Embrace Rustic Charm: A Guide to Farmhouse Interior Design

When you think of a farmhouse, what comes to mind? Rolling hills, grazing cows, and acres of wheat fields? Farmhouse interior design is all about rustic charm, vintage pieces, and a cosy, lived-in feel in interior design.

It’s a style that’s been around for centuries, and it’s not going away anytime soon.

What is Farmhouse Interior Design Style?

Suppose you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest lately. You may have noticed a trend towards rustic country living rooms and cosy interiors with a vintage charm.

This style, known as farmhouse interior design, has become increasingly popular in recent years. But what exactly is farmhouse interior design, and how can you achieve this look in your home?

Farmhouse Interiors is about creating a warm, welcoming space that feels like home. This style draws inspiration from rural living, emphasising natural materials, vintage finds, and rustic finishes.

Regarding farmhouse style, nothing says “rustic charm” quite like shiplap.

First, if you want to go full farmhouse, you’ll need some shiplap. Yes, shiplap. That horizontal panelling looks like it’s straight out of a 19th-century barn. And guess what? It’s still popular!

Shiplap adds texture and warmth to a room and is the perfect backdrop for all your farmhouse decor.

The Power of White

You can’t go wrong with white for a classic farmhouse look. It’s clean and timeless, allowing your decor to take centre stage. But if you’re feeling adventurous, add some pops of colour here and there.

Now, let’s talk about colour. Think muted blues, greens, and yellows – nothing too bold or flashy.

Vintage Finds and Repurposed Treasures

One of the best things about farmhouse style is that it’s all about repurposing and reusing. That means scouring car boot sales and antique and charity shops for unique, vintage pieces that add character to your space.

A weathered wooden table, a rusty metal sign, or a chipped ceramic pitcher can all add that perfect touch of farmhouse charm.

Cosy Textiles for a Lived-In Feel

And let’s remember the textiles.

A cosy, well-worn quilt draped over a sofa, a stack of vintage grain sacks piled up in a corner, or a soft wool throw tossed over an armchair adds texture and warmth to a room. And if you want to go all out, you can even add some barn doors to your space.

They’re a quintessential farmhouse element that adds both style and functionality.

Farmhouse Style is More Than Just Decor

But farmhouse style isn’t just about the decor – it’s about the lifestyle, too. It’s about slowing down, enjoying simple pleasures, and embracing the beauty of imperfection.

So, leave some space in your home for quiet moments of reflection, whether it’s a cosy reading nook or a spot on the porch to watch the sunset.

Old vs modern farmhouse interior design

Farmhouse interior design has been around for centuries. Over time, it has evolved to encompass both old and modern styles. It features natural materials, vintage finds, and rustic finishes, such as exposed brick walls, wooden ceiling beams, and antique furnishings.

Old farmhouse interiors are about embracing historical homes’ charm and character.

On the other hand, modern farmhouse interiors take a more streamlined approach, blending traditional farmhouse elements with modern aesthetics.

This style often features clean lines, neutral colour palettes, and sleek finishes, such as stainless steel appliances and industrial light fixtures.

While both old and modern farmhouse interior designs have unique characteristics, they share a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes any home feel like a cosy retreat.

Creating a Charming Farmhouse Interior: Tips and Inspiration

Now, let’s get to the fun part: decorating. One of the best things about farmhouse style is that it’s versatile. You can go for a traditional, rustic look or mix some modern elements for a fresh take on the style. If you’re looking to bring some farmhouse-style decor charm to your home, here are some tips for creating interior features of a farmhouse:

• Embrace natural materials: Incorporate wood, stone, and metal into your decor to create a rustic, lived-in look.
• Use shiplap or other textural wall treatments: Add depth and dimension to your space.
• Add vintage pieces: Incorporate unique, vintage finds into your decor to add character and warmth.
• Keep the colour palette neutral: Choose shades of white, beige, and grey to create a calming, neutral backdrop.
• Use cosy textiles: Layer well-worn quilts, soft wool throws, and vintage grain sacks to create a relaxing, inviting atmosphere.
• Hang a vintage sign above your fireplace: An old Coca-Cola or a rusty “Welcome” sign adds instant charm to your space.
• Use open shelving: One of the hallmarks of farmhouse interior design is open shelving in the kitchen. It’s a great way to display your favourite dishes, glassware, and cookbooks. The key to making open shelving work in a farmhouse-style kitchen is to keep it organised and intentional. Too many items on the shelves can create a cluttered look, detracting from the overall aesthetic. To achieve the perfect balance, consider using a mix of decorative items, like vintage pitchers and glass jars, with functional items, like plates and bowls.
• Create a gallery wall with antique frames: Fill them with black-and-white photos or vintage botanical prints for a classic farmhouse look.
• Remember the greenery: Whether it’s a few potted herbs on the windowsill or a cluster of succulents on a tray, plants bring life to a room and help create that cosy, lived-in feel. Adding plants and vegetation to your space can bring the outdoors in and add a fresh touch to your decor.
• Layer rugs: A vintage Persian rug layered over a jute rug adds texture and warmth to a room, and it’s a great way to define a seating area.
• Use Mason jars for everything: Use them as vases for fresh flowers or storing kitchen utensils; Mason jars are a farmhouse staple.
• Hang some pendant lights: Sleek and modern or vintage and industrial; pendant lights add style and function to a space.

If you need more inspiration, Magnolia is a brand founded by Chip and Joanna Gaines, who gained fame for their hit HGTV show, “Fixer Upper.”

The Magnolia brand encompasses a wide range of home and lifestyle products, including a line of furniture, home decor, and paint, as well as a magazine and retail store.

One of the signature styles of Magnolia is their take on farmhouse interior design, which combines rustic elements with modern touches to create a warm and inviting space.

Their style features natural materials, vintage finds, and neutral colour palettes, creating a cosy, stylish, and comfortable atmosphere. If you’re a fan of farmhouse interior design, check out the Magnolia website and Instagram; it is a must.

There, you’ll find a wide range of products, inspiration, and tips and tricks for achieving the Magnolia farmhouse look in your home.

Another designer is Studio McGee, a design firm that has gained popularity recently for its stunning interior design work, including many farmhouse-style homes.

Their approach to farmhouse interior design is classic and modern, blending traditional elements with contemporary finishes to create stylish and comfortable spaces.

Their website and Instagram feature many projects and design inspirations, including farmhouse-style homes showcasing their signature style.

Suppose you’re looking to bring some farmhouse charm to your own home. In that case, Studio McGee’s portfolio is worth checking out for inspiration and ideas.

Wrap Up

Farmhouse interior design creates a warm, welcoming space that feels like home. Whether you live in the country or the city, you can bring a touch of rustic charm to your home with some vital farmhouse-style elements.

So, embrace natural materials, neutral colours, and vintage finds, and enjoy the cosy, inviting atmosphere that comes with farmhouse interior design.

But remember, when it comes to farmhouse style, less is often.

Let me know what you think. Comment below!