You Don’t Have to Be a Farmer to Love a Farmhouse Kitchen

Looking to create a nostalgic look for a kitchen remodel? The good news is that even for suburbanites, they can have the farmhouse kitchen of their dreams, with these kitchen remodeling tips. Whether the home is in Livonia or Clarkston, there’s never been a better time to enjoy the latest in high tech, with the classic good looks of yesteryear. The farmhouse look has become outrageously popular in recent years and designers see it as a classic, welcoming design that provides a timeless sense of style.No matter if they get their eggs from a modern supermarket instead of from a backyard chicken coop, homeowners will be delighted in the many ways a traditional, enduring, comfortable look can be achieved. There are many ways to incorporate their favorite elements of farmhouse style into their remodel.A Farmhouse Sink Adds CharmFor starters, a stylish classic white farmhouse sink can set the stage. Sometimes called an “apron sink” because they are not covered by cabinetry in the front, they can provide a clean and stunning highlight to the kitchen. These sinks are extra deep also, designed to hold large pots and pans, and even the occasional baby or family pet! If there is sufficient space, a thirty-six inch wide farmhouse sink will make the biggest statement. Some sinks are available with additional features, such as a fluted front for additional design appeal, or a “workstation” style, with an accessory ledge to accommodate a cutting board or drying rack.Kitchen Faucets That Steal the Show and Defy GermsTop kitchen designers know the value of a premium quality kitchen faucet. To complement a farmhouse sink, a chrome faucet is the most durable and the shine will be long-lasting.  However, it should also match or coordinate with the other hardware in the kitchen to achieve balance. An ideal style is a pull-down faucet, with a tall arc “chef’s kitchen” profile. These feature a head that pulls down into the sink and has various spray options, ideal for filling large pots. For a truly vintage look, a “bridge” faucet has a unique design that joins the hot and cold water intake into a bridge-like design before joining them together in the middle.For those homeowners wishing to really impress their friends and family (while saving the world from plastic water bottles), they should take a closer look at GROHE, one of the industry leaders of precision-engineered faucets. They offer a complete line of state-of-the-art kitchen faucets, and the new GROHE “Blue Chilled & Sparkling 2.0” is the latest top pick among designers. This innovative faucet has an illuminated LED push button to select cooled still, medium (a mix of still and sparkling) or sparkling filtered drinking water.Another innovation that is especially relevant today is GROHE’s new touchless, foot-controlled faucets, leaving the faucet completely germ free. Imagine being able to use both hands to scrub that stubborn pan, while controlling the water flow with just a foot! They even offer faucets for residential use with infrared sensors to detect motion and turn on without having to touch anything. GROHE’s “SmartControl” faucets are turned on by pushing a single button on the end of the spout, then push again to turn off. The “SmartControl” button can also be turned to adjust the volume of water from a gentle stream to a more powerful, forceful waterflow.Remodeling is also a great time to add another popular feature, a pot filler faucet. These are usually installed over the stove and have a jointed, swing-out arm that makes it easy to maneuver over a large pot. Most feature a higher water flow rate to fill the pots faster than normal.Natural Cabinetry and CountertopsNatural wood, and white or lighter-painted cabinetry colors are synonymous with the sunny and bright farmhouse style. Open shelving can hold everyday plates vertically, with dividers for a convenient and space-saving solution. Cabinetry with window panes can show off antique family heirlooms, cookbooks and more, and a sliding barn door can be easily incorporated into the décor for a pantry or adjacent laundry room.Countertops made with butcher block can be used on islands or small sections, but are not generally recommended for the entire kitchen due to their lack of durability. Better choices are Corian, granite, or quartz. For those wishing to incorporate some rustic charm, a wooden farm dining table or kitchen nook is ideal.Don’t Overlook the HoodMany homeowners give little thought to picking out a range hood, unaware that top companies like Broan offer many wall-mounted models that can serve as a stunning focal point above their new range. Broan’s latest models provide excellent odor and smoke removal with very little noise to interfere with conversation, listening to music or watching TV. Their newest black stainless steel chimney hood looks truly spectacular in a farmhouse-style kitchen.Backsplashes: Beyond Subway TilesSubway tiles have been popular for some time, and are still the “go-to” for many kitchen designers and homeowners. They are beloved for their clean, simple lines and ability to basically coordinate with and complement any design style. However, a backsplash is one area where personalization can be achieved without a lot of money spent. For example, white or gray tiles installed in a chevron pattern can add a touch of design flair to the space without detracting from other elements of the kitchen. One homeowner had some of her grandmother’s favorite recipes printed onto tiles that were installed as her backsplash. They provided just the right amount of nostalgia for her kitchen without overwhelming it. Another homeowner integrated a shelf into her backsplash to display family cookbooks.Classic, Unpretentious DesignWhen planning for kitchen remodeling in Clarkston or Livonia, choosing a farmhouse-style kitchen will provide homeowners with a classic, unpretentious design they will love for years to come. With a focus on natural materials and amenities that accommodate cooking and baking large meals, it can be easily achieved with the help of a trusted, experienced designer and remodeling company.