Firmly planted in the present and with a nod to the past, the farmhouse-style design offers a chic way to achieve a timeless atmosphere. Despite its traditional characteristics, such as the use of organic materials and neutral colors, today’s farmhouse style often incorporates modern changes, making it an attractive choice for all homeowners with different style preferences.
If your living room needs an update, try making changes — barn doors here, modern farmhouse there — for a look that is far from one-size-fits-all. Take your cue from the following farmhouse-inspired decorating ideas.
Keep the Exposed Wood Beam Ceiling
If you have natural wood beam ceilings, leave them exposed for a classic farmhouse look. If you don’t have any, consider adding some thick wooden beams across your ceiling to add a rustic touch.
You may add only a few in a lattice or lengthwise pattern. However, be careful of doing it because if your ceilings aren’t high enough, you risk making your space look smaller.
Hang a Window Frame on the Wall
Window frames can be used as decorative elements. Try using a weathered window frame instead of a photograph or painting to hang up. They look particularly stunning when hung behind a mirror.
If you decide not to hang it with the mirror, consider wrapping it in faux foliage or hanging a wreath from it to add an outdoorsy touch.
Make an Exposed Wall a Perfect Accent
One of the simplest farmhouse decorating ideas is to use what you already have, assuming you have brick or stone walls that can be exposed.
If you have stone, you can paint it grey or white and leave it rusty red. The rustic texture and design will go well with the accents and soft colors.
Make your own Farmhouse Sign
Farmhouse signs have been a big trend over the last couple of years and it’s easy to make your own custom one using plywood, wood stain, chalk paint and a die cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette.
You can choose from many farmhouse style fonts and graphics, like these Sunflower SVGs, to make your stencil, then simply use the chalk paint which has a smooth, matte finish which looks like bona fide farmhouse decor to transfer your design to your prepared wood.
Use Shiplap for Paneling
Shiplap paneling is one of the simplest ways to incorporate the farmhouse style into your living room since wood was used so extensively in farmhouses of the past.
Choose boards with scrapes and nicks for installation because they invoke a sense of history and replicate the look of long-term usage.
Use Reclaimed Wood
Farmhouse living emphasizes reusing materials, and what better way to demonstrate this than by using recycled barn wood for creating decorative pieces such as accent walls or coffee tables.
Don’t worry about finishing or varnishing your wood. Just make sure it’s well-sanded to avoid splinters. If you’re creating a coffee table, you don’t need to varnish it.
Choose Warm Neutral Colors
The best color palette for the farmhouse living room is something fresh and light, but this does not mean that your room must be white. Look for tones like warm grays or oatmeal, or add some pale blue highlights to go with your natural-looking furniture.
For example, adding a couch with light beige and oatmeal tones can make the room’s white appear warmer and more inviting. A vase of brightly coloured flowers and simple candles will add some vibrance to the room without detracting from the farmhouse theme. Simple home decorations in neutral colours will complete the look.
Install a Cozy Fireplace
In the past, nearly all farmhouses had fireplaces to keep them warm on cold nights. Build a fireplace and make it the cozy focal point of the room if you don’t have one yet.
Create a beautiful wooden mantel and place some plants and decor on either side of the fireplace. You can make a welcoming and cozy living room for your loved ones and visitors by carefully arranging your seating around it.
