If you’re like me, there are days you drive away from your home and when you come back, you kinda hope that someone has replaced your current house with a quaint, old Farmhouse.
Something pre-turn of the century, batten board, huge porch, roses, picket fence… the whole nine yards.
Now, don’t get me wrong…I love our home. But, I can’t lie. The “farm girl” in me has always wanted, and always will want – a farmhouse.
But, if you’re also like me – you probably won’t ever live in a farmhouse, so you do the next best thing.
You Bring Farmhouse to You!
Here are Ten Ways to Add Farmhouse Style:
1) Beadboard:
Whether you go with the real McCoy, or the 4×8 sheets of beadboard you can get at Lowe’s, you cannot go wrong when adding this architectural feature. Placed on the walls or used as a back splash, painted white or light blue – beadboard instantly adds an instant touch of Farmhouse to your home.
*4×8 sheets of bead board at Lowe’s starts at about $18.00/sheet.
2) Open Shelves:
Many homeowners are on the fence when it comes to open shelving in the kitchen. While the consensus is that they love the look, it is also widely believed that they are too much work, i.e, dust and grease.
But, you don’t have to have a kitchen full of open shelving. You can do like I did in my own kitchen and have a small niche with open shelving.
I simply removed the middle cabinets along a long row of cabinets, continued the faux brick painted backsplash from below, and added an assortment of glass canisters and farmhouse-style decor.
3) Wood Countertops
Nothing says farmhouse quite like butcher block countertops. The warm, wood patina creates a glow and texture within your kitchen that other types of countertops cannot offer.
In the past, butcher block countertops were very expensive, and considered even out of date at one point. But, the fascination with Farmhouse-Style has seen an increase in wood countertops.
In my own kitchen, I have enjoyed wood countertops for about five years. Put in as temporary countertops that would “make do” for a few weeks (I had a wedding taking place in my backyard)…I fell in love with the look and the versatility and ended up keeping them.
The “wear and tear” of these countertops only adds to the beauty of them, in my opinion.
4) Farmhouse Sink
The classic farmhouse sink, or apron sink, is sure making a strong comeback. With the rise in the desire for “all things farmhouse,” this kitchen fixture has almost become a staple.
The most common style is the one seen above.White ceramic with a single bowl. But, you can also opt for a more practical double-sink bowl, as well. This type of sink retails starting at about $350 at Ikea.
When I was remodeling my kitchen, I chose to go with a sink a little less common, a hand-hammered copper sink.
While I love the look, I cannot lie – I will be replacing it soon with a standard white, ceramic farmhouse sink. The care for a copper sink is just more than I realized. 🙁
5) Farmhouse Fireplace
Now granted, a real Farmhouse Fireplace isn’t something you just snap your fingers and can create. It’s not even something you can shop for online. No, not even on ebay. 🙂 A real working Farmhouse is one of those things that you can only:
a) replicate by turning your current fireplace into one which more closely resembles a farmhouse-style fireplace.
**The perfect example of this is what Layla and Kevin at
The Lettered Cottage did to their
non-farmhouse, standard fireplace.
or
b) Create a faux farmhouse fireplace that
b) Create a faux farmhouse fireplace that
fools the eyes.
You can use a vintage mantel, or create the
same look with reclaimed wood. Or, simply construct one and use a good
coat ole’ coat of farmhouse-white paint.
Vintage Farmhouse Mantel, $450
Farmhouse Decor Shop
6) Farmhouse White Dishes:
This may be one of the easiest ways to add Farmhouse-style of all of these suggestions. White dishes can be picked up for a song at yard sales and thrift shops, and even places like Marshall’s and Home Goods carry a large selection of platters, pitchers and plates. Ironstone, which is highly collectible, can cost much more and is harder to find.
I have a mixture of old and new white dishes that I display around my home.
… and our Breakfast Room Hutch last Christmas –
Did you know you could even take older, “not to pretty” thrift store plates and spray paint them?
Oh, yes you can. See below.
7) Farmhouse Tables
Who doesn’t love a beautiful Farmhouse Table?
It is the epitome of Farmhouse-style, in my opinion. The more beat up and “well-loved” – the better.
