The farmhouse style kitchen with its white cabinets and bright, airy feel is the ultimate in cozy comfort. White kitchen cabinets paired with light walls and floors create a light and spacious look, while charming farmhouse accents add warmth and personality.
Why Choose a White Farmhouse Kitchen?
A white farmhouse kitchen offers many benefits:
- Brightness – White reflects light, making the space feel more open and airy. White cabinetry helps bounce light around the room.
- Clean Look – Crisp white cabinets have a clean, fresh look that pairs well with many styles from modern to traditional. White evokes a sense of purity and simplicity.
- Spacious Feel – Light colors can make a smaller kitchen feel more spacious. White cabinets keep the space feeling open and expansive.
- Unity – One color palette creates a cohesive look. All-white kitchens have a harmonious charm.
- Timeless – White kitchen cabinets have a classic appeal that does not fade with design trends. They always remain in style.
Farmhouse White Kitchen Styles
White farmhouse kitchens come in a few main styles:
Country Farmhouse
Country farmhouse kitchens have a cozy, rustic charm. Details include:
- Distressed or antique white cabinets
- Open shelving for display
- Checkered curtains and gingham fabrics
- Farmhouse sink and exposed hardware
- Wood countertops or brick backsplashes
This comforting style works well for cottages, cabins, and older homes.
Classic Farmhouse
The classic farmhouse look is crisp and timeless. Features include:
- Bright white Shaker-style cabinetry
- Marble or quartz countertops
- Subway tile or beadboard backsplash
- Stainless steel appliances
- Vintage-inspired hardware
This versatile design suits traditional, transitional, and even contemporary homes.
Modern Farmhouse
Modern farmhouse kitchens blend sleek lines and contemporary details. Elements include:
- White lacquer or thermofoil cabinets
- Sleek hardware in black, brass, or chrome
- Marble, concrete, or quartz counters
- Open shelving and glass cabinet doors
- Stainless appliances and factory-style pendant lighting
This minimalist style works well in renovated lofts and new construction.
Perfect Paint Colors for Farmhouse Kitchen Cabinets
Choosing the right shade of white paint or stain for your farmhouse kitchen cabinets is key. Here are some excellent options:
Pure White
Bright whites like glossy enamel High-Gloss White evoke a fresh, clean look. Crisp whites work well for modern farmhouse, French country, and cottage styles.
Benjamin Moore Classic White is another favorite pure white paint color for cabinets seeking a contemporary feel.
Antique White
Slightly softened whites like Benjamin Moore’s Alabaster or Sherwin-Williams’ Antique White are ideal for a traditional farmhouse style. The light gray undertones and matte finish read as a warm, antique white.
Off-Whites/Warm Whites
Paint colors like Benjamin Moore White Dove or antique white stains impart a cozier vibe. Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray makes a lovely warm off-white cabinet color.
Swiss Coffee White
With subtle yellow/beige undertones, Swiss Coffee by Behr is a top choice for white farmhouse cabinets. It creates a soft look between crisp white and antique white.
Dove White
Sherwin-Williams Snowbound is a perennial favorite. It’s a versatile white with grayish undertones that pairs well with many tile and granite countertop choices.
Countertop & Backsplash Ideas for White Farmhouse Kitchens
Choosing the right countertops and backsplash for your white farmhouse kitchen cabinets is crucial for creating balance through color, texture, and sheen:
White Marble Countertops
Timeless white Carrara marble countertops suit any classic or modern farmhouse. The gray/white veins add natural drama.
Quartz Countertops
For a lower maintenance option, white quartz like Ceasarstone in the color Frosty Carrina offers the look of marble without the hassle.
Butcher Block Countertops
Wood butcher block adds warmth and texture next to crisp white cabinets. Acacia and oak are attractive lighter-colored woods. Use waterproof resin for durability.
Brick Backsplashes
Exposed original or faux brick backsplashes introduce texture and earthiness behind white cabinetry. Keeps the look light and avoids overwhelm.
Beadboard Backsplashes
Beadboard paneling makes an iconic backsplash in a farmhouse kitchen. The clean horizontal lines reinforce the airy look.
Subway Tile
Classic white 3×6 subway tile backsplashes pair beautifully with white farmhouse cabinets. Go for a glossy finish and classic gray grout lines.
Flooring Ideas for Farmhouse Kitchens
Choosing flooring to complement your bright farmhouse kitchen:
White Oak Hardwood Floors
Light white oak or maple hardwood flooring keeps the look balanced. A clear matte finish enhances the reclaimed wood charm.
