25 Farmhouse Decorating Ideas for Every Room
By Interior Designer TRACY SVENDSEN | Published on December 11, 2015 | Updated on May 30, 2024 |
Do you want to add some warmth and charm to your living space? Look no further than the following farmhouse decorating ideas! Farmhouse style is a rustic and cozy aesthetic that has been gaining popularity in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why.
With its focus on natural materials, vintage finds, and simple yet stylish accents, farmhouse design offers a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. In this article, we’ll explore some easy and creative ways to incorporate farmhouse decor into your home, whether starting from scratch or adding some rustic touches to your existing decor.
There are many reasons why people choose to decorate in a farmhouse style. One of the main reasons is that it creates a cozy and inviting home that is perfect for entertaining and relaxing. Natural materials such as wood, stone, and metal give the space a warm and welcoming rustic feel.
Additionally, the farmhouse style emphasizes simplicity and practicality, making a home feel more comfortable and functional. Whether you prefer a more traditional or modern farmhouse look, there are endless possibilities for customization.
Farmhouse design typically incorporates neutral color palettes such as white, beige, and gray, with pops of color provided by accent pieces such as throw pillows or artwork. This style is known for its simplicity and practicality, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more relaxed and comfortable living space. Feature image courtesy of Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors
Spacious Modern Ranch by A la Maison | Farmhouse Decorating Ideas
Image courtesy of la Maison Home and Lifestyle
What is Farmhouse Design?
Farmhouse is a style of interior design inspired by the rustic and charming aesthetic of farmhouses and rural homes. A focus on natural materials, vintage finds, and simple yet stylish accents characterizes it.
The farmhouse aesthetic is warm, inviting, and cozy, often incorporating elements like distressed wood, vintage metal, and neutral colors. Farmhouse design is all about simplicity and keeping things organic.
Regardless of location, almost any home can embrace the farmhouse vibe. The finer details matter with this approach, and it works best when elements incorporated portray a rustic, minimal, and cozy feel.
Old is gold, and keeping things as authentic as possible is ideal. Think exposed wooden beams overhead, floral curtains, subtle rustic decor, salvaged goods, and implementing raw and organic materials in the foundation.
Here are a few of the key elements of farmhouse design:
Modern Farmhouse Kitchen
Image courtesy of Jodie Fleming Design
1. A Neutral Palette
There’s a good reason many interior designers choose a neutral color palette for the walls: it provides the perfect backdrop for textural elements and allows the lines of the furniture and the room’s architecture to stand out.
Whether warm or cool neutrals, the room appears open and fresh. A blend of comfortable neutrals makes for a classic base that amplifies light. Layer up varying shades of whites, beiges, creams, and grays to create a sophisticated and contemporary feel. Use textiles and plants to bring in accents of bright green, navy or cornflower blue, and lavender, but do so sparingly to maintain the soft overall look.
Modern Farmhouse Living Room Designed by Celtic Homes | Farmhouse Decorating Ideas
Image courtesy of Celtic Custom Homes
2. Farmhouse Furniture
The foundation of modern farmhouse design is comfortable farmhouse furniture with a sleek and contemporary shape. It features clean lines, neutral colors, and natural materials such as wood and metal.
Modern farmhouse furniture often includes distressed finishes, rustic charm, and cozy textiles that create a warm and inviting feel. This style is perfect for those who want to achieve a comfortable yet stylish look in their home.
Chic Farmhouse in Los Angeles | Farmhouse Decorating Ideas
Image courtesy of Architectural Digest
3. Natural Elements
The use of natural materials is vital when designing a farmhouse home. It’s essential to include distressed wood in combination with stone and natural fibers such as rattan, wicker, cotton, and sisal.
Mixing and matching materials such as velvet and linen add dimension and interest. Unfinished woods such as birch oak and pine compliment a neutral palette and further introduce natural elements into the space.
Decorating with Natural Elements
Image courtesy of The Lifestyled Co.
4. Repurposed Goods
Repurposed goods are an essential element when it comes to farmhouse design. They add a unique and rustic charm to any space and can be used in various ways. Rustic pitchers, antique fixtures, buckets, old pottery, and wooden crates are just a few examples of items that can be repurposed and used as decor elements in a farmhouse-style home.
Decorating with Re-Purposed and Vintage Decor
Image courtesy of Kelsey Leigh Design
5. Celebrate the Imperfect
Weathered materials such as the natural patina of stone, metals, and wood instantly add rustic warmth to a home. These materials contrast beautifully with sleek modern elements.
Farmhouse Living Room Studio McGee
Image courtesy of Studio McGee
6. Incorporate Open Shelving
Open shelving in the kitchen allows easy access to frequently used items, making it a practical option for those who like to cook and entertain. It also allows showcasing decorative items and unique pieces, adding a personal touch to the space. Open shelving can help to visually open up a smaller kitchen, living room, or dining area, making it feel more spacious and airy.
East Hampton Farmhouse | Farmhouse Decorating Ideas
Image courtesy of Architectural Digest
7. Keep it Family-Style
Farmhouses should be warm, welcoming, and friendly. Large islands, kitchen tables, and oversized comfortable seating encourage friends and family to sit, relax, and engage in lively conversations.
Use versatile decor that can be easily updated as your family grows and changes. Choose pieces that can be repurposed or updated with new colors and accessories to keep your farmhouse design fresh and exciting over time.
Modern Farmhouse Photographed by Adrian Briscoe
Image courtesy of Adrian Briscoe Photography
8. Add Greenery & Florals
Adding greenery and florals to modern farmhouse design can bring the space a fresh, natural feel. Use natural elements like flowers, herbs, and branches to tie together a farmhouse’s rustic and modern elements.
Whether it’s a few potted plants or a statement floral arrangement, incorporating greenery and florals is a simple way to enhance the warmth and coziness of a modern farmhouse space. For those who travel often or want a low-maintenance option, faux florals and plants also work well.
Farmhouse Kitchen Designed by Bria Hammel
Image courtesy of Bria Hammel
9. Introduce Texture Through Textiles
The easiest way to add texture to the home is through fabric and textiles. These are typically pieces that are smaller in scale, like pillows and throws, that can be easily moved or replaced.
These textures add instant warmth, from sheepskin cushions to cowhide rugs and wicker baskets. Area rugs placed in one key spot can quickly tie all the design elements in a room together.
Farmhouse-Style Living Room Designed by Lindye Galloway
Image courtesy of Lindye Galloway
10. Mix and Match
The key is to balance modern and rustic elements to create a cohesive look. Start by choosing a neutral color palette with warm tones like whites, creams, grays, and beiges.
Then, incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and metal to enhance the rustic feel. Feel free t