Outfitting a classic farmhouse can seem like a daunting task, but with some key design elements, you can create a warm, inviting space with rustic charm. Here are some tips for decorating and furnishing your classic farmhouse home.
Choose Natural Materials and Textures
Wood, stone, and brick are classic farmhouse materials that add organic texture. Whitewashed pine floors and reclaimed wood walls have a timeworn appeal. Area rugs in natural fibers like jute, wool, or cotton complement the look. Wrought iron, galvanized metal, and woven baskets incorporate metal and fiber textures.
Incorporate Vintage Finds
Vintage or antique furniture, lighting fixtures, and accessories are perfect for a farmhouse aesthetic. Check antique stores, flea markets, estate sales, or online auctions for unique secondhand finds. Distressed wood furniture, enamelware kitchen items, and repurposed industrial pieces add old-world charm.
Use a Neutral Color Palette
Stick to an understated neutral color scheme for your farmhouse. Whites, tans, greys, and blacks create a calming backdrop, while natural wood tones add warmth. Pops of red, green, blue, or yellow can accent the neutrals. Florals and gingham prints complement the color scheme.
Add Rustic Charm with Exposed Beams
Exposing the wood beams on ceilings and incorporating reclaimed wood adds rustic architectural detail. Whitewash or lightly stain the wood for a weathered look. Edison bulb hanging lights highlight the beams nicely.
Incorporate Farmhouse Fabrics and Patterns
Natural linen, cotton, wool, and burlap bring texture to upholstery and drapes. Incorporate classic patterns like buffalo check, stripes, plaids, and florals on pillows, rugs, curtains or upholstery. Handmade quilts and crocheted blankets make cozy, homemade accents.
Display Collections of Simple Decor
Collections of like items create simple farmhouse vignettes. Display pitchers, baskets, books, or plants together. Hang a grouping of vintage signs or framed botanical prints. Arrange white ironstone dishes or enamelware cups for open shelving.
Add Touches of Greenery and Florals
From fairy gardens to dried botanicals, plants are a farmhouse staple. Use galvanized buckets, watering cans, or pots for planters. Gather wildflowers or greenery in mason jars or bottles. Hang wreaths and swags on walls and doors. Place fresh flowers in enamelware or pitchers.
Use Rustic Woodsy Elements
Incorporating natural woodsy elements enhances the farmhouse style. Display stacked firewood with an axe and sled. Hang antlers or wood slices as wall decor. Place pinecones or acorns in bowls or jars. Use signs made from antique wood, metal, or chalkboard.
Accent with Farmhouse Lighting
Wrought iron, galvanized metal, and wood give lighting rustic style. Iron chandeliers, sconces, and pendants work well. For lamps, look for bases made from galvanized metal, wood, or glass. Use Edison bulbs, seeded glass, or burlap lampshades.
Select Durable Farmhouse Furniture
Look for furniture made from solid wood, metal, or woven natural fibers. Distressed woods like pine, oak, or acacia and metal finishes like wrought iron or galvanized steel are ideal farmhouse choices. Woven jute, rattan, or wicker add textures. Choose pieces with simple silhouettes and utilitarian designs.
With a neutral palette, natural textures, vintage finds, and rustic accents, you can design a cozy farmhouse interior. Keep the look relaxed and informal for casual living, focusing on durable furniture and timeless antique touches. Layer simple decor and plants to embrace the classic farmhouse allure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outfitting a Classic Farmhouse
What are some key elements to focus on when decorating a farmhouse?
Some key elements to focus on are:
- Natural materials like wood, stone, iron
- Neutral color palette with pops of color
- Vintage/antique furniture and decor
- Rustic accents like exposed beams and reclaimed wood
- Farmhouse fabrics like linen, cotton, wool
- Plants, flowers, greenery
- Collections of simple decor
- Rustic lighting fixtures
What are good places to look for vintage or antique farmhouse furniture and decor?
Great places to find vintage and antique farmhouse furnishings include:
- Flea markets
- Antique stores/malls
- Estate sales/auctions
- Architectural salvage companies
- Online sites like eBay, Etsy, Craigslist
- Local classified ads
What types of fabrics work well in a farmhouse?
Great farmhouse fabric choices include:
- Natural fibers like linen, cotton, wool, jute, burlap
- Classic patterns like buffalo check, plaids, stripes, florals
- Vintage quilt covers and handmade blankets
- Lace, crochet, knit textures
- Woven rugs and textiles
What are some ways to incorporate greenery into a farmhouse design?
Some ideas for bringing nature inside a farmhouse:
- Fresh cut flowers in enamelware vases or pitchers
- Potted plants in galvanized buckets, watering cans, ceramic pots
- Wreaths, swags, greenery hung on walls/doors
- Botanical art, prints framed on walls
- Pressed leaves/ferns in frames
- Houseplants in macrame or rattan hangers
Should furniture be distressed or worn looking for a farmhouse?
Farmhouse furniture does not need to be distressed, but many pieces work well with a slightly worn, vintage look. A new solid wood dining table can look great alongside an antique buffet. Mixing polished and intentionally distressed gives contrast.
Final Thoughts on Farmhouse Style
With some careful curating and vintage hunting, you can create a cozy farmhouse retreat filled with timeless character and charm. Focus on natural elements, relaxed fabrics, antique patina, and eclectic collections to craft your own unique farmhouse style. The furnishings may evolve over time, but with a neutral backdrop and a few key staples like an antique rug, reclaimed wood beam, or iron chandelier, you can maintain your classic farmhouse vibe for years to come.
