10 Ways to Get Farmhouse Style in Your Home

Hey hey good lookin’! I am soooo excited for today’s post because I’m sharing 10 ways to get farmhouse style in your home. I actually had a question recently over on my Instagram feed that sparked the idea for this post. Someone commented on one of my photos and asked what I would suggest for anyone wanting to transition to a farmhouse look. That got my mind racing with lots of different ideas, so I put some notes together and came up with a little crash course on how to get the look in your own home!

10 Ways to Get Farmhouse Style in Your Home

In my view, farmhouse style doesn’t mean you actually live on a farm. However, it does mean you are decorating and styling your home with a simple and practical mindset that often comes with living the country life. Instead of bright and flashy decor, you’re looking for soothing color combinations, natural elements, and texture. Keep in mind, these are my personal opinions and definitely not rules. Farmhouse style is open to interpretation, these are simply the common trends I’ve found in my own little farmhouse.

1. Neutral Colors on the Walls

The first step in achieving a farmhouse look is definitely neutral paint colors. Avoid dark or bright colors and also try to keep from painting each room a different color. Choose a soft beige, cream, or even gray–it doesn’t have to be white. Having a light color on the walls sets the tone for the farmhouse look. And keep the walls all within the same color scheme is calming and helps blend everything together. I shared lots of great neutral paint colors ideas and a full guide here.

2. Incorporate Dimension

If you want a big change, find a way to add beadboard, shiplap, or wainscoting into your home. One thing you’ll notice about a lot of farmhouse style homes it that the walls are full of dimension and texture. In fact, many true farmhouses were full of real, rustic shiplap. Try starting small and consider adding beadboard to the walls in your bathroom, shiplap (or planked walls) in your living room, or maybe wainscoting in your dining room. You all know I love a good planked wall, like this one I recently completed in our breakfast nook.

10 Ways to Get Farmhouse Style in Your Home

3. Mix Old and New Elements

I’m a big fan of mixing old, vintage items with the new and fresh. For example, instead of using a standard vase for your flowers or greenery, try using something unexpected and vintage–like this old flour sifter. Incorporating the old and using it in a practical sense is a big factor in farmhouse style.

10 Way to Get Farmhouse Style in Your Home: Old Coke Crate 10 Ways to Get Farmhouse Style in your Home. Coke Crate on coffee table.

4. Avoid Bright Colors

Along with light colored walls, try to avoid using lots of bright or crazy colors in your decor if you’re looking to achieve a farmhouse look. Now I know this might ruffle a few feathers, but I really believe neutral colors will help create more of a calming and cozy feel in your home. Most of my decor is full of neutrals–and I generally avoid using things like red, orange, purple, etc. However, this doesn’t have to be definite rule. Of course you can always mix in pops of color as you wish! I’d just suggest using those colors sparingly.

5. Use with Wire Baskets

I recently did an entire post dedicated to decorating with wire baskets. I think wire baskets are a simple and easy way to get a rustic, farmhouse feel in your home. And there are so many possibilities! Try adding a few to the wall, or even using a large one to store a few pillows in your living room. Check out that post for more ideas and suggestions on great wire baskets like these on Amazon.

10 Ways to Get Farmhouse Style in Your Home

6. Incorporate Wood

Try adding wood in various forms into your decor for a more rustic, farmhouse look. I personally love antique washboards and spindles. Or you could even use old barnwood to make a farmhouse style sign, like the bakery sign I recently made using salvaged wood from my childhood home.

10 Ways to Get Farmhouse Style in Your Home

10 Ways to Get Farmhouse Style in Your Home

This DIY bakery sign was so easy and it adds so much charm to this space. You can see the full tutorial here.

7. Farmhouse Light Fixtures

One of the fastest and easiest ways to change the feel of any space is with a light fixture. It’s a guaranteed way to change the vibe in any room without a lot of expense or time. Really, I can’t stress this one enough–light fixtures are HUGE, folks. We recently changed out the light for this new one in our dining room and it made a gigantic difference in the overall style of this room. I have an entire post about farmhouse style light fixtures, which you can find here.

8. Paint Old Furniture

If you have any old furniture that is looking worn out, try freshening it up with paint. If you’re brand new to painting furniture, you will not believe the transformation. Now keep in mind, this doesn’t always work for everything, and some furniture is better left in its natural color. However, I’ve found that keeping your furniture within the same color scheme really pulls the entire room together–kind of like having your wall colors match. I painted this old dining table and the transformation was pretty darn awesome. You can see how I did it here.

10 Ways to Get Farmhouse Style In your Home

9. Add in Distressed Furniture

You all know I love a good piece of distressed furniture. And one of my very favorite elements of farmhouse style is the use of old doors and windows. We have a few, but this old door is probably my favorite–it’s like we brought a piece of an actual farmhouse into our own home. From the old, antique door knob to the chippy white paint, I just love her.

