Recently I was driving along a state route and came upon a farmhouse that was for sale. As I slowed down to take a better look, I saw that it was amazing. It was all white with a porch and a few out-buildings. I thought about turning around, but decided not to. Moving is not an option…so why put myself through that? I tried to dismiss it from my mind but I thought about that house all day. So…I decided to round up all my Farmhouse Style ideas in one place. I went back through everything to see where I could easily add something new and different to my decor. Something that might make me FEEL like I lived in a farmhouse even though I don’t. I’ll share what I decided later. First let’s take a look at the basic elements of Farmhouse Style.
The Beginner’s Guide to Farmhouse Style
The main elements of Farmhouse Style are: light walls, wood floors, vintage or vintage-inspired accessories, natural textiles and open shelving. For more information and lots of examples just click HERE. Rarely do we get the chance to start completely from scratch with our decor…even though we may want to! So it’s necessary to use what we already have and somehow make it work. Farmhouse style elements are easy to add and some are really budget-friendly.
5 Favorite Farmhouse Fabrics
One of the easiest ways to add a touch of Farmhouse is with fabric. Click HERE for examples and some sources. This is where I am going to add something fresh to my own decor. I have some grain sacks and ticking left from other projects. I hope to find the time to sew some pillow covers or maybe a runner. Even something that simple will bring tired decor back to life.
How to Decorate with Collections
Here is where you can get a fresh look by just moving things around…or adding something new to your collection. I love every piece of my ironstone but would love a few fresh pieces. When I can, I hope to get out to my antique mall and see what I can find. I also have room on my ladder for one more quilt if I get lucky in that respect too. If you don’t have room for new pieces or don’t want to spend the money, just move what you already have around a bit. Keep your collections together but give them a different resting place. For much more on decorating with collections click HERE.
A Farmhouse Porch
If you want just a touch of farmhouse style, a great place to start is an outdoor space…a porch if you have one. My front porch is not even close to what is found on a real farmhouse…but by adding a few key elements I can get the look without a big price tag. White wood rockers are a great start. Colorful flowers in vintage containers and pillows made from ticking finish the look. Click HERE to see more.
So…whether or not you live in a real farmhouse, I hope these ideas have inspired you. For even more inspiration, my farmhouse friends are joining me and let me tell you, nobody does farmhouse better than these three women. If you have a minute, take a look!
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Thanks for stopping by…see you soon!
Ricki Jill Treleaven says
Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 6:35 pmI’ve been thinking of you, Sweetie! :)
MaryT says
Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 6:26 amThese chairs are just the ticket! I’ve seen them for years but never bought any. While my husband and I considered padded chairs and ottomans for our side porch, we never bought them. This year I’m buying the white rockers to go with our white swing. Next will be ticking pillows!
Ann, I love all your ideas. Thank you so much for sharing.
sandy says
Friday, February 12, 2016 at 10:27 pmAnn, I’ve dropped a few of my favorite blogs because their sites crash my computer. I’m guessing sponsors with too many cookies. Appreciate whatever you are doing with your site that allows me to view your blog without problems. I ordered some of those egg noodles can’t wait to try your recipe. Thanks for all your creative ideas & work and for sharing.
Ann says
Monday, February 15, 2016 at 8:57 amOh my gosh Sandy thank you so much for telling me this! I am trying so hard to keep my site as clean as I can. Everyone’s computers/devices are different and we all use different browsers so sometimes it can be a challenge. Would you mind telling me how you view my site? Which device and browser…thank you again for your help! ~Ann
Anita from Cedar Hill Farmhouse says
Friday, February 12, 2016 at 5:22 pmI love it all Ann. You do farmhouse right. I love your style. I’m a grainsack and ironstone girl myself.
Carolyn Yoder says
Friday, February 12, 2016 at 12:11 pmI understand what you are saying about checking out farm houses, there is one
east of us, that sounds like the you are taking about, a niece and I keep
trying to find a way to get inside……..for a look. porches on 3 sides, etc.
Good idea to start at home………..
Joan says
Friday, February 12, 2016 at 10:55 amAnn, I absolutely love the lamp in your first picture. I’m having a terrible time finding a tall table lamp we can read by. Where did you find that treasure?
Ann says
Monday, February 15, 2016 at 9:00 amHi Joan…I have had those lamps so long that I don’t remember exactly where they came from. They were from a mail order catalog back in the days before the internet. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help!
Irene Johnson says
Friday, February 12, 2016 at 7:17 amHi, Ann —
Believe it or not, you have just defined my mother’s style to a T, and the photos show how to enhance her home in the middle of the city more of the flavor she likes.
For me: I love the silverware with the yellow handles. Where can I get a set?
Thank you for what you do. Your messages are like sunshine in my e-mail box.
Ann says
Monday, February 15, 2016 at 8:58 amHi Irene! The flatware is not really yellow. It’s more of an ivory. I got it on Amazon years ago and it’s no longer available. Here is something very close though: http://amzn.to/20VMPCe. Thank you for stopping by! ~Ann
Teresa Reis says
Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 6:04 pmHi, from Oleiros, Castelo Branco in Portugal country side.
I really like your blog and I’m always looking for new and beautiful ideas to recreate in my house . I have a Portuguese farmhouse, built by my grandfather and restored by my parents.
I have a lot of stone ( shale ) on the walls, wooden ceiling in the living room and kitchen; wooden floor in the bedroom, with wooden shutters; a porch with stairs …
I love my home and I’m always trying to improve it. Maybe one day I can send you some pictures! :) Thank you for the ideas you have given me.
XO
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 12:25 pmOh, Ann! You have a virtual library of farmhouse decorating charm. What a great resource. I love your home and I always leave happy and inspired!
Maeva says
Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 9:41 amI love farm house style, but I am not in favor of painted wood. I love the patina of old wood pieces. I do like some painted furniture but l love your nice chest with the marble top. The warmth of that wood is comforting!
Carole says
Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 9:08 amGreat post. I love farmhouse style and it has become so desired with the popularity of Fixer Upper on HGTV. I love the touches you’ve suggested. Love your style. My favorite picture is of the shelving. I love open shelving. Unfortunately, my husband and I are polar opposites on most home decor issues. Too bad I didn’t get one of those “whatever you want, honey” kind of husband but I think I’ll keep him anyway. LOL. So what we have is a compromise. A little bit country and a little bit not.
KariAnne says
Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 8:44 amLovely tips, Ann. You know I’m all about the farmhouse look and you have totally inspired me today!
Happy day friend!
karianne
Lori says
Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 8:42 amlove the farm house style !! getting ready to buy a new place and the kitchen has been the hardest to create, Now I know what to do
Ann says
Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 12:18 pmOh Lori have fun! You are living my dream girl. :) I have two Pinterest boards you might like. One is called Decorate | Kitchens and the other is Decorate | Farmhouse. Take a look for some inspiration. Good luck!
https://www.pinterest.com/adrake606/
june says
Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 8:34 amSo beautiful! I especially love watching the various transitions you make with your front porch. I do not have much of an entry space, but you have inspired me to do something fun outside my front door this year. I love the tall flower urns you have. Do you remember where you found them? They have been on my radar for a long time.
Ann Drake says
Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 8:45 amHi June! The tall black Fairfield planters are from a company called Mayne. Here is the link:
http://amzn.to/1Lj58ok
Good luck with your porch!