Hello there! Today I thought we’d chat about Country and Farmhouse style decor. I was with a few friends last week and of course the conversation got around to the important stuff like decorating. We discussed that those people said the Farmhouse trend was old news. I’ve heard that and I get it. Some of us want the new and improved, the fresh and trendy. But at my age I finally know what I like. I understand what is important to me and what brings me joy. And that is the casual comfort and the warm invitation country and farmhouse decor brings into my home. After we all agreed on that, they asked what I thought were some key pieces to incorporate when decorating in this style. So, here’s my 2 cent opinion and 5 country and farmhouse decor staples.
5 Country and Farmhouse Decor Staples
Decor Staple Number 1 – Ironstone
If you follow me on Pinterest, you’ll see I have a board and an obsession with vintage Ironstone. To me, ironstone is something every country/farmhouse style lover should have around. It’s getting harder to find so when you come across it and it’s within your budget, grab it.
Whiteware or Creamware can give you a similar look without the higher cost. Place your white dishes or ironstone in a cabinet, in a collection or one magnificent piece on it’s own. It doesn’t matter. It’s all beautiful and works with this style of decor.
Decor Staple Number 2 – Slip Covered Sofa’s and/or Chairs
My number 2 staple would have to be a slip covered sofa. It doesn’t have to be white but oh my golly white looks fantastic! In our home in Dallas, I think that made the biggest impact (besides paint) in our family room. We had a large dark leather sofa with over stuffed arms and huge nail heads. It stayed with us through my Old World phase then through my Texas rustic phase.
The old leather sofa is crowding sitting in the Mister’s office now because he won’t get rid of it. He said it cost to much money to just put on the curb. And because of that statement right there, I will never purchase anything that cost a lot of money again. Well maybe not anything. It’s possible I can see a large French armoire in my future. 😉 IKEA is a great place to start with slip covered furniture. We’ve had ours for years and it’s still fabulous.
Decor Staple Number 3 – Upcycled or Salvaged Pieces
Upcycled or salvaged pieces are another staple when decorating in a country/farmhouse style. You can find them all over the place. Check junk yards, architectural salvage yards, antique stores, garage sales and even on the side of the road. Using the pieces you find in an unintended purpose makes the biggest impact. Like an antique bed turned into a bench or galvanized buckets make great containers for blankets, logs or plants.
And old porch columns and vintage silverware can be turned into coat racks. Windows can be painted like a canvas, layered and hung as artwork or used as frames for other prints. Silverware can be used as hooks for coats or towels. This seems better than getting everything at the store that is mass produced. Be unique and different. Be you!
Decor Staple Number 4 – Old Beds
Old beds speak my language. The handmade carving and unique character are all I need for a good nights sleep. Not really but it helps! I even love the old chippy paint. Sometimes you have to nail them a little to be more sturdy or less rickety but it’s worth it. The height on old beds is a fave too. I need a little stool to climb up into ours. You should have seen the ritual before I got a stool. Let’s just say it required help from the Mister. LOL.
If you find an old iron bed that isn’t in great shape, you can have it sandblasted and repainted. Like ours in Navasota. They were old and rusty and the rust gets on everything. I’ve seen old iron beds painted in blue, green pink and black but white will always be my favorite.
Decor Staple Number 5 – Neutral Painted Walls
Last but not least is a neutral paint color on the walls. It is the biggest bang for your buck. Farmhouse style is known for it’s white on white or neutral everything; the walls, the furniture, the accessories. Then there’s the colorful country living look; brightly painted furniture, quilts, rugs, dishes, etc. To keep your surroundings from feeling overwhelming, both need neutral walls. My go to favorite neutral colors are Sherwin Williams – Neutral Ground, Zurich White, Modern Gray, On the Rocks and Accessible Beige.
I would have linked the colors but just like the small squares you get at the stores, they won’t look the same in real life. It’s important to remember that before choosing paint, get samples and check it with your light bulbs, your natural light, your flooring and what it looks like during the morning, afternoon and night time. 😉 It will be different.
Do all of these things listed above mean that if you don’t have them then you don’t have country/farmhouse style? Nope!
Does this mean that if you have these things then you have to live in the country? Heck no!
These are just 5 Country and Farmhouse decor staples. Beautiful pieces that will forever be classic. It’s for those of us who know that even when some new trend comes out, and we may even love it, we will always have some country/farmhouse decor in our homes.
Does that seem like a lot of information? Maybe I should change this to a nickel’s worth of info instead of just 2 cents?
So true. I love French/French Country and it’s about collected look. My kitchen has a bit of French country farmhouse.
Great tips.
Have a great Easter
Cindy
Author
Yes, French Country Farmhouse is a fave! I would love to start over and do that look throughout our home but the Mister keeps me and the budget in check. And that’s a good thing! Hope your Easter is special Cindy. Thank you
Great suggestions Cindy. I love them all. So many farmhouse style items to have that add to greT home decor.
Author
I love them all as well. What I like most about the Country/Farmhouse style though… It’s comfort and easy living atmosphere. Thank you for stopping by Carol!
Great post Cindy, love it all! I hope you will come over tomorrow and link up for Thursday Favorite Things.
Happy Easter!
Author
Thank you Amber. Will do! I love that linky party!
Good list but, yes i would like some more. I like my animals and barn decor and rounded off with my chandeliers. I do love you farmhouse and the way it is decorated. Have a Happy Easter, “He Lives”.
Author
Yes, I want more too. If I posted everything, you’d be reading into tomorrow! Happy Easter Marlene
I love seeing the retired decor from one of your previous dining room looks. The beautiful hues of teal and Tiffany Blue will always be a favorite of mine. So fresh and and full of springtime. 🌷💚
Author
Not sure what blue decor you are talking about but thank you. I’m glad you like it and think it looks springy.
Right on Cindy! I love everyone of them!
Author
Me too Barbara. I adore this style! 😀
Great suggestions Cindy! I wholeheartedly agree with the wall color. Our house is open floor plan and the the ceilings reach up to 20 feet in some places. During my old world phase I painted the walls a mid-tone tan. It looked fabulous – then. I would love something lighter, brighter. But The Hubs says before we paint again, he’ll move! He’s kidding about the moving, for now, but that means no paint. It’s sometimes a struggle when you KNOW that everything is right, but the paint color. I love an iron bed… white bedding and beautiful old quilt…. and YES to the white dishes!
Author
Are you sure we aren’t married to the same person?! I blame the no-paint attitude on the builders and those dang high ceilings. Im in the same boat. I said, okay then, we are hiring someone and he was like Uuuuuh. LOL. Fingers crossed this is my decade!
Cindy, Your home always looks so beautiful and welcoming! Years ago, the “country” look was in and then everyone said it’s going out of style. Call it what you want, “country”, “farmhouse”, “fixer-upper style” or whatever, it will always be in style in one form or another. As long as you love it, it’s all that matters!
Author
Exactly Carol! It’s a lifestyle, right?! Whoever THOSE people are should ask the readers and editors of Country Living Magazine. 😁. Thanks for stopping by. Happy Easter
Awesome suggestions! Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring us! Great post friend. 🙂
Happy day!
karianne
PS You should add some affiliate links here so we can find some of this stuff online. 🙂
Author
Thank you KariAnne. I always forget about affiliate links. Thanks for the reminder!
Great post Cindy! I too have a love of Ironstone…it’s SO beautiful any time of the year. Thanks for sharing!
Author
You are so sweet to spend time on the blog! It’s hard to find ironstone around here. Hope you have better luck than I do! 😉 Thank you Rachel