Farmhouse style kitchens are having a major moment. With their casual warmth, natural textures, and focus on craftsmanship, it’s no wonder this comforting aesthetic is more popular than ever for modern homes and remodels.
When designing a farmhouse kitchen, the color palette you choose is key for bringing your vision to life. From crisp, all-white backdrops to bold navy islands, the options are plentiful.
Traditional Farmhouse Color Combinations
Crisp Whites
Nothing evokes the classic farmhouse look quite like crisp, clean white. An all-white or mostly white kitchen acts as a neutral backdrop that allows other decorative finishes and materials to shine.
Pair white cabinetry and walls with natural wood floors and accents for a light and airy look. For something a little warmer, try an antique white with subtle cream undertones on the cabinets.
Pale Blues
Soft blue is another traditional farmhouse go-to. Pale blue walls or kitchen islands add a pleasant pop of color while still keeping things light and informal.
Try a powder blue if your farmhouse kitchen gets plenty of natural light. For lower-light spaces, go a shade darker with a weathered blue or watery hue. Crisp white trim helps blue tones sing.
Sage Greens
Farmhouse style and sage green are a match made in heaven. This natural, muddy hue acts as the perfect accent shade against white backdrops.
Whether you use it on an accent wall or to paint cabinets, sage green injects an earthy yet refreshing vibe. Just take care not to choose too dark of a shade if you want to maintain that rustic farm charm.
Modern Farmhouse Color Trends
While classic farmhouse staples reign supreme, more saturated shades are also catching on for those who want to test the waters of modern farmhouse style.
Navy Blue
Dark and dramatic, navy blue makes one seriously stunning feature wall or kitchen island. It brings moodiness to the classics, acting as the perfect way to experiment with color contrast in a mostly tonal space.
Charcoal Gray
For a more sophisticanted take on black, try charcoal gray. This deep, smoky hue brings striking dimension while avoiding an overly somber or stark look.
Charcoal gray lower cabinets or accent walls offset crisp white uppers for the ultimate modern farmhouse vibe. Or pair it with natural wood accents to let both finishes shine.
Forest Green
Deep, earthy forest green is another bolder color choice that brings warmth and richness to modern farmhouse style. It has an inherent organic vibe that feels both lush and welcoming.
Use forest green on lower cabinets or on the island for a dynamic POP. Soft sage green accents tie the look together beautifully.
Accent Colors That Pop
In addition to wall colors and standout kitchen cabinets, don’t forget about accent shades that inject pops of brightness and contrast.
Yellow
Cheery yellow brings joy and sunshine to any farmhouse kitchen. Use this happy hue in small doses, like on a retro fridge, pendant lighting or barstools.
Pair yellow accents with white walls and cabinetry to let them shine. You can also tone things down with antique yellow finishes.
Red
Farmhouse style and red go hand-in-hand. A bright cherry red or deeper barn red both evoke vintage Americana charm.
Try red lower cabinets or accent walls to contrast white uppers. Just take care not to overdo it with this powerful hue.
Turquoise
For a beach cottage take on modern farmhouse,try a pop of weathered turquoise. This blend of green and blue brings a playful splash of color and vintage character.
Use turquoise on an accent wall, backsplash tile, or kitchen island. Crisp white cabinetry keeps things light and casual.
The Importance of Contrast
Whether you prefer a mostly neutral farmhouse kitchen or want to experiment with saturated accents, embracing contrast is key. Light backdrops like white or antique white walls and cabinetry allow bolder pops of color to stand out.
So feel free to paint an island navy or try a deep green accent wall. Just balance it with plenty of bright, airy basics so things don’t get too dark or overwhelming.
Texture & Materials
Beyond just color, don’t forget about texture and materials when designing your perfect farmhouse kitchen. The addition of natural wood, stone, brick and unique finishes builds visual interest while enhancing the rustic charm that defines farmhouse style.
Experiment with wood shiplap walls, exposed ceiling beams, granite countertops or handmade subway tile backsplashes. Unfinished, raw textures compliment both light and saturated color schemes.
Paint Finishes
The devil’s in the details when crafting farmhouse style. So when choosing fixtures and finishes, stick to matte, brushed and oil-rubbed options.
Glossy paint finishes and shiny chrome hardware should be avoided. Instead, embrace metal finishes like black iron, brass and brushed nickel that compliment both traditional and modern farmhouse palettes.
Tips for Choosing Your Palette
When deciding on the perfect farmhouse color scheme, consider the architecture, cabinetry, flooring and furnishings you already have (or are choosing). Aim for a cohesive vision that enhances your space rather than fights against it.
Cool-toned grays and blues compliment modern spaces, while warmer antique shades align better with craftsman details. Always sample paint colors on walls before fully committing to make sure you love it.
Avoiding Clashes
While vibrant accent walls or colorful islands make stunning statements, take care to avoid pairing competing hues in close proximity. Your eye needs a break between powerful colors.
If you simply can’t choose between two favorite shades, try using one on lower cabinets and the other on uppers. Or paint an island a bold color and keep perimeter cabinets neutral. This allows each hue to get the showcase treatment.
Whether you embrace an all-white farmhouse kitchen or push creative boundaries with striking navy accents, choosing a cohesive, dynamic color scheme is essential.
Balance light and texture with moments of saturated color. Keep finishes matte and furnish with natural materials. Soon you’ll have a casually elegant farmhouse space that feels as welcoming as it looks.