Farmhouse tables can be painted, or left stained with a soft warm-toned patina.
You can even “farmhouse” your own table. With some well-placed dents and added “character” – a table fit for a Farmhouse breakfast can be attained.
8) Farmhouse Fabrics
Whether its grain sack or burlap or ticking or linen… fabrics add to the Farmhouse style one yard at a time.
Pillows, Runners, Window Treatments, Upholstered Furniture… the list is endless. Even adding just a few pieces here and there can express your old home love.
Such as these burlap pillows from Farmhouse Decor …
Or, how about this beautiful ticking stripe shower curtain from Pottery Barn. $79
9) Farmhouse Furniture:
Collecting Farmhouse-style Furniture may sound very daunting. Few of us have the budget to just go out and buy vintage cabinets and chairs and chests.
But, with the rebirth of chalk paints and milk paints, creating your own Farmhouse-style furniture from thrift store finds is now possible.
In fact, she became so prolific at the art of painting furniture – that she developed and started marketing her own line of milk paints.
While I do not condone that you paint priceless family heirlooms, if you have some items of furniture you do not really care for, or have an item that needs an instant update – try your hand at milk paint or chalk paint.
(Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is a great source).
(Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is a great source).
10) Farmhouse Decor
This is where your heart can soar and your creativity can take flight.
From wire egg baskets to milk bottles to old ladders to….. Pig Heads.
🙂
Farmhouse Decor is broad and expansive.
Farmhouse accessories can be found at flea markets and thrift stores, and even larger retail stores offer a variety of goods. Just a few well-placed pieces can invoke Farmhouse Style.
I used a tin-bottomed tray with a milk bottle and assorted white dishes to create this Farmhouse-Style Vignette on my breakfast room table.
Want more Farmhouse-style inspiration?
Then, please follow my Pinterest Board…Farmhouse Style!
Here are my three favorite Farmhouse Blogs.
Each site has so much eye candy – you just may go into a sugar coma. 😀
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Fabulous post! Love every photo, every suggestion. Sigh. Back to working on my house… 😉
Anne@DesignDreams recently posted…How My Garden Grows
Thanks Anne so glad you enjoyed it.
Barb @ The Everyday Home recently posted…Home{work) Wednesday #4
Oh, I love these ideas – thanks!!
Inspire Me Heather recently posted…{how to} make textured paint with sand
Thanks for stopping by to read them. Have a great weekend.
Barb @ The Everyday Home recently posted…Home{work) Wednesday #4
Barb this was a wonderfully thorough post with great ideas for everyone!
kathysue
KATHYSUE recently posted…My Designing Brain Is At Work Again!!
Thanks my friend. xxoo
Barb @ The Everyday Home recently posted…Home{work) Wednesday #4
Wow, Barb! I’m thrilled and honored to be on your top 3 list. Who knew? We must’ve been on the same page this week … I posted about farmhouse decorating tips on my blog last night!
Barbara….Thanks for sharing this! Just fabulous ideas! What a wonderful way to get this look! ~Tammy
Tammy Killough recently posted…Thinking Outside the Flower Pot
What a great post! I’ve shared this on facebook and look forward to following your pinterest board 🙂
Katie recently posted…7 Inspiring Summer Spaces
Great and inspiring photos! Any idea what brand/color of paint is used to paint old dishes with to get that ironstone look?
Excellent post filed with wonderful inspiration!
Luved it all!! Every tip, every picture 🙂 Well done. Now, I want to change it all….
Happy Weekend.
Hugs, Gee
Gee recently posted…Shiny and New.
Beautiful post! Thanks you so much.I never thought of it as farmhouse style ( I grew up in Brooklyn!), but I am so in love ..I will follow your farmhouse board. I may be already.
such a great post, barb! tfs so many wonderful ideas and tips:)
lynn at shabby story recently posted…chippy and ruffled…
I love this post!!!! I have never thought of my style as being farmhouse but it totally is! The only thing that I don’t have (or want) in my home is the ironstone dishes. I have Depression glass (vintage and reproduction) that I use every day. We are moving into a new(er) house in a few weeks and I am definitely going to use some of these ideas. We are adding a wing on and I love the bathroom beadboard ceiling featured in this post….. totally using that. And I’m vascillating over kitchen countertops (granite vs. quartz) but am now leaning toward wood. Thanks so much for the wealth of information just when I needed it!
