McGavock Edwards, Home Intel Contributor, Shares Tips for The Perfect Farmhouse Kitchen
Listening to my dad tell stories of visiting his grandparents home on a farm in Eastern North Carolina is one of my favorite lazy day pastimes. His vivid recollection of the personalities that peppered the visits, and the descriptions of the home conjure up the warmest, most inviting feelings. At times I can see myself sitting with “Papa” (a country doctor) drinking lemonade on the porch as his local patients stopped by to pay him with their harvest, or making homemade biscuits for lunch with “Nena” in the farmhouse kitchen.
The image of that charming kitchen is what elicits the nostalgia every time. You’d think – being married to a chef – that my own kitchen would be full of state of the art equipment and gadgets galore. But, on the contrary, to us a farmhouse kitchen is much more appealing with its inviting seating and simple decorations that allow the food and company be the focus. The simplicities of life and the warmth of a home are exemplified in the typical farmhouse kitchen…and while it may not be for everyone, when it’s up your alley it is worth doing right.
Here are a few ideas for creating a farmhouse-inspired kitchen in your home:
- A sitting area by a window always creates a warm atmosphere and say “stay a while and visit.” Try some simple small wingbacks or an old church pew.
- Essential for dining – wooden chairs and a table. If you can look for something distressed or roughhewn to add to the effect. Williams Sonoma Home has a lot of options like this one.
- A wood, brick (my favorite) or parquet floor looks great with some cotton, braided rugs about. Here’s a nice neutral from American Country Home Store.
- For lighting, go with something wrought iron with fabric shades.
- Plaid or gingham tablecloths and curtains are nice touch. Combine with more sophisticated print – like a farmhouse print toile – to keep from going too “country.”
- Search a local antique store for plates with flowers or animal imprints…but look for subtle colors to keep the palette warm. You can also locate great finds from Replacements.com, like this fun toile farmhouse plate line.
- Accessories – like roosters, old wooden signs, copper pots and rattan or wooden bowls, like these from Country Porch – can be hung on walls or placed around the room to complete the look.
- Use old Mason Jars for flower arrangements of hydrangeas, sunflowers and greenery to brighten a table.
Whether you want the full farmhouse effect, or just a few accents, there’s a wealth of new (and old) objects to be found. Gather some inspiration from bookstores and the library, as well as from the treasures you’ll find while antiquing. And be sure to search the Web and in magazines like Country Living or Southern Living.
And once you’re done – remember all the work is really about the memories you’ll create. So invite over a few friends, bake a blueberry pie and sit back and enjoy.
