15 simple ways to get the farmhouse look

I’ve always been drawn to variations on the farmhouse look, from French Country to rustic country décor. However, I really settled into a farmhouse look of my own about 2 years ago. I didn’t change all my décor at once, rather I made simple additions and revisions one at a time, until one day I looked around and I had achieved a farmhouse look I love. This post shares 15 simple ways to get the farmhouse look. You can choose to add one of them or all of them. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I hope you’ll discover some of your own ways to add farmhouse charm.

My list is divided into 3 categories- (1) easy additions accomplished by arranging things you own or purchasing some inexpensive items, (2) DIY projects that you can accomplish on a budget, and (3) investment pieces. We all love that first category because these are quick, don’t involve any DIY work, and are fairly inexpensive. Plus, they may involve a visit to a vintage shop or a relaxing online shopping trip. That’s win-win in my book! Category two includes simple DIY projects that can be accomplished in 1 hour to 1 day. You could plan a DIY project a month to gradually create that farmhouse look. I’ve only included three items in the third category because I wanted to focus on easy and inexpensive ways to achieve this look. However, every decor scheme needs a few substantial pieces.

Here they are, my 15 simple ways to get the farmhouse look:

(1)    Easy additions

Fresh flowers in a white pitcher

I love the look of any type of flower in a white pitcher. Vintage ironstone pitchers are my favourite and look beautiful en masse. Most wildflowers or garden flowers will help to achieve the farmhouse look. I tend to stick with a single type of flower in a single colour. This supports my clean, simple, urban farmhouse style. An arrangement of a variety of wildflowers would produce a more rustic look which you may prefer. Some of my favourite farmhouse flowers are tulips, lilacs, peonies, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, and sunflowers.

Baskets

Baskets are my secret weapon lol- I use them in every space. If I’m taking a photograph of a room and it seems to be lacking something, I’ll go and steal a basket from another room! I have a strong preference for natural-toned baskets rather than those stained a strong colour or dark colour. I love baskets made of water hyacinth, seagrass, and rope. Baskets look best if you fill them artfully. So, try a blanket, pillows, flowers, books, or a collection of some sort. You can use a variety of sizes of baskets on tables and the floor to add warmth and personality to your space.

Antique and vintage items

You don’t need to spend a lot purchasing a large antique item- small doses can add lots of vintage charm. I purchased this vintage ironing board for next to nothing at an auction and it completely changes the feel of this space. I’ve also added a vintage washboard, apothecary bottles, vintage books, and a reproduction olive bucket. Vintage items can be purchased at thrift stores, vintage and antique stores, antique fairs, and online. Some of my favourite online sources are local buy and sell sites like Kijiji, antique dealers, and Etsy. Reproduction items are readily available in many stores now, including Michaels and Homesense for budget-friendly options. Restoration Hardware is a favourite of mine for good quality reproductions, though they come with a higher price tag.

Wood signs

Wood signs make me giddy with excitement. I love the mix of stained wood and painted wood, the beauty of the lettering, and the messages they convey. They can be a true expression of a sentiment or belief and they can really personalize your space. I prefer handcrafted signs, hence, Etsy and local craft shows are my first place to look for them. A few of my favourite sign shops are KT Inspired Home, Pink Lemon Décor, Between You and Me Signs, and Gracie Lou Designs.

White dishes

I’ve always loved white dishes and they are lovely with any décor style, but they really enhance a farmhouse look. Stacks of white dishes instantly add charm and create the sense that guests will arrive at any moment for tea and good conversation. Farmhouse style is about creating a welcoming and comforting environment, and what better way to do that than through the promise of good food and company?

Pillows

Pillows are a wonderful way to update any space. You can lighten up a dark leather sofa with some lighter-toned pillows or liven up a basic sofa with some patterns and textures.  Nothing says farmhouse as much as buffalo check, and I love that it comes in subtle shades like beige or pale grey. White or natural linen pillows with text on them also help to exude that farmhouse vibe- for example, the words “Welcome Fall” and “Home Sweet Home” evoke comfort and coziness.