Whitewashed Wood Planks
Whitewashed wide-plank wood flooring adds texture and interest. Grayish driftwood-style tones work well with white cabinets.
Black & White Hexagon Tile
For drama, bold black and white hexagon floor tiles instantly captivate. Use sparingly as an accent or limit tile to only a portion of the floor.
Brick Flooring
Salvaged brick floors boast enduring farmhouse appeal. Wider grout lines in pale gray or ivory keep the look light.
Stone or Slate Tile
Natural stone and slate tiles complement farmhouse decor. Opt for lighter beiges, creams, and grays rather than dark stones.
White Washed Concrete
Pigmented concrete floors in soft white or pale gray washes exude modern farmhouse style. Polished concrete offers an elegant, seamless look.
Best Hardware & Fixtures for White Farmhouse Kitchens
Hardware and fixtures play a supporting role in your bright, airy kitchen. Look for:
Black Hardware
Matte black hardware has contemporary appeal and pops against white cabinets. Look for streamlined modern black pulls and handles.
Brass Hardware
Polished brass and antique brass hardware bring vintage charm to a farmhouse kitchen. Handle pulls and cup pulls have nostalgic character.
Nickel Hardware
Brushed nickel hardware lends a subtle gleam. Satin nickel conveys a softened look next to crisp white cabinetry.
Exposed Hinges
Showcase black, brass or nickel hinges rather than concealing them for added cottage character.
Vintage-Style Lighting
Use factory-style pendants, woven rattan pendants or reproduction barn lights to illuminate the space.
Farmhouse Sink
A classic farmhouse sink with an industrial apron front adds authentic country appeal in front of the window.
Ideas for Open Shelves & Glass Cabinet Doors
Incorporating open shelves or glass cabinet doors maintains the light and airy ambiance:
Open Shelves
Display glassware, white dishes or decorative accents on open shelves. Intersperse them between upper cabinets.
Glass Upper Cabinets
Glass-front upper cabinets maintain visibility. Display colorful china for a pop of contrast.
Glass Cabinet Doors
Glass doors on lower cabinets add transparency while concealing necessities. Etched glass provides privacy.
Plate Racks & Wine Racks
Open plate racks and wine storage racks show off serveware in plain view. Opt for white, brass or black finishes.
Curio Cabinets & Display Case Pieces
Cabinets with glass shelves are ideal for showing off pretty glassware and ceramics. Add lighting for dramatic effect.
Creative Touches for Farmhouse Charm
Infuse personality into your bright white farmhouse kitchen with accents like:
Vintage-Inspired Signs
Antiqued metal, wood or ceramic signs labeled “Coffee” “Sugar” “Flour” etc. add nostalgic character.
Wood Cutting Boards
Use large wood cutting boards for food prep and serving bread, cheeses, fruits, etc. Light oak, maple and acacia have neutral appeal.
Botanical Ceramics
White ceramic pieces with blue transfer botanical motifs complement the farmhouse aesthetic. Use for canisters and serving bowls.
Gingham & Check Fabrics
Add gingham and buffalo check curtains or seat cushions to reinforce the country farmhouse look. Use in blue, red, black, gray or green.
Woven Baskets
Incorporate natural woven baskets and bins for produce and pantry storage. They look right at home in white farmhouse kitchens.
Dried Herb Bunches
Tie bunches of dried herbs or wildflowers together and hang upside down. Attach them to open beams, rafters or shelves with twine.
Farmhouse Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
There are lots of ways to implement cozy farmhouse style into your cabinetry. Consider these ideas:
Farmhouse Sink Base Cabinet
A large farmhouse sink base cabinet makes a bold statement. Opt for a furniture-style design with raised panels, legs and side trim.
Glass Front Upper Cabinets
Glass front upper cabinets maintain the light and airy look while also displaying dishware. Etched glass adds a vintage effect.
Open Shelving
Spaced between uppers, open shelves provide a place to stage ceramics and fresh fruits. Box shelves offer bonus storage.
Ladder Frame Shelves
Ladder-style framed shelving looks fitting in a farmhouse kitchen. Use for cookbooks, or dishes for everyday use.
Floating Shelves
Super on-trend, floating shelves add rustic, modern charm without creating visual clutter. Style them simply with just a few objects.
Mix Interior Finishes
Consider glass fronts for wall cabinets and open shelving below to achieve an eclectic, collected look.
