There is something charming about a farmhouse style interior. Classic, warm, cozy and comfortable, this decorating style is full of character. It is simple and organic and reminds you of a simpler time. It adds a sense of nostalgia, especially if you grew up visiting your grandparents who lived on a farm. It has a warmhearted vibe that makes anyone feel at home.
This style reflects the farm life – simple, casual, comfortable, natural, utilitarian and gives off country feels. This is an old style, but it’s getting popular again today probably because of a new-found enthusiasm of people for all things organic, vegan or farm-fresh. It’s perhaps the relaxed spirit and lack of pretension that makes it inviting and appealing.
Some people shy away from this style due to the assumption that it’s outdated. Yes, vintage elements are present in this style, but you can balance it with modern flair and a hint of minimalism to make it look more relevant.
Here are some of the design tips for you to achieve the farmhouse charm in your home:
1. Be practical
Originally, farmhouses were decorated with whatever was on hand, whatever seems practical. Practicality is an important factor in a farmhouse interior – nothing should be too delicate, too glamorous or too precious. Instead, you can go for handy, functional pieces that still maintains some sophistication and style.
A farmhouse style home must consist of heirlooms or hand-me-downs. If you don’t have these, you can find something from a local flea market. But don’t go overboard. For instance, you can combine old shaker cabinets with stainless steel appliances in a farmhouse kitchen.
Lastly, the function of the room should be the main focus. Let the furniture take center stage, more than any decorative elements.
2. Bring in wood
Organic and natural materials, especially wood, is a major component of the farmhouse style that makes it special and homey. Wood floors and furniture, whether painted or not, are important elements in this style. Wood must dominate the entire house in the form of wood panels, hardwood floors and even ceilings with exposed wooden beams.
3. Choose a neutral, organic palette.
Since the farmhouse style is simple and practical, the colors must reflect that too. White, beige and creams are the predominant colors in a farmhouse interior, which are paired with wooden elements and natural colors like sage greens and buttermilk yellows. Other earthy shades like grays, tans, and browns are used as accents. If you’re leaning in a modern farmhouse style, stick to a simple white to keep it fresh, clean and current; and just let the woods serve as additional colors.
4. Mix and match furniture.
Farmhouse interiors should look like they have evolved over time. Anything that is matchy-matchy is something to avoid. Your furniture must not look like they have been bought from the same store (even though you did). Pair vintage pieces like reupholstered chairs with a more modern-looking table.
Painted wood furniture is a classic farmhouse style element, especially those with weathered or distressed finishes. There is something about rough wood and peeling paint that does wonders in achieving the farmhouse look, but the piece must not be completely dilapidated. Also, keep these distressed items to a minimum – the point is to not keep all things too shiny and new. Add some pieces that have, or just look like, they had some history.
Farmhouse designs traditionally relied on simple wooden furniture, which is then infused with layers of comfort like plush couches, cushioned bar stools, comfy accent chairs and layers of blankets and pillows. Mix old and new, high and low for a vibrant farmhouse interior that has a relaxed style and low-key luxury.
5. Use open shelves and cabinets with glass panels
Farmhouse interiors always have large open shelves and cabinets with glass doors framed in wood. The open shelves go hand-in-hand with showcasing your collections. The open shelving brings a farmhouse look, adding character to the wall and allowing you to switch between decorations easily.
6. Utilize cozy fabrics and natural fabrics
One element that adds a farmhouse flair is the use of cozy and natural fabrics. Cotton is the most preferred fabric of choice, but fabrics like linen, burlap, and ticking are also common. Vintage textiles like quilts, grain sacks, hemp, and tea towels are also present in a farmhouse space.
As a rule, the fabrics must add a sense of softness or a much-needed color. When choosing fabrics with patterns, prefer simple stripes and checkered patterns for a casual look.
7. Adapt classic farmhouse elements
There are just some specific items that automatically gives off that farmhouse feel. Here are some elements you can adapt to achieve the look:
- Beadboard – Planked walls are common in farmhouse homes. It adds a clean and simple charm on any area. Use it on your walls, stairway, ceiling or kitchen backsplash.
- Barn board – Using reclaimed barn board is a good way to add some country character and history to a home. It can be used in a floor, accent wall, furniture, shelving and many more.
- Exposed wood beams – Like the barn board, exposed wood beams is a natural element that adds charm, character and architectural detail to your home. Remember, wood is a must-have in a farmhouse interior, so embrace them.
- Slipcovers – Seating for farmhouse interiors are casual and practical, and slipcovers add a relaxed feel to a room. The advantage of having slipcovers is that you can easily take them off and wash them whenever you need to.
- Butcher block – Butcher block countertops are great for farmhouse kitchens because they add that warm, rustic feel. If a butcher block countertop doesn’t feel practical, just use it for your kitchen island.
- Apron sinks – The apron sink is a no-brainer for farmhouse kitchens. Actually, apron sinks are sometimes referred to as farmhouse sinks, because that’s how fitting they are for each other. Mix them with shaker-style kitchen cabinets and a farmhouse look is guaranteed.
- Wicker and rattan – A little wicker and rattan can help create a farmhouse feel since they are made of woven, handmade, natural materials. Think about rattan baskets or wicker chairs.
- Signage – Vintage-inspired signage add country charm and character to your farmhouse space.
- Vintage or vintage-inspired accessories – Accessories like a vintage chest, vintage lamp, mason jars, ironstone, baskets, enamelware, wood bowls, china, and old silver pieces add character to your home.
It’s easy for farmhouse styles to look like country kitsch. To prevent this from happening, avoid overdoing vintage accessories and stay away from items like fruit wallpapers, barnyard animal motifs, and sunflower paintings.
8. Use industrial-style accents.
When adding lights or fixtures like faucets, choose something with an industrial-inspired design. It’s fitting for a farmhouse interior since industrial pieces are commonly based on farming machinery, and they also happen to be popular these days. Keep an eye out for weathered faucets, oversized pendant lights, iron-inspired light fixtures, galvanized buckets for storage, wooden mantles, rustic sconces and the like.