5 SIMPLE WAYS TO ADD MODERN FARMHOUSE STYLE TO YOUR HOME (without moving to the country)

I love mornings!

Now, don’t throw that keyboard at me. You don’t need to agree, but I truly do love mornings.
It’s the best time of the day, as far as I’m concerned. The birds are singing, the sun is low and warm and lovely, and everything seems fresh and new and so totally possible. The sound of cardinals announcing the sunrise while I’m brewing a strong pot of coffee and planning my day: that is what I call perfect.

A cup of coffee, some fresh fruit and my bullet journal are a great way to start the day.

Mornings are an ideal time to dream, imagine and plan.

Lately, I have been dreaming of converting an old barn and decorating it with an urban farmhouse style. I love my suburban Chicago brick bungalow, but I often (not so secretly) dream of a quieter space with a little art studio and a garden and a chicken coop and loads of charm and personality!

Maybe it’s my fascination with “Fixer Upper” on HGTV; maybe it’s my love of antiques’ maybe it’s my stage of life. Whatever it is, I can’t stop thinking about ways I can bring some farmhouse style into my own home.

I’m willing to bet that I’m not alone, so I’ve put together a list of some of my fave farmhouse style elements along with simple ways you can bring this look into your home TODAY.

Ready? Get your coffee and let’s start decorating!

1. The Colors:  

I love the natural and simple color palettes featured in most farmhouse-style rooms. Here are some of my favorite neutral farmhouse shades:

“You can do this” Action Step: Start a vision board on Pinterest of room interiors with examples of your favorite farmhouse paint color choices. Pick up some sample chips at your local paint store and get sampling.

        2)  The Antiques:  

Nothing is more inviting and interesting to me than a space that is decorated with vintage finds that are given a new purpose. A room filled with signs, furniture, rugs and wall decor that feature days gone by give a home a truly distinctive personality.

A collection of antiques or found objects with a consistent color scheme adds loads of charm and character to your room decor.

“You can do this” Action Step: Google thrift stores, flea markets,  and garage sales near you. Call your best antique loving friend and plan a day of thrifting and antiquing! (#besthomeworkever)

          3) The Simplicity:  

I love the simple rustic elements and furnishings featured in farmhouse style decor. It’s really so affordable and fun to put together this look!

Add some flowers to an old tin for an easy and totally inexpensive rustic accent piece.

“You can do this” Action Step: Take a good look at your current decor. What is too bright? What is too glitzy or new or colorful?

Put it away and simplify, simplify, simplify!

         4) The Textures:
Chipped paint and reclaimed wood are two of the main textures that give a room farmhouse style.

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“You can do this” Action Step: There are so many easy and affordable ways to bring texture into your room! Burlap, reclaimed wood, chippy paint, and matte finishes can be found almost anywhere these days.

• Add a burlap runner to your table
• Chalk paint is a super simple way to add instant age to some of your existing furniture
• Add a print in a reclaimed wood frame to your wall decor for an instant farmhouse update. (link to one of my paintings in a frame)

          5) The Coziness:
Rooms that are decorated in a farmhouse style just make me want to pour a cup of tea, put on some cozy slippers, and snuggle in.

Lots of wood, neutral colors, and nature themed artwork make this room feel inviting.

This beautiful farmhouse bedroom is courtesy of http://lovegrowswild.com

“You can do this” Action Step: Think “comfy and cozy”. Fluffy linen pillows, textured throw blankets, antique frames filled with treasured family photos, and lots of chipped paint and wood. (I can smell cookies baking, can’t you?) Do you have some old vintage family photos? Start there, and get them into some old frames to create an inviting display that’s sure to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside every time you look at it.

My grandparents smiling at me from this vintage frame make my home feel warm and friendly.

What do you think? With daydreams as cozy as these, it’s no wonder I’m happy to climb out of my warm bed to start every day, right?

I’m going to go back to enjoying my waffles, closing my eyes, and listening to my imaginary chickens clucking now. How about you?
If you love farmhouse style as much as I do, follow my Pinterest boards on farmhouse style and barn conversions.