Barn Door Cabinets
Barn door-style cabinet fronts lend rustic appeal and save space in smaller kitchens compared to traditional swinging doors.
Beadboard Cabinet Doors
Beadboard cabinet door inserts provide appealing texture and reinforce the quintessential farmhouse style.
Bright Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas
To keep your farmhouse kitchen feeling fresh and sunlit, incorporate these design ideas:
Large Windows
Expand window size or add additional windows to flood the space with natural light. Sunlight bouncing off white cabinetry illuminates the kitchen.
Skylights & Sun Tunnels
Skylights or sun tunnels increase overhead ambient lighting. Position them to highlight key areas like an island, sink, or dining space.
Extra Lighting Elements
Include supplemental lighting like recessed can lights, track lighting and under cabinet lighting. Illuminate dark corners thoroughly.
Light-Colored Granite & Marble
Choose light cream, white-gray or blue-gray granite, marble or quartzite countertops to help reflect light. Avoid darker surfaces that absorb light.
Mirrored Backsplashes
Mirror backsplashes creatively introduce more light reflection behind stoves, sinks and counters. Choose antiqued mirrors for a vintage look.
White Subway Tile
White subway tile backsplashes, especially in a glossy finish, bounce light beautifully in farmhouse kitchens compared to dark or patterned tile.
Reflective Surfaces
Incorporate stainless steel appliances plus metallic pendants and fixtures. Their sheen adds reflective surfaces.
Sheer Window Treatments
Allow light to stream in through windows by opting for breezy sheers instead of opaque drapes at the windows if privacy allows.
Creating Cozy Farmhouse Ambiance
A few tweaks help transform your light, bright farmhouse kitchen into an especially welcoming space:
Incorporate Natural Textures
Layer in wood cutting boards, rattan pendants, cotton curtains, jute rugs, and dried botanicals. Natural textures warm up white cabinetry.
Add Pops of Black
Black accents ground the white space and add bold definition. Try matte black hardware, factory pendants or even black window frames.
Show Off Vintage Kitchenware
Fill open shelves or glass cabinets with antique cake stands, replicated enamelware, wire racks, and ceramic canisters.
Fresh Florals & Scent
Fresh-cut daffodils, daisies and greenery infuse life into the simplified farmhouse kitchen. Place blossoms near windows to greet you.
Fruit Bowls & Fresh Produce
White bowls heaped with green apples, lemons, and limes bring lovely pops of color. Keep counters approachable, not sterile.
Checkered & Striped Linens
Layer in textiles like buffalo check and striped dish towels and chair pads. Use ginghams, too.
Rustic Wood Signs
Handmade rustic signs with folksy sayings add personality. Try “Fresh Milk & Eggs Daily” or “Farm Fresh Eggs.”
Farmhouse White Kitchen Inspiration
Browse these gorgeous examples of white farmhouse kitchens showcasing cozy bright style:
This airy kitchen features glass front upper cabinets to maintain the light look. Bold black island stools add contrast.Source
The marble counters, open shelves and brass hardware inject warmth into this all-white kitchen. Source
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This black and white kitchen makes a bold statement with black island bases and open shelving styled with black and white kitchenware. Source
The wood shelves, cutting boards and open beam ceiling soften this bright white kitchen. Source
A brick backsplash and reclaimed wood shelves and ceiling beams add rustic farmhouse flavor. Source
FAQs About White Farmhouse Kitchens
Get answers to commonly asked questions about achieving the light and bright farmhouse kitchen look:
How do you make a small kitchen look like a farmhouse?
A: Incorporate signature farmhouse elements on a smaller scale like open shelving, a farmhouse sink, gingham curtains and vintage-style lighting. White cabinets and light walls maximize the feeling of space.
What wall color goes with white cabinets farmhouse?
A: Soft white, light gray, pale blue, and light green are pleasing wall colors with white farmhouse cabinets. Crisp white on both cabinets and walls creates a clean, bright look as well.
How do you decorate a farmhouse style kitchen?
A: Incorporate elements like a farmhouse sink, wood cutting boards, woven baskets, botanical accents, factory pendant lighting, and antique-style signs. Checkered fabrics and vintage collected pieces also add charming farmhouse personality.
Should upper or lower cabinets be white in a farmhouse kitchen?
A: Typically, both upper and lower cabinets are painted or stained white in farmhouse kitchens to create an integrated look. However, you can creatively do white lowers with natural wood or distressed uppers as well.