Traditional farmhouse style decorating is a vintage country style that feels welcoming, relaxing, and cozy.
Farmhouses were not filled with lots of accessories that add clutter.
Practicality was very important, so everything needed to serve a purpose.
Things were built to be durable, not delicate.
Items in a traditional farmhouse were typically not mass produced - they were hand made and often handed down from one generation to the next.
Here are a few ways to add traditional farmhouse style to your home to get an authentic farmhouse aesthetic.
photo courtesy of cynthia crane flickr.com/photos/cynthiacranesart/14825125598Architecture
Use antique pine floors for the majority of your traditional farmhouse.
Exposed wood beams show hand made craftsmanship.
Stone accents are appropriate.
Bead board or shiplap on the walls would be a nice touch.
Distressed wood shows that items were made to last and have been around for years.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, use rustic cupboards with exposed hardware, butcher block countertops, and a subway tile backsplash in your traditional farmhouse.
If you prefer a stone countertop, select one with a minimal pattern.
A farmhouse sink with a vintage style faucet is a nice touch.
Bathroom
Use black and white hexagon or octagon tiles #ad on the bathroom floor and white subway tiles #ad on the shower walls.
A clawfoot tub is a nice addition to a traditional farmhouse style home.
Lighting
Lighting in a traditional farmhouse should be very simple.
You can use barn lights #ad that are wall mounted or pendant mounted.
Color Scheme
A traditional farmhouse should have a subdued color scheme.
There should be about 50% white or offwhite used.
Other colors can be light pastels or earth tones.
Add a touch of black for interest.
Furniture
Use early american antiques for a traditional farmhouse style.
A slipcovered sofa would blend nicely in a farmhouse style.
Do not purchase matching furniture sets - items should look as if they have been collected over time.
Fabric
Fabrics should be simple and durable.
Handmade quilts were very common in traditioal farmhouses.
Most fabrics should be a solid color.
You can also incorporate a few small scale florals, gingham, calico, burlap, lace, stripe, or toile fabrics for accents.
Rag rugs would be appropriate on the floor.
Accessories
Accessories should be minimal in a traditional farmhouse.
Most accessories should serve a function, such as a woven wicker basket to hold sewing materials or a hand made box to hold keys.
Also decorate with old hardback books to add charm and character.
Repurpose a kitchen pitcher as a flower vase.
