13 Outrageous Chicken Coop Designs

This comprehensive guide offers an array of DIY chicken coop plans and ideas, catering to various skill levels and backyard aesthetics, for individuals interested in backyard chicken-keeping. The article emphasizes the importance of a well-built coop to ensure the safety and well-being of chickens, highlighting the economic and structural advantages of building a coop over purchasing pre-made kits. Lisa Steele, a fifth-generation chicken-keeper, host of APT’s CreateTV series "Welcome to My Farm," and creator of the FreshEggsDaily blog, serves as the expert consultant, offering insights and practical advice. She confirms that building a coop is generally cheaper and results in a sturdier structure compared to flimsy kits that may not adequately protect against predators. Steele stresses the critical need for predator-proofing, advising against chicken wire and advocating for ½-inch or ¼-inch welded wire for ventilation openings. She recommends using secure bolts instead of staples and employing carabiners, padlocks, or spring latches for doors and nesting box lids, likening the required security to "Fort Knox." The article features various coop designs, starting with Steele’s own journey from a DIY beginner coop to a professionally built one from Horizon Structures. She provides free plans for her initial New England Cape Coop, suitable for 5-6 hens, encouraging beginners with her personal success story. Additional plans include a pretty and simple 8'x12' farmhouse-style coop with an attached run, designed by antiques dealer Christi Wilson, offering easy cleaning and ample space for 6-9 chickens. Daniel McCurry of Father Nature Landscapes contributes a cottage-style coop featuring a metal roof and a large attached run, emphasizing seamless integration into the landscape with lush borders. Several large walk-in coop and run plans are presented, some available through Etsy or easycoops.com, which offer both free and premium versions with varying levels of detail and support. These larger coops, typically 20'x9' or 16'x8', are designed for 10-12 chickens and allow for customization in paint and styling to match existing home aesthetics. The guide also explores unique designs such as a quaint 4'x8' coop for small backyards, an elevated Daisy Coop that simplifies cleaning, and mobile chicken tractor plans for rotational grazing. Other notable mentions include plans for a garden chicken coop and mobile ark bundle, a white barn-style coop with detailed carpenter-created plans, and the Little Giant Coop plan from B. Home Designs, which includes a video tutorial for builders. The article proudly showcases "Country Living" magazine's 40th Anniversary Coop Plan, a charming 29 sq. ft. design with louvered gable vents and a hinged roof. Beyond plans, the article inspires creativity by featuring "dreamy DIY chicken coops," such as a childhood playhouse repurposed into a coop, an elegant English garden-inspired octagonal cage, and a chic black-and-white city-worthy coop that complements the owner's home exterior. #DIYChickenCoops #ChickenKeeping #BackyardFarming #PredatorProofing #Homesteading #OutdoorProjects #FarmhouseStyle #SustainableLiving

This article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting the best pre-built chicken coops, catering to various needs and flock sizes. It acknowledges the growing interest in backyard chicken keeping and the potential challenges of building a coop from scratch. The authors, Anna Mahan and Hannah Jones, conducted extensive research, consulted experts, and gathered insights from experienced chicken owners to compile a list of top recommendations. The guide features several distinct chicken coop options, each highlighted with pros and cons, materials, dimensions, and chicken capacity. The "Aivituvin Large Chicken Coop with Run" is identified as a top pick for 8-10 chickens, emphasizing its spacious run, waterproof PVC system, and multiple nesting boxes, despite its higher cost and assembly complexity. For those seeking mobility, the "Omlet Portable Chicken Coop With Run" is presented as an innovative choice for 2-4 chickens, lauded for its portability, waterproof design, and ease of cleaning, though it is also noted as expensive and potentially challenging to assemble. The "OverEZ Large Chicken Coop" is recommended for larger flocks of 10-15 chickens, valued for its robust construction, waterproof roof, and simple assembly, even without an included run. The article also covers budget-friendly options like the "Producer's Pride Sentinel Chicken Coop With Run" for 4-6 chickens, praised for its affordability and easy assembly. Further recommendations include the "Walk-In Chateau Chicken Coop" for 14 chickens, celebrated for its