10 Elements of Farmhouse Style

January 6, 2015February 3, 2015

Over the years of decorating several homes I’ve lived in, I never really thought of myself as having an affinity for farm style. I just know I like quirky old houses and vintage finds. Since living in my current home, where the streets of town meet the country roads, I find myself drawn more and more to farm decor. I love the local farm markets and the utilitarian pieces found on farms that can be used as decor. I thought I’d share some of my favorite elements of farmhouse style from my own home with you today.

1. Freestanding Kitchen Furniture

I’m starting in the kitchen because when I think of a classic farmhouse, I think of the heart of the home … the kitchen. Freestanding pieces are common in farmhouse kitchens.

2. Open Shelving

If you’re gonna have a farmhouse, you gotta have open shelving. Whether it’s attached to the wall or a freestanding piece, you need open shelves where items are easily accessible. I always use the pitchers, bowls, and plates that are stored on the open shelves. After all, if I didn’t use them, they’d get dusty.

3. Built-In Cupboards

I love this bead board cupboard in my kitchen. One of the things I look for when house shopping is built-in features. My first home, which was a Sears kit bungalow, had gorgeous built-in china cabinets in both the kitchen and the dining room, and 2 built-in bookcases in the living room.

4. Stoneware Crocks

Vintage crocks from the flea market are a staple in any farm house. They’re both functional and beautiful all at once. Use them to hold yarn balls, potatoes, fabric scraps, plants, and more. Or just set ’em on a shelf or table to look pretty.

5. White Ironstone

Collecting white ironstone is probably the easiest and fastest way to add elements of farmhouse style to your decor. It’s readily available and you can find great pieces without spending a ton of money. See that pitcher in the lower left of the dining hutch? It was only $5. I think the most I’ve ever spent on an ironstone pitcher was $45.

6. Mason Jars

Mason jars are another easy way to add farmhouse appeal. You can find vintage jars at flea markets or new ones at your favorite discount store. I like to use mason jars as simple vases for economical centerpieces.

7. Painted Floors

I love painted floors for both their appearance and durability. Mine have been painted white, blue-green, and now a rich chocolate. I prefer the darker color because it grounds the room and adds a bit of drama.

8. Flowers from the Garden

Farmhouse style isn’t fussy, so flowers from the garden always trump a professionally arranged bouquet from the florist. The simpler the flower arrangement, the better. They should look like you just cut them and plopped them into your favorite pitcher. I have tons of these beautiful Virginia Bluebells throughout my garden beds.

9. Clawfoot Bathtub

A clawfoot tub is a sure sign of an old farmhouse. I like modern conveniences, but I wouldn’t upgrade either of my bathrooms with their clawfoot tubs. The other tub has a shower attached to it and this one is used for long soaks.

10. Painted Furniture

Painted furniture provides a casual approach to decorating. It’s also versatile because you can change the color whenever you re-decorate a room. I like white painted furniture best because it goes with everything and makes a room look fresh and clean.

Obviously there are more elements of farmhouse style like old baskets, cotton textiles, wooden bowls, farm animal prints, and more. But this list of 10 includes some of my favorites.

For more farmhouse inspiration, check out my free Farmhouse Style digital magazine that I created with the Flipboard app. Content is continually added so be sure to visit the magazine often!

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