Farmhouse style decor is all about creating a cozy, comfortable home environment no matter where you live. The key elements of farmhouse style – natural materials, vintage touches, and rustic simplicity – can be incorporated into any space to give it that welcoming farmhouse vibe. Here are 9 tips for bringing farmhouse comfort to your home, apartment, or office.
Use Natural Textures and Materials
Incorporating natural textures and materials is key to creating an authentic farmhouse look. Try using:
- Wood furniture – Pick unfinished, distressed or whitewashed wood pieces. Farmhouse tables, bed frames, chests etc. add rustic flair.
- Jute, sisal, or braided rugs – Natural fiber rugs work for any room. Layer them on top of carpets or hardwood floors.
- Linens and cottons – Choose bedding, curtains, upholstery in linen, cotton or other natural fibers rather than synthetics.
- Rattan and wicker baskets – Inexpensive and chic for storage. Perfect for toys, blankets, mail.
- Galvanized metal – Vintage galvanized buckets, tin cans, watering cans. Great for holding utensils on kitchen counters.
Mixing the textures of wood, rattan, linen etc. brings that cozy farmhouse feel to any space.
Display Vintage Finds
Old and antique pieces add character and charm to farmhouse decor. Look for:
- Old crates and boxes to use as holders for towels, toys, paperwork.
- Vintage signs to hang on walls. Look for antique advertisements, posters, metal signs.
- Milk cans, buckets, watering cans to use as planters or utility holders.
- Old farm tools like pitchforks, rakes, and shovels as wall decor.
- Cast iron skillets, enamelware pots and pans for the kitchen.
- Old windows and doors to upcycle into mirrors, picture frames, or room dividers.
Finding vintage treasures at flea markets, antique shops, or your grandparents’ attic helps create authentic farmhouse style on a budget.
Use Warm, Earthy Colors
Warm, earthy hues are the hallmark of classic farmhouse style. Incorporate these colors in your decor:
- Neutrals like white, beige, tan and grey make great wall colors. They provide a light, airy backdrop.
- Soft greens like sage work well for accent walls or farmhouse kitchen cabinets.
- Wood brown hues on furniture, floors and decorative accents add natural warmth.
- Red, especially brick red, adds a cozy farmhouse accent as pillows, rugs, curtains or kitchen accessories.
- Black for contrast – try blackened wood finishes, black farmhouse sinks, black window frames etc.
Layer neutral walls and floors with earthy accent colors to get that welcoming farmhouse palette.
Add Flowery Accents
What’s a farmhouse without florals and blooms? Use floral accents in these ways:
- Artwork and wall prints featuring floral images, botanical drawings, or lettering.
- Upholstery and curtains with big floral prints or patterns.
- Real or faux plants – succulents, vine plants, herb gardens, wildflowers in mason jars.
- Table linens, kitchen towels, and aprons with flower embroidery or prints.
- Floral cushion covers, quilts, ceramic pieces, candles etc. as decor items.
Floral accents add to the fresh, countryside appeal of farmhouse decor. Don’t be afraid to go big and bold with the prints and colors.
Create Cozy Seating Areas
Comfort is key in a farmhouse. Create inviting nooks for curling up with coffee or a book:
- Arrange plush sofas or overstuffed armchairs by the fireplace. Layer with quilts and pillows.
- Set up a window seat with cushions and bolster pillows. Add a side table for snacks and books.
- Make a cozy reading nook in the bedroom with a cushioned chair or chaise.
- On porches and patios, use vintage rocking chairs, wicker furniture with weatherproof cushions.
- Add ottomans and benches as pull-up seating next to chairs and sofas. Layer with blankets.
Seating should be sink-into soft. Place chairs and sofas in pairs or conversational groupings to maximize coziness.
Incorporate Farmhouse Fabrics
Certain fabrics immediately evoke that farmhouse charm. Consider:
- Cotton quilts in patchwork, floral or geometric patterns for beds and seating areas.
- Gingham and plaid in tablecloths, curtains, pillows – classic farmhouse patterns.
- Burlap and ticking stripe as upholstery or accent pillows.
- Linen and voile curtains. Airy and lightweight.
- Table runners, placemats, aprons in cherry print and red gingham.
- Crocheted and knitted blankets add color and handcrafted texture.
Mixing and matching traditional farmhouse fabrics creates a snuggly, timeworn look.
Display Family Photos
Family photos in vintage frames add nostalgic farmhouse style. Here’s how to display them:
- Cover a wall in a stairway or hallway with framed photos of all sizes.
- Arrange framed snapshots on console tables, bookshelves, sideboards and mantels.
- Use clothespins to hang photos on string across a wall. Instant photo wall.
- Fill up a window box or vintage crate with framed photos.
- Use old windows and mirrors as frames. Hang on the wall or prop against furniture.
Grouping treasured family photos creates that cozy, personalized farmhouse vibe.
Add Farmhouse Touches to Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of a farmhouse. Incorporate these details:
- Open shelving with ceramic plates and mugs on display.
