Ideas for Decorating a Kitchen in a Barnyard Theme

A farmhouse or barnyard theme can add color and interest to a kitchen and depending on the style and accent you choose, you can create whatever atmosphere you wish, from whimsical to graciously rustic. Of course, barnyard themes go hand in hand with farmhouse, cottage and country style homes, but you can also refine the look somewhat and use it in French country, English country and Tuscan style kitchens. There’s even a way to tie it into a contemporary style kitchen.

Red – An Underlying Element for Any Style:

Regardless of what variation you choose on a country kitchen theme, the color red is going to be part of the decor. It’s hard to imagine a French country or Tuscan style kitchen without red appearing on the walls, in the window treatments or chair covers, and of course an American farmhouse style wouldn’t be complete without barn red accents in checkered placemats or window toppers.

Red is a common accent in modern kitchens as well, and in this case it can be mixed with black, white or other primary colors in a stylized contemporary presentation. For instance, modern abstract designs of roosters can be featured on wall art or plates hung on a wall. Plates, metal wall art, pottery and glassware with Asian style farm scenes and designs can also embellish a modern kitchen. Or switch from red accents to tangerine, yellow or apple green and bring in retro inspired accents, such as a set of glasses and pitcher from the ’60s with a rooster, barnyard or farm animal design.

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "French kitchen a" courtesy of thekitchendesigner .org.

Speaking of farm animals….

Critters from every walk of rural farm life can show up in barnyard theme kitchen: Pigs, cows, roosters, hens, chicks and cute fluffy sheep. The critical thing is to not overpopulate the kitchen with farm critters. Use a few well-chosen pieces to define your style: A tall and regal colorful ceramic rooster on a countertop would be equally at home in a Tuscan or French style kitchen. Balance the roosters with other defining elements of the style, such as wine and grapevine motifs or sunflowers. In a cheerful and airy English country kitchen, barnyard critters and bucolic landscapes can be intermixed with floral and chintz fabrics, copper cookware and tea pots. Even in an American farmhouse kitchen, where critters are perhaps most expected, edit you inclusions carefully and add a different element, such as a rural style metal wall art tree, to offset all the critters. Also keep in mind that part of not overdoing the effect is to not mix your style of critter: For example, vintage ceramic roosters from the 1950s have a different visual impact and style than a hand painted ceramic wall art featuring exotic poultry from China.

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Rooster" courtesy of SharonaGott.

Other Ways to Impart your Style

There are a myriad of decorative options to choose from once you decide on a style for your kitchen. Wall paper borders and stencils can feature a rural, farm, produce or animals motif, and of course there are kitchen-friendly wall decor art options like ceramic tile and framed ceramic art, pottery, metal and wrought iron wall art, baskets, and wall plates. Countertops and display space can feature teapots, vases, pitchers, bottles, earthenware, cookware, dinnerware and glassware that capture your chosen look. An area rug, seat cushions, placemats, window valances, dishtowels, hot pads, trivets... there really is no end to the items you may find to create your signature kitchen style.

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Custom Hutch" courtesy of NancyHugoCKD.com.