Farmhouse chic is all the rage in home decor these days, thanks largely to Chip and Joanna Gaines from “Fixer Upper,” who play up this style in many of the homes on their show (Hello, “barndominium“). The recent news that “Fixer Upper” will soon be ending for good provides all the more reason to embrace this trend. Soon, it’ll be all we’ll have left of Chip and Jo! (Sniff.)
But before you go all Beverly hillbillies on us, remember that the current country craze is not your grannie’s farmhouse. Stenciled roosters, gingham ruffled curtains, and chicken-wire-front cabinets have gone the way of outdoor plumbing and the icebox, thank heavens!
So then what, exactly, are some modern ways to adopt farmhouse chic? If the bug has bitten you but you’re not about to go build your own barndominium, here are some easy ways to countrify your space without breaking a big-city bank.
1. Reclaimed wood
Paneling a wall, or a portion of it, with reclaimed wood can add interest and texture to any room. And here’s the cool thing about it: This trend has become so popular, you can buy reclaimed wood paneling (or a reasonable facsimile of it) at your local home improvement store.
2. Shiplap paneling
Is reclaimed barn wood a little too rustic for your taste? Try a wall, interior or exterior, covered with Joanna’s favorite shiplap. This horizontal pattern of interlocking wooden boards was traditionally used to build sheds and barns (but interestingly enough, not ships). It’s usually painted a solid color; Joanna’s preference is a lovely shade of white.
3. Open shelving
And you thought this was a modern trend! Remember, busy farm wives had to have everything in the kitchen within easy reach when they were preparing food. In other rooms, open shelves allowed people to display the few nice items that they owned. The shelves can be attached to the wall or built into a free-standing piece of furniture like a buffet or sideboard. But for a true country look, the accessories on display should have a country feel as well—crockery, stoneware, Mason jar glasses, or white ironstone, for example.
4. Butcher block countertops
Fancy marble, granite, quartz, and even tile were not available back in the day, but there was wood aplenty. Even today, you’ll see upscale designers on renovation shows use butcher block wood to top kitchen islands, because it’s so darn practical and cost-effective!
5. A farmhouse sink
Also called “apron-front” sinks, these are huge—often lacking a divider in the middle—because farm wives needed massive amounts of basin space for canning, bottling, and goose dressing. While most of the farmhouse sinks you see these days are made of a white porcelain–type substance, copper and galvanized metal versions are considered ultimate examples of farmhouse chic.
6. Wood beams
Have a gabled roof? If you already have wood beams and/or rafters, consider sanding them down and staining them so the natural wood shines through. If your ceiling is flat, wood beams can still be installed! They add interest to what is all too often a boring surface.
7. Sliding barn doors
Not only does this design trend add a touch of country cool, it’s also a great space saver when there’s not enough room for a door to swing wide open. Sliding barn doors are also useful when you have a wide opening that would require massive doors to close. When they first came into vogue, you had to forge your own hardware, but now you can buy standard-size barn doors and the hardware that goes with them at almost any home renovation store.
8. Lantern lighting
Whether they’re made of copper, wrought iron, or galvanized steel—and whether they hang like pendant lights or stick to the wall like sconces—lantern light fixtures practically ooze farmhouse chic. In a good way.
9. Natural fabrics
Natural fabrics with a bit of texture like linen, wool, jute, and burlap; animal hide; and leather can be used in upholstery, pillow covers, table linens, rugs, and even wall coverings. And when it comes to prints, nothing says country like a good checked pattern or subtle animal print.
10. A farmhouse table
A sturdy wood farm table with chunky legs adds a little bit of country to any room, whether it’s the dining room, kitchen, or breakfast nook. It even makes a nifty island substitute, providing additional dining and prep space right where you need it most. Bench seating is one option, but an eclectic mix of chairs also gives it that true rural restoration vibe.
