MY FAVORITE ACCESSORIES TO UPDATE YOUR FARMHOUSE & COUNTRY DECOR
As an editorial story producer and photo stylist, I’ve worked with the Country/Farmhouse aesthetic for many years. But this look has come a long way, from ceramic pigs and metal chickens to a more sophisticated, yet down-to-earth, approachable, collected look.
In this post, I’m going to share with you my Fresh Farmhouse Styling ideas, with links to different types of accessories and versatile pieces to add to your decor.
But before I get started, let me clarify that you don’t have to live on a farm with little animal friends, like the behind-the-scenes images below from a couple of photo shoots I produced in Texas:
Good, so now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about “farmhouse decor”. I’ll start by sharing with you a couple of favorite cover images below that I produced in this style. By the way, both of these homes weren’t located in a multi-acre “country” setting. The home on the left is set on a lakefront lot in New York’s Adirondack region and the home on the right is in a historic section of Houston, Texas. My point is that you can bring this aesthetic into your home, wherever you live. No chickens or goats required.
Below are images of farmhouse-style kitchens I styled on location. The image on the left is a good example of fresh farmhouse style. Interior designer Kathryn LeMaster artfully combined rustic elements (natural wood kitchen cabinets & shelves, farm table and chairs), with a touch of industrial (lighting & stainless range hood). The center and right images were in suburban homes that incorporated a farmhouse antique island/work table, styled with herbs, baskets and country pitchers..
Below is an image from a photo shoot I produced & styled for Country Home magazine in Round Top, Texas. This 100+ year old farmhouse was designed by the talented Stacy Graubart, and includes some of my favorite farmhouse elements: a cowhide rug (appropriate for Texas and beyond), rough-hewn beams and casual furnishings. Stacy did a great job keeping the farmhouse’s authenticity, while adding modern-day touches. This cozy nook had great bones, and for the photo shoot, we brought in the fern elements (pillows, framed prints and live plants), wicker basket and the striped throw. This is rustic simplicity at its best, in my opinion.
I’ve compiled my favorite accessories based on the “Hallmarks of Fresh Farmhouse Style” I’ve detailed below the gallery.
MY FAVORITE “FRESH FARMHOUSE” ACCESSORIES
Click on images and links below to shop
HALLMARKS OF “FRESH FARMHOUSE” STYLE:
Black & White Photography
This black and white photo of a country barn or rustic birch trees feels fresh and sophisticated, but still reflects a country aesthetic. I love one oversized black and white photo over a sofa or in an entry. A crisp black frame with matting adds a modern touch.
Nature-Inspired Botanical Wall Art
A grouping of fern prints (similar to the rustic sitting room in the Country Home image above) adds an element of nature to farmhouse decorating. You could also DIY this look by using pressed fern leaves in 16 x 20 rustic wood frames matted to 8 x 10, as a grouping over a sofa or in an entryway.
Live Plants
Ferns and olive trees are easy! Olive trees love a sunny window, and ferns like diffused light and a little misting every now and again. The olive tree would look fantastic in a geometric white planter on a sideboard or chest of drawers. And the 8″ fern plant would look fabulous in a grouping of three as a dining table centerpiece, on a large rustic tray.
Recycled Glass
Large, vintage-style bottles made from recycled glass, such as this or this (called “demijohns” in France) would look great on a sideboard or dining table (or displayed on this reclaimed wood table). Add a large fern spring or leafy branch from your garden, for a touch of nature.
Textural Elements
Some ideas for textural farmhouse elements include:: manzanita branches and elements of nature, displayed in a bowl, or on a table or shelf; Birch logs in a basket next to the fireplace; and a fabulous wicker wall basket with eucalyptus branches. And nothing says “rustic farmhouse” more than a cowhide rug (here’s another option that is similar to the magazine photo with the cowhide rug).
Natural Textiles
Ticking stripes, linen, nubby jute – in the form of table runners, napkins, pillows and throws – these all fall squarely in the farmhouse aesthetic. The best part is that natural linens are timeless and classic. You’ll find these in genuine European country houses, particularly in France, Italy and Belgium.
Good-looking Utilitarian Objects
Industrial-style pendant lighting looks right at home in a farmhouse setting (which takes it to the very popular Modern Farmhouse aesthetic). Even a dish drying rack can be beautiful in this setting. Lazy Susans made of reclaimed wood are practical for entertaining and look great on display, as well.
You can’t get more utilitarian than a classic butcher block island (similar to the antique version from the shot above). I love the small size, which makes it a practical addition to even the smallest of kitchens.
I also like smaller tables that can have a multitude of uses. For example, this galvanized table could go in so many directions – as a potting table, plant table, a makeshift bar – or even in a bathroom, styled with vintage style apothecary jars filled with bath essentials. So many possibilities! And this folding reclaimed wood table would be just as home in the kitchen as it would outdoors). And it folds, making it super practical.
Timeless Collections
Where the is one, there should be many. Some timeless farmhouse accessories to collect (and display) in this style are vintage pickling crocks, classic blue-and-cream striped bowls, white pitchers and mixing bowls. I love these rustic/industrial shelves (which, I can attest to, are easy to put together!) for displaying your collections anywhere in your home.
Keep in mind that farmhouse style is all about these elements:
- Neutral colors
- Textural elements
- A touch of nature (real or dried)
- Wood accents (reclaimed, when possible)
- Comfort & practicality
- More rustic than refined (patina is your friend)
- A touch of industrial
As you can see, you don’t have to live in the country on 100 acres to bring farmhouse style to your home. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope this post helped to give you ideas on how to update your farmhouse decor, wherever you live!