Lovely, just beautiful….reminds me of my grandparents home and being back on the farm!
This is an excellent tut! I really love it! Thank you for all your tips and ideas! 😀
This is great! Nice little summary for me to keep in mind while I go hunting. Can’t wait to start rummaging at thrift shops!
really nice post. Love the pig head 😀
i have been a fan of farmhouses long of time. i´m working on making my home similar…
i would suggest also that some forged iton things go to farmhouse style , for example something from this shop –
http://pood.ross.ee/en/37-fireplace-accessories
Love the farmhouse look & are trying to achieve this.. Have searched & searched for farmhouse style accessories but cant seem to find much here (Sydney ..Australia ) All the stuff i like is in the US or UK but postage is either too expensive or they dont ship internationally.. Any suggestions??? Cheers Lisa
Very true! There is no any predetermined standard for farmhouse fireplaces. Keep on renovating your old ones unless and until it starts appearing to be a farmhouse-style fireplace. An experienced professional can help you in getting the result with full perfection. Brilliant pictorial explanation!
wow, really beautiful selection, I love the mix of rustic wooden furniture and wrought iron details. These designs are stunning. It all is in the detail. Nothing adds as much farmhouse charm, as older, vintage furniture, not painted, but made from bare rustic wood. I found this rustic vintage chair lately, and it adds so much farmhouse charm, I love it:
http://www.cherriehub.co.uk/collections/rustic-furniture/products/farmhouse-kitchen-chair
Farmhouse style is all the rage these days. I especially love the beadboard ceiling idea. So many older homes have popcorn ceilings and it is a huge mess to remove. Adding beadboard right on top can quickly and easily change that look to a much more modern farmhouse style!
Dan Ryan recently posted…How Do You Know If Your Roof Is Damaged?
I too, love the wooden countertop. Do you know if (or how) to combine sections? My counter is 13.5 feet long. Love your blog!
I am loving everything about your home! My little hearts desire is to someday live out in the country, in a farmhouse. But as you suggest, if that’s not possible at the present time, then bring the farmhouse just a tad closer!
So I have been making some great changes in our home, and surprisingly my hubby and daughter are quite taken with the farmhouse style.
Thank you for sharing your ideas and your home with us.
Blessings!
I am delighted to see your tips for bringing the farmhouse to live. My house is a farm house, and I love the ideas you have given here, especially one about the open shelf. Perfect!
Scatter29 recently posted…Juice Fountain
Love your photos, we have a “modern” farmhouse that we are transforming slowly into yesteryear. Thank you for all the beautiful and helpful ideas.
This is an awesome article.. I love the ideas. I refurb a lot of my own things because budget is tight but we are buying an actual farm so I would love to incorporate some of these ideas. Thanks
Love, Love, love your site. Such beautiful, warm , cozy ideas,
I absolutely LOVE the countertops with the cabinets! What kind of cabinets are these and where can I buy them?!?
So in love with your cabinets!! Where can I buy these??
Awesome post!! Love these ideas 🙂
Absolutely love your blog! Can you tell me where you got the light fixture in your kitchen? I have a light over my kitchen sink that shines right in my eyes! I thought I was the only one who was plagued with this problem but if I had a fixture like yours, I would actually think it was awesome! I have had the picture of your kitchen saved for a long time and had planned on taking it to a light store and ask if they knew where I could get one. If you could tell me where you got yours that would be a big help. Thank you!
I loved this! I am planning to redo my bathroom and cant wait to check out your site for ideas. Thank you
I love the farmhouse look and ideas!!!
Where did you buy your curtains? I love them and have been searching for a nice design. Simply lovely.
What is wrong with copper sinks? That is what I was thinking of getting because I LOVE it. What do you mean it’s a lot to take care of??
Love your pictures and ideas. I live in a ranch style home but have wanted to make it look farmhouse style. Thank you for information and ideas.