At a Glance:
The Fundamentals of Farmhouse Décor
Using Farmhouse Décor in the Living Room
Using Farmhouse Décor in the Bedroom
Using Farmhouse Décor in the Dining Room
If the styles of big names like Joana Gaines or Martha Stewart are right up your alley, then you’re one of the many fans of farmhouse décor. Now a veteran in interior design books, farmhouse design goes against the urban in exchange for a home-sweet-home feel that anyone will feel welcome in. Over the years, the concept has become so popular that several different versions have stemmed from the original idea, meaning homeowners of all backgrounds can cash in on the cozy feel of farmhouse décor, whether it’s a modern take, one that is coastal-inspired, or a rustic approach.
While the design is pretty laid-back, there are a few rules interior specialists recommend keeping in mind, which is what we’ve put together in this quick guide. Follow along for tips and how to curate your living room, bedroom, and dining room with some of the latest farmhouse décor on the market.
What is Farmhouse Design?
First, there was Y2K, which ushered in the era of modernism. From there, interior design started to focus on clean lines, perfection, and refinement—which was fine until homeowners started to yearn for the cozy feel of home sweet home from yesteryear. It didn’t take long for households to turn back in favor of spaces that feel welcoming, cozy, and with a little bit of “lived-in” character as opposed to an art exhibit.
That’s when homeowners began to revisit more organic home designs, particularly ones from the Colonial ages where hand-made wood goods and architecture were humble yet noble trades. Emphasis on humble, which many felt was the direct opposite of the showboat urban designs of modernism. From there, the rest is history, and farmhouse décor became the most popular interior design style on the scene.
The Fundamentals of Farmhouse Décor
Now that the history lesson is over, let’s review what farmhouse décor is. The easiest way we’ve found to recognize what is and what is not farmhouse is by looking at the style’s three core essentials:
Colors & Farmhouse Décor
Again, farmhouse design is heavy on everything natural, organic, and rustic in nature. While modern farmhouse décor uses colors more liberally, the original expression of farmhouse living sticks to neutrals, including white, beige, light greens, black, and earth tones. Additionally, the occasional metallic accent might be present in a farmhouse-style room, mainly when it comes to farmhouse kitchen décor since most appliances nowadays are stainless steel. But, for the most part, interior designers suggest sticking to notes of metal in their natural form—or better, when they’ve aged naturally.
Materials & Farmhouse Décor
Hands down, the biggest influence on farmhouse décor is wood. From exposed beams to butcher top countertops, wood is used in several applications to the opposite effect of cold metal finishes. Wood is naturally cozy, with undertones of brown, amber, and even black, which pick up under lighting better than the reflective surfaces of metal or glass.
You’ll also see plenty of stone used in farmhouse décor. In fact, because stone comes in an array of colors and patterns, it’s a great way to add visual interest to a space without “breaking” farmhouse design rules. Brick is a lovely way of making a place look toasty, while limestone is lighter in color, helping to make small spaces feel larger.
Textures & Farmhouse Décor
As noted, the farmhouse movement was the direct counterpart to the strict lines of modernism. That means details such as rough edges, dings and dents in wood, and uneven surfaces are highly sought after. You’ll also see a lot of soft texture via heavy knitting, natural linen and burlap, and cowhides and animal pelts, all of which can help soften the feel of a space while playing on the rural themes that this design style is based on.
Using Farmhouse Décor in the Living Room
Next to the kitchen, the rustic feel of farmhouse interior design works best in the living room. After all, this is the place where family comes together, so sprucing up the scene with a cozy vibe makes total sense. Aim for a big, comfy sofa, ideally family-sized—not small and boxy like modern sofas—to indicate the space is for gathering. This is also where you can utilize wood in abundance, from entertainment centers and coffee tables to wooden décor and even natural wood flooring.
We Recommend: The Uttermost Declan Neutral Linen Accent Chair
Begin your collection of farmhouse living room décor with this rustic accent from Uttermost. This wooden chair takes notes from industrial design with a black metal frame to add another layer of style to the living room, while the weathered pine wood seat and back bring it back to its rural roots. Complete with natural flaxen seat cushions filled with down, the overall color palette of this farmhouse chair would go perfect paired with a white sofa.
Also Recommended: The Coast2Coast Home™ Cabot Aged Blue/Cream Lift Top Cocktail Table
If you’re looking for rustic living furniture with a bit more color, then consider this farmhouse coffee table in a light-blue finish full of aged details for a shabby chic take on the design. Two ample drawers let you place all your living room essentials tucked away when not in use behind vintage-inspired drawer fronts fashioned with antique-style pulls. For the at-home workers, the pull-up tabletop is a handy addition that will keep you productive when you need to take a break from the home office desk.
