A farmhouse kitchen is a term for a large kitchen area designed specifically for a family or group of people, usually for dining, food preparation and a social area. Typical of poorer rural farmhouses during the Middle Ages, where usually very small rooms were allotted to the family, wealthier families would separate the cooking area from the social entertainment and chat rooms. This separation of the two often reflected the social status of those who used them. The kitchen was a place of rest for families in which to relax, eat, and do work.
These were typically movable or freestanding timber constructions that had no fixed structures or walls and were open on all sides. In this style of farmhouse kitchen, an island separated from the main eating area from the sitting and preparing areas. This island was fitted with either a basin a stove, a deep sink, or an apron sink (a type of wash basin separate from the water supply).
It’s easy to see how the modern kitchen evolved from the original farmhouse kitchen. The original structures were almost always made of stone and there was little in the way of modern conveniences such as central heating, plumbing, and waste management. As the materials for construction became more readily available farmhouse kitchens became less exclusive, and were more family oriented. In order to make them more family friendly, most farmhouse kitchens were designed so that at least one table was permanently located outdoors. This meant that the cooking area was permanently placed within sight of the sitting area, so that it could be easily accessed by the whole family.
There are many different styles of farmhouse kitchen, and one of the most popular is the combination of open farmhouse kitchen and modern decor. There are many ways to design a farmhouse kitchen, but perhaps the most important aspect of any design is the selection of kitchen shelving. If you have a large open space where you can put the entire kitchen items then a good style to choose is brick backsplash. Brick backsplash looks fantastic and adds an element of natural charm to the structure. There are many different types of brick backsplash, and you could use the natural tones of your home for inspiration or use contemporary designs to give your home a stylish modern edge.
For farmhouse kitchens with open floor plans and no wall to wall storage space, another choice is to use an island. These islands are fitted with stools so that you can have the perfect amount of seating for a comfortable eating experience. The stools have the ideal height for eating, so they will not be intrusive on your view of the floor, and the stools are very durable, making them suitable for outdoor use. They are usually made of weather resistant material, so you don’t have to worry about them being destroyed by rain or other environmental factors. You can find many different farmhouse kitchen islands, including stools made from wood, marble countertops, and stainless steel farmhouse counters.
If you want to add a touch of rural glamour to your farmhouse kitchen, adding farmhouse-style flooring to your cabinets and flooring can really do wonders. A farmhouse kitchen often has a low ceiling and wooden beams which line the walls. These beams can be covered in a farmhouse-style laminate, adding a rustic feel to the room.
Farmhouse kitchens also have plenty of storage space, and one of the best ways to get more storage is to add vintage elements. One of the most popular items for decorating a farmhouse kitchen with is a vintage dish rack. These are often built out of old farmhouse utensils and dishes, and are easily added to a contemporary decorating theme. Another popular item for decorating a farmhouse kitchen with is a traditional set of drawers, which feature wood plated drawers, or hardwood drawers. You can find these in many different sizes, colors, and styles.
To finish off your farmhouse kitchen, it’s also important to add some contemporary touches. If you’re lucky enough to have a large amount of space, then you can install a kitchen island where you can place all your necessary items and food. Having a small kitchen presents plenty of opportunities to get creative when decorating. The most important thing to remember when decorating a farmhouse kitchen, especially if it is your first house, is to keep your decorating theme as simple as possible. Classic farmhouse-style fixtures and accessories look great with a modern kitchen design, so don’t worry if your house currently doesn’t have these features!