Farmhouse kitchens have been around for centuries but have become increasingly popular over recent years - a timeless style turned fan-favorite across the home and design world. This classic and welcoming aesthetic is loved by interior designers and home renovators alike, and according to The National Kitchen and Bath Association, is one of the top three most sought-after designs for kitchens in 2020.

“A key showpiece in the farmhouse kitchen is the apron-front farmhouse sink,” says Lou Rohl from House of Rohl. “Shaws sinks are each handcrafted by a master craftsman and come in a variety of designs to fit any style, so they stand the test of time.”

Here are a few simple ways to create a welcoming, farmhouse kitchen look, whether your style is more traditional, transitional or modern:

Traditional: Make your home feel like it’s straight out of the 19th century English countryside by pairing vintage ornamentation with elaborate details. For example, Shaws Original Lancaster Single Bowl Apron Front Fireclay Kitchen Sink is a classic apron-front sink handmade by master craftsmen designed to withstand heavy use - and it pairs perfectly with the Edwardian Bridge Kitchen Faucet from Perrin & Rowe. The faucet’s English Gold finish has a rich, luminous tone that evokes elegance and refined taste.

Transitional: This style perfectly balances modern aesthetic with classic details by bringing a new look to the original apron-front farmhouse sink and pairing it with a contemporary bridge faucet in either a silver or gold finish. Take inspiration from Shaws Classic Waterside Single Bowl Bowed Apron Front Fireclay Kitchen Sink and marry it with Perrin & Rowe’s Holborn U-Spout Bridge Kitchen Faucet.

Modern: Bring your farmhouse kitchen into the 21st century by blending traditional style with minimalist design. To create a truly contemporary look, take a refreshed farmhouse sink design like the Shaws Classic Shaker Modern Single Bowl Apron Front Fireclay Kitchen Sink and couple it with the industrial inspired Italian Kitchen Campo Pull-Down Faucet by ROHL. For a similar, chic look, you could also pair your Shaws sink with the Azure Kitchen Faucet by Riobel - its sleek yet simple design is modern simplicity at its best.

Adding colour: Once you’ve chosen your ideal fixtures, pair with an inviting colour palette on your cabinetry that will complement the tones of the faucet, countertop and of course, your style. For example, if your countertop has more saturated colour, try contrasting your cabinetry colour with cool tones. If your style is more modern, adding a bold colour palette to your cabinetry, like a darker blue or grey, will accentuate a white countertop.

If you cannot bear the thought of losing your pristine white cabinets, think about adding colour in other areas to make it uniquely yours. A coloured backsplash, accent wall or even coloured kitchen appliances are a perfect alternative.

Let there be light (and space): Whether you lean more traditional or modern, farmhouse kitchens tend to exude light. If you’re remodeling, adding a window to allow natural light in is an easy way to brighten the kitchen. If you don’t have that option, adding a pale-coloured backsplash with a gloss finish can help illuminate the space. Look to make the space feel larger by adding glass cabinet doors with interior lighting.

Finishing touches: To bring it together, add texture and embellishment to your kitchen with accessories. Rugs are a simple way to add texture and style to a refreshed kitchen. Upholstered chairs, whether for your island or kitchen table, can also add colour and style. Placemats, flower vases and colourful dinnerware provide additional personality.

If recent years are any indication, farmhouse kitchens are here to stay. While central elements like apron front sinks help to set the iconic farmhouse look, designers and homeowners are starting to view farmhouse kitchens through new lenses by mixing classic farmhouse elements with modern style accents and fixtures. For more farmhouse sink styles and inspiration, visit houseofrohl.com/shaws, and to view more handcrafted faucet collections of all styles, visit ROHL, Riobel and Perrin & Rowe.