Country & Farmhouse Kitchens

Embrace the charm of a farmhouse kitchen in your home. With an emphasis on functional layout, sturdy appliances, and natural materials, this style of kitchen has a particular appeal for many Australian homeowners.

What is farmhouse kitchen design?

The stylish and utilitarian farmhouse kitchen is often characterised by Shaker style cabinetry, open shelving, hardwood floors, and vintage decor. Sustainable materials such as repurposed wood enhance the farmhouse appeal.

How to create a modern farmhouse kitchen

The main difference between traditional and rustic modern farmhouse kitchens lies in the design. Traditional farmhouse kitchens embrace a ‘shabby-chic’ aesthetic with more accessories and decor for a lived-in look. Modern farmhouse kitchens favour clean lines and clutter-free spaces, with industrial materials and modern finishes.

Whatever your preference, when you choose to work with Refresh to transform your kitchen, you’ll have a dedicated Renovation Consultant working with you to create the modern farmhouse kitchen of your dreams. Your Consultant will offer advice and expertise, provide you with working drawings and a detailed budget, work alongside trusted contractors and suppliers in your area, and oversee the kitchen renovation team in a project management role. Our intuitive online customer portal enables you to check on progress at any time. Before you know it, you’ll be toasting your brand new farmhouse kitchen!

Breakdown of farmhouse kitchen design elements:

Architecture and layout

Beloved for their form and function, these kitchens prioritise efficiency. Think plenty of bench space and uninterrupted flow between the sink, stove, and fridge.

Colour palette

Country kitchens usually favour a neutral colour palette with hints of colour from a splashback or painted cabinetry. For example, farmhouse sage green kitchen cabinets bring a light earth tone into a country farmhouse kitchen. All-white farmhouse kitchens are another popular choice for those wanting a bright, clean aesthetic.

Materials and textiles

Wood is a staple in a farmhouse kitchen. Timber makes an appearance via hardwood floors and wooden ceiling beams, cabinetry and shelving. Stone, concrete, and mixed metals can give your country farmhouse kitchen an industrial feel. You may choose to introduce pops of colour with graphic tile splashbacks or painted cabinetry.

Cabinetry & shelving

Ample storage is a mainstay in farmhouse kitchens. Shaker style cabinetry can be custom-made to house kitchen wares and appliances, while open shelving displays items within easy reach.

Appliances

Since farmhouse kitchens are built to withstand constant wear and tear, so should their appliances. Two-door refrigerators and large ovens are ideal when catering for larger groups. Wall mount and chimney range hoods serve a purpose and make a statement in your farmhouse kitchen. Consider appliances that are well-made so that they stand the test of time.

Lighting

Proper lighting can make or break your kitchen’s ambience. Complement your sources of natural light with hanging pendant lights, table lamps, or wall sconces. If space allows, a skylight is another option to keep your kitchen light.

‍

Trending modern farmhouse designs in Australia

Small farmhouse kitchen design

Smaller spaces don’t have to sacrifice storage or effective kitchen flow. A galley layout prioritises efficiency and can be adapted to fit your farmhouse kitchen aesthetic.

Modern country kitchen

Think white cabinetry, clean lines, and featured earthen decor. This Austinville home’s contemporary farmhouse kitchen embodies the country aesthetic with modern design touches like contrasting, mixed materials and modern tapware.

Rustic country kitchen

Untreated or reclaimed wood, stone benchtops, and eye-catching rangehoods amplify the rustic look in a country kitchen.

A French-inspired country kitchen

This style exudes simplicity, authenticity, and warmth. Common additions include vintage decor, exposed wooden beams, a butchers’ block, and farmhouse dining table.

‍

Tips for maintaining a farmhouse kitchen

Cleaning and care

In addition to the usual clearing up of spills and wiping surfaces, keep your farmhouse kitchen sink looking immaculate by cleaning regularly with a mild solution of natural dish soap and water. Try to avoid leaving water standing in your sink to prevent mineral deposits.

Organising and open shelving

Keep your open shelves looking well organised by regularly re-stacking your pots, pans, and other dishes.

Regular updates and refreshes

Keep your design fresh with new coats of paint, updated pulls and knobs on your cabinetry, and replaced tapware. It doesn’t take much to give your farmhouse kitchen a sleek mini makeover!

‍

Why farmhouse kitchens are popular today

A kitchen is the heart of any home, and it’s important to keep this space looking and feeling fresh and inviting. Embrace the warmth and charm of the farmhouse look with these kitchen staples:

Rustic wood cabinets

Repurposed timber makes for a sustainable and stylish choice for kitchen cabinetry. Leave your creative mark with traditional or contemporary hardware.

Apron front sink

The farmhouse style sink is practical because it stands out beyond the depth of your cabinets, hence the ‘apron front’ description. These sinks also have large basins, which means plenty of space to soak large pots and pans.

Farmhouse-style range hood

Another nod to practicality is the farmhouse-style range hood. A range hood keeps your kitchen clear of fumes and odours, and can make a stylish focal point for your space. Farmhouse-style range hoods could be made of wood, brass, copper, or stainless steel with a variety of custom designs to suit your style.

Vintage-inspired lighting fixtures

Antique table lamps or pendant lights add warmth and character to your farmhouse kitchen.

‍

What colours are used in a farmhouse kitchen?

A neutral colour palette is a popular choice for most kitchens, including a farmhouse kitchen. This white country style farmhouse kitchen in Lysterfield features all white cabinetry and embossed tin splashback. Likewise, blues, deep reds, and earthy greens are often seen as paint colours for cabinetry or geometric tile splashbacks.

How much does it cost to renovate a farmhouse kitchen?

The cost to renovate a kitchen in Australia depends on the size and scope of the project, as well as the price of materials and labour. You can expect to budget between $20,000 and $80,000+* for your kitchen renovation. Your Renovation Consultant will be able to provide a more specific cost estimate after your first consultation.

*Costs are rough estimates and are subject to change. For a fixed-quote accurate to your specific project, please consult your local Refresh Renovations™ specialist. All Refresh Renovations™ franchises are independently owned and operated.

‍

Hear from our happy Refresh customers

“This is a team that deserves to be not only commended but also highly recommended...They listened, talked, designed and redesigned. They organised, managed, and coordinated. They turned the nearly impossible into the very possible. They brought thoughts into reality.”

Jennifer - Country Kitchen - Queensland

‍

FAQ

Do I need council approval to renovate my country kitchen?

Your local Renovation Consultant is familiar with local body regulations and will arrange any permits necessary to ensure your kitchen complies with local codes.

Are there any restrictions on the country kitchen?

In Australia, there are strict regulations on appliance installation. These include making the space required for ventilation and safety precautions. Your Renovation Consultant will be able to plan your appliance installation to make sure your renovation meets all the safety requirements.

How do I choose my kitchen lighting?

Begin by assessing the sources of natural light in your current kitchen. Use electrical lights to complement natural light from windows, doors, and skylights. Your Renovation Consultant will be able to help you pick the hanging pendant lights, wall sconces, under-cabinet LED strips, or any other lighting features that make the most sense in your space.

‍

Ready to transform your kitchen?

Get in touch with a local Renovation Consultant for your free, no-obligation consultation. Your dream farmhouse kitchen is within reach!