- A big farmhouse sink and vintage looking faucet. Add a drying rack.
- Cafe curtains in gingham or floral print.
- Wooden cutting boards, rolling pins, utensil crocks on the counter.
- Baskets of onions and garlic, jars of pasta.
- A chalkboard wall or rail for notes, with vintage kitchen tools as decor.
- Glass front cabinets to showcase dinnerware collections.
Farmhouse kitchens are all about a lived-in, productive feel. Keep surfaces cluttered with charming kitchenware.
Create a Cozy Farmhouse Bedroom
Make your bedroom a restful farmhouse retreat with these ideas:
- A wood or metal bed frame, dressed with plenty of pillows and a quilt.
- Soft cotton or linen bedding. Mix in some knitted blankets.
- Lace curtains. Add wood blinds for light control.
- Nightstands that flank the bed, with lamps and books.
- An upholstered bench or chair, to take off shoes or sit while dressing.
- Woven laundry baskets and wall hooks for towels.
- Family photos and artwork on the walls.
Keep bedding light and natural. Add layers of fabric and texture for that cozy charm.
With a little creativity, any space can reflect the comforts of farmhouse style. Focus on natural elements, vintage charm, coziness and family. The farmhouse look is all about turning houses into homes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creating Farmhouse Style
How do you decorate a small space farmhouse style?
Here are some tips for small spaces:
- Stick to light colors like white, tan, or light grey to keep things visually open.
- Look for furniture with legs or in slighter scaled down sizes. This creates the illusion of more space.
- Use multifunctional furniture like storage ottomans, benches with built-in shelves, fold-out desk areas.
- Skip clutter and only keep essential decor items. A few strategically placed accents go a long way.
- Maximize windows and light. Add sheer curtains. Use mirrors to add depth.
- Create defined spaces with area rugs. Use room dividers or curtains to delineate spaces.
- Add farmhouse style with touches like greenery, florals, wicker baskets, framed photos, and cozy linens.
Should my first farmhouse purchase be a sofa or a dining table?
This depends on your needs, but here are some things to consider:
- A dining table can really anchor a farmhouse space. It’s often the hub of family meals and gatherings.
- However, a sofa is great for creating a cozy living room. It may get more everyday use than a dining table.
- If your space is tight, a versatile trestle dining table can double as a work desk area.
- A statement sofa in a printed fabric does more for overall style than a simple dining table.
- Dining tables take up more square footage. Make sure you have room before purchasing.
- Do you need seating for family and friends? A dining table may take priority.
Evaluate how you want to use the space. Both sofas and dining tables add farmhouse style, so you can opt for whichever fits your needs best!
How do I choose farmhouse wall decor?
Here are some tips for choosing farmhouse wall decor:
- Vintage signs, mirrors, windows and family photos for that rustic, nostalgic vibe
- Prints and framed art featuring flowers, botanicals, animals, landscapes
- Display collections like framed insects, butterflies, seed packets, etc.
- Woven wall hangings, macrame, wreaths and dried botanical arrangements
- Signs and artwork in black and white for graphic impact
- Neutral toned frames and mats to blend with your color scheme
- Mix framed pieces with three-dimensional wall items like shelves
- Choose a variety of sizes and shapes to create an eclectic gallery wall
- Stick to neutrals and earth tones that enhance your farmhouse palette
The key is to choose wall decor the evokes nature, nostalgia, and farm life. Mix modern prints with antique finds to get that perfect farmhouse wall display.
Conclusion
With some simple changes, any home can take on a cozy farmhouse feel. Focus on using natural materials like wood and cotton, adding vintage elements, and creating a welcoming palette of whites, greens and reds. Farmhouse style is about cherished objects, family memories, and timeless comfort. Little touches like floral accents, farmhouse fabrics, antiques and family photos go a long way in making a house feel like home. The farmhouse look brings warmth, simplicity and rustic beauty to any space.
9 Ways to Create Comforting Farmhouse Style Anywhere
Farmhouse style decor is all about creating a cozy, comfortable home environment no matter where you live. The key elements of farmhouse style – natural materials, vintage touches, and rustic simplicity – can be incorporated into any space to give it that welcoming farmhouse vibe. Here are 9 tips for bringing farmhouse comfort to your home, apartment, or office.
Use Natural Textures and Materials
Incorporating natural textures and materials is key to creating an authentic farmhouse look. Try using:
- Wood furniture – Pick unfinished, distressed or whitewashed wood pieces. Farmhouse tables, bed frames, chests etc. add rustic flair.
- Jute, sisal, or braided rugs – Natural fiber rugs work for any room. Layer them on top of carpets or hardwood floors.
- Linens and cottons – Choose bedding, curtains, upholstery in linen, cotton or other natural fibers rather than synthetics.
- Rattan and wicker baskets – Inexpensive and chic for storage. Perfect for toys, blankets, mail.
- Galvanized metal – Vintage galvanized buckets, tin cans, watering cans. Great for holding utensils on kitchen counters.
