Think of the cozy kitchen scenes from "Little Women" and how they capture the essence of warmth and charm. Our guide will show you how to bring that same rustic beauty and clever design into your small farmhouse kitchen. With easy tips and creative ideas, you can create a space that's both functional and heartwarming.
Apron-front Sink
Apron-front sinks usually come with a deeper and wider bowl compared to standard ones. This makes it much easier to wash large pots, pans, and other cookware, helping you keep your counter space free from dirty dishes.
If you have a small kitchen, you might want to look at more compact apron-front options like 20-inch sinks or single bowls instead of double units.
Open Shelving
Unlike traditional closed cabinets, open shelving brings a sense of openness to your kitchen, making it feel bigger and less cramped. Plus, it helps you avoid that heavy, bulky look that too many cabinets can create.
Pot Racks
Installing pot racks helps you make the most of every inch of open wall space in your small kitchen, like the area above the kitchen window. If you can, try displaying a vintage copper collection—farmhouse kitchens often feature charming vintage elements.
Butcher Block Countertop
Farmhouse kitchens are all about practicality, warmth, and a rustic vibe, and butcher block countertops fit right in. Their natural look and warm wood tones add rustic charm to your kitchen. Plus, you can use the butcher block as a cutting surface, so there is no need for separate cutting boards, making food prep a breeze and saving more space.
White or Light Colors
Using white and light colors like gray and beige can reflect both natural and artificial light, making your kitchen feel brighter, larger, and more open, which is especially great for small kitchens. Plus, their clean and fresh look perfectly complements the traditional and rustic elements of farmhouse style.
Compact Smeg Fridges
I absolutely love Smeg fridges! Their compact size is perfect for my small kitchen. And their retro-inspired design fits beautifully with the traditional and timeless elements of my farmhouse-style decor.
Stone Floors
Many people here will love stone floors made from slate or limestone because their natural and rustic charm aligns with the farmhouse style. Real stone floors need to be periodically sealed to make them water and stain-resistant, so you can choose stone-effect porcelain tiles which are pretty much indistinguishable from the real thing.
Pegboard wall
A pegboard is a fantastic space-saving solution for small kitchens! It lets you make the most of your vertical wall space, perfect for hanging different kinds of kitchen tools, from bulky pots and pans to smaller utensils.
Exposed Wooden Beams
Exposed wooden beams are a charming feature in traditional houses, especially older farmhouses, where they support the roof or upper floors. While modern homes don't need them for structural reasons, you can still add them to give your space that cozy farmhouse vibe.
Vintage or Antique Light Fixtures
Vintage light fixtures with aged finishes and classic designs perfectly match the farmhouse aesthetic of your kitchen. To enhance this cozy vibe even more, consider using warm white lighting (2700K-3000K). This color temperature provides a soft, inviting glow that makes your space feel even more welcoming and charming.
Shiplap Walls
Kitchens can be pretty high in moisture. So, if you're thinking about adding shiplap, go for high-quality materials like cedar. This solid wood is durable and naturally resistant to moisture and insects, making it a great choice for your kitchen.
Sturdy and Rustic Dining Table
Traditional farmhouse dining tables are often large and chunky, perfect for the whole family. But don't worry, small kitchen owners! Nowadays, you can find farmhouse tables in customizable sizes to fit your space perfectly.
Just remember to go for a sturdy, simple design made from solid wood with a light finish to maintain rustic charm and openness.
Shaker-style Cabinets
While Shaker-style cabinets bring a charming farmhouse vibe, they can sometimes make a small kitchen feel cramped. To open up the space, consider using cabinets with glass or plastic fronts. These materials reflect light, making your kitchen feel brighter and more spacious.
Small Herb Garden
This idea fits perfectly with the farmhouse ethos of self-sufficiency, allowing you to harvest herbs continuously. Plus, growing a herb garden doesn't take up much space, making it a great option for small kitchens.
Gingham and floral-patterned curtains
Farmhouse style is all about soft colors and rustic patterns. So, if you're on the hunt for farmhouse-style curtains, look for ones with these features. For instance, a curtain in a light blue shade with gingham, simple, small floral patterns can give your kitchen windows that classic farmhouse charm.
Sliding Barn Doors
Unlike traditional doors, sliding barn doors don't need space to swing open, making them perfect for small kitchens where floor space is precious. By eliminating the need for clearance around the door, you can use that area more effectively for things like extra cabinets or seating.
Chalkboard
A chalkboard not only brings a touch of vintage charm to your farmhouse kitchen but also serves as a versatile canvas for your shopping lists, meal plans, and more. If you don't have a framed chalkboard, no worries! You can use chalkboard wallpaper for a customized look.
Sliding ladder
People often make use of vertical wall space in a small kitchen, but this can make it tricky to reach items stored up high. To solve this, you can install a sliding ladder. Just be sure to pick a vintage design to match your farmhouse kitchen.
Casement windows
Casement windows have that charming, classic look that's perfect for farmhouse-style kitchens. However, they do need some room to open up. So, they're best suited for kitchens with enough space both inside and outside the window to swing open without any obstructions.
Rugs in Earthy Tones
Looking for the perfect rug for your farmhouse kitchen? Consider durable materials like cotton or wool that can withstand high traffic and frequent cleaning. Select colors and patterns that complement the rustic aesthetic, such as earthy tones or classic stripes.
Go for durable materials that can handle high traffic and spills. Synthetic fibers like polypropylene or nylon are great choices because they're more resilient and easier to clean than natural fibers.
