Farmhouse decorating is often referred to as a “rustic” decorating style and can be created whether you live in a cabin-style home, a mountain retreat, or a modern city apartment. Your home is your castle and you can create the look and feel of a country house no matter where you live.
Cottage-style homes are often made of stone or logs and offer a comfortable “home” feel and are typically simple, charming, and unassuming in their decorating style. You’ll want to incorporate the use of stone and natural woods, such as pine, which can be unfinished, aged, weathered, and hand-painted with designs such as birds, animals, country landscapes, flowers, or leaves.
Rustic country decor is all about handmade objects and furniture that connect with nature. Rustic country decor can begin in the kitchen with a large, weathered, distressed rectangular pine table along with ladder-back chairs. Antique wrought iron or metal tabletop candle holders are appropriate for rustic decor lighting, as well as for hurricane and oil or kerosene lamps.
Vintage hardware in wrought iron or metal is a great idea for decorating a country house and is available in many different styles and finishes. Use cabinets and cupboards with open shelving and dish racks to display colorful plates and dinnerware collections in earth tones, off-white or blues and greens, glazed earthenware and glass jars.
Add a rustic butcher island and copper or cast iron pots and pans with clean lines. Another popular farmhouse idea is to stencil decor themes like roosters, hens, apples, or cows onto vintage wooden shelves, the wall trim, or a rocking chair in the corner of the room. Use lots of baskets to store fire logs, pinecones, and sewing.
Country-style living rooms start with bare or waxed hardwood floors or stone materials combined with floor coverings like wool oriental rugs for warmth and texture. Add a warm bedspread or “throw” on the sofa, stencils on the walls, and flower and wreath decorations.
Gingham patterns create a country home feel and can be used for window treatments, dining chairs, upholstery and wallpaper. Wreaths make a cute rustic decoration for a wall or door and can be found in many colors and materials such as pine or boughs. You can make your own by shopping at craft supply stores and choosing from many different color schemes.
Add rocking chairs, Adirondack chairs, trunks, chests, and vintage or reproduction furniture. You can find cheap, inexpensive antique furniture at yard and garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores, and consignment stores.
The country style bathroom will feature a Clawfoot tub and pedestal sink with antique brass faucets and vintage rustic cabinets and hardware. Use plenty of baskets to store your towels, loofahs, and shampoos. Your country-style bathroom should create an atmosphere of calm and serenity. Don’t forget the candles for a calming and relaxing bath after a long day.
Rustic farmhouse or cabin decor includes items that are more simple, personal, comfortable, warm and inviting and can be created to express your personality no matter where your home is located.