Create a Farmhouse Kitchen

Whether you had a grandmother or aunt that had a cozy farmhouse kitchen, or you just created one in your mind, a vintage farmhouse style kitchen evokes a feeling of comfort and belonging. It is symbolic of a more relaxed lifestyle, family meals, and comfort food.

This style of kitchen works well in homes today. It is a low maintenence choice, and one that can stand up to the frentic activity of even large families. A board game can be played at the table while cookies are being whipped up at the counter. The farmhouse kitchen invites family and friends to linger, to talk, and to relax.

Every farmhouse kitchen, no matter how unique they are, needs some basic elements to carry off the look. Here are some kitchen ideas to inspire you.

Countertops and backsplashes are important elements in your kitchen, both as surfaces and decor. They should be easy to clean, interesting, and pull the whole look together.

Countertop choices include:

• Bamboo
• Copper
• Granite or marble
• Laminate
• Solid surface
• Stainless steel
• Tile

These products vary greatly in price and your choice should be based on affordability and intended use as well as the total look.

Backsplashes

You can use other materials with the backsplash. The surface does not need to be smooth and won't recieve the wear and tear that a countertop will so you have a few more choices.

Beadboard is a classic farmhouse kitchen look that is also inexpensive. Be sure to paint or stain the wood and then seal it carefully.

Brick veneer creates an Old World look and works especially well with warm spice tones.

Chalkboard paint  may not be authentic but it is an easy backsplash that won't cost much to create. Use magnetic paint underneath and you will be able to stick your recipes and notes right to your backsplash.

Mirrors aren't exclusively a farmhouse look but they will add light and space in case your ktichen is small.

Tile  comes in numerous shapes and colors so you can get the exact look you want whether it is Victorian farmhouse or more of an Arts and Crafts look. You can even make it environmentally friendly by using recycled glass tiles.

Tin ceiling tiles make an interesting, textured backsplash that can create a Victorian look.

There are a lot of different choices for floors. You should decide on your flooring based on the look you want, your budget, and the type of wear it will recieve.

Plank wood floors are always appropriate for the country kitchen. The are warm and beautiful but can be difficult to clean.

Marmoleum is much like the lineoleum of Grandmother's time and it is an eco-friendly choice.

Tile floors can work well and are easy to clean but they can become slippery when they get wet.

Vinyl wears well, in inexpensive and easy to clean. You can buy it in vintage patterns to give you more of a farmhouse look. Try to get one that mimics stone or other natural material.

A rug here and there can add color and sound reduction. Braided and hooked rugs work especially well for this look.

Very few of today's cooks could get away with teh simple Hoosier cabinet that was the mainstay of the farmhouse kitchen of yesteryear. However, the same look can be achieved by carefully choosing cabinetry.

Consider buying pieced that look like stand alone furniture or, rather than buying a stock cabinet choose a china cabinet from the thrift shop and paint it to compliment your kitchen.

Painted cabinetry works very well in farmhouse kitchens. Choose hammered iron hardware or other types that will give you the look you want. Glass and porcelain knobs complete the farmhouse style.

Most country kitchens would not be complete without a large wooden table for eating, game playing, and the preparation of food. You can choose an authentic antique or one that looks like and antique; both will give the authentic look you want.

Choose either long benches on either side or a variety of vintage chairs from the thrift shop. For continuity paint them all the same color.

Curtains work well, as do venetian blinds but if you live away from the crowd you may just want to put a valance up at the window and be done with it.

Old advertsiing posters, vintage dishes, or antique calendars are perfect additons to the wall and will add color and interest.

Creating the kitchen of your dreams cannot happen by copying something someone else has done. At some point you need to step out and create the vision you have of what your farmhouse kitchen should look like.

Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was the perfect kitchen. Take your time and choose items you love to make it a kitchen you and your family will love.