strong run material and spacious interior suitable for adults, despite concerns about paint durability and its higher price. For very large flocks, the "Producer's Pride Defender Extra-Large Chicken Coop" for 12-18 chickens is mentioned, appreciated for its easy assembly and full-sized run door, although it has drawbacks such as potential leaks and larger wire openings. The "Best Choice Products Wooden Chicken Coop" is highlighted as a highly-reviewed and affordable option for 3-5 chickens, recognized for its easy assembly but with caveats regarding softer wood and lightweight construction. Finally, the "Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Chicken Coop" is suggested for small flocks of 2-3 chickens in suburban areas, noted for its affordability and easy assembly, but lacking a built-in run and ventilation window. The article concludes by offering crucial considerations for purchasing a prefab chicken coop, including budget, location, size, capacity, durability, and security. It stresses the importance of adequate space per bird (3-4 square feet inside, 7-10 square feet in the run) to prevent stress and aggressive behavior. The choice between a coop with or without a run is discussed, along with the significance of predator-proofing through secure latches and small-holed hardware cloth. Material quality and weather resistance are also emphasized, as is the ease of cleanup and maintenance, recommending features like removable dropping trays and accessible nesting boxes. The overall message encourages buyers to carefully assess their needs and prioritize functionality to ensure a safe and healthy environment for their hens. #ChickenCoops #BackyardChickens #PoultryFarming #FarmLife #OutdoorLiving #HomeImprovement #PetCare #Gardening #SustainableLiving

This article explores various kitchen cabinet organization ideas, aiming to transform cluttered cooking areas into aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. The guide begins by emphasizing the kitchen's susceptibility to clutter, from seldom-used specialty ingredients to frequently restocked necessities. It suggests that achieving an organized kitchen can lead to a "color-coded reverie," citing examples like Siddharth Kasliwal's Indian farmhouse galley with brass urns and Andi Morse's chic hideaway coffee bar featuring decanted dry goods. Professional organizer Nancy Heller provides foundational advice: first, empty cabinets completely to sort and discard unnecessary items. She recommends storing less frequently used spices and ingredients in bins. For common items, Heller advises placing baking supplies and extra provisions on higher shelves to free up easy-to-reach spaces. Other recommended organizers include lazy Susans for oils and vinegars, and pocket organizers for cabinet doors, suitable for individual packets of soup or peanut butter. For visual appeal, Heller suggests organizing spices by color, or, for a more practical approach, grouping ingredients based on specific dishes or recipes. The article then details 13 distinct organization strategies, presenting them as "eye candy" to inspire readers to declutter and color-code their kitchen essentials. The first idea, "Behind Closed Doors," showcases Paul N. Brow’s concealed coffee bar, highlighting how appliances can be hidden behind cabinet doors to maintain a clean aesthetic while ensuring accessibility. The second, "Open Concept," features Angie Hranowsky's Maine vacation rental with open shelving displaying eclectic dishes, creating a laid-back and charming atmosphere without the need for constant cabinet opening and closing. "Transparent Design," championed by Andi Morse, advocates for transferring food items into clear, airtight containers to improve visibility, functionality, and freshness. The fourth tip, "The Tailored Touch," illustrates how Rachel Silva customized her cabinets to fit various brass canisters holding baking supplies, demonstrating an easy way to achieve custom storage without professional woodworking. "Sitting Pretty" describes a citrus-inspired plate rack in a Grecian kitchen, strategically placed near the sink for efficient drying and storage. "Tableware Zone" introduces the concept of freestanding cabinetry, like the Vitsoe drawers and shelving in Michelle R. Smith’s New Orleans home, offering accessible tableware storage that keeps family members out of the cook's way. "Grains Galore" emphasizes using identical glass jars for storing grains and legumes, as demonstrated by Cherie Tu, promoting clutter reduction, freshness, and an appealing visual uniformity. "Rolling Out the Appliances" highlights Davonport’s pull-out shelf, which allows easy access to hard-to-reach items and bulky appliances, optimizing countertop space. "Well Stocked" features