Country decorating ideas for creating homey spaces
Reap what you sow with farmhouse style

Farmhouse style decorating is a popular micro-trend of country style that has the perfect blend of modern and rustic thees that is clean yet and homely. And, what's more, you don't have to live on a farm or even in the country to get the farm fresh look in your home. From pared-back colour palettes to rustic art displays take a look at these fabulous farmhouse decorating ideas look you will never put out to pasture...
Repupose rustic finds

Eclectic details that tell a story sums up farmhouse decorating. Look out for upcycled and intricate shelving solutions to display vintage homeware finds and rustic treasures in interesting ways. Remember it's the small and thoughtful touches that create the lived in and personal style.
Inherit a dresser

A large dresser is a farmhouse-style staple that can be passed down through generations yet always look the part. Add a floral freshen up by hand-painting illustrative flowers within the cupboards and finish the country garden feel by popping plenty of potted plants on the shelves too.
Hang a porch swing

No farmhouse is complete without a hanging swing chair on the front porch (if you have one). Stick to a rustic formula by keeping the seat natural wood and use a strong rope to secure the seat to the porch roof. Layer the swing seat up with plenty of cosy textures and cushions. If you don't have a lot of space a wooden rocking chair will look the part too.
Pop pegrails everywhere

Shaker-style pegrails are a farmhouse favourite as their simplicity and practical use means they are a joyful asset in any room, and most definitely a hardworking hallway. Use the sturdy pegs to hang almost anything and the narrow ledge above to display country art and accessories.
Find authentic furniture

Give a pale farmhouse palette depth and interest by adding furniture that is made of natural materials and has the authenticity of a bygone era. Set on big antiqued wheels this solid wood coffee table gives this inviting living room a distinct industrial working farm vibe.
Stick to a pale palette

Almost every farmhouse scheme has a clean and fresh colour palette. Start with a neutral or barely-there backdrop and then layer up natural textures with wood and wicker furniture. Weave in cosy textiles, again in muted and neutral tones, and create subtle and clean contrast with a few pops of black or grey accessories.
Feast at a farmhouse table

A heavy, well-built farmhouse kitchen table will allow everyone to gather around together. With chunky wooden, it will stand the test of time and look better with use. This is why a second-hand version is a good option as once the top has been re-sanded and legs given a fresh coat of pastel paint it will soon become part of the family.
Invest in a metal bed

A metal bed is a farmhouse bedroom hero as its vintage simplicity is a country classic. For a touch of contemporary style choose a charcoal finish and combine with industrial-style furniture for a modern farmhouse scheme that's monochrome chic.
Draft proof doors with fabric

Here's a clever way to add simplistic country style. Keep the chill out with a classic blue-and-white striped ticking fabric curtain in front of the kitchen door but use a sturdy treated branch in place of a boring curtain rail for a rustic twist. Whitewashed walls and painted furniture are two classic country decorating tricks you can use to get the look.
Use vintage signage

Rustic signs and typography are a key element of farmhouse decorating. Look out for genuine vintage plaques at flea markets or stencil your own heartwarming quotes onto pieces of pallet wood. Hang the wall art in rooms that have a link to the wording. For instance, a 'farmers' market' sign will look humorous mounted above a kitchen larder or framed 'family' and 'thankful' quotes will make a living room cosy.
Display rustic art

Warm up the living room with a simple gallery wall dedicated to all things farmhouse. Choose black and white photos and paintings of classic farmyard or rural pictures and mix up the media with wooden wording. Finish the fun by echoing the theme using plenty of motif cushions with typography prints.
Dress with vintage finds

Mix and match furniture

Furniture that doesn't come from the same place or even era is a farmhouse decorating formula that works every time. Wicker dining chairs are the standout feature in this rustic and romantic dining room, but, it's the green painted wood chairs that make the eclectic scheme bright, balanced and charming.
Decorate with wood panelling

Country-look panelling creates a cosy 'cabin in the woods' feel that's lovely for a restful bedroom. Darker shades work when tongue-and-groove is added just half way and balanced against chalky painted walls. Or, here fully covered walls are part of an inviting yet paired back scheme where muted colours are layered and lovely.
Choose natural flooring

Tactile textures make a house warm and cosy so a durable carpet in sisal or sea-grass is stylish, rustic and super practical for high traffic areas. Team with two-tone olive green and off-white walls to create a look that puts a modern spin on country chic. See more flooring ideas in our round-up of the best coverings.
Stick with stone flooring

Stone flooring, an old picnic hamper used as storage and plenty of greenery will create a rustic atmosphere for visitors as soon as they walk in the door. The only downfall is the rustic floor can be cold so stay on the lookout for intriguing antique rugs to soften and warm the hard surface.
Highlight the alcoves

An Aga or cast-iron range stove warms the whole house and is an iconic country kitchen feature. Placed in a disused fireplace they look stunning especially if the tiled splashback is a hand-painted farmhouse scene or perhaps try a colourful patch-work for something more modern.
Keep shelves open

Open shelving works wonders in country schemes as the rustic style not only opens up small spaces but is practical and cost-effective too. It's also a great way to add colour to a muted palette by displaying all-sorts of vibrant kitchenware.
Store in baskets

Give your home a rustic farmhouse feel by using baskets as storage containers where ever you can. This console table comes with basket draws but you can create your own version by swapping out draws from a reclaimed side-board and repainting the unit in a muted colour. See more beautiful upcycling ideas to turn your old stuff into style statements.
Expose the walls

Stripping back walls to show-off their original state whether it's stone or brick creates an organic feel. If you can, combine this with exposed beams for the ultimate country backdrop but be sure to warm the space with plenty of soft layered furnishings, especially in the bedroom.
Vamp-up the roll top bath

A freestanding tub makes a great addition to a country bathroom as it is both rustic and show-stopping, especially when positioned in front of wooden panelling. Add some wow factor with a deeply toned backdrop like this stunning petrol blue shade; it will make the white traditional tub a stand-out feature. Need inspiration? These are the colours to paint our home now!
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