Like many things from the '90s, farm animal kitchens are back—and we're so here for it.
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Nothing says ‘90s decor like having images of a chicken, cow or duck—maybe all three?—displayed on something in the kitchen. Decades later, farm animal kitchens are enjoying a bit of a renaissance.
Whether you call it cottagecore, country chic, “grand millennial” or just plain nostalgia, barnyard-themed kitchen decor is back—and we’re here for it.
What is a farm animal kitchen?
A ’90s-style farm animal kitchen definitely falls into the “you’ll know it when you see it” category. Taylor Szostak, a San Diego–based staging expert, realtor and founder of San Diego Military Real Estate, says this of the aesthetic: “[It’s] not minimalist or modern; it is emotional. It’s a mix of ‘country kitchen’ with animals (cows, chickens, ducks) and objects that are also used in everyday life. The look is warm and a little kitsch.”
Or a lot of kitsch, and we mean that in the best of ways. Depending on the imagery, farm animal kitchens can lean more cute or more sophisticated. And beauty is completely in the eye of the beholder.
Why It’s Trending
So why is this particular trend making a comeback now? Aside from sheer nostalgia, it’s “a rejection of minimalism,” says Szostak. “The spaces are not intended to be perfect, but to be personal.”
If you’d like to bring the style back to your own kitchen and don’t know where to start, she recommends choosing one or two key pieces and mixing them with a neutral base, like white or wood. “Prioritize pieces with a careful design and remember that it is an accent first of all; don’t overdo it,” Szostak recommends.
Home chefs with a soft spot for this aesthetic might opt for animal-decorated cookware, dishes and utensils to add a touch of practicality to their farm flair. Here are some of our favorites to help transform your kitchen into farm-animal chic.
Psst! The porch goose trend is officially back, too.
Our Top Picks
Recipe Tin
Even in the digital age, where all the best recipes are available online, we love the old-school charm of handwritten recipe cards. This recipe tin, featuring a cow and some chickens, comes with 24 recipe cards (you can purchase more separately) and 12 dividers to organize recipes, including sauces, meats, entrees and beverages.
Cow Salt and Pepper Shakers
Even if you prefer a salt mill and pepper grinder, you’ve got to admit this set of cow salt and pepper shakers is one of the most darling things you’ll see on our list. Store the duo in a wooden basket complete with paper shreds for a rustic look you’ll love to display in your kitchen. Farm to table indeed!
Barn Animal Lid Rests
You’ll never cook alone when you have this barnyard trio of lid rests around to help out. Slip one of these BPA-free silicone animals—a pig, sheep or chicken—over the rim of a pot or pan so you can vent the lid and prevent liquids from boiling over. You can even use one on a cup or mug to secure your tea bag. Adorable!
Stoneware Measuring Cups Set
We love it when kitchen decor doubles as something useful. This stack of teal stoneware measuring cups—it comes with a 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup and a cup—features images of a cow, pig, chicken and bee. When stacked, they look like an adorable milk jug that you won’t mind keeping in the corner of your counter, plus it’s all dishwasher and microwave-safe.
Stoneware Sugar Bowl & Creamer Set
A cow-shaped creamer is on the nose for farm animal kitchen decor in the cutest way possible. This adorable Agatha stoneware set from The Pioneer Woman pairs it with a bird-topped sugar bowl. The duo comes in blue, green or brown to fit a variety of kitchen palettes.
Chicken-Shaped Mesh Basket
Chicken-themed decor often leans rustic, which is why we love the elevated look of this gold mesh basket. Whether you use it to hold eggs, fruit, snacks or even a stack of mail, it’s a solid addition to any farm-chic aesthetic.
Duck Trail Tea Towel
You can never have too many dish towels, especially when they come in fun farm animal prints like this tea towel, made from absorbent and quick-drying Geoweave. We’re smitten with the duck trail design, but it also comes printed with hens, too.
