As an interior designer based in Philadelphia, I’ve enjoyed working on many farmhouse kitchen renovations over the years. There’s something special about these spaces – the rustic materials, vintage accents, and focus on family and community. But I’ve found that achieving that perfect farmhouse kitchen often requires more than just an infusion of shiplap and antique signs. It’s about adding creative, personal touches that reflect the homeowners’ style.
That’s why I’m such a proponent of DIY projects. They allow you to put your stamp on a space in a way that no designer can replicate. Starting small with DIY accent pieces gives you room to gradually build your confidence before tackling big-ticket projects like kitchen islands. Anyone can pick up a hammer with inspiration, suitable materials, and courage.
The Allure and Challenge of Rustic Kitchen Decor
Farmhouse enthusiasts are drawn to rustic kitchens because of their warmth and nostalgic charm. Natural materials like wood and metal connect us to traditional cooking and communication methods. Their imperfections and signs of wear tell a story. But as much as we may romanticize the idea of a cozy, lived-in kitchen, that appeal can conflict with modern tastes and needs, such as having a space that looks curated rather than cluttered or floors that are easy to sweep.
So the question becomes, how do you walk that line between rustic and refined? How do you honor the past while creating a fresh and functional kitchen?
7 Creative DIY Touches for Farmhouse-Style Kitchens
Over my years of working with clients, I’ve compiled a handful of favorite DIY projects that perfect the balance of vintage charm and practical living. Most can be adapted to fit any kitchen aesthetic, whether your style leans traditional or modern. The best part? No woodworking expertise is required! With just a little DIY know-how, anyone can pull these off.
Vintage Bread Boxes for Chic Storage
Bread boxes remind me of my grandmother’s kitchen, full of warmth and sweet aromas. Upcycling old metal tins into charming storage containers is a simple, budget-friendly way to infuse your kitchen with rustic flavor. Fill them with tea towels, wooden spoons, packets of hot chocolate – anything your heart desires! Just add new adhesive-backed vinyl or chalk paint to spruce up tired exteriors. If the lids are missing, improvise by screwing on a piece of reclaimed wood cut to size. Then, corral your collection on open shelves or the countertop to keep daily essentials at your fingertips.
Twine-Wrapped Glass Bottles for Flora and Fauna
Revisiting nature’s bounty through indoor plants and fresh-cut flowers connects us to the changing seasons – a welcome reminder even in the heart of winter! Upcycle empty glass bottles from your pantry into rustic vases in just minutes. Clean thoroughly, then artfully wrap twine, baker’s string, or colorful yarn around the exterior, securing with hot glue on the underside or base. Feel free to incorporate other elements like berries, pinecones, or leaves. Then, display your creations down the center of your dining table or clustered on the kitchen island to infuse your space with organic textures.
Distressed Wooden Crates for Instant Storage
Open shelving is a hallmark of the modern farmhouse kitchen, keeping necessities visible and within arm’s reach. But all those casual piles can quickly start to look haphazard. Enter the wooden crate! These reclaimed containers add function while complementing existing rustic finishes. Sand lightly distress each crate using scrapers, chisels, or sandpaper to bring out the natural wood tones. Stain or whitewash to protect the surface. Once dry, organize cooking gadgets, canned goods, or dish towels inside. Stacked in towers or arranged in rows, weathered crates bring order in an appropriately imperfect way.
Galvanized Tub as an Industrial Prep Sink
The practical nature of galvanized washtubs evokes farm life, where multi-use items save space and money. Bring this vintage workhorse into your modern kitchen by turning an old tub into an industrial prep sink or ice bucket for outdoor entertaining. Use paint to add chalkboard sections for noting contents or personalization. Position your tub sink on a DIY reclaimed wood stand secured with plumbing to handle water drainage. Add a commercial faucet, and consider a rustic skirt to mask pipes underneath. Fill your new basin with lemons and fresh herbs or stacks of bottled drinks!
Woven Baskets for Rustic Open Storage
The handmade textures of woven baskets pair beautifully with distressed cabinetry and countertops in farmhouse palettes. Use these organic holding cells to corral fruits and vegetables on your kitchen counters or to stash cookbooks and linens. Collect baskets in different shapes, sizes, and materials like rattan, willow, and wicker for variety. Painted finishes like navy blue, sage green, or crisp white allow easy matching to your existing decor. Install simple L brackets along the wall to display your favorite picks open-faced, keeping their contents creatively concealed while disguising clutter.
Repurposed Ladder Towel Rack
Salvaged wood ladders are a fantastic way to incorporate rustic industrial touches, whether placed horizontally for display shelving or vertically to dry dish towels. Sand the piece with 80-100 grit paper to remove splinters and smooth the surface. Use a rag to apply two coats of food-safe finishing oil, letting dry completely between layers. Mark evenly spaced locations for towel rungs along the rails, then carefully drill holes at your marks. Insert and secure wooden dowels with wood glue. Consider incorporating galvanized hooks and a basket to catch dripping water underneath. Use reinforced ledger boards to hang your newly functional ladder and display freshly washed tea towels or oven mitts!
Antique Kitchenware as Informational Signage
My favorite farmhouse kitchens seamlessly blend old and new through creative styling. Take the common practice of displaying ingredient lists, cleaning checklists, or family command centers. Rather than framing something store-bought, upcycle antique kitchen tools like whisks, molds, and rolling pins into custom informational signs. After a gentle cleaning, finish with coats of spray paint in colors to blend or contrast. Use sturdy picture hanging wire to mount each piece in eye-catching vignettes. Below your utensil signs, place trays to catch keys, loose change, and daily paraphernalia. This way, even mundane spaces like message boards become décor!
Start Small, Then Follow Your Heart
What I love about these farmhouse DIY projects is that they allow you to gradually infuse personality at your own pace without breaking the bank. Pick a single item, like bread boxes, that match your skill level and slowly build momentum. Don’t worry about executing a whole kitchen renovation right away. Let things evolve organically while having fun flexing your creative muscles and making each piece distinctly yours. The process of customization is just as satisfying!
Most importantly, don’t stress over achieving someone else’s ideal style. Embrace what speaks to your heart – whether repurposed windows, antique signs, or macramé planters. Allow your inner artist to guide you as you gradually incorporate touches that make this kitchen your farmhouse haven.