IKEA’s 365+ airtight food containers as an affordable and versatile solution for storing various edibles, emphasizing their stackability, ease of cleaning, and durability. "Think Pink" illustrates a Parisian apartment with a grain collection arranged as artwork against warm-hued walls, suggesting that organization can also be a form of decorative expression, even if not perfectly color-coded. "Old-World Organization" shows brass urns in an Indian farmhouse kitchen, adding a luxurious, antiquated touch while storing grains. The twelfth idea, "Secret Caffeine Hub," reiterates the benefit of concealed coffee and microwave stations, also from Andi Morse, for maintaining a clean and clutter-free kitchen appearance. Finally, "Freestanding" explores the use of portable, freestanding cabinets, exemplified by Michael Bruno’s all-white kitchen, as a flexible storage alternative that utilizes unused space. #KitchenOrganization #CabinetStorage #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Decluttering #StorageSolutions #KitchenDesign #HomeImprovement #DIYHome

This blog post explores ten distinct farmhouse kitchen designs, offering inspiration for those looking to combine rustic charm with modern functionality. It emphasizes balancing traditional aesthetics with contemporary needs, such as efficient layouts, ample power outlets, and durable surfaces, as advised by interior designer Darren Palmer. The first example features a small yet stylish kitchen in Ballarat, Victoria, where pink hand-cut tiles and paint create a bright, inviting atmosphere. Under-bench curtains substitute cabinet fronts for a cozy feel, and brass taps are left to develop a natural patina. A servery window connects the kitchen to the garden, and the absence of a large refrigerator prioritizes bench space, ideal for a part-time home. The second kitchen showcases a classic navy and white color scheme in a renovated 1990s brick home in Canungra, Queensland. Owned by Hobbs Building & Interiors, Nikki and Luke Hobbs redesigned the kitchen around a freestanding Falcon oven, incorporating custom joinery painted in Dulux Submarine and Alabaster. Black and cream tiles, hand-sourced from Portugal, add a unique touch, complementing the timber gas strut windows. An entertainer’s dream kitchen is presented at Sinclairs of Berry, an Airbnb property. Designed for large gatherings, the kitchen features light colors with strong details. A focal point is the large oven with a chimney surround, complemented by a substantial central island made from a single piece of Smartstone, serving as both a workspace and an eating area. The space aims for functionality while maintaining a traditional farmhouse character. Jenny Paul's modern country kitchen in Milton, NSW, is part of an 1880s cottage renovation. The design, consulted with interior designer Christina Prescott, integrates a striking Dulux Mt Eden island bench and paler Dulux Wairakei cabinets. White Smartstone benchtops and handmade white tiles from Surface Gallery, paired with black stained stools and Gubi Ronde pendant lights, create a blend of traditional elegance and contemporary appeal. The kitchen overlooks a vegetable garden and chicken coop, emphasizing the country lifestyle. The fifth example highlights a rustic country kitchen in a Tudor-style home in Narbethong, Victoria, belonging to Bridget McIntyre. The original kitchen's red-brick hearth and tiled splashback were preserved, and a fresh coat of Porter’s Paints in Donkey Grey transformed the yellow pine cupboards and black hinges. The space is filled with collected treasures and centers around a Stanley wood-fire stove, used for cooking and heating, fostering a welcoming family hub. Rebecca and Ryan McDonald’s contemporary kitchen with a butler’s pantry, located near Goondiwindi, Queensland, was designed for a young family. It features a central island for seating, a servery window connecting to an enclosed verandah, and shaker-style cabinetry in Dulux Vivid White. A Quantum Quartz Statuario Six+ splashback adds elegance. The inclusion of an appliance tower, walk-in coldroom, and a butler’s pantry with open shelving ensures maximum functionality and organization, connecting seamlessly with dining and living areas. In Tasmania, Kerry and Alistair Houston’s colorful shaker kitchen at the Ship Inn features original stone walls and a sloped ceiling, preserving the historical feel. A skylight and bi-fold servery window enhance natural light and connection to the outdoors. The kitchen emphasizes a furniture-like appearance with integrated appliances and a Celery top pine island bench, complemented by joinery from Smithton Joinery and a Caesarstone benchtop. Leah Atkins and David Gleeson's salvaged style farmhouse kitchen draws inspiration