“Farmhouse style” is both classic and timely. The current version of this decorating style is characterized by elements that you might find in a farmhouse, combined with contemporary conveniences. It’s basically an updated take on country style, rustic style or primitive style. Some people refer to this as “modern farmhouse style”. Personally, I think a more accurate way of describing it would be “contemporary farmhouse style” — but to each their own.
Farmhouse Style Furniture
Farmhouse style furniture tends to be casual, unpretentious and comfortable. Think massive, overstuffed, slip-covered chairs and sofas; handmade rag rugs on the floors; wood surfaces that might or might not be finished, might or might not be painted and might or might not include distressing. Vintage furniture is right at home in a farmhouse style home.
The Farmhouse Style Kitchen
A farmhouse style kitchen is likely to have an expansive apron-front sink. This isn’t the only acceptable sink style, but it’s one of the most popular styles currently being installed in farmhouse style kitchens.
Apron-front sinks can be made in a variety of fabrications including copper, fireclay, porcelain, stainless steel and cast iron.
Another option would be a long, spacious trough style sink.
A vintage farmhouse kitchen would have been likely to include a large table for everyone to sit around and eat at. A contemporary farmhouse kitchen might include a breakfast nook or kitchen table — but it would be just as likely to have a large kitchen island that includes both storage and seating.
Many farmhouse-style kitchens include a hutch or similar furniture piece intended for for displaying a collection of china, dinnerware or serving pieces. Take a look at this example of a vintage Massachusetts farmhouse kitchen from 1925. The sink is also worth taking a close look at:
Shiplap or Barn Wood
Some farmhouse style decorating schemes incorporate various types of wooden planks as wall treatments. Celebrity designers Chip and Joanna Gaines helped to popularize this look; shiplap style wooden planks are one of Joanna’s hallmark interior design features.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Farmhouse Style Decorating
Many of our grandmas and great grandmas decorated their own farmhouses using traditional craft techniques like quilting and crochet. They made rag rugs, crocheted blankets and afghans, bed quilts, baby quilts and more.
Would you be interested in making the quilts and rugs and afghans you use for decorating your farmhouse-style home? If so, check out the following books to find an abundance of patterns, instructions, inspiration and ideas.
Farmhouse-Style Quilting
This book features up-to-date yet classic quilting patterns for making a variety of modern farmhouse-style projects. In this book, you’ll find lovely quilted blankets, a baby quilt, quilted table linens and more.
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to check out our detailed book review of Farmhouse-Style Quilting.
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.
Gooseberry Patch Farmhouse Style Crochet
Get your hands on bunches of cheerful crochet patterns that will dress up your home and make it cozier. The DIY projects in this book include a lovely oval rug, colorful granny square blankets, cute chair cushions, filet crochet potholders and more.
Get more information in my detailed book review of Gooseberry Patch’s Farmhouse Style Crochet.
Candle Making Basics
Want to make your own country-style candles for decorating your modern farmhouse? If so, grab a copy of Candle Making Basics. This book gives you step-by-step instructions for making simple candles that are both beautiful and practical.
Get more information in my detailed book review of Candle Making Basics.
The Homesteader’s Herbal Companion
Want to decorate your farmhouse style home with lavender and other herbs you grow yourself? Want to get your hands on a whole bunch of DIY recipes for homemade beauty care products, self care products, cleaning products, meals, side dishes and more? This is a truly wonderful book that any farm girl or homesteader is likely to find useful.
Click here to get more details in my book review of The Homesteader’s Herbal Companion.
So there you have it: That’s what you need to know about farmhouse style, in a nutshell. I hope you found this information helpful.
More Decorating Styles
This page was last updated on 9-1-2023.
What is farmhouse style? Get pictures and examples here — plus find suggestions for farmhouse-style DIY decorating projects including quilting projects, crochet projects and more.