Joanna Gaines Inspired Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas: 7 Ways to Get That Cozy, Timeless Look

I stood in my old kitchen and cried. Not the pretty kind of cry either. My cabinets were orange oak. My counters were dated tile. I wanted something warm. Something that felt like home. 

So I did what a lot of us do. I opened Pinterest and typed “Joanna Gaines farmhouse kitchen ideas.” Hours later, I had a plan. Then I had a kitchen I actually loved.

You’re probably here for the same reason. You want that warm, welcoming farmhouse look. You want shiplap and open shelves and a sink you can bathe a toddler in. Good news. You don’t need a TV show budget to get there. 

Below are 7 complete ideas you can follow start to finish. I’ve also picked 5 products that will make the whole process easier.

Top 5 Farmhouse Kitchen Products to Shop Now

• Amerock Cabinet Pulls (Black or Oil-Rubbed Bronze) – These give instant farmhouse charm and swap out in an afternoon with just a screwdriver.
• Kichler Farmhouse Pendant Light – A classic dome-shaped pendant that hangs beautifully over an island or sink.
• Farmhouse Apron-Front Sink (Fireclay or Stainless) – The single detail that reads “farmhouse” the fastest, even before paint or shiplap.
• Floating Wood Shelf Set with Iron Brackets – Perfect for open shelving without a full cabinet demo.
• Rustic Wood and Wire Fruit Basket Set – Small, affordable, and adds instant warmth to a bare counter.

Paint Your Cabinets a Warm, Creamy White

The fastest way to get the Joanna Gaines look is cabinet paint. Skip stark white. Go for a warm cream or soft off-white instead.

Here’s why it matters. Bright white can feel cold and clinical. Warm white feels lived-in and cozy. That’s the farmhouse feeling you’re after.

To do this yourself, you’ll need cabinet paint, a degreaser, sandpaper, and a good brush or sprayer. Budget two full days if you’re doing it alone. Expect to spend $150 to $300 in supplies for an average kitchen. Remove doors first. Clean every surface. Sand lightly. Then paint in thin, even coats.

Add a Farmhouse Apron Sink as Your Kitchen’s Anchor

An apron sink is the single most recognizable farmhouse feature. It’s big, deep, and sits forward from your cabinets instead of tucked underneath a counter.

This single swap changes the whole feel of your kitchen. It’s the piece your eye goes to first.

Fireclay sinks cost more, usually $400 to $900, but resist stains and scratches for decades. Stainless versions run cheaper, closer to $200 to $400. You’ll likely need a plumber for install since cabinet framing has to match the sink’s size. Budget one full day for installation, plus a few hours of prep to remove your old sink and counter cutout.

Install Open Shelving Instead of Upper Cabinets

Open shelves make a kitchen feel bigger and more personal. You get to show off your dishes, your jars, your little collected things.

This idea works especially well if you’re not ready for a full cabinet overhaul. You can convert just one wall.

Start by removing your upper cabinets on one section of wall. Patch and paint behind it. Then mount solid wood shelves using iron or wood brackets rated for at least 50 pounds. Stick to 3 shelves max for a balanced look. This project costs $100 to $400 depending on shelf length and bracket style, and takes a weekend.

Bring in Shiplap on One Accent Wall

Shiplap gives you that textured, cottage feeling Joanna Gaines is famous for. You don’t need it on every wall. One accent wall does the job.

Pick a wall that’s already a focal point, like behind your sink or stove.

You’ll need shiplap boards (real or MDF), a nail gun, a level, and wood filler for nail holes. MDF shiplap costs less, usually under $100 for a small wall, and installs in a single afternoon. Paint it the same warm white as your cabinets for a seamless look, or leave it raw wood for more texture.

Choose a Black or Bronze Faucet for Contrast

Your faucet does more work than people realize. A dark faucet against a white sink and cabinets creates instant visual contrast.

That contrast is what makes farmhouse kitchens feel designed, not accidental.

Look for matte black or oil-rubbed bronze finishes. A bridge-style faucet with a pull-down sprayer fits the farmhouse look best. Installation takes about an hour if your plumbing lines already match. Budget $150 to $350 for a quality faucet. This is one spot where spending a little more pays off, since cheap faucets tend to leak within a year or two.

Hang Pendant Lights Over Your Island or Sink

Lighting sets the whole mood of a kitchen. Farmhouse pendants are usually dome-shaped, black or aged bronze, with a simple, clean silhouette.

Two pendants over an island look balanced. One larger pendant works well over a sink.

Measure your ceiling height first. Pendants should hang 30 to 36 inches above your counter. If you’re not comfortable with wiring, hire an electrician. This job usually takes one to two hours per fixture and costs $100 to $250 per pendant, not including labor.

Style Your Counters with Simple, Natural Textures

The last step is styling. This is where your kitchen goes from renovated to finished.

Skip anything plastic or shiny. Reach for wood, iron, ceramic, and woven textures instead.

A wood cutting board leaned against the backsplash. A stack of white ceramic bowls. A small wire basket with lemons or apples. Keep your counters 80% clear. Farmhouse style relies on breathing room, not clutter. This step costs almost nothing if you shop your own home first before buying anything new.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a kitchen “Joanna Gaines style”?
It’s a mix of warm white cabinets, natural wood, black or bronze metal accents, and simple, functional decor. The style leans cozy and lived-in rather than sleek or modern.

Do I need shiplap to get the farmhouse look?
No. Shiplap helps, but it’s not required. Warm paint colors, open shelving, and the right lighting can create the same feeling without it.

How much does a full farmhouse kitchen remodel cost?
A full remodel typically runs $15,000 to $40,000 depending on your kitchen size and how much you do yourself. Smaller updates, like paint and hardware, can transform a kitchen for under $1,000.

Can I get this look in a rental kitchen?
Yes, with a few limits. Focus on removable options like open shelf styling, peel-and-stick backsplash, curtains instead of blinds, and swapping hardware if your landlord allows it.

What color hardware works best with farmhouse kitchens?
Matte black and oil-rubbed bronze are the two most popular choices. Both create strong contrast against white or cream cabinets, which is the signature farmhouse look.

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You don’t need to renovate everything at once. Pick one idea from this list. Start there. My kitchen didn’t come together on the weekend either. It came together one small choice at a time, and yours will too.