If you’ve always wanted to design a rustic kitchen, start with the cabinets. There are so many approaches that you can take when it comes to rustic cabinetry, whether you prefer natural wood, painted cabinets, or a more modern look.
Below are 15 of our favorite rustic cabinets that are sure to inspire you no matter your style.
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01
of 15Rustic Sleek Kitchen Cabinets
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Enjoy the best of both worlds by fusing together painted cabinets along with natural wooden elements, like this beautiful rustic island, as seen in this spacious kitchen. The cabinets, while paired with sleek appliances, lean rustic in style due to their exposed hinges, evoking a handcrafted look.
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02
of 15Light Hues
Credit: @fitzgeraldlane / Instagram
Soft sage is a commonly used hue in farmhouse and rustic style spaces and is right at home in this kitchen that is rooted in neutrals. Light sage is an excellent way to experiment with a bit of color without going overboard with anything too bold.
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of 15Natural Wood Kitchen Cabinets
Credit: @burlapandbookpages / Instagram
Classic natural wood is always going to give you a welcoming, rustic feel. Opting for white walls allows the warm wood to really pop and command attention.
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04
of 15Country Charm
Credit: @ourlittlebluefarmhouse / Instagram
Add instant country charm to your kitchen by opting for a skirted cabinet or two. Show off your craft skills by using fabric remnants to sew a skirt of your own. For a matching look, make cafe curtains out of the same fabric, or go with a different print as seen here.
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05
of 15Rustic Kitchen Cabinets With Modern Mesh
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For a rustic look that leans modern, add mesh coverings to a few of your cabinets. This style is trending and is a great way to bring in metals (don’t be afraid to mix finishes) into your space.
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06
of 15Shabby Chic Rustic Kitchen Cabinets
Credit: @theolivebranchkitchens / Instagram
For some shabby chic flair, paint your cabinets a soft hue like this sweet blue that will add instant calm to your cooking space. Of course, you can choose to leave some natural wood details present for a bit of welcome contrast.
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07
of 15Upper Cabinet Alternative
Credit: @nanscottagevintage / Instagram
Shiplap cabinets paired with a natural wood countertop and a farmhouse sink add plenty of rustic touches to this kitchen. Take a cue from this space here and eliminate your upper cabinets in favor of open shelving, complete with a plate rack, which will add so much more character to your cooking space (and allow you to show off your favorite dishware).
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of 15White Rustic Kitchen Cabinets
Credit: @cosylittlehaven / Instagram
Can’t paint your cabinets? Don’t worry, white cabinets–like these beadboard-style ones—will shine on their own, and you can always transform the walls around them to add a little color. A soft shade of green like this one is sure to brighten up your kitchen while bringing the outside into your rustic space.
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09
of 15Rustic Wooden Kitchen Cabinets
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Enjoy a matching moment by using the same type of wood you selected for your cabinetry on the range hood. This approach helps to tie the kitchen together nicely and makes the oven area a true focal point.
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10
of 15Varying Tones
Credit: Design by Kara Childress / Photo by Stephen Karlisch
While matching is a favorite approach for some, note that you can definitely vary the wood tones you use in your rustic kitchen. Here, lighter color cabinetry is paired with an island in a darker finish.
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of 15Rustic and Elegant Kitchen Cabinets
Credit: Design by Lucas Eilers / Photo by Stephen Karlisch
Pairing natural wood grain with marble countertops allows you to fuse together rustic and elegant elements within the same space, creating the best of both worlds.
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12
of 15Clever Alterations
Credit: Design by Kara Childress / Photo by Stephen Karlisch
If you can’t alter your modern cabinetry, bring a rustic look into your kitchen in other clever ways. Add a wood-paneled door like this one, hang wooden open shelving, and add a wooden rolling island to make a builder-grade kitchen your own.
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13
of 15Wood and White Rustic Kitchen Cabinets
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Do you feel like you can’t decide between white cabinets and wooden ones? Take a cue from this kitchen that features elements of both—plain white cabinetry paired with a few sections of wooden open shelving. Implementing open shelving into the mix prevents the presence of upper cabinetry from making this kitchen appear too heavy, too.
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14
of 15Moody Black Rustic Kitchen Cabinets
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Black cabinets can look chic in rustic kitchens, too, there’s no need to solely stick to wood or opt for a light paint color. Black adds a moody, weathered touch to this space, while the addition of brass handles modernizes the room.
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15
of 15Architectural Impact
Credit: Design by Jessica Nelson / Photo by Carina Skrobecki Photography
If you have a dramatic stone backsplash like this one, stick with solely lower cabinets in order to let this architectural detail shine.
