Rustic kitchen ideas: from cottage to farmhouse kitchens

If you love the aesthetic of rustic kitchens, you’re not alone. Whether we’re talking cosy cottage kitchens or farmhouse-style kitchen diners, rustic cooking spaces are full of character and charm.

Here, we’ll explore 18 fantastic rustic kitchen ideas to help you transform the heart of your home. But first…

What are the hallmarks of rustic kitchens?

We can all spot a rustic kitchen when we see one. But what exactly are the ingredients that go into making a kitchen look rustic?

Well, there are no set requirements. However, a few elements that you’ll often see in a rustic kitchen include:

• An apron-front or Belfast kitchen sink
• Open shelving
• Butcherblock countertops
• Exposed beams
• Rugged materials such as wood, iron, wicker and linen
• Traditional design elements

As a general rule, we like to see rustic kitchens as falling into two main groups: farmhouse kitchens and cottage kitchens. While they both contain many of the same features, farmhouse kitchens tend to be bigger and grander, while cottage kitchens are typically small and quaint. Here, we’ll look at some rustic kitchen ideas that fall into both categories.

9 wow-worthy farmhouse kitchen ideas

If you’re looking to give your kitchen that farmhouse aesthetic, here are 9 ideas that’ll make sure you’re on the right track.

1. Opt for materials typical of farmhouse-style kitchens

Wrought iron, wood, metal and soft fabrics are all materials that can help to give a kitchen that country, farmhouse look. This open plan kitchen boasts them all.  We particularly love how the homeowner has painted some of the chairs grey, to tie in with the kitchen lighting and cabinets.

2. Prioritise farmhouse sink kitchen ideas

A farmhouse kitchen will often feature a traditional apron-front or Belfast sink. This homeowner has taken theirs to a whole new level by opting for a copper sink and tap. Not only is copper a traditional material that fits perfectly with the rustic aesthetic, but it’s also antimicrobial and antibacterial, making it super practical to boot.

3. Opt for shelving in your farmhouse kitchen

Shelving is a practical kitchen storage idea that really ties in with other elements in a farmhouse-style kitchen. Here, shelves have been used instead of wall units, serving to open up the space and put the homeowner’s traditional tableware on display. All in all, it’s a traditional look that’s full of charm.

4. Explore aesthetic storage options

On the topic of storage, investing in aesthetic storage solutions such as glass jars can help to avoid clutter – especially important when your items are being displayed on shelves!

We love this open pantry concept. The tubs and jars containing food have become the main focal point, as they stand out beautifully against the white kitchen cabinets and worktops.

5. Go for a modern farmhouse kitchen twist

If you’re stuck between a modern kitchen and a traditional one, why not get the best of both worlds by opting for a modern farmhouse look? This kitchen boasts wood, wrought iron and shelving – all classic ingredients of a farmhouse kitchen.

However, modern elements such dark kitchen wall tiles and a new cooker hood give it a contemporary twist that we’re here for!

6. Explore worktop options for a rustic farmhouse kitchen

Wood kitchen worktops are the ideal pairing for a rustic farmhouse kitchen. In particular, butcherblock countertops are a great shout – they allow you to cut food up directly on top of your countertop without needing a chopping board. They bring that all-important functionality to a kitchen that’s characteristic of the farmhouse style (plus, they’re super cost-effective!).

7. Choose kitchen colour ideas fit for a modern farmhouse

When you’re exploring kitchen colour ideas for a farmhouse kitchen, neutrals such as white, grey and beige make a great starting point. However, there’s no reason why you can’t add an accent colour – teals, greens and blues tend to be popular.

This kitchen has paired white walls with rich green cabinets to create a bright and inviting kitchen that takes inspiration from the great outdoors.

8. Channel barn vibes for your kitchen farmhouse

Barn conversions are prime candidates for a classic farmhouse kitchen. But even if you don’t have the benefit of a real-life barn, that doesn’t mean you can’t channel the barn aesthetic in your home. This kitchen is the perfect example – a timber-frame extension boasts vaulted ceilings and gorgeous exposed beams.

