Question: How can you achieve this aesthetic in your kitchen? Here are my top 5 suggestions for crafting that contemporary farmhouse kitchen:

Suggestion #1: Wall Coverings Shiplap, beadboard, tongue and groove, or board and batten. Wall coverings are, for me, the cornerstone of the contemporary farmhouse style. Whether it's the walls, the ceilings, or both, this component is what I believe brings that quintessential farmhouse charm that many new and existing homes lack. Simple gyprock is, well, just that. Wall coverings (or panelling) introduce texture, dimension, personality, and visual interest without overpowering. A painted white is the ideal canvas for creating a modern farmhouse. I have a particular preference for shiplap and v-groove, as they represent a modern twist on the traditional tongue & groove or beadboard. V-groove is straightforward (a simple “V” groove!), and shiplap features a square u-channel groove (known as a “shiplap” joint) that overlaps with the previous board or sheet. Mount it vertically or horizontally. It's the perfect kitchen splashback material if you opt for fibre cement sheets (like we've used in our latest renovation), as they are waterproof, heat-resistant, and dense! You achieve a much softer appearance than with tiles (which are considered “hard surfaces”), and they can also be painted over to refresh the look. I intend to write a separate post about fibre cement sheets soon because they are incredibly practical and look fantastic. It's without a doubt the best splashback we've ever installed.

Tip #2: Wood – Natural and Unprocessed When choosing wood for your kitchen, whether it's for countertops, flooring, cabinets, or just for decorative wood elements, opt for natural, oiled, or satin finishes. Avoid highly polished, shiny, or flawless wood at this moment. Of course, a lot of us pick new wood when we're renovating or constructing. Just ensure that the wood you select has a rustic, natural, or earthy feel to it. You're aiming for the wood to seem aged and have a patina, enhancing the mix of traditional and modern in your home. If possible, choose reclaimed wood. I have a preference for using reclaimed wood because it's more eco-friendly than using new wood.

Tip #3: Natural Stone Countertops and Counters Just like the previous tip, I have a personal preference for natural stones when it comes to countertops and counters. They offer a genuine look, develop a lovely patina with age, and I can easily distinguish them from imitations. However, I recognize that everyone's needs and lifestyles vary, which can influence their choice between natural stones and synthetic alternatives. But what if you're not a fan of marble or prefer not to go with synthetic options? Look into Belgian bluestones, polished or leathered granite, dolomite, soapstone, quartzite, and concrete. My dear friend and past design client, Louise Keats, incorporated the breathtaking 'Super White' dolomite in her remarkable modern farmhouse kitchen. I'm particularly fond of its intricate veining and rich charcoal grey shades. It's an ideal match for a kitchen that's all white and offers better resistance to wear than many common marbles.

Suggestion #4: Farmhouse/butler/apron sink The traditional farmhouse/butler/apron sink is a key feature of the farmhouse kitchen! When positioned in front of a window offering a view of stunning countryside, it really stands out. Farmhouse/butler sinks are incredibly reliable and simplify the task of cleaning dishes (or concealing them!). Nowadays, there's a wide selection of farmhouse sinks available (made of natural stone, porcelain, and metal), each of which is attractive. They look particularly good when combined with elegant tapware.

Tip #5:What would a modern farmhouse kitchen be without shaker cabinetry?! A classic style of cabinetry that never dates and always looks good. White shaker kitchens is a perennial favourite, but that doesn’t mean you also can’t have coloured cabinetry to create a beautiful modern farmhouse kitchen. All shades work, but I suggest keeping it in the muted or murky tones for an optimal farmhouse aesthetic.

Other cabinetry styles I love are v-groove, because it’s a modern take on the traditional country kitchens. You’ll find there’s a slightly more contemporary look to a v-groove kitchen, but feels very at home within a modern farmhouse. You can lean your design towards a more traditional look with beautiful hardware, or more contemporary by going without hardware.