The farmhouse kitchen has long been admired for its warmth and charm, but in recent years, we’ve seen the rise of the luxe farmhouse style — a refined take on this rustic classic. And in Australia, it’s a style that’s gaining serious traction, thanks to our love of natural materials, connection to the outdoors, and open-plan living.
So what makes a farmhouse kitchen feel luxurious rather than country kitsch? It’s all in the details. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing space, here are 10 fool-proof ways to achieve a luxe farmhouse style kitchen.
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1. Start with shaker style joinery
Farmhouse kitchens are characterised by shaker style cabinetry. The clean lines and recessed panel detail are timeless and versatile. For a modern spin, go for a slim shaker profile — just as elegant but slightly more contemporary. Painted finishes in earthy neutrals or soft whites create that relaxed, lived-in look, while deeper tones like navy or olive can dial up the luxe factor.
“We’re seeing more and more clients wanting their range hood to be a seamless part of the kitchen design,” say the team at Kitchen & More. “Whether it’s concealed behind custom joinery or designed as a feature element, it’s no longer just a functional item — it’s a considered design decision.”
2. Upgrade to a luxe tap
Tapware is often described as the jewellery of a space and this rings especially true in luxe farmhouse kitchens. A tap can be both functional and beautiful, especially when you opt for a luxe T-bar design in a brushed metallic finish like bronze, nickel, or living brass. For that farmhouse feel, choose a tap with a slightly curved or vintage-inspired silhouette — it adds a sense of character without overpowering the space.
3. Add a farmhouse sink
Nothing says farmhouse quite like… well, a farmhouse sink! These fireclay sinks come in a range of sizes and styles. Whether you go for a single or double bowl, this sink can be under-mounted for a sleeker finish or installed with the front face revealed for a more traditional look. It’s one of those details that instantly brings warmth and charm to the space.
4. Consider a Roman blind
Soft window treatments like Roman blinds are a subtle way to elevate your farmhouse kitchen. In a natural linen or woven fabric, they add texture and softness to the space, balancing out harder finishes like stone and cabinetry. Choose a striped or earthy-toned fabric for a classic look, or a more tailored finish for a luxe edge.
5. Design a feature island or breakfast bar
A central island or breakfast bar isn’t just practical — it’s the heart of the kitchen. In a luxe farmhouse design, it can become a true focal point. Think oversized benchtops, turned timber legs, or even contrasting cabinetry in a complementary colour. It’s also a great opportunity to mix in a raw timber finish to create visual interest.
6. Introduce raw timber or natural stone
Luxe farmhouse kitchens embrace organic textures. Exposed timber beams, timber open shelving, and even timber kickboards can all bring a sense of authenticity to your space. Pair these with natural stone benchtops or splashbacks — think marble, quartzite or even a textural travertine — to elevate the look with a touch of elegance.
7. Add ornate lighting
A common theme of all the inspo pics in this article is beautiful lighting! Whether it’s a duo or trio of hanging pendants or strategically placed wall sconces, lighting is often the hero of the space. Look for lights in materials like aged brass, blown glass or blackened iron. Lantern-style pendants, vintage-inspired sconces or oversized ceramic lights are all great options that feel refined yet rustic.
8. Splurge on a freestanding oven
A luxe farmhouse kitchen is the perfect setting to showcase a beautiful freestanding oven — it’s where function meets serious style. These large-scale ovens not only offer generous cooking capacity (perfect for family meals or entertaining) but also bring a professional feel to your kitchen. Look for ovens in statement finishes like matte black, brushed stainless steel, or even deep navy with brass hardware. Brands like Falcon, ILVE or Smeg offer classic designs that nod to European heritage, enhancing the farmhouse vibe while delivering top-notch performance.
9. Keep the palette warm and grounded
While white kitchens are still popular, farmhouse spaces lend themselves better to earthy tones. If you want a neutral, light and airy aesthetic, consider a hue of stone or putty instead of stark white. And don’t be shy to embrace colour — everything from a warm black or deep navy, to muted green or greige fits this style to a T. These colours pair beautifully with natural timber and brass hardware, creating a cosy and cohesive look that feels both grounded and high-end.
10. Style with intention
Of course a farmhouse kitchen isn’t complete without that final layer of style to bring the space to life. Think ceramic jugs filled with greenery, wooden cutting boards, linen tea towels and bowls of seasonal fruit. Keep it minimal but meaningful — every item on display should feel like it belongs, not just like it’s filling a gap.
The luxe farmhouse kitchen is all about balance — timeless design paired with refined finishes, warm materials complemented by thoughtful styling. It’s a style that invites you in and makes you want to stay a while. Whether you’re building new or renovating, these 10 ideas will help you confidently bring the look to life.
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