Mixing the textures of wood, rattan, linen etc. brings that cozy farmhouse feel to any space.
Display Vintage Finds
Old and antique pieces add character and charm to farmhouse decor. Look for:
- Old crates and boxes to use as holders for towels, toys, paperwork.
- Vintage signs to hang on walls. Look for antique advertisements, posters, metal signs.
- Milk cans, buckets, watering cans to use as planters or utility holders.
- Old farm tools like pitchforks, rakes, and shovels as wall decor.
- Cast iron skillets, enamelware pots and pans for the kitchen.
- Old windows and doors to upcycle into mirrors, picture frames, or room dividers.
Finding vintage treasures at flea markets, antique shops, or your grandparents’ attic helps create authentic farmhouse style on a budget.
Use Warm, Earthy Colors
Warm, earthy hues are the hallmark of classic farmhouse style. Incorporate these colors in your decor:
- Neutrals like white, beige, tan and grey make great wall colors. They provide a light, airy backdrop.
- Soft greens like sage work well for accent walls or farmhouse kitchen cabinets.
- Wood brown hues on furniture, floors and decorative accents add natural warmth.
- Red, especially brick red, adds a cozy farmhouse accent as pillows, rugs, curtains or kitchen accessories.
- Black for contrast – try blackened wood finishes, black farmhouse sinks, black window frames etc.
Layer neutral walls and floors with earthy accent colors to get that welcoming farmhouse palette.
Add Flowery Accents
What’s a farmhouse without florals and blooms? Use floral accents in these ways:
- Artwork and wall prints featuring floral images, botanical drawings, or lettering.
- Upholstery and curtains with big floral prints or patterns.
- Real or faux plants – succulents, vine plants, herb gardens, wildflowers in mason jars.
- Table linens, kitchen towels, and aprons with flower embroidery or prints.
- Floral cushion covers, quilts, ceramic pieces, candles etc. as decor items.
Floral accents add to the fresh, countryside appeal of farmhouse decor. Don’t be afraid to go big and bold with the prints and colors.
Create Cozy Seating Areas
Comfort is key in a farmhouse. Create inviting nooks for curling up with coffee or a book:
- Arrange plush sofas or overstuffed armchairs by the fireplace. Layer with quilts and pillows.
- Set up a window seat with cushions and bolster pillows. Add a side table for snacks and books.
- Make a cozy reading nook in the bedroom with a cushioned chair or chaise.
- On porches and patios, use vintage rocking chairs, wicker furniture with weatherproof cushions.
- Add ottomans and benches as pull-up seating next to chairs and sofas. Layer with blankets.
Seating should be sink-into soft. Place chairs and sofas in pairs or conversational groupings to maximize coziness.
Incorporate Farmhouse Fabrics
Certain fabrics immediately evoke that farmhouse charm. Consider:
- Cotton quilts in patchwork, floral or geometric patterns for beds and seating areas.
- Gingham and plaid in tablecloths, curtains, pillows – classic farmhouse patterns.
- Burlap and ticking stripe as upholstery or accent pillows.
- Linen and voile curtains. Airy and lightweight.
- Table runners, placemats, aprons in cherry print and red gingham.
- Crocheted and knitted blankets add color and handcrafted texture.
Mixing and matching traditional farmhouse fabrics creates a snuggly, timeworn look.
Display Family Photos
Family photos in vintage frames add nostalgic farmhouse style. Here’s how to display them:
- Cover a wall in a stairway or hallway with framed photos of all sizes.
- Arrange framed snapshots on console tables, bookshelves, sideboards and mantels.
- Use clothespins to hang photos on string across a wall. Instant photo wall.
- Fill up a window box or vintage crate with framed photos.
- Use old windows and mirrors as frames. Hang on the wall or prop against furniture.
Grouping treasured family photos creates that cozy, personalized farmhouse vibe.
Add Farmhouse Touches to Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of a farmhouse. Incorporate these details:
- Open shelving with ceramic plates and mugs on display.
- A big farmhouse sink and vintage looking faucet. Add a drying rack.
- Cafe curtains in gingham or floral print.
- Wooden cutting boards, rolling pins, utensil crocks on the counter.
- Baskets of onions and garlic, jars of pasta.
- A chalkboard wall or rail for notes, with vintage kitchen tools as decor.
- Glass front cabinets to showcase dinnerware collections.
Farmhouse kitchens are all about a lived-in, productive feel. Keep surfaces cluttered with charming kitchenware.
Create a Cozy Farmhouse Bedroom
Make your bedroom a restful farmhouse retreat with these ideas:
- A wood or metal bed frame, dressed with plenty of pillows and a quilt.
- Soft cotton or linen bedding. Mix in some knitted blankets.
- Lace curtains. Add wood blinds for light control.
- Nightstands that flank the bed, with lamps and books.
- An upholstered bench or chair, to take off shoes or sit while dressing.
- Woven laundry baskets and wall hooks for towels.
- Family photos and artwork on the walls.
Keep bedding light and natural. Add layers of fabric