Shop by Style
This unpretentious style is distinctly all-American. Nodding to its homegrown roots, farmhouse style homes have a collected-over-time look, complete with old-school prints, distressed furnishings, and vintage finishes. Farmhouse decorating is warm, cozy, relaxing, and full of charm and character. It eschews modern sensibilities and goes back to a simpler time. That said, farmhouse style is surprisingly savvy. To keep a farmhouse from looking too "country kitsch" there needs to be a balance of old and new. It should be clean, stylish and warmhearted. And most importantly it needs to be in tune with nature — but not full of dried flowers and rooster paraphernalia. Here are some ideas for decorating in farmhouse style.
Farmhouse Style Basics
- Sturdy, time-tested furniture handcrafted from distressed woods and wrought iron
- Color palettes with white, gray, cream, navy, and sage
- Large inviting family-style furniture creates a laid-back vibe
- Open shelving showcases necessities and heirloom pieces
- Old becomes new with the style's focus on up-cycling and renovating
Earthy Palette
A blend of lived-in neutrals make for a classic base—pale shades of beige, gray, and white. When working in color, look to earth tones such as muted slate, sage, and fawn for a subdued appeal or vibrant navys and greens, for a modern touch.
Light unfinished woods (birch, oak, and pine) complement the neutral palette and connect the home to nature. Deeper woods, like mahogany and cherry, are sprinkled in to add variety and depth to the design.
Materials and Textiles
Farmhouse style is a warm mix of form and function. Sturdy materials (wood and steel), age-worn finishes, streamlined shapes, and textiles bring this lived-in rustic look home.
Breezy, low-maintenance fabrics, like linen and cotton, lend softness and a relaxed feel on seating, headboards, and more. You're likely to find sofas slipcovered for easy wash-and-wear care, while natural, durable jute and burlap rugs ground the rooms. For pillows and throws, striped wool and vintage knits add a casual detail draped across any chair or bed.