from Scandinavian barn homes. David crafted concrete benchtops and cabinet fronts from salvaged Oregon timber, while Leah styled the space with indoor plants, enamel vessels, and wicker baskets. Industrial-style pendants and vertical joint boards from Easycraft contribute to a classic contemporary rustic aesthetic. Narelle and Andrew Glynn’s French-inspired country kitchen, dubbed 'The French House,' in Trentham, features a white, open-plan design with elegant details. Caesarstone benches, concrete pendant lights, and a salvaged copper rangehood are key elements. Hand-selected timber support beams add to the French provincial charm, showcasing a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Finally, interior designer Rachel Luchetti’s high-end country kitchen in her Noosa hinterland holiday home demonstrates budget-savvy design. Utilizing flatpack IKEA cabinetry, David, Rachel's husband, poured concrete benchtops, and a copper backsplash adds personality. A vintage timber island bench, sourced from second-hand shops, completes the custom, rustic look, proving that style can be achieved without excessive spending. #FarmhouseKitchens #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CountryStyle #KitchenInspiration #ModernFarmhouse #RusticKitchen #BudgetRenovation

Modern farmhouse kitchens have become a dominant design trend, widely recognized as a popular aesthetic. This style, characterized by elements like subway tile backsplashes and wrought-iron pendant lights, has achieved significant popularity, with the New York Times labeling it the 'millennial answer to the baby boomer McMansion.' RubyHome Luxury Real Estate's research further emphasizes its prevalence, noting over 4.8 million Instagram posts dedicated to the modern farmhouse trend. This widespread appeal suggests a sustained interest in rustic, warm, and inviting kitchen designs. The article highlights various interpretations of the modern farmhouse kitchen, moving beyond generic representations to showcase unique and characterful spaces. One example is the 'Upcycled Modern Farmhouse Kitchen' by designer Leanne Ford, who integrated traditional cabinets with a repurposed table serving as a cupboard front, illustrating an innovative approach to adding character. The 'High-Contrast Modern Farmhouse Kitchen' by Dani Michelle, inspired by Ford's work, employs a striking combination of white Caesarstone and leathered soapstone to create visual interest. These examples demonstrate how personal touches and material choices can define the modern farmhouse aesthetic. The 'British Modern Farmhouse Kitchen' exemplifies authenticity with DeVol’s designs, featuring furniture-like islands with open shelves and unique elements such as a copper countertop matching the vent hood. This approach emphasizes custom details and integrated functionality. The 'Mexican Modern Farmhouse Kitchen' in Alex Boudreau’s Todos Santos home incorporates concrete countertops and open shelving for vintage crockery, alongside a hidden rosa morada wood cupboard for discreet storage. This blend of practicality and aesthetic elements is crucial for a lived-in feel. Further variations include the 'Glam Modern Farmhouse Kitchen' in Virginia Smith and Patrick Robinson’s New York property, which combines a historic barn setting with contemporary elements like a chandelier and Zaha Hadid chairs. The 'Small Modern Farmhouse Kitchen' of Lisa Przystup and Jonathan showcases a minimalist design in their upstate home, where every item has its place and a brass sheet serves as a simple backsplash. These diverse examples illustrate the adaptability of the modern farmhouse style to different scales and personal preferences. The 'Open-Layout Modern Farmhouse Kitchen' in Kelsey Duda’s Michigan home uses limewash paint and a paneled white oak island from Wolf Wood Co. to add warmth and character to a newly built space. The 'Scrappy Modern Farmhouse Kitchen' by Maryline Damour emphasizes sustainability through the use of secondhand cabinetry from Big Reuse, reconfigured and painted in Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray. This demonstrates how resourcefulness can contribute to the aesthetic. The 'Rustic Modern Farmhouse Kitchen' by Jenni Kayne in her Lake Tahoe home features a painted brick backsplash and reclaimed lumber as cabinet fronts, adding texture and warmth. The 'Galley Modern Farmhouse Kitchen' designed by Emily Bowser maximizes narrow spaces with extensive wall storage, including a metal floating shelving unit and an industrial wine bottle rack. The 'Squared-Away Modern Farmhouse Kitchen' in Analisse Taft-Gersten’s home updates the traditional kitchen backsplash with extra-large handmade square tiles, offering a classic yet refreshed look. The 'Breezy