Joanna Gaines' kitchen is a masterclass in modern rustic design – 'it will be the most popular trend of 2025'

Joanna Gaines Gristmill kitchen is a sight to behold. The former 1800s flour mill, where Gaines' soon-to-air cooking show Magnolia Table is currently filmed is a modern rustic marvel.

In issue 19 of Magnolia Journal, Joanna Gaines explains why she fell in love with this space. 'Natural light poured in through the windows on the ground floor, and there was plenty of space to build out a large kitchen and island,' she noted. It felt authentic, lived-in, and wonderfully rustic.

Characterized by the warmth and beauty that natural materials bring to a space, rustic kitchens embody a pared-back look that celebrates the world of restoration and reclamation. It is a functional aesthetic, edging towards the industrial, but one that also retains the inherent warmth that comes from a traditional kitchen scheme.

A key tenet of modern rustic kitchen design according to Adrian Bergman, design manager at Plain English, is to ‘embrace the natural warmth and charm of architectural details in the kitchen, such as beams or stone walls, which have aged and weathered over the years.’

However, unlike Joanna Gaines, many homes aren’t lucky enough to have these details with which to ground their design. If this is the case, then instead ‘look to introduce elements such as timber cladding, reclaimed countertops and antique pieces of furniture,’ continues Adrian.

For Gaines, and many households around the world, the kitchen is a sacred place that unites everyone in the family. It should be a space that replicates the warmth, comfort and coziness of nature itself.

Drawing on the traditional look of a rural kitchen, a rustic or farmhouse-inspired space must be functional and versatile, while also setting the tone for the rest of the house.

‘Creating a modern rustic kitchen is not just about the look – it’s about the lived-in feel that it creates,’ explains Leisha Norman, designer at Harvey Jones. ‘One of the best ways to achieve rustic charm is to source items that have their own story: the marks of time, weathering or patina can’t be recreated from a mass-produced item bought in a shop.’

While embracing all the character, patina and riches that natural materials offer the kitchen, it is also important to consider sustainability. Opting for reclaimed pieces gives old, unloved items a new lease of life and will bring a unique personality to your space. This approach will also guide you towards a more relaxed, freestanding design, rather than built-in cabinetry, creating a more rustic look. Pair reclaimed furniture with a few industrial-inspired pieces.

The farmhouse table is the heart of the rustic kitchen – the spot around which family life revolves. Whether it is serving the role of a kitchen island or a dining table, it should be a solidly-made, wooden design, paired with wooden chairs or traditional bench-style kitchen seating. Avoid glass or metal designs, as these will feel more modern and will jar with the rest of the space.

When designing a kitchen with rustic qualities, it is vital that you retain the warmth of the space. Exposed stone walls and concrete countertops can lead to the kitchen feeling cold, so adding color is a great way to inject a burst of warmth. Pick a palette that evokes a late summer/fall garden and you won’t go far wrong. Warm yellows, burnt umbers and rich browns set against neutral walls will create a cozy atmosphere. One great way to add color is with dried flowers of gypsophila and wild garlic hung above the island.

Finally, embrace period features in your kitchen as a backdrop for your rustic design. Leaving wooden beams and flooring exposed will increase the character of your space. This scheme pairs simple storage with a reclaimed table and original stone fireplace for a vintage, always-been-here feel.

Always keep an eye out for beaten planks of wood, which can be used for shelving; old doors, which can be upcycled to create quirky pantry doors; metal hooks and brackets for hanging pots, pans, and utensils; old milk bottle carry baskets to store condiments by the stove; or a paint-splattered wooden ladder that can be made into a bookcase. If you’re lucky enough to find an old sideboard or dresser, snap it up and repurpose it for a key piece of oversized furniture.

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