There is nothing quite as warm and welcoming as an old farmhouse. This style of decorating practically begs friends and families to come in, put their feet up, and stay a while. If you are tired of a home that looks too perfect or lacks personality and warmth, the cozy appeal of farmhouse decorating is something you may want to consider, whether you live in the country or the city.
The wonderful thing about farmhouse decorating is that accessories and accents don’t have to cost a fortune, and an eclectic mix of those things you love is perfect. The older or more worn your furnishings and accents look, the better! See a new scratch on the sofa table? No big deal, it just enhances the look.
In decorating for a farmhouse appeal, wood floors covered with accent rugs are the norm. Don’t worry about nicks or scrapes in the wood – this is all part of what makes the style so charming! Your home will look lived in, and guests feel completely comfortable because they aren’t afraid to touch anything. Sofas are often covered in natural woven fabrics such as cotton, in solid patterns, florals and even plaids.
Gray-blue, wine shades, green and gold are a few of the colors often found in farmhouse decorating. These colors are rich in pigment, and are anything but boring. Today, you can paint not only your walls, but furnishings as well! If the tables you currently have look too new or modern for the style you are trying to achieve, simply paint them, sand lightly in areas where they would naturally show wear and viola. Scratches and dings are things you normally don’t want in other styles of decor, but are welcome in this decorating theme.
Finding accessories for you farmhouse style home is easy – and affordable. Shop thrift stores, estate sales and flea markets to find that old “junk” that someone else no longer wants. Wooden signs, mismatched wooden chairs for the kitchen table, tin buckets and other country-style textiles can often be found for nearly nothing.
Country window coverings, quilts, handcrafted antiques and primitive decor add charm and a certain, cozy warmth to the atmosphere, making your home the one everyone loves to visit. Scent the room with hand-made candles in delicious scents such as baked apple pie, cinnamon and pumpkin.
With many decorating styles, you want to avoid too many accessories; quite the opposite is true when it comes to the farmhouse theme! Use all of those knick knacks you love so much – it only adds to the appeal. The farmhouse style of decorating often brings back memories of those times a century ago, when life moved at a somewhat slower pace and was meant to be enjoyed; when family mattered, and all gathered around the dinner table to re-hash the day. Your home can be cozy, warm and oh-so charming when you incorporate a farmhouse theme!