Buckle up, board and batten lovers! Assumed you wouldn’t spend your Saturday morning ogling pictures of beam ceilings and jute rugs? Well, sugar pie, you’re in good company. Welcome to the land of all things rustic farmhouse, where we mix the past with the present and every table decor can spark both conversation and, let’s be honest, envy. 💁♀️ Let’s dive into 15 irresistible farmhouse style tips that’ll make your spaces say, “Hey, pour yourself a glass of sweet tea and stay a while.” Spoiler: #6 will have your home feeling like you just stepped into the most charming old barn-turned-B&B.
1. Woodn’t You Like Some Reclaimed Wood?
Rustic wood elements are the bread and butter of farmhouse design—except instead of the bread being, well, edible, it’s that charming, rough-hewn wood with stories to tell. Use it for shelves, mantels, or anything you can’t resist saying, “Wait, wait! Let me show you this reclaimed wood!” to your guests.
2. Shiplap: Because We All Want to Be Joanna Gaines
Grab a cup of coffee, or maybe something…stronger, and give your walls the shiplap treatment they deserve. This horizontal wood plank trend has Waco written all over it—and we’re here for it. No shiplap? No problem. Add a white paint finish and whisper “Fixer Upper” under your breath for the same magical feel.
3. Distressed Furniture: It Looks Like Grandma Loved It First
You, too, can own furniture that looks like it’s seen everything from the Great Depression to your last Netflix binge session. Pick up some well-loved pieces or DIY your way into a “I found this at a French flea market” vibe. Instant heirloom status without the actual inheritance drama!
4. Mason Jars: Nostalgic, Yet Endlessly Practical
Oh, mason jars—because nothing says “down on the farm” like drinking lemonade out of a mini flower vase. Use them for candles, flowers, or even a place to keep pens (yes, they’re multifunctional too). Plus, you get bonus points for every tiny twine bow you tie around them. This is not a drill; start twining!
5. Galvanized Metal: The Chic Roof of Accessories
If you can spend your weekend at the craft store, you can spend it adding galvanized metal touches to your space. Whether it’s a vase, a candle holder, or a bucket waiting to be filled with farmhouse magic, galvanized metal is your go-to for the industrial-meets-country feel. Warning: You’ll significantly increase your annual pet photo shoot sessions by 38% with your “rustically inspired” backdrop.
6. Buffalo Plaid: The Pattern That Warms Your Heart… and Your Couch
This one requires minimal explanation. Buffalo plaid is like the cozy flannel shirt of your home decor—snuggle up, because it adds instant charm everywhere it goes. Toss it on pillows, blankets, or anything stationary long enough. Result? Voila, your living room is now a rustic cabin you didn’t even know you needed. 🐂✨
7. Baskets on Everything, Because Why Not?
Etsy called, and they want their bestseller back—baskets! These little woven wonders serve double duty by adding warmth AND storage. Mix types of wicker baskets throughout your space, then pile them high with cozy throws or spare firewood. Nothing says “farmhouse-life-is-good” like unreasonably large amounts of aesthetic storage.
8. Farmhouse Sinks: The Basin of Your Dreams
One word: apron-front sink. Okay, that’s three words, but the point is—this oversized, white porcelain beauty is every rustic kitchen’s crown jewel. If your friends start inexplicably washing their hands just for fun, you’ve successfully installed it.
9. Chalkboards: Because Reminders Are Cuter in Script Font
Turn every mundane grocery list into an artistic masterpiece by hanging a jumbo chalkboard in your kitchen or entryway. Even if all you ever write are reminders for eggs and milk, somehow it just feels better in chalky elegance. Don’t forget to compose hook-worthy quadrant quotes about “Love & Lattes” for display.
10. Vintage Rugs: It’s Called Character, Darling
That faded, soft underfoot rug in tones of burnt orange and muted navy? Yes, that’s the one. Even if it looks like it’s been through a few decades, that’s exactly what we’re after. Instant rustic personality for every room, and your pets will thank you for the perfectly nappable surface.
11. Greenery: Fake It ‘Till You Make It
Freshen up your space with some sprigs of greenery—don’t worry, no one need know they’re fake. A few artfully placed faux olive trees (because obviously) will transport your city apartment into a rural Italian countryside masterpiece… sort of. Just remember that placement is key. If it’s green and by the window, you’re winning.
12. Exposed Beams: A Nod to Days Gone By
If you’ve already got them—hooray! If not, fake them until someone assumes you live in a renovated 1800s barn. Beams instantly amp up the rustic farmhouse mood, and let’s be honest: they make you feel kinda fancy. You’ll be looking up every five minutes, proud of your newfound barn-like elegance.
13. Ladder Décor: Too High Up to Actually Use, But Who Cares?
An old rustic ladder leaning against the wall is the definition of farmhouse-chic. Now, stack it with cozy blankets, scarves, or that hat you bought purely for decoration and never wear. Who knew a ladder could be so stylishly underutilized?
14. Open Shelving: Look Ma, No Cupboard Doors!
If you can commit to aesthetics AND a daily wipe-down regiment, open shelving is the place for all your Mason jar dreams, dishes, and curated collections of mismatched mugs. It forces you to be WAY more organized, but at least it’ll look pretty. Just don’t stash the mac & cheese behind grandma’s China.
15. Rustic Tablescapes: The Instagram-Worthy Finish Line
Why stop at rustic decor when your dining table can (and should) be an event in itself? Layer greenery, candles, wood chargers, and a burlap table runner—then relax as your dinner rolls are overshadowed by your centerpiece. Let’s face it, there’s no stronger sign of success than someone saying, “Is it okay if I take a picture of this?”
So there you have it, 15 beautifully distressed ways to bring rustic farmhouse charm directly into your space! (Friends will think you’ve had this chill-yet-elegant style forever—and who are we to correct them?) Why not take a break in your new buffalo-plaid-covered nook, bask in the beam-y glow, and explore more ideas at Homespir.com? We’ve got endless tips and trends to farm-up your home, sans rooster wallpaper.
And when you’re ready to brag about your table-scape again, make sure you’re following us on social so we can see it too! Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more home hacks, decor delights, and a consistent sprinkle of digitized farmhouse flair.
P.S. If your ladder ends up as purely decorative for the next three years, just whisper, “I’m curating rustic elegance” anytime someone asks.