October 23, 2020

The modern farmhouse look has evolved, becoming more about drama and personality and less about shiplap. For designer Jessica Webber, taking on one such kitchen was an opportunity to think outside of the box with the popular aesthetic.

“It might be a modern farmhouse, but we wanted to mix a little glam with the more rustic farmhouse elements,” said Webber, who is based out of Webber Coleman Woodworks in Watkinsville, Ga.

Constructing a Black-and-White Palette

Webber’s goal was simple: Create a more functional space for the homeowners and meet their aesthetic vision. However, the client specifically wanted to incorporate reclaimed wood and steel to give the older home a newer, more fashionable appeal.   

After making changes to the base corner space to allow for larger, more functional drawers, Webber hunted down a variety of materials to make this palette different from the standard modern farmhouse space. She started with the cabinetry, which is usually white in this aesthetic.

“The customer instead wanted the look of steel doors on the upper cabinets without the cost, so we used a dark gray-painted frame on glass doors,” said the designer, explaining that the white base cabinets lend themselves to the traditional farmhouse feel.

White quartz countertops were selected for their durability, and soapstone – a more tactile material ideal for the modern farmhouse – was used on the island. For the backsplash, Webber chose black subway tile.

“This was used because the space needed something different than the traditional white subway tile,” she said, adding that it also tied the dark gray cabinet door frames in with the darker detail and contrasted the lower white cabinets. “Nothing is more classic than black and white.”

Incorporating Reclaimed Wood

Open shelves are a part of many modern farmhouse designs. The homeowners brought Webber reclaimed wood boards to be specifically used for this purpose, but it was difficult to work with.

“We wanted the shelves to be sturdy and flat but still retain their natural wood feel without looking too manufactured,” said the designer. “A lot of time and care was given to them.”

The reclaimed wood was also incorporated into the island. Instead of the more popular X-pattern accent on the end of the island, Webber created a simple design that highlights the color of the wood and blends better with the more contemporary aesthetic. The wood is also repeated on the trim of the hood. Above the island, three steel, jug-like pendants hang from another plank of reclaimed wood – which is installed with a rustic chain – for a further touch of rusticity.

“We wanted to the hood and the light fixtures to look like we dug them out of an old barn,” said Webber.

Echoing the Kitchen in the Beverage Center

Adjacent to the main kitchen is a beverage area that ties into the main kitchen while still functioning as a standalone piece. The space – which boasts an icemaker and beverage refrigerator – includes the same white base cabinetry and gray-painted uppers as the main kitchen. The two sets of uppers are separated by four central rustic wood shelves.

The main difference between this space and the kitchen is the antique mirror tile backplash. According to Webber, using mirror tile for the backsplash allowed the light from the windows on the opposite wall to be reflected in and illuminate this nonconforming design.

“My favorite part of this project was working with homeowners who weren’t afraid to step outside of the ‘all-white’ box and try something different,” said Webber. “The end result is loved by all.”