Modern Farmhouse Kitchen' in Luke Havekes’s Montreal farmhouse incorporates raffia-wrapped lights, landscape paintings, and original terracotta floor tiles to create a coastal and inviting atmosphere. Finally, the 'Modern Farmhouse Kitchen That’s Actually Really Old' by Alastair Coomer and David Breen, housed in a 17th-century barn, showcases how original features like ceiling beams and brick can be integrated with a cohesive natural material palette to achieve a harmonious aesthetic blend. These diverse examples collectively highlight the versatility and enduring appeal of the modern farmhouse kitchen style, adapting to various contexts while maintaining its core characteristics of warmth, functionality, and rustic charm without becoming overtly kitschy. #ModernFarmhouse #KitchenDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #RusticKitchens #DesignInspiration #KitchenRenovation

The article compiles a list of 13 kitchen design trends that interior designers are ready to abandon, emphasizing a preference for timeless and unique aesthetics over fleeting fads. One significant trend designers are moving away from is the double island, which is perceived as impractical for most residential kitchens and can disrupt the flow of a space. Instead, designers advocate for a more functional and user-friendly single island layout. Another element falling out of favor is the over-island pendant light, often deemed too industrial or overwhelming. Designers now prefer more subtle lighting options such as monopoint lighting, petite flush mounts, or a single, thoughtfully chosen pendant. Pot fillers are also on the list of design elements designers wish to see retired. The primary reasons cited are their questionable utility in most residential settings, the added plumbing costs, and the inconvenience of still having to transport heavy pots of hot water to the sink for draining. Many designers report that pot fillers are rarely used, and they pose a potential risk for leaks and damage to the stove. Accent backsplashes, particularly those with strong patterns or murals behind the cooktop, are considered dated. Designers now recommend a continuous backsplash throughout the kitchen using a single tile or stone choice to create a more cohesive and enduring look. Touch-activated appliances, while technologically advanced, are also facing scrutiny. Designers express a preference for analog controls like physical knobs over touchscreens and electronic faucets, arguing that the former offer a more tactile and aesthetically pleasing experience. They suggest incorporating vintage or retro-inspired appliances to add character to the kitchen. Open shelving, despite its past popularity, is another trend that many designers are ready to ditch due to concerns about cleanliness, maintenance, and the accumulation of dust and grease. Keeping open shelves organized and clutter-free is a constant struggle for homeowners. Waterfall islands, characterized by countertops extending down the sides to the floor, have been popular since the 2010s but are now seen as a tired trend. Designers are looking for more innovative ways to use marble and stone in kitchen designs. Double-basin sinks are also losing their appeal, with designers arguing that they are visually busy and unnecessary, especially in kitchens with dishwashers. Single-basin sinks are favored for their simplicity and functionality. Glass arched hoods, once a symbol of modern design, are now considered outdated and capable of dating a kitchen by two decades. Designers advise against their use. Finally, the article touches on the overuse of all-brass finishes. While brass accents can be timeless, a kitchen fully adorned with brass hardware, plumbing, and light fixtures is seen as excessive and prone to quickly becoming tiresome. Designers recommend mixing finishes, such as polished nickel with brass pulls, and incorporating antique or vintage elements to create a more layered and curated look. Basic white ceramic subway tile, while classic, is also seen as a safe and uninspired choice. Designers encourage clients to experiment with colored grout or different materials like Thassos marble to add a unique touch. Dark-stained mahogany cabinetry is also on the outs, as it tends to make spaces feel smaller and less inviting; instead, designers suggest lighter, more interesting colors like green or soft cream. Built-in coffee machines are viewed as a high-investment commitment that limits flexibility, with designers preferring freestanding machines that allow homeowners to easily adapt to new technological advancements. #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecorating #KitchenRenovation #ApplianceTrends #TimelessDesign #KitchenFixtures #DesignerAdvice #HomeStyling