Decorating Guides
Decorating Styles
How to Outfit a Classic Farmhouse
You could research farmhouse decorating choices until the cows come home. Or you could just check out our hand-picked roundup here
Whether you are painstakingly bringing an old farmhouse back to life or simply love that classic farmhouse look, these ideas and inspirations are here to help. And although you will find a plethora of great product picks here, from paint colors and lighting to floors and more, it helps to remember that the farmhouse spirit is all about making the best out of what you have.
So when your budget is running dry, let your ingenuity take over — reglaze those windows instead of having them replaced, refinish your old cabinets, pull wood from an outbuilding to lay your new floors or repurpose junk into unique decor.
So when your budget is running dry, let your ingenuity take over — reglaze those windows instead of having them replaced, refinish your old cabinets, pull wood from an outbuilding to lay your new floors or repurpose junk into unique decor.
An almost-black hue on shutters paired with white siding is a classic farmhouse look. Keep landscaping and porch plantings simple with a lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and hanging pots of Boston ferns.
Creamy white siding and trim have a nearly seamless look. Classic barn light sconces are right at home above the garage, by the back door or on the porch.
Ballet White OC-9 Paint
White with a touch of cream will look instantly antique on farmhouse siding — great on its own or with a contrasting color on shutters.
Small Warehouse/Barn Light
The classic barn light looks sleek and even a little modern in a glossy black finish.
Railings No. 31
Railings paint from Farrow & Ball, a nearly black bronze, would look smart on farmhouse shutters.
Barn door shutters and farmhouse railings are iconic touches. Try using one or both of these features to lend personality to a bland exterior.
Quorum One-Light Outdoor Wall Lantern, Oiled Bronze
Gooseneck sconces are at once elegant and easygoing, perfect for the farmhouse porch.
Weathered Antique Pine
A farmhouse floor should be the real deal — if you are lucky enough to have original wood floors, do whatever you can to restore and use them. If not, a close second would be tracking down some reclaimed lumber, like the gorgeous heart pine flooring shown here.
Custom Paneled Door
If you have good wood doors, try stripping and refinishing or painting them instead of buying new. After you do a good cleanup and replace hardware as needed, you will have like-new doors at a fraction of the cost.
If you do need new doors — to match an addition to the original part of the house, for instance — splurging on solid wood in a classic style is well worth it.
If you do need new doors — to match an addition to the original part of the house, for instance — splurging on solid wood in a classic style is well worth it.
PB Essentials Drape Rod
Details matter, and this drapery rod from Pottery Barn fits the bill perfectly. A bit rustic yet clean, this is a classic. Use several throughout the house for continuity.
Exposed beams add farmhouse character to any room. If your home does not have beams to expose, you can add them — check salvage yards for reclaimed wood beams.
Farmhouses are meant to be well loved and well used, not pampered. Chippy wood finishes, steel and galvanized metals are materials that can take a beating and still look great.
French Stripe Roman Shade
A tailored Roman shade in a relaxed ticking stripe is a great option for the kitchen.
Rohl Shaws Rutherford Bowl Apron Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
The iconic double apron-front farmhouse sink by Rohl is a worthy splurge — utterly classic and built to last for generations.
Aberdeen Smooth Double Well Farmhouse Copper Sink
If you like the apron-front style but want something different from traditional porcelain, consider a copper farmhouse sink instead.
Vintage 1900 Pull
Simple and stately, these solid brass pulls with a black iron finish would do well paired with Shaker cabinets.
Eclectic Pendant Lighting
Barn lights in galvanized metal have a rustic charm that would be right at home in the kitchen. If you are on a tight budget, try checking out a farm store — you may be able to score the real deal for less.
Ivanhoe Sinclair Porcelain Pendant
An enameled porcelain pendant would be charming hung over a chunky farmhouse table in the kitchen.
A claw-foot tub is the quintessential pick for a farmhouse bathroom. Warm, comfy touches like beadboard wainscoting and built-in details finish the look.
Ceramic Basics Savoy Tile
You can't go wrong with hex tile in white; it's a classic choice for the bath.
Traditional Kitchen Sinks
This charming drainboard sink would work equally well in a bath or a mudroom.
If your property is set far back from the street, provide a cheerful welcome home each evening by installing lanterns on posts. A standing-seam metal roof lends a modern rustic look well suited to farmhouse style.
Tell us: Are you renovating a farmhouse? Or do you just love farmhouse style? Join the discussion below!
More:
Feast your eyes on thousands of farmhouse photos
Guides to bringing rustic style home
Tell us: Are you renovating a farmhouse? Or do you just love farmhouse style? Join the discussion below!
More:
Feast your eyes on thousands of farmhouse photos
Guides to bringing rustic style home