Farmhouse design blends the simplicity of country life with the warmth of family memories and traditions. There are different methods to capturing that farmhouse look. Some designers focus on rustic
elements while others go for simple lines and a few cozy features. Some combine modern with traditional for a modern farmhouse look.
There may be as many as six different distinct styles in farmhouse design, including a western look and cottage farmhouse vibe. Your first step is figuring out which decorating approach speaks to you. Once you know the types of elements you prefer, don’t overlook these six parts of farmhouse home design to really flesh out your home’s style:
1. Scaled Furnishings
You might adore the look of the giant wooden kitchen table you see in photographs, but if the layout of your kitchen doesn’t have space for a large piece of furniture, your home can look overwhelmed. Take into consideration the layout and size of your rooms when picking big elements. Is there a smaller version of the table or can you have one made? On the other hand, if you have big, vast rooms, you might want to upscale the sizing or add additional pieces.
2. Floors and Walls
Replacing your flooring is likely one of the most expensive parts of a redesign. The average cost for hardwood flooring is $7.32 per square cubic foot. You may be able to restain old wood floors for only $2.75 per square cubic foot.
However, if you want a true farmhouse look, you need natural or natural-looking materials, such as hardwood. Carpeted areas don’t have a farmhouse look to them, because carpet isn’t very practical in a farm setting where people come in from working outside all day and kick off muddy boots.
Consider wood or laminate and tile that looks like wood for an instant farmhouse facelift. These materials come in a huge variety of colors, so you should be able to find something to match the rest of your design. For walls, keep things simple. Use plain tiles or tin for your backsplash and avoid gaudy colors on the walls.
3. Fabrics
At the heart of farmhouse design is comfort and a sense of hominess. One way to accomplish this without completing replacing expensive furnishings you already have is reupholstering in fabrics that blend better with your overall look. Think muted plaid, simple colors and prints and soft materials. Before you replace furniture you have, have it cleaned and refreshed to see if it has any life left in it.
4. Artwork
Think about the art you display on your walls. A farmhouse look tends toward farm-based things, such as old signs advertising fresh eggs or a painted wooden sign advertising your farm. If you have any historical items on hand, those look great as well. Tend toward things you’d likely see on the wall at a Cracker Barrel for a more traditional look. For a western look, go with antlers, paintings of steer and old wagon wheels.
5. Knick Knacks
Without some cute little touches, your farmhouse look can wind up looking a bit cold and sterile. Think of the little things you loved growing up when you visited your aunt and uncle on the farm or a family friend. There were likely beautiful milk pitchers with fresh cut flowers on the table or some herbs growing in a metal tray on the windowsill. These small touches are easily found in local antique stores or even at your resident Hobby Lobby store. Put your own touch on them by adding the details you most enjoy such as beautiful roses.
6. Black Accents
Since most of the colors in farmhouse design are pretty neutral (creamy whites, tans, browns and natural colors), adding a pop of black really draws attention and pulls the look together. Some people do this with accessories and others utilize the look in art, going with black letters on a white background.
Additional Elements to Add
Once you think your farmhouse design is completed, take a step back and consider if there are any missing elements. Look for big wholes in your design, such as a bare couch that could use a throw and some pillows or a blank wall with nothing but a vast sea of white. There are so many ways you can flesh out your design and take it up a notch. You just have to pay attention to what others are doing and keep an eye out for unique accessories that pull the look together.
