Decor Inspirations: Farmhouse
My significant other grew up spending his summers on a farm. He loves the feeling of being out in the prairies in Saskatchewan, on the farm with his family. We’re moving in together so the plan was to find a way to combine my love of Bali decor, and his love of farmhouse decor (along with all 27 of our plants) to find a happy medium.
We decided that we needed to create new pieces together that had the farmhouse look and feel, but was also durable and functional for our busy lives. We came up with some inspiration and put together a few new projects to start off with.
I have always loved the distressed white wash wood that reminds me of Bali beaches, but in a clean, easy to incorporate kind of way. I love the idea of clean white furniture and black accents as well as distressed natural woods that look like they’ve stood the test of time on a farm.
Here are a few inspirations that we’ve put together that embody the farmhouse look:
Here are 10 ways that you can incorporate Farmhouse style into your home:
1. Start with a Neutral Color Palette
Farmhouse style often embraces soft, neutral colors like whites, creams, grays, and beiges. These hues provide a clean and calming backdrop, allowing the natural textures and vintage elements to shine. To add colour and depth, incorporate subtle pops of color through accessories like pillows, rugs, or wall art in muted tones such as sage green, dusty blue, or mustard yellow.
2. Embrace Natural Materials
One of the hallmarks of farmhouse design is the use of natural materials. Incorporate wood, stone, and metal to bring an organic feel to your space. Consider exposed wood beams, reclaimed wood furniture, or stone accents to anchor the look. For smaller touches, opt for woven baskets, rattan furniture, and jute rugs. You can do this yourself by adding a whitewash finish to furniture, or sourcing old farm boards from a local farm.
3. Choose Vintage or Antique-Inspired Pieces
Farmhouse style often evokes a sense of nostalgia. Incorporate vintage or antique-inspired furniture and decor, such as weathered tables, distressed cabinets, or industrial-style light fixtures. If you love thrifting, look for unique pieces with character, like an old barn door to repurpose as a headboard or a vintage ladder to use as a decorative shelf. I went out and found old pane-less windows from a dairy farm and added them as white decor to the smaller spaces.
4. Mix Old and New
A key to achieving farmhouse style is blending old-world charm with modern conveniences. Pair vintage furniture with sleek, modern accents, such as a clean-lined sofa or minimalist artwork. This mix prevents the space from feeling outdated and keeps it functional and fresh. Cottage-core is popular nowadays but it can start to feel very out of place if you live in a modern neighbourhood. Just my thoughts!
5. Incorporate Shiplap and Board-and-Batten Walls
No farmhouse-inspired home would be complete without some classic wall treatments. Shiplap walls, made famous by TV design shows, add texture and dimension. Alternatively, board-and-batten detailing can give your walls a clean yet rustic feel. This can be expensive, especially with the cost of wood these days, so doing your bathroom in shiplap can be a less expensive way to try this trend,
6. Opt for Farmhouse-Style Lighting
Lighting can significantly influence the mood of a room. Farmhouse-style lighting fixtures often feature industrial or vintage elements. Look for wrought iron chandeliers, mason jar pendants, or lantern-style sconces to enhance the rustic vibe. Soft, warm lighting further amplifies the cozy atmosphere, no bright white lights here!
7. Layer Textures for Comfort
Farmhouse style is all about comfort. Layer different textures to make your space feel lived-in and inviting. Add cozy throws and pillows in natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool. Use textured curtains and plush area rugs to soften hard surfaces and create a cozy retreat. Keep a blanket basket, in woven natural material if you can, and layer blankets in the basket and on the couch.
8. Incorporate Functional Decor
Farmhouse style thrives on practicality. Decorate with functional items like wooden crates, wire baskets, or vintage canisters for storage. A large farmhouse table can serve as both a dining and gathering space, while a weathered bench adds charm and utility to an entryway. There are fun DIY’s to do this yourself if you can find a new piece of wood for a natural looking bench (don’t forget the stain to bring out the imperfections though!), or planks for a large farmhouse table.
9. Bring in Greenery
Adding plants or fresh flowers is an easy way to breathe life into your farmhouse design. Opt for low-maintenance greenery like eucalyptus, ferns, or succulents. For a more traditional touch, consider potted herbs or a vase filled with wildflowers.
10. Personalize Your Space
Finally, make the space your own by adding personal touches. Hang family photos in rustic frames, display vintage dishes or collectibles, and use handmade or DIY decor. Garage sales are great places to find some of these trinkets, and try and get out of the city to find these so they’re from the source rather than from HomeSense.
Do any of these inspire you? Let me know in the comments below if you are looking at adding a bit of Farmhouse decor to your space!
Love, E