10 Ways to get Farmhouse Style in Your Home: Old Door

10. Leave the Mall

Lastly, I would say one of the best tips on getting farmhouse style is to simply avoid shopping at the mall. I know, this one is a bit controversial. But hear me out. Instead of shopping at your typical box stores, I’d suggest checking out your local antique shops and thrift stores for unique items that will fill your home with personality and charm. Now don’t get me wrong, I love Target just as much as anyone, but I find my best home decor at unique places, even auctions and farm sales. So avoid decorating your entire home with mass-produced items, and instead use those stores to help fill in the gaps. If farmhouse style is your goal, collect old, vintage pieces with stories, history, and meaning. I promise, you will love the feeling of warmth it adds to your home.

10 Ways to Get Farmhouse Style in Your Home

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope this helped give you a few ideas on how to get farmhouse style in your own home. Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to chat!

Be sure to check out these post for more inspiration and ideas:

How I Transitioned to Farmhouse Style

Farmhouse Style Shopping Guide

The LVN Farmhouse Style Shop

Leave a Comment

The Comments

  • Jessica
    March 13, 2016

    Great tips Sarah!!! Loved it!

  • Sarah
    March 14, 2016

    Loved this post Sarah!! Easy, Simple ideas that anyone can incorporate-great job! ????

    • Sarah
      > Sarah
      March 14, 2016

      Thank you so much Sarah!

  • Christy * theharperhouse
    March 21, 2016

    such a gorgeous post Sarah! I just love all your decor and use of soft farmhousey goodness 🙂 One of these days I’m actually going to clean my house so I can take some blog pics – ha!

  • meegan
    March 29, 2016

    Sarah. I really love your style and taste. You put some much into all the details of every space. It is so inspiring.
    Have a great week.

    • Sarah
      > meegan
      March 29, 2016

      Thanks so much Meegan!

  • Denise Bryant
    April 1, 2016

    Great tips Sarah. I wrote half those things in my modern farmhouse kitchen post….neutral paint, wire baskets, weathered wood, and, farmhouse lighting! I love it all and your house is awesome.

  • Nicki
    April 2, 2016

    Hey there! This was such a helpful and inspiring post. It really got the wheels turning in my head for ways I can “farmhouse-up” my home!

    • Sarah
      > Nicki
      April 7, 2016

      Thanks for reading Nicki, I really appreciate it!

  • Leanne
    April 4, 2016

    Great post Sarah. Your photos are very inspiring as well!

    • Sarah
      > Leanne
      April 5, 2016

      Thanks so much Leanne!

  • Susanne
    April 10, 2016

    I want to paint a few pieces of furniture that we have, but the hubby won’t let me!! I am hoping to turn it into his idea…I get my best laud plans put into action that way!! Live your decor!!

    • Sarah
      > Susanne
      April 11, 2016

      Yes, that is a very effective strategy! Convince him it is HIS idea. Thanks for reading Susanne! 🙂

  • Tyler Phifer
    April 13, 2016

    Very useful info!! You are amazing!

  • Sam
    April 24, 2016

    Mind telling me what you use your tall boy dresser for in that spot? I have one almost identical that I’ll be refinishing and don’t need it as an actual dresser but want to utilize somewhere…..

    • Sarah
      > Sam
      April 24, 2016

      I use it for family photos right now. Works great!

  • Nancy
    June 3, 2016

    Love it all! Everything looks so clean and crisp. Thanks for posting!

  • Lois
    July 14, 2016

    Love your post Sarah. Your house is beautifully decorated.

  • Tammy
    August 26, 2016

    Love your home! Where did you get your trellis rug in your family room?

  • Judy
    February 26, 2017

    I love all your decorating ideas and I’m changing from cottage to more farmhouse. I noticed in the picture you had after the Leave the Mall, you had a door or shutter, with black scroll insert. Ive seen these at Hobby Lobby and Kirklands and they look Spanish to me. How do they fit into the farmhouse look ?

  • How to Get Farmhouse Style In Your Home
    March 13, 2017

    […] some of my most popular content here at LVN the other day and came across the post 10 ways to get farmhouse style in your home, which was published on March 13th, 2016. Yep, today marks exactly one year since I wrote that […]

  • Doreen
    May 2, 2017

    Sarah, fabulous post today. It was pretty simple transitioning to farmhouse style and I absolutely love it and all the tips you give. ????

  • Gail
    May 19, 2017

    Is it really possible to have a farmhouse feel without having to paint wood. I abhor painted wood furniture with a passion but like everything else about farmhouse style. Every website I go for suggestions or to look at the pictures for inspiration is all about painting the furniture. ANY thoughts?

    • Sarah
      > Gail
      May 21, 2017

      Definitely Gail! I think the farmhouse look is perfectly suited to natural wood tones, just don’t put too many in the same room and I think you’ll be good to go!