Using Farmhouse Décor in the Bedroom
The inviting vibe of farmhouse décor and the intimacy of the bedroom might not seem like a likely pair, but when done right, it can create a relaxing space where rustic charm soothes your sleep routine. You can’t go wrong with wood and its cozy feel, but to really get the farmhouse touch, go for weathered pieces. The aged effect works great with crisp bedding colors. For even more charm, try mixing wood tones between pieces such as a farmhouse dresser and bed for a homemade spin reminiscent of farmhouse décor roots.
We Recommend: The Progressive® Furniture Willow Weathered Gray King Bed
A big part of farmhouse design is the beauty of simplicity. This farmhouse bed from Progressive Furniture is a perfect example, crafted with barn-style wood rails on both the headboard and the footboard. Finished in a neutral wood tone, we recommend making this the statement of your bedroom farmhouse décor and pairing it with other pieces of the same tone for an intimate vibe that you’ll love falling asleep in.
→ Explore More Bed Styles: 7 Upholstered Beds for a Sophisticated Bedroom
Also Recommended: The Progressive® Furniture Chatsworth Mint Nightstand
For a farmhouse nightstand full of fresh style, we invite you to consider this option that features a hand-applied mint finish. If you’re struggling to add color to your farmhouse bedroom, this three-drawer nightstand provides a subtle solution without skimping out on all the charm of more rustic pieces. The solid pine construction is elegantly carved in scalloped details and paired with vintage dark-bronze hardware for a quaint setup that will complement the rest of your bedroom décor.
Using Farmhouse Décor in the Dining Room
The kitchen is one of the easiest places to use farmhouse décor, so as long as you stick to the elements, you’re sure to get a homey setting for mealtime. If you have a smaller dining room, try using lighter wood pieces to give the space a bigger feel. Even larger dining spaces benefit from lighter elements to keep the heavy use of wood from feeling overwhelming. Take a look at a few examples below.
Recommended: The A & B Home Alcott Natural/Whitewash Dining Table
In terms of authenticity, this farmhouse dining table hits the nail on the head with its full display of old-world design wherever the eye looks. It’s brilliantly contrasted by a chunky trestle base with decorated pilasters in white with characteristic chipping along with a hearty wood tabletop in a classic plank style. With enough room to fit six easily, this is a perfect choice for full-size households that feast family style.
→ Discover More Dining Table Styles: Round Dining Table Inspirations for This Year
Also Recommended: Olliix by Madison Park Maddox Beige Counter Height Stool
Even if you only have room for seating around a kitchen island, farmhouse bar stools can still bring warmth to your dining space. Take this updated pick, for instance. The upholstered seating in cream can be combined with a variety of dinette color themes, while the bold, black base adds a punch of character to make these pieces special. A pair or two of these counter-height bar stools would look fantastic against white décor, farmhouse florals, and other metal accents.
→ Explore More Bar Stool Styles: 5 Stylish Bar Stools with Backs to Complete Your Room
The great thing about farmhouse decor ideas is that it’s hard to go wrong, so long as you stick to the fundamentals and keep it cozy and inviting. Focus on wood and natural materials and work your way around them to create a fun, functional space full of the undeniable warmth only farmhouse décor can provide. What we’ve presented in this quick style guide is just the tip of the iceberg as far as what you can do with farmhouse furniture. To see even more, browse our catalog online or visit one of our Kansas, Oklahoma, or Texas furniture stores near you today to see what’s new in our stock!
Why Trust Bob Mills Furniture?
At Bob Mills Furniture, we believe that everyone is family. Since 1971, we have delivered beautiful furniture for 50 years (and counting), with ten sprawling locations in the U.S. — from our flagship store in Oklahoma City to San Antonio in Texas to Wichita in Kansas. Our friendly staff aims to offer the greatest comfort and value, with elegant styles to match your taste, décor, and design. In addition to coziness and style, we also stock furniture and mattress brands with strong reputations and track records of durability so that you can enjoy your investment for years to come.
Shop Farmhouse Décor Bob Mills
Start reveling in endless comfort and shop furniture online for unbeatable prices at Bob Mills. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you create the coziest home with farmhouse décor — whether you call the Bob Mills Furniture store nearest you or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our showrooms throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas to discover why we are everyone’s favorite local furniture store. Visit us today!
Learn More: Designing the Perfect Modern Farmhouse Dining Room