Nail Farmhouse Style in Your Home

Integrating Farmhouse style into your home (that is not a farmhouse) may seem a bit overwhelming. It may seem at times too rustic or that too many pieces seem to be for outdoor use only. 

While you may not be feeling the outdoor style indoors, there is an entire silo-full-of-stuff that will suit your needs. But first, we must understand what exactly is “Farmhouse Style”? 

Vintage takes time

Farmhouse style, just like farming, is a look that takes time. Pieces of furniture are collected more than purchased in groups. Getting it right takes a dash of modern and a sprig of old. When you think of a farmhouse, you likely think of a simple, practical and useful. These ideas can translate into items for your home easier than you might think. 

That warm fuzzy feeling

Farmhouse style should make you feel warm and cozy. That place you want to pull up a chair, grab that fluffy blanket and relax. Creams and oversized chairs tend to be a must with this look. 

Wood is good

There are lots of types and finished of wood that will work splendidly. For a weathered look, reclaimed and barn wood brings a dash of rustic without your home looking too much like a ski lodge. Mixing and matching woods and tones will make it feel like your look developed over time and not feel overly-intentional.

Don’t distress! OK go-ahead

A distressed finish on wood or metal adds an industrial note, which is also very relative to this look. Accents in crispy-clean white in a floor tile, or backsplash, are a nice contrast to distressed. The concrete bookends, candle holders or the tabletop of an accent table, speak simple and low-maintenance. Furniture pieces covered in natural fabrics like cotton, burlap or wool will add to the low-maintenance vibe. This style tends to be easier to find as it has been in style for many years to add finishing touches.

Practically perfect

While today’s farmhouse look takes time and thought, it originated with simple and practical, so a practical feel is still a large part of achieving this look. Delicate is not a part of this style though, for example, a tea set is not usually part of the design. We need strong pieces that still maintain a little sophistication. 

The heart of the home

Kitchens are a great place to start with farmhouse style, and maybe the easiest to boot. Shaker cabinet pair beautifully with a heavy old-school harvest table. You don’t need to trade your freezer in for something less modern; stainless steel appliances and modern lighting offer a great balance. 

Yes, please

It’s ok to cave and purchase one or two of those cute reproduction pieces, or a craft fair find made to look original. But too many of these, and your home is going to look more movie-set than a cozy cottage. This may also be the only time you welcome hand-me-downs from family members. Purchasing new furniture for a new style is always welcomed, you want something that is entirely yours. However, more decorative pieces can come from family members and that familiar feel will make the whole room come together.

Fleas welcome

If you are a flea-market fan, head on out. Flea markets and antique shows are the perfect places to grab a hearty armoire or some old books for tables or shelves. Wood fruit crates aren’t too hard to find and they make great storage, if you’re somewhat DIY. Apple picking ladders can be used as shelving, a place to hang your cozy blankets(I mean quilts), a magazine rack, or can be a cool place to hang old tea towels you may have picked up along the way. With authentic finds, character and charm are instantly added. Again the bigger pieces will be easier to purchase but smaller accents can be made.

Dream beams

The farmhouse look isn’t all furniture and accents. It can go much deeper than that. Old barn boards can be used to create flooring, wall accents, and shelving. Adding exposed wood beams to the ceiling of a room adds some serious architectural interest. Instead of the common stone kitchen counters, consider butcher block counters instead. If that isn’t practical for your life, a butcher block island may be a better bet.  

Every good cook needs an apron

Ever heard of an apron sink? Sounds like a perfect fit for your farmhouse kitchen? That’s because it is! An apron sink is a large sink with an exposed front. They are also called farm sinks and were added into a space that was cut out of the kitchen counter. 

Good old sleep

Your bedroom can take on this look too! A weathered wood headboard and some cool old lamps are great to add interest. If you find some seriously-vintage lighting, a simple rewire will make it useable and relevant. An old wood chest has so many uses; from storing seasonal clothing to some extra stow-away storage. Wicker also brings the outdoors in and can add warmth to a room. 

Slip-ups

If you find an old sofa with great farmhouse-lines and not so great upholstery, consider reupholstering or maybe even slipcover. Slipcovers may be more cost-effective and can be washed whenever necessary. 

Getting it right

While we are aiming for comfy-cozy, we don’t want to skate to close to cheesy and corny. Pick pieces carefully and intentionally. Potpourri and an abundance of rooster-themed items is skating oh-to-close to the dark side. 

Pick items you love, items that mean something to you, or you just like to look at. A warm feel with a nice mix of form as well as function will make your farmhouse feel like home. Matter Brothers Furniture has a variety of options for your home to give you the look and comfort that you seek. Whether its distressed or warm wood there is an option for you. Check out all of our farm style collections or visit one of our 5 convenient locations and take a look for yourself. We are excited to help!