  • 3 Quick Tips to Get Started with Farmhouse Style
    May 29, 2017

    […] 10 Ways to Get Farmhouse Style in Your Home […]

  • 25 Crafty Old Door Decor Ideas That You Can Add To Your Home
    July 21, 2017

    […] Via littlevintagenestReport […]

  • Anna
    February 21, 2018

    It’s interesting to me to see what young women today call “farmhouse style”. Having grown up on a ranch/farm, I think I would have LOVED this style instead of the dark and dreary homes most ranches/farms had back in my childhood days. 🙂

    Most of my friends also grew up on farms or ranches and for even those who lived in town, I can honestly say not one single home had anything near this ‘modern farmhouse’ style. Small, dark, cramped spaces, overly filled with too much stuff because families lived in smaller homes with many more kids, parents, grandparents all sharing the space.

    But that all being said, I like the style ….as long as there’s not toooooo much chippy stuff and/or things that are brought in from the barn/chicken coop/garden shed. -) (I remember seeing a chicken feeder at a flea market. Now, while I knew what its original use was, and could see its possible function in modern farmhouse decor, I wasn’t keen on the leftover straw, feed pellets and poop still in it! Hahahha….. Let’s hope the buyer cleaned it before use. {giggle})

  • James Anderson
    April 16, 2018

    It’s great that you mentioned that mixing old, vintage items with the new and fresh is a good way to have a farmhouse-style home. My wife wants to re-decorate our home and this is the theme that came to mind. I’ll take a drive around the area and check if there are vintage farmhouse decor that we can use to complement the modern objects that we have at home.

  • Five-Minutes to Farmhouse Style - The Fogue Abode Blog
    June 26, 2018

    […] from Little Vintage Nest says “[Farmhouse Style] it does mean you are decorating and styling your home with a simple […]

  • Jessica
    July 29, 2018

    Love your tips to create the farmhouse look! It’s so restful and simple. I created a blog post around some essential features to transition into the modern farmhouse look that we’re starting to see everywhere…
    https://fortandfield.blogspot.com/2018/07/modern-farmhouse-style.html

  • airbnb property management sydney
    February 10, 2019

    Thank you for sharing this idea. great tips.

  • Ellen
    March 11, 2019

    I love these ideas. You really have amazing taste please post more little things like this

  • Tom
    August 13, 2019

    Hi Sarah, thanks so much for your post! I love the way you write your content, its so effortless to read and you have such an amazing tone!
    Completely agree with you that weathered wood is a must! Cant emphasise how much I love weathered wood furniture, and when done right it can completely change the mood of the room!
    Regards,

  • Kevin Utley
    September 5, 2019

    I love your sense of style. I like farmhouse style ,but I cannot bring myself to paint my wooden pieces. To me there is nothing prettier than the richness of pine. I collect baskets,crocks ,wooden boxes,old wooden kitchen utensils & pewter. Thank You for sharing.

  • Julie Smith
    January 7, 2020

    love the look….question. What are the colors you have on the walls?

  • Carol S.
    February 23, 2020

    Thanks Sarah I am wanting to change my decor to Farmhouse Style. I am lost as what type of lighting to do for my dining room and living room table lamps. Please can you give me some suggestions? Thank you,
    Carol S.
    Toledo, Ohio

  • Bernita Yon
    June 13, 2020

    Absolutely awesome ideas spot on

  • Julie Lehmann
    July 22, 2020

    Thank you for this! I love so many different looks but you really help by putting me in the right mindset.

  • Patricia Steiner
    September 26, 2020

    I love the farmhouse look.
    My grand

  • Sherry Lowery
    December 24, 2020

    I have an almost identical trunk and have used it as a coffee table for over forty years. When I came across this photo I was contemplating whether or not to paint it. Decision made. No! Love your style!

  • Kelly kallel
    January 19, 2021

    Thanks for the great farmhouse tips.you have beautiful home and great ideas

  • MS Stefne Walton
    February 5, 2021

    More Farmhouse decor ideas please

  • Mare
    February 23, 2021

    ❤️ Love the tips & details shown!!!

  • Catherine Grasso
    May 26, 2021

    Sarah loved the ideas. Just bought a home in Texas and plan on changing my style from formal with dark woods to light and bright. I may stalk you but don’t become alarmed. Great ideas that I hope to incorporate into my 25 year old kind so dark home

  • Eve Jost
    February 23, 2022

    Thanks for the tips. You have increased my knowledge and ideas for
    Farmhouse decorating.

  • Lynn Patrick
    June 26, 2023

    I absolutely love ALL your beautiful decorations. We just built a new house and I love the idea of bringing the farmhouse look into it. My favorite I think is the old door. I’am definitely doing that in our sitting room.
    Sincerely Lynn

  • Karen
    August 5, 2023

    Awww, these photos are frim your old house! I loved that house so much! Do you ever miss it?

  • Karen
    August 5, 2023

    Awww, these photos are from your old house! I loved that house so much! Do you ever miss it?