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Please enjoy this guest post written by: Chase Webb

Farmhouse style isn’t just about distressed surfaces and rustic finishes; it’s about balance, warmth, and functionality. If you’re ready to create a cozy home with modern farmhouse touches, these simple steps will guide you toward a timeless yet practical transformation.

1 – Choose the Right Colors

Your farmhouse palette sets the tone, so aim for neutral, calm shades. Colors like whites, soft grays, and beige create a light, airy base, while earthy greens or deep browns can break up the monotony. 

Neutral tones are known to evoke feelings of calm and relaxation, making them perfect for creating the cozy, inviting atmosphere the farmhouse style is loved for.

Did You Know? The term “modern farmhouse” debuted in 2016 in the New York Times, with roots linked to the 2008 recession, as homeowners sought comfort and practicality through rustic-meets-modern design.

Avoid an all-beige scheme—it’s better to introduce subtle contrasts with accent colors or layered pieces. 

Pair neutral walls with rustic, sustainable elements like a reclaimed wood coffee table, and balance them with touches of contemporary furniture and decor for a fresh, updated feel. This mix helps keep the space grounded while adding visual depth.

2 – Pick Practical Furniture

Farmhouse furniture thrives on functionality without sacrificing style. Choose pieces that can handle everyday use while elevating the room. 

Large farmhouse dining tables, for example, work beautifully in open-plan living areas, creating a focal point for family meals and gatherings.

For smaller, cozier spaces, practical features like a space-saving pullout sofa bed with storage with rustic or vintage furniture to maximize space and charm. Blend old and new by pairing a vintage wooden desk with sleek, modern chairs for a balanced aesthetic.

Where Did It All Start? Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of Fixer Upper, popularized the  modern farmhouse design in the 2010s. They renovated their 1895 Victorian farmhouse in Crawford, Texas, blending historic charm with their signature shiplap and rustic touches, inspiring millions to embrace the cozy style.

3 – Add Natural Textures

Farmhouse design is all about texture. It’s the layering of materials that brings depth and warmth to a room. Start with foundational pieces like jute rugs to ground your space or linen curtains that let natural light flow while adding a soft, airy feel. 

Create contrast by mixing smooth textures—like polished metals or ceramic vases—with rougher ones, such as stone fireplaces or woven baskets. 

Don’t forget the walls. Options like textured 3D wall panels, shiplap, or even exposed brick can help define the farmhouse aesthetic. These elements introduce visual depth, acting as both a backdrop and a standout feature. 

Walls with texture work especially well in spaces like dining rooms or entryways, creating a natural focal point that ties the room together.

To avoid overwhelming the space, stick to one standout wall texture per room and pair it with simpler surrounding surfaces like painted drywall.

4 – Incorporate Plants for Freshness

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Plants breathe life into farmhouse interiors, bringing a pop of green and a fresh vibe to your home. 

Opt for leafy favorites like fiddle-leaf figs or cascading pothos, and display them in terracotta pots or woven planters for an authentic look. 

If you lack a green thumb, faux greenery can work, too—just mix it sparingly to keep things natural. Showcase plants on floating shelves or in hanging baskets for space-saving farmhouse appeal.

Did You Know? Plants do more than brighten a room—they help you relax. A 2015 study found that tending to indoor plants reduced stress and lowered blood pressure. Participants even reported feeling calmer and more comfortable interacting with plants than working on a computer.

5 – Eco-Friendly Fixtures and Accessories

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Eco-friendly features like farmhouse-style fixtures contribute both character and sustainability to your design. 

Consider deep apron-front sinks, reclaimed wood shelves, or vintage brass doorknobs. Swap standard hardware and faucets for eco-conscious, rustic designs like oil-rubbed bronze or matte black for a timeless look.

Keep lighting fixtures intentional—pendant lights with cage-style metal designs or rustic chandeliers add farmhouse flair without feeling outdated.

Do’s and Don’ts of Farmhouse Decorating

Farmhouse decorating is all about blending charm with practicality, but it’s easy to slip into common design traps. How do you balance cozy without cluttered, or rustic without outdated? 

Check out this quick table of do’s and don’ts to avoid mistakes and create a farmhouse look that feels fresh, inviting, and uniquely yours.

Do’s	Don’ts
Stick to a few meaningful accessories, such as antique mirrors, wooden signs, or woven baskets.	Avoid over-accessorizing with too many items, which can make your space feel cluttered and chaotic.
Balance vintage and modern elements—for example, pair a rustic coffee table with sleek, contemporary chairs.	Don’t lean too heavily on one side (all vintage can feel dated; all modern loses farmhouse coziness).
Incorporate textured materials like jute rugs, reclaimed wood, and linen curtains for warmth and depth.	Avoid creating flat, monotone spaces by relying exclusively on neutral tones without adding textures or contrasts.
Prioritize functional elegance with features like a statement chandelier or tasteful contemporary furniture.	Don’t assume farmhouse style has to lack sophistication—elevate with polished or high-quality pieces.
Focus on creating a cohesive look that reflects farmhouse charm while staying true to your own personal style.	Don’t copy trends blindly—your space should feel authentic to you and your lifestyle.

Farmhouse Life, Simplified

Farmhouse design isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle of comfort and charm. By balancing earthy textures, neutral colors, natural elements, and functional furniture, you can achieve a space that feels cozy yet sophisticated. So mix it up, keep it grounded, and let your home tell its own farmhouse story.