Contemporary farmhouse

Learn more about Contemporary farmhouse kitchen design trends

There has been a surge in popularity for the classic country kitchen style with a modern twist, and contemporary farmhouse kitchen design trends are becoming widely sought after. More people than ever are opting for designer kitchens that encompass both the rustic and raw elements blended with modern features and fittings you can expect in any new kitchen. For example, the classic shaker kitchen style cabinetry with contemporary industrial components such as lighting, taps and furniture will look visually stunning and deliver a fresh modern perspective to the more traditional kitchen design.

Natural Materials:

A classic farmhouse kitchen with a modern feel can still benefit from all the usual natural materials, items such as wooden countertops, porcelain or stone sink areas, reclaimed wood cabinetry and kitchen/living area furnishings, often used for tables, chairs, and kitchen islands. Also, as any kitchen designer will agree, other features such as stone floors and tiled and glass backsplashes will assist in not only delivering a practical and durable solution but a unique and timeless kitchen for everyone to enjoy.

Open Shelving:

Open shelving is a must-have to create that contemporary farmhouse feel, whether it's a barn conversion kitchen or a luxury kitchen style. Open shelving provides an authentic look, where you can store and openly display rustic country pots, pans and other traditional cookware, jars, dried foods, jams and wine to create a relaxed homely ambience with a modern twist. Visiting the Plum kitchen showroom offers an excellent opportunity to see how our open shelving display can provide deeper insight and inspire you into how it may appeal to your new kitchen.

Industrial Lighting:

Kitchen lighting is imperative in creating a warm and inviting space to work and socialise, regardless of style or theme.

Whites and neutral colours can dominate the colour scheme in contemporary farmhouse kitchens. However, adding contrasting colours, such as deep navy or vibrant and bold green hues, especially on kitchen islands or lower cabinets, will enable the lighting to work effortlessly to deliver the ambience deserving of the broader contemporary farmhouse style. Popular and classic types of industrial lighting are pendants; they look impressive, primarily when located over a central island zone, as they direct the light into a specific and targeted area, which helps create an ambience and offers a unique glow around it, perfect for dining and late-night socialising.

Is there a difference between barn conversion kitchens and

farmhouse kitchens?

Space and Layout: Barn conversions often possess unique layouts due to their original structure. Barn buildings often have wide open and spacious designs with high ceilings, whereas traditional farmhouse kitchens are usually smaller or part of a fragmented floor plan. Within barn kitchen design and installations, you might see features such as large open-plan spaces, exposed beams, and possibly even a mezzanine floor level that may act as an additional workspace or relaxation zone.

Architectural Features: Barn conversions are re-purposing an existing structure; they often have unique and sometimes ornate architectural features. These may be original wooden beams, stone walls, and large, barn-style doors. Farmhouse kitchens are usually purpose-built as part of the home and might feature traditional home-building materials and techniques, focusing more on modern and contemporary components.

Style and Atmosphere: A farmhouse kitchen supply and fit often blends modern and rustic styles, emphasising a more homely, inviting, cosy, and relaxing charm. Barn conversions work well with industrial, rustic, or minimalist elements and features, depending on the design choices made during the kitchen extension or conversion process. The raw and imperfect look of certain features, such as stone walls and wooden beams, will contribute to this style beautifully, delivering authentic character and a simple traditional style but with a clever modern twist.

Natural Light: Barns generally have fewer and smaller windows than a typical home; this may contribute to conversion kitchens possessing less natural light. Kitchen designers are well equipped to deal with these challenges and can incorporate large, modern windows or skylights to flood the open space with natural light sources.

Fixtures and Fittings: Barn conversions and farmhouse kitchens favour quality, high-end materials and craftsmanship. However, the barn-style conversion generally leans towards an industrial look with more ease. Their style and design marry seamlessly with various additional features, from stainless steel appliances to concrete countertops and metallic light fixtures. On the other hand, farmhouse kitchens will often feature more traditional elements like natural wooden work surfaces, ceramic sink units, vintage-inspired appliances and reclaimed kitchen finishings.

Visit the Plum Kitchen showroom for inspiration.

Our friendly team of kitchen designers, planners and engineers are always available to talk you through our current and trending range of kitchens, the latest products and what's most in demand for 2023 and beyond. Our dedicated customer-focused staff are passionate and knowledgeable about the Plum range, from kitchens to our complete service and financial packages: our modern kitchen showroom is always open and waiting to greet you, and our team will be on hand to guide you through our stunning kitchens, where you can talk through ideas and share thoughts, information and advice on everything we offer and how we can tailor a kitchen design to your exact requirements. Our family-run business provides a unique and personal touch whereby we get to know our customers; you can chat with planners, designers or even a kitchen extension builder! Don't hesitate to get in touch today; we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Our Worcestershire kitchen showroom is just off the M42, so a short journey from Solihull, South Birmingham, Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Studley and Redditch.