeply historic roots. Simply position them on a backsplash, scatter them along your island to use a drinks coasters, or place them along a ceiling hood for a characterful look that brings a handmade, traditional element to your kitchen. It's these small decor changes that will make your farmhouse kitchen feel more unique.
4. Turn antique cookware into a characterful display
Antique kitchenware, things like pots and pans, crockery, jugs, plates, dishes, etc., are a perfect way to add even more character to a farmhouse kitchen, and often they can double as a practical addition too.
'I adore decor pieces that tell a story and add warmth to a space. A great example is a hand-hammered copper pot or a patinated vase. These items carry a sense of history and craftsmanship that grounds the design,' suggests Leonardo.
Studio Dearborn is known for their contemporary design projects that harness rustic charm. Sarah Robertson, the studio's founder, explains, 'We love using vintage copper pots to accessorize our kitchens. We also pull in copper molds and copper utensils. Vintage and antique versions are often heftier, and their dings and dents and old patina just add to their charm and warmth.'
Sarah suggests open shelves or a hanging rod to display your vintage finds. 'Hanging rods work behind the range, in front of windows, or along the end of the kitchen island. We often go with brass for the hanging rod and use a mix of brass and copper pots and tools. Part of the farmhouse style is an openness to display objects that are beautifully made, time-worn, and functional, such as copper cookware, artisan ceramics, and vintage wood items.'
But it's not just copper pots that can provide character. 'My favorite rustic styling accessory is an antique cast-iron urn for putting leafy branches and foliage in,' adds Alice.
5. Bring in warmth with antique wooden furniture and decor
Wooden textures are crucial in a farmhouse kitchen as they create warmth and coziness. An easy way to make your kitchen feel inviting is to embrace wood by incorporating antique decor and furniture.
'Farmhouse style is all about creating a cozy, inviting, and lived-in feel,' says Leonardo. 'To bring that into a home, I focus on natural materials like warm wood tones, rustic beams, and organic textures.'
Whether you're buying a vintage wooden dresser to house your cookware or fitting some wooden shelves to display some antique ceramics, it's crucial to introduce at least one wood element in the kitchen. A selection of vintage wooden chopping boards would do the trick for a really easy addition.
There are plenty of ways to incorporate vintage pieces into a farmhouse kitchen, whether that's with antique lighting or handpainted tiles, adding small touches of character will make the space feel more unique and not like you are just following a very tried and tested style.
