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Roots of Farmhouse Decor
In the historic sense, the word "farmhouse" was never meant to describe a design style. There were no particular architects or designers or industrial breakthroughs to spark a new artistic movement. In fact, during the 1800s and into the early 1900s, most farmhouses were built by their respective owners in the rural areas where they lived, using whatever materials that were available because hiring an architect was not affordable. These homes were never built or designed with the intention to impress its guests, they were only meant to serve their purpose, the more practical the better. Designs were very straightforward and easy to recreate.
As years progressed beyond the Great Depression, building materials, running water and electricity became more accessible in the rural areas where farmhouses were being built. A new era of the American farmhouse emerged, complete with indoor plumbing, electric stoves and lighting. The addition of these indoor luxuries, paired with the abundant use of natural materials was the perfect blend that created the warm, cozy charm that is the American farmhouse style.
Today, farmhouse style has become an ode to America's past with steady popularity, due to its countrified style. Your home doesn't have to feature a huge, wraparound porch or rest on acreage of farmland to contain the country-style interior look. Some basic farmhouse interior design principles can be followed to achieve an inviting, old-country feel inside of your home, whether you're on a farm or in the middle of suburbia.
As years progressed beyond the Great Depression, building materials, running water and electricity became more accessible in the rural areas where farmhouses were being built. A new era of the American farmhouse emerged, complete with indoor plumbing, electric stoves and lighting. The addition of these indoor luxuries, paired with the abundant use of natural materials was the perfect blend that created the warm, cozy charm that is the American farmhouse style.
Today, farmhouse style has become an ode to America's past with steady popularity, due to its countrified style. Your home doesn't have to feature a huge, wraparound porch or rest on acreage of farmland to contain the country-style interior look. Some basic farmhouse interior design principles can be followed to achieve an inviting, old-country feel inside of your home, whether you're on a farm or in the middle of suburbia.
General Style
One of our favorite aspects of farmhouse design is the unique juxtaposition between, what I like to call, the 'hard' and 'soft'. The 'hard' includes natural materials such as stone, wrought iron and wood, while the 'soft' includes throw blankets, upholstery, light, billowy curtains and blanket ladders. An excellent way to get that farmhouse feeling in your own home is to have a good mix of the two. A farmhouse style home should feel cozy and inviting and adding some softness is an easy and affordable way to achieve this.
Furniture
FURNITURE
Farmhouse style furniture tends to be practical and functional. It prioritizes quality over aesthetics and will often have a warm, worn-in look. In order to incorporate this look into your own home, look for natural wood or distressed paint finishes and steel or wrought iron elements. If possible, look for handmade furniture. See examples here:
TIP: Scour local flea markets! Any solid wood piece of furniture can be stripped, sanded and refinished with either stain or paint. If painting, we recommend chalk paint. Annie Sloan has a really nice one with lots of gorgeous colors in the vintage shades you'll want for a farmhouse feel. It is also available at your local Lowes or Home Depot and most craft stores, such as Joann Fabrics and Michaels. It is an affordable option for refinishing old pieces and has a matte finish perfect for a farmhouse look. Give it a light distressing on the corners and edges, with some low grain sandpaper for that worn-in, vintage look. Keep in mind, if you plan on painting and distressing, it is best to avoid enamel or latex paint, as it will not distress properly.
TIP: The hardware on cabinets and furniture goes a long way in defining the style of the piece. A quick online search will pull up lots of options, but we like House of Antique Hardware for its variety. Replacing drawer pulls on dressers, cabinet hinges and pulls, and even sink faucets can add a lot of style to a piece without having to break the bank redoing the kitchen or buying a new bedroom set.
TIP: Scour local flea markets! Any solid wood piece of furniture can be stripped, sanded and refinished with either stain or paint. If painting, we recommend chalk paint. Annie Sloan has a really nice one with lots of gorgeous colors in the vintage shades you'll want for a farmhouse feel. It is also available at your local Lowes or Home Depot and most craft stores, such as Joann Fabrics and Michaels. It is an affordable option for refinishing old pieces and has a matte finish perfect for a farmhouse look. Give it a light distressing on the corners and edges, with some low grain sandpaper for that worn-in, vintage look. Keep in mind, if you plan on painting and distressing, it is best to avoid enamel or latex paint, as it will not distress properly.
TIP: The hardware on cabinets and furniture goes a long way in defining the style of the piece. A quick online search will pull up lots of options, but we like House of Antique Hardware for its variety. Replacing drawer pulls on dressers, cabinet hinges and pulls, and even sink faucets can add a lot of style to a piece without having to break the bank redoing the kitchen or buying a new bedroom set.
Fabrics & Textiles