So what is farmhouse style? Simply put, farmhouse decor is all about practicality and simplicity. Adding a modern twist brings a crisp, fresh update to the classic farmhouse look. It’s time to welcome both old and new, and here’s how to do it.
I don’t know about you, but “farmhouse style” has been a buzzword in decor circles for several years now. As someone who has long loved this look, I’m glad to see it in the spotlight! Still, there seems to be some confusion about what farmhouse style really means, so I’m sharing my take on it!
I’ll also say that although farmhouse style has lost some ground to modern styles, you can bring in whatever you love for your home, no matter the trends.
The truth is, I’ve adored farmhouse decor long before it was trendy, and I’ll keep loving it for years to come. My new home has a Cape Cod and traditional feel, but farmhouse influences still run strong through my style.
If you’re unsure what your decorating style is, you can learn how to find it here!
What Is Farmhouse Style, Really?
Let’s start with farmhouse style in the historical sense. Strictly speaking, “farmhouse” isn’t really a decorating style at all. The term originally described a purpose: the farmhouse was the home built for the family who lived on and worked a farm.
Families either built these homes themselves or helped neighbors build them on their own land, so the designs were simple, practical and usually shaped by whatever materials the local area provided.
Over time, the style shifted to suit each region and era. Through all those changes, farmhouses stayed modest and practical at heart.
Eventually, “farmhouse style” grew into a major decor trend, and I’m all for it!
My grandfather is a true farmer in every sense of the word. He and my grandmother live in a real farmhouse on a working farm. Their home looks nothing like a Hobby Lobby display, but it has the relaxed, casual charm we all love.
Key Elements of Farmhouse Style
One big reason the classic farmhouse look appeals to so many people is that its rustic charm makes a space feel like home.
Trust me, I know. Over the years I added this style here and there until I realized how much I truly loved it. Remember, everything about it is modest and functional, which works wonderfully when kids are running around.
Because the style is so simple, you can DIY a lot of the decor yourself, which helps on a budget. Like my farmhouse table that I built for about $100!
If this sparks your interest, here are some common features of a classic farmhouse look:
- Wood was abundant and showed up throughout the farmhouse, in the walls, floors and even exposed beams.
- Vintage furniture and farmhouse lighting – nothing too fussy to use; if it looks lived-in, even better
- Wrought iron accents
- Colors and fabrics layered to add depth and interest
Classic Farmhouse Versus Modern Farmhouse
Now that you know more about classic farmhouse, have you heard of modern farmhouse as well?
Over the past several years, a look called “modern farmhouse” has become hugely popular, thanks in part to HGTV’s Fixer Upper.
This version takes the classic farmhouse, with its country feel, and adds clean, contemporary lines for a light, fresh take on warmth and simplicity.
When mixing function and texture in a comfortable, relaxed modern farmhouse look, the aim is to be a little less rustic by pairing current design trends with neutral palettes and simple forms.
Key Elements of Modern Farmhouse Decor
Blending classic farmhouse with contemporary design sounds far more complicated than it really is! Here are some basic design elements of this popular look:
- Functionality – Furniture (like these barstools) and accessories should be comfortable and get regular use. Nothing should look, or be, too precious to actually use.
- Natural Elements – Choose natural materials whenever you can. Distressed natural wood, natural stone and fibers like cotton (as in bedding) or wicker are all common.
- Industrial Metals – Mix natural (modern) woods with industrial metals, such as lighting fixtures, for a very natural, rustic space
- Neutral Color Palette – Warm neutrals like cream, greige, beige and grays pair nicely with wood and other natural materials for a clean yet cozy feel
- Simplicity – Minimalism is the key to this look. You want a space that feels cozy without clutter. Remember, less is more
Farmhouse Style Homes: How to Achieve the Look
If you love both styles and want to use both, it’s completely doable! Blend old and new to create an interior that is beautiful and comfortable.
Here are some tips for building that look in your own space.
Practicality
Here, function meets minimalism to give you just the right number of pieces for comfort while keeping things simple and clean. Modern farmhouse style leans on the idea that “less is more.”
Take a look at this collection of bathrooms, for example. Adding open shelving and a towel hook bar can actually create more room in the bathroom while keeping it clutter-free!
Choose the Right Materials
Modern farmhouse style is built around natural, essential materials. A farmhouse kitchen might pair painted wood cabinets and industrial metal knobs with natural stone countertops and a large farmhouse sink to tie the look together.
In the bedroom, you can mix wood furniture with cozy farmhouse-style cotton bedding and a soft neutral rug over wood floors.
Add an Industrial Touch
As strange as it may sound, adding industrial pieces you’d find on a working farm is very common!
Examples include wrought iron light fixtures, hanging barn doors, rustic-chic ceiling fans and accessories, and more. You can find farmhouse accents and lighting that are highly functional and still stay on budget.
Lean on Neutral Colors
This is one of my favorite parts! Playing with contrast is so much fun: pair woods and dark industrial metal accents (light fixtures, doorknobs and other accents) with light neutral paint and furniture for that ultimate cozy feel.
For example, in the family room you might pair wide plank wood floors with a cozy neutral rug, a wood-burning stove, a wood mantel, and walls painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove. Bonus points if you have gorgeous reclaimed wood beams overhead!
Natural Fibers
My biggest advice: embrace natural elements. Choose materials like wood, hemp, cotton and linen over plastic whenever you can.
When decorating, use texture and a touch of color to add depth and interest. You can do this with your furniture, on your mantel, or even on the shelving!
Build the Farmhouse Look You Dream Of
If you love the modern farmhouse look, bring it into your home with a few of these elements to create a comfortable, beautiful space.
You won’t regret it!
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