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1Install Open Shelving
Helen Norman With three levels of open shelving, photographer Helen Norman achieved a beautifully layered look that is ideal for her ever-growing ceramic collection. To be sure you have enough room for items on your countertop (think coffee maker, cutting boards, etc.) as well as things on your shelves (think pitchers and platters), measure your tallest pieces, add an inch or two, and space out shelves accordingly before installing. This mix of upper cabinets, lower cabinets, island storage, and open shelving means there’s a place for everything.
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2Make a Small Space Live Large
Brie Williams, styling by Rachel Rivers To break up the kitchen’s white cabinetry, homeowner Bambi Costanzo (@number131) repurposed an old wood dry sink she found on Facebook Marketplace by taking it apart and installing the pieces under the window as a makeshift built-in. “It was almost too perfect for the space,” she says. Her dishware storage doubles as display courtesy of more DIY ingenuity. For the countertop rack, Bambi sanded down a wooden box and added dowel rods for plate separators. Striped skirted fabric hides the dishwasher.
Get the Look:
Farmhouse Sink: Whitehaus Fireclay Sink
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3Contrast the Woods
Brie Williams, styling by Rachel Rivers While the phrase “cabin kitchen” may evoke images of dark woods and ruddy hues, architect Ken Pursley wanted this North Carolina home to feel light and airy but still reflect the simple mountain aesthetic. Rough oak floors stained in a warm finish set a welcoming cabin tone, while a pine ceiling sourced from a nearby forest adds understated texture. Durable yet modern concrete countertops, a pair of oversize lanterns, and industrial-style drafting stools round out the ultimate rustic-meets-refined space.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint Color: Ashwood by Benjamin Moore
Island Paint Color: Whale by Pratt & Lambert
RELATED: These are the best kitchen island ideas for small and large spaces.
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4Skirt the Sink
David Tsay 5Build a Bigger Island
Annie Schlechter Guests love to gather around the walnut-topped island thanks to its room-for-a-crowd size and fun handmade counter stools. The natural stone wall is complemented by the moody Belgian bluestone backsplash behind the range and the room’s various woods—including reclaimed barn boards on the ceiling, vintage French white oak on the floor, and band-sawn knotty white oak on the flush-inset cabinets.
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6Wrap a Vent Hood in Reclaimed Wood
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7Lay Tile With Patina
Nick Johnson 8Make Room for an Eat-In Moment
Becky Luigar-Stayner, styling by Kathleen Varner 9Checker the Backsplash
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10Build With Rough-Hewn Materials
Audrey Hall This Montana cabin was no place for a sleek new kitchen. Instead, designer Jeremiah Young of Billings-based Kibler & Kirch, opted for custom cabinet panels in rough-hewn wood paired with two-inch-thick solid oak countertops. “They’re going to take a licking and get better and better with time,” he says. The off-white vintage-inspired range and hood complement the handcrafted porcelain tile backsplash. Classic finishing touches include an apron-front sink and milk glass pendants.
Get the Look:
Milk Glass Pendant Lights: “Milton Road” by Visual Comfort
RELATED: This Montana home is the rustic cabin of our dreams.
11Use a Pine Table as an Island
Read McKendree In this time capsule of a cottage on Cape Cod, homeowner Stephanie Watts packed tons of charm into every square inch. In place of an island, a pine farm table brings rustic texture, while unlacquered brass bistro-style shelving and a pull-down faucet add aged shine. The cabinets got a new coat of mossy green paint; the walls are lined in a pretty, light-reflecting tile.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: for similar, Down to Earth by Behr
RELATED: Read about our best tips for painting kitchen cabinets.
12Install a Peg Rail
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13Let the Sun Shine In
Seth Smoot In the daytime, counter-to-ceiling windows let in warm sunlight. At night, the rustic, wood-clad cook space is all aglow with a creative mix of lighting.
14Add Patina With Vintage Lighting
DAVID TSAY, styling by Becki Griffin 15Store Pots Overhead
Gridley + Graves Photographers When storage is limited, look up! The iron pot rack here displays a collection of copper cookware. Rounding out the farmhouse vibe: a large coffee tin that's now a trash receptacle; a white subway tile backsplash; and an old butcher block on the work space side.
Get the Look:
Half-Wall Paint: Midsummer Night by Benjamin Moore
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16Use Antiques as Cabinetry
BRIE WILLIAMS, styling by Page Mullins 17Pick Barstools With Some Pop
Alec Hemer, styling by Jennifer Berno DeCleene 18Make Room for a Pantry
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19Incorporate Furniture-Like Details
Jim Westphalen This farmhouse kitchen truly encompasses a timeless, built-over-time design. A built-in hutch made of reclaimed pine floorboards holds dishes and other kitchen items. The island has a set of drawers for extra storage—a smart furniture-esque touch. White beadboard (on the ceiling) and shiplap (on the walls), reclaimed waxed hemlock floorboards, and walnut countertops wrap the room in texture and warmth.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint Color: White Heron by Benjamin Moore
20Hang a Bold Wallpaper
ANNIE SCHLECHTER Amy Mitchell is the managing editor at Country Living and VERANDA. She writes about a wide range of topics, including homes and lifestyle content.
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