Love The Farmhouse Look? Here's Your Guide To Decorating

Rustic, warm, and oh-so-homey. These are why many of us are in love with the farmhouse interior style. While it's not difficult to pull off at all, it can also be tricky to pick out decor items to create this country atmosphere. You don't want your home to end up looking too plain or too shabby!

We know this dilemma all too well, so we've created this quick starter guide to farmhouse decorating.

First, a couple of essential DOs and DON'Ts:

• DO decide on a cohesive color palette. The modern farmhouse look embraces light, natural colors. You can't go wrong with a combination of white and warm wood, but you can also opt for subtle grays, like remodeling mom Christina Maria does here:

• DON'T overdo it with any single material! For example, if the room already has beautiful shiplap paneling, or if the dominant furniture are wood, you don't really need a wooden dresser or end table.
• DO keep it neat and tidy. Farmhouse interiors may be relaxed and comfortable, but they can quickly look cluttered if you're not keen on tidying up.

Now, let's take look at your farmhouse decor checklist:

 

1. Warm wood furniture

You probably have childhood memories around a wooden farm table, with its benches full of family and laughter. This is a major farmhouse inspiration. Pick quality wooden furniture with a lighter tone and a natural (non-glossy) finish -- as if it's been sun-drenched and reliably used by the family over the years.

Wall art pictured above: "The Gathering Place" Premium Canvas

 

2. 'Grain sack' fabrics

Burlap and canvas are staple materials in the countryside. These make cozy home decor (a quick googling of "burlap DIY decor" gives you plenty of ideas), but you're certainly not limited to these rough fabrics. You can also use natural textiles such as linen and cotton, especially when they feature a homey design.

Pillow pictured above: "Family - Crazy, Loud, Whole Lot Of Love"

 

3. Rustic wall art

A quaint artwork of rural scenery or a charming wall sign about family can immediately set the atmosphere of a room. To really 'nail' the country look, opt for a wall piece that looks like it's made of wood or similar materials. The personalized family sign above is actually a canvas print, but its rich wood-like background looks so realistic!

(PS. If you're on the hunt for more rustic wall decor, check out our compilation here!)

 

4. Industrial accents

Top off your soft farmhouse look with a few metal items and some vintage hardware. Remember those wire baskets used to collect eggs and fruit? How about those galvanized iron buckets filled with tools? Or those vintage cabin-style iron lamps? They make great accents that are also wonderfully functional!

 

5. Woven decor

What farmhouse is complete without woven trays or wicker chairs? These look particularly charming when paired with classic fabrics such as dainty florals, plaid, and gingham.

 

6. Distressed paint

 

Ever notice how painted furniture in farmhouse interiors look faded, washed-out, or even chipped? When 'aged' strategically, a common paint job can transform into a "shabby-chic" decor element.

If you're feeling a little crafty, try a small DIY project in distressed finishes (there are many tutorials online). Or if you're not ready to tinker with paint, you can display a similar-looking wall accent instead. The one we feature above is a romantic wall sign you can customize with your own details.

 

7. Enamelware

 

Forget those tacky, non-eco-friendly plastics. The farm life calls for handy (and pretty!) enamel bowls, mugs, tubs, and vases. You probably have a vintage set of these just hidden in the attic -- or waiting for appreciation at your mom's house!

 

As you can see, farmhouse decor isn't so hard to find. They're simple, beautiful items borne from the practicality and serenity of country living. See if you have some family heirlooms that would bring a farmhouse vibe to your home. Or browse the charming, rustic decor items at GearDen.com -- they've become favorites of real American homedwellers!