Rustic Kitchen Lighting

In today's kitchen design, the "farmhouse" look is all the rage. Natural materials, fresh flowers, and bright colors are taking the place of ornate accents in many high-end homes; what better to complement the fresh look of farmhouse style than rustic kitchen lighting?

Rustic lighting is loosely defined, but these fixtures typically feature an antique or vintage feel. Look for distressed finishes and "open" designs that create an inviting glow. Want to capture the farmhouse look in your own home? Try these rustic kitchen lighting tips.

• "Farmhouse" Pendants: Often used as entry/foyer lights, these tend to feature an open cage design with a traditional candelabra base. A hot trend in kitchen design is using these pendants in lieu of the typical chandelier over a kitchen table or island. This creates an incredibly warm, inviting look!

• Rustic Chandeliers: Two alluring new trends in chandelier design are distressed or multi-toned finishes, and frames that resemble leather "strapping." These chandeliers are perfect for homeowners who want to achieve a charming, rustic look, while retaining a touch of tradition.

• Outdoor Lights, Inside. Today's outdoor wall lights are designed with a keen attention to detail – why not consider using them indoors? Try gas lantern-style outdoor wall lights in the kitchen to transform your space into a rustic paradise reminiscent of inviting Old World inns.

• Vintage-Style Mini Pendants: Mini Pendants may be one of the hottest trends in contemporary kitchen design, but they can certainly be used to create a rustic kitchen design! Look for styles with antique-inspired elements, like gas lantern "turnkey" accents, metal shades, and weathered finishes. Bronze and copper hues work particularly well.

Rustic kitchen lighting will help you create a timeless and welcoming look in your kitchen – one of the most important rooms in the home! To learn more about achieving a rustic look in your kitchen and shop the latest styles, check out our "Farmhouse Chic" store.