I've always dreamed of having a big open farmhouse kitchen, with a giant galvanized sink and butcher block as far as the eye can see. But since it looks as if we won't be moving to a farmhouse anytime soon, I've been contemplating simple ways to bring farmhouse style into the average home kitchen.

Try these relatively easy ways to incorporate the details of farmhouse style in your own kitchen at home:

• Use mason jars. Mason jars are inexpensive and pretty; use them as drinking glasses, as vases, as candle holders, or even as light fixtures. Or try this DIY and make a mason jar soap dispenser! The possibilities are endless.

• Consider a farmhouse sink. Deep, wide farmhouse sinks are as practical as they are attractive, with lots of room for washing large pots and pans.

• Vintage pots and pans. Stock up on vintage pots and pans at flea markets and hang them on an iron rack. Pots too beat up to use can be purely decorative, but durable materials like copper and cast-iron should still be functional, even if the pots are old.

• Vintage (or vintage-style) appliances. Vintage stoves are often available on craigslist; just be sure to incorporate the cost of hiring a good repairman to give the stove a tune-up. For refrigerators, it's best to go with a new model that looks old (for efficiency's sake); check out some sources for retro-style fridges here.

• Consider salvaged hardware. Salvaged hardware can give a new kitchen that nice worn-in farmhouse look. If your style is super-eclectic, you might even try a mismatched set.

• Keep fresh flowers around. Nothing creates the relaxed, cheerful feel of a farmhouse kitchen more than a loose bunch of fresh flowers. Choose a simple container, like a galvanized steel pail or a watering can, to complete the look.

What are your favorite details in a farmhouse kitchen? Feel free to add your own ideas below!

(Images: Marie Claire Maison (1 and 2); Ideal Home; Elle Decor, via Urban Grace Interiors; My Home Ideas)

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