Are you envisioning a charming farmhouse kitchen, complete with rustic details and a cozy atmosphere? Hold on! Before you finalize your design, there's one material that interior design experts are urging homeowners to avoid at all costs. Using this material can instantly date your kitchen, turning your dream space into a design disaster. What is this material, and how can you create a timeless farmhouse kitchen instead? Let's dive in.
Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Farmhouse Kitchens?
The farmhouse kitchen aesthetic has exploded in popularity, largely thanks to cultural influences like TV shows and design personalities. Shows like "Downton Abbey" and "Bridgerton" have fueled the English cottage style, while Chip and Joanna Gaines popularized the modern farmhouse aesthetic. But what makes this style so appealing?
- Warmth and Comfort: Farmhouse kitchens evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and comfort.
- Connection to Nature: The style often incorporates natural materials like wood and stone, creating a connection to the outdoors.
- Timeless Appeal: When done right, a farmhouse kitchen can feel both classic and contemporary.
However, it's easy to fall into design traps that can make your kitchen look dated instead of timeless.
What Is the #1 Material to AVOID in a Farmhouse Kitchen?
The biggest mistake you can make when designing a farmhouse kitchen is using knotty pine or orange oak cabinetry. According to Vicky Floros, founder of Vicky Floros Styling, "Nothing screams 1970s more than orange-tinted cabinetry or wood with a lot of visible imperfections. These types of wood tones are not in line with the more neutral and muted timber people are opting for these days, which is easier to combine with many other natural materials like stone and quartz and feels a lot more zen."
Why Is Knotty Pine/Orange Oak So Problematic?
- Dated Appearance: These wood tones are strongly associated with outdated design trends.
- Limited Versatility: Orange-tinted wood is difficult to pair with other materials and colors.
- Lack of Sophistication: This type of wood can make your kitchen feel cheap and unsophisticated.
What Materials Should You Use Instead?
Instead of knotty pine or orange oak, opt for materials that create a more modern and timeless farmhouse look.
- Neutral Wood Tones: Choose woods with neutral or muted tones, such as white oak, maple, or walnut.
- Painted Cabinets: Consider painting your cabinets in light, neutral colors like white, cream, gray, or soft blue.
- Natural Stone: Incorporate natural stone elements like marble, quartzite, or granite (but avoid overly patterned granite).
How Else Can You Modernize Your Farmhouse Kitchen?
Beyond avoiding the wrong materials, there are several other ways to update your farmhouse kitchen and create a space that feels fresh and contemporary.
Ditch the Upper Cabinetry
Modern kitchens are moving away from upper cabinets in favor of open shelving or simply leaving the wall space blank. This creates a more open and airy feel. If you do have upper cabinets, consider removing a few and replacing them with artwork or decorative items.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Outdated lighting can instantly age your kitchen. Replace fluorescent lights and dropped ceilings with modern pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting, and recessed lighting. Install your lights on a dimmer to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Conceal Your Microwave
Visible microwaves can cheapen the look of even the most luxurious kitchens. Consider concealing your microwave in an appliance drawer or behind cabinet doors.
Opt for a Slab Backsplash
Intricately tiled backsplashes are becoming less popular. Instead, opt for a slab backsplash made of marble, stone, or quartz that matches your countertops. This creates a seamless and modern look that is also easier to maintain.
Streamline Hardware and Fixtures
Outdated hardware and fixtures can instantly age a kitchen. Replace ornate faucet designs and mismatched metal finishes with sleek and modern options. Consider features like touchless faucets and soft-close cabinets.
Nix the Hanging Pot Rack
While hanging pot racks were once seen as a practical storage solution, they can now make a kitchen feel cluttered and chaotic. Opt for hidden storage solutions instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color cabinets are trending in farmhouse kitchens?
Light, neutral colors like white, cream, gray, and soft blue are trending in farmhouse kitchens. These colors create a bright and airy feel and pair well with natural materials.
Are granite countertops outdated in farmhouse kitchens?
Certain styles of granite, particularly those with busy patterns, are considered outdated. Quartzite and marble are more popular choices for a modern farmhouse look.
How can I add warmth to a farmhouse kitchen without using orange-toned wood?
You can add warmth to a farmhouse kitchen by incorporating natural wood accents in neutral tones, such as white oak or walnut. You can also use warm metals like brass or copper, and add texture with rugs, textiles, and decorative items.
Conclusion: Create a Timeless Farmhouse Kitchen
Designing a farmhouse kitchen doesn't have to be a design disaster. By avoiding outdated materials like knotty pine and orange oak cabinetry, and incorporating modern design elements, you can create a timeless and inviting space that you'll love for years to come. Now, take a look at your current kitchen or your design plans. Are you unknowingly using the material experts say to avoid? Make the necessary changes to ensure your farmhouse kitchen is a stylish success, not a dated disappointment.