(2)    DIY projects

Greenery wreath

A simple greenery wreath, made of magnolia leaves, lamb’s ear, or any other simple greenery adds a real farmhouse look. Joanna Gaines popularized the magnolia wreath and made it synonymous with “Farmhouse”. Luckily, this type of wreath requires only a few supplies and can be made in about an hour. Farmhouse wreaths aren’t just for doors though; display them over a bed or fireplace mantle, on a blanket ladder, or even above the kitchen hood fan!

Open shelves

Open shelves can work for a variety of styles, but it’s the material choices and the way they are styled that take them into farmhouse terrain. To see my DIY open shelf tutorial, click here.

Using more rustic materials like barnboard, distressed painted finishes, and iron brackets lend a Farmhouse look to the space. Shelf décor such as chippy corbels and candlesticks, wood signs, vintage artwork, stacks of white books, and candles help create farmhouse style vignettes.

White shiplap

White shiplap can take a home that lacks any particular style and make it clearly farmhouse in style. You don’t need a whole room or even a large wall of shiplap to achieve the look. A shiplap fireplace or a small shiplap wall can create impact and add the freshness and farmhouse charm that shiplap brings. To view my shiplap tutorial, click here. The best part is how budget friendly it is!

Painted furniture

My heart is happy when I think of painted furniture. It’s probably my favourite way to update a space because we all have furniture and I love a good before and after.  Rather than going out and purchasing new furniture to get the look we’re trying to achieve, we can work with our existing furniture and transform it with paint. Painting furniture is much easier than most people think and the right colour and finish choices can turn a dated piece into a farmhouse treasure. Click here to see how I transformed my piano using Fusion Mineral Paint, and here to learn about some of the different types of paint commonly used to paint furniture. Certain colours are more farmhouse friendly, included aged whites, pale greys, and soft pastels like mint or robin’s egg blue.

Ticking stripe table runner

Ticking stripe anything adds a casual, modern farmhouse vibe. It’s such a charming, unfussy fabric, and I think that’s what I love about it. My vision of farmhouse is laid back, unfussy, and as easy as a summer day. I prefer neutral ticking stripe fabric, including cream and beige, cream and grey, and cream and black. Table runners are simple to make and require only basic machine sewing skills. The fabric I use can be purchased here. My Etsy shop also carries ticking stripe runners and dinner napkins, and you can click here to see them.

Blanket ladder

A blanket ladder layered with cozy blankets beckons us to sit and relax and creates the feeling of comfort that farmhouse décor is known for. These can be made fairly easily- I promise to share a tutorial soon! I previously carried these in my Etsy shop, but the demand for them was too high and I didn’t want to be in my woodshop (aka the basement) full time. If you don’t want to make one, look for them at local craft fairs and on Etsy to get a beautifully handcrafted item.

(3)    Investments

Rustic light fixture

This involves a purchase, and possibly installation by an electrician, but don’t underestimate the transformative power of lighting. I discovered the mood-setting ability of lighting fixtures long ago, that’s why lighting is the first thing I buy when moving to a new home. Farmhouse light fixtures come in many styles and shapes, and my current favourites are lanterns and beaded chandeliers. My favourite finishes are matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, and rustic wood.

Statement wall décor

My two favourites are oversized clocks and vintage window frames. The one in my living room came from Pier 1 Imports, and I love the statement it makes. The weathered look is what makes it farmhouse in appearance. Layered vintage window frames are also a favourite of mine to create a farmhouse vibe. I can’t forget to mention plate walls- arrange a dozen or so scalloped ironstone plates on a contrasting wall to create the most charming decor ever.

White  or natural linen slipcovered furniture

This is worth investing in because upholstered furniture takes up a lot of real estate in our living spaces and gets daily use. I always recommend going with a solid colour for the largest upholstered pieces like a sofa or sectional. White or natural linen slipcovers give furniture a relaxed feel and lighten up any space. They also provide a blank slate for farmhouse pillows and other décor. A big part of farmhouse style is the use of neutral colours.

Take that first step

My hope is that after you read 15 simple ways to get the farmhouse look, you will choose one or two of the ideas above and make them your own. I’d love to see what you do!