9. Choose traditional kitchen flooring

Wood, LVT, laminate and tile floors are all great options for a rustic kitchen. However, nothing says farmhouse kitchen quite like flagstones! This kitchen boasts gorgeous honey-coloured flagstone tiles along with warm greige-coloured kitchen cabinets for a warm and inviting space that just screams country kitchen!

9 beautiful cottage kitchen ideas

If you have a smaller kitchen space, the chances are you’ll be aiming for more of a cottage kitchen as opposed to farmhouse kitchen vibe. These eye-catching cottage kitchen ideas will have you covered.

1. Let light in with cream kitchen cabinets

Cream is the perfect colour for a cottage kitchen. Not only is it a classic colour, but it’s also warmer than white while still serving to increase natural light in your kitchen and make a small space feel bigger. This kitchen is completely cream-coloured apart from accents of natural wood, making it a calm and peaceful space.

2. Experiment with the cluttercore trend

Normally, we’d tell you to avoid clutter, but there’s something quaint about having your items out and on display in a cottage kitchen – in an organised way, of course!

This kitchen features storage rails, open shelving, hooks and on-the-counter tins for storing food, utensils and crockery. Together, they create a sense of organised chaos that’s cute and characterful.

3. Opt for a simple cottage kitchen

At the other end of the scale, some cottage kitchens can definitely benefit from a ‘less is more’ mentality. Here, a few choice objects have been left out on display, but they’re more aesthetic than functional.

We particularly love how everything has a clear place – even the cafetiere and coffee cups, which have been arranged neatly on a mat!

4. Add pops of colour

Although neutrals and pastels are most popular for a cottage kitchen, don’t be afraid to add brighter pops of colour. This homeowner has opted for sage green – a modern classic that looks great with the wicker baskets and foliage here.

However, you could go even further if you fancy, whether that’s painting your cabinets a sunny yellow or fitting red-and-white gingham curtains.

5. Make your cottage kitchen shabby chic

Shabby chic is a trend that blends together vintage and cottage elements. So, it’s perfect for your cottage-style kitchen! Here, the homeowner has painted antique furniture using chalk paint – by embracing the imperfections, they’ve created a romantic, rustic look that we love.

6. Embrace exposed brick in your rustic kitchen

As we’ve already mentioned, rugged materials are a mainstay in rustic kitchens. But alongside the classic wood, metal and linen, you could also add a feature wall of exposed brick, like this homeowner. It’s a fantastic way to grab attention and infuse your cooking space with character.

7. Create an indoor herb garden

Along with a cottage comes the expectation of a cottage garden. Why not go all out and create an indoor herb garden to really embrace that cottagey feel? Not only will it look cute, but it’ll taste great too.

8. Add copper accents to your cottage kitchen ideas

Accessorise your rustic kitchen with copper pans to add a traditional edge. You can mount them on your walls as this homeowner has done, or go even more classic and hang them on rails above your hob. As well as adding style to your kitchen, it’s a practical way of storing your cooking equipment.

9. Aim for a modern cottage kitchen aesthetic

Combine classic cottage elements with contemporary design to create a modern cottage aesthetic for your kitchen. This small kitchen boasts a storage rail, shelves and a wooden worktop just like a classic cottage might.

However, these are all slick and modern in style – combined with Venetian blinds and modern kitchen door handles, the result is a Scandinavian look that’s ideal for a modern cottage!

Rustic kitchens key takeaways

• Rustic kitchens often feature open shelving and rugged materials such as wood, iron, wicker and linen.
• Farmhouse and cottage kitchens can be great for inspiration if you’re looking to achieve a rustic look in your cooking space.
• Combine traditional and modern elements to create a modern farmhouse or modern cottage aesthetic in your kitchen.

Ready to turn your rustic kitchen ideas into a reality? Simply find a kitchen fitter to kick off your kitchen renovation project.