5 Key Tips to Create a White Farmhouse Kitchen
Who doesn't love a good kitchen redo? Knowing what to do that creates a nice bang for your buck can be tricky. Check out any HGTV remodel show. Kitchens see a big chunk of the budget. Kitchens sell houses.
As a licensed, Colorado Springs REALTOR® and owner of BBB-accredited Front Porch Interiors, Real Estate and Property Styling, I'm consistently researching in person, and online which kitchen upgrades will give my sellers the best ROI.
When remodeling Farmhouse style, white farm sinks and subway tile come to mind. However, I'd like to share with you 5 key tips to consider when making your kitchen design selections.
Tip #1. White Paint is Golden Oak cabinet's best friend.
Mighty yes, overdone certainly. Golden Oak, as far as I know, is not a rare species, and typically not an upgrade for kitchen cabinets.
Kitchen Before
Deciding to paint our oak, bead board cabinets white was a given. The dining room, bathrooms and porch ceiling were all accented with this farmhouse feature.
According to a 2014 Houzz survey on kitchen trends "nearly half ( HALF ) of homeowners out there are choosing WHITE CABINETS for their kitchens." houzz.com/ideabooks/35178145/list/survey-results-kitchen-trends-that-seem-here-to-stay
Kitchen After
To ensure a professional finish, hire a painter who has done this before and research your paint. We used Benjamin Moore ADVANCE® Waterborne Interior Alkyd in White Dove OC-17. Its the best product to cover oak's grainy texture. You get the performance of oil, but with low VOCs. Our painter swears the key to a glass-like finish is using a super-fine tip sprayer.
Tip #2. Think of Backsplashes as artwork for your kitchen.
There are an infinite number of drop dead gorgeous tile options with subway being a farmhouse classic.
Seriously, I could have chosen a dozen different tile options and all would have made for a stunning backsplash, but when I walked into ReclaimedDesignworks showroom at the Denver Design Center I fell hard...
Reclaimed wood harvested from Colorado barns and milled in Ft. Collins, CO.
Something struck a chord with my farm roots.
White kitchens need contrast and warmth to keep from feeling sterile. Reclaimed Wood can be an organic design element that offers tremendous texture and great tonal variations. Whether used in a horizontal or vertical application, it immediately adds history and character.
I chose a staggered, stacked, plank pattern sold on 8” x 22” sheets. Like the mosaic tile sheets you see with mesh backing, installation is simple. My carpenter used finish nails instead of adhesive to secure. As a backsplash, its recommended you apply a water-based sealant (I used Miracle's 511 Impregnator Sealer) with a foam brush. It repels liquid and beads up on the surface, but if my stove was immediately in front of it, I'd probably opt for tile in that area. Over time, spaghetti sauce could be a hassle for clean up.
Bonus Tip, run your backsplash all the way to the ceiling to
emphasize an architectural feature.
Tip #3. Only ONE surface can be the Drama Queen.
If you go a bit crazy with your backsplash, choose a countertop that complements and plays nice as second fiddle. Or, you'll have two competing and conflicting designs that will fight for attention creating chaos and tension when you're working. Someone needs to be the calm voice of reason. Pick either your vertical or horizontal surface to be the star.
Pental Quartz Carrara
To complement the weathered grays from the reclaimed wood, I used an extremely durable quartz that mimics the look of white carrara marble with grey undertones. Unlike Marble, Quartz is low or no maintenance and stain resistant.
Its quiet, timeless and classic.
Tip #4. Don't forget to light it up. 
Lighting instantly improves and
significantly upgrades your design selections.
Task as well as ambient.
Recessed, chandelier, pendant, under cabinet.
Lighting can transform your kitchen from “that's nice”,
to “WOW, look at that backsplash!”
Like tile, lighting choices have exploded.
I'm partial to Industrial, but whatever you
choose, keep your cabinet hardware in mind.
Its not essential the finish matches, but it should complement.
Updated lighting is a spotlight adding value to your investment.
Tip #5. If in doubt, consult a professional.
Kitchen Designers are professionally trained to help you eliminate costly mistakes. Paying for an in-home consultation could alleviate headaches later on.
A REALTOR® can advise you of your buyer demographic which might influence your budget as well as your design selections. They can research sold homes in your area and provide you with specific features that make sense for your budget.
Reclaimed wood may not be the right choice for your home’s style, your area, or your demographic buyer. Even if you’re not selling, be mindful of your design choices as well as your budget. Kitchen remodels are often necessary, but can be expensive. Consult a professional who can help guide you, so you'll see the best return on your investment.
If you’re thinking of selling now, or in the future and would like to know more about smart options to upgrade your Colorado Springs home, please contact Kim Gaston, REALTOR®, Front Porch Real Estate & Property Styling, member of Colorado Home Sales, LLC,
(719)661-6987, kimgaston719@gmail.com. 
5 Key Tips to Create a White Farmhouse Kitchen
Comments (14)Subscribe to CommentsComment