Rehabbing the Faded Farmhouse Fad
Looking to real farmhouses for inspiration
For a long time, Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and cute little downtown stores were onto us. They knew we wanted to pretend we lived on a farm. Shelves bulging with wooden message signs, fake barnwood mirror frames, and mass-produced paintings of farmyard animals nestled between buffalo checked throws and pillows that commanded us to “gather.” I haven’t been to Hobby Lobby much lately after realizing that they ghosted Halloween. But I imagine it looks pretty much the same.
A black-and-white palette can be very effective in exterior schemes but on the “modern farmhouse” it feels stark and aggressive.
Then came modern farmhouse. Severe, minimalist, with just a whiff of the farm scattered here and there. (Notice the board and batten siding?) I’m seeing this type of house everywhere and it’s starting to annoy me.
Still, for all my complaints, I’m drawn to a lot of the interior elements that help define this agrarian and old-fashioned look. Farmhouse style got its traction from our collective imagination. Most of us live in the suburbs, fight traffic, purchase prepared food that is covered in plastic and never see the stars because there is too much urban light in the sky. We want to go back to the land. The thirst for simple, natural, and handmade created one of the world’s most enduring home styles.
A more conceptual approach to farmhouse style results in beautiful interiors that age well. (Photo: DecorPad)
Kind of funny, though, because the interpretation of farmhouse style within an urban or suburban context looks very different from an actual farmhouse.
This is a real farmhouse in Kenneth, Minnesota
This is the kitchen of that same Minnesota farmhouse
Practicality and functionality are the defining pillars of the real farmhouse. Aesthetic appeal and beauty are welcome byproducts, but are not guaranteed. I’m being a little disingenuous here, because a style is never literal. The idea is to exploit the best and avoid the worst.
The first phase of farmhouse style (approx. 2015 - 2022) did not completely disappear. Instead, it went through filters and some good, timeless features remain. I’m ignoring the second phase, modern farmhouse, because I think it goes too far in its bland austerity.
So let’s just call it neo-farmhouse. The best representation of neo-farmhouse is when it is subtle and conceptual—representing the idea rather than the concrete.
The keeper parts of farmhouse style
(Photo: Ashley Montgomery Design)
Here are the elements I think contribute to the rich tradition of country living and worthy of good interior design:
Natural wood
Historic silhouettes
Freestanding furniture pieces
Classic textiles (linen, ticking, high-quality floral prints)
(Photo: Ashley Montgomery Design)
Adding to the neo-farmhouse aesthetic is more subtle, moody color infusing the once-bland palettes. Then, the options blow wide open when you add modern takes on old-fashioned lighting, furniture, and accessories.
A very farmhousey dining set is counterbalanced by a not-so-farmhousey vintage chandelier. (Photo: Ashley Montgomery Design)
Are you intrigued by neo-farmhouse? Do you love tidiness but hate blandness? The best way to add richness and interest is start small. Try changing one element of a room with something that won’t be found in the farmhouse aisle of the local DIY/crafts store. Seek out that amazing, one-of-a-kind piece that captures your eye at a vintage marketplace, a favorite online shop, or on Facebook Marketplace.
Rookwood pottery has been gracing homes since the late 19th century and the company is still in business. Their contemporary designs blend past and present, turning simple farmhouse pitchers into beautiful objets d’art. (Photo: Rookwood)
Sometimes all a room needs is a little shaking and fluffing — a “refresh,” if you will. One really great way to infuse interest into tired decor is to capture the iconic elements in new ways. For farmhouse, it might be a water pitcher that’s pottery instead of enamelware. Or a Turkish kilim-style rug with faded color strips that brings an American quilt to mind.
This spectacular rug by Rug & Kilim has a faded elegance that nevertheless feels homey. (Photo: 1stDibs)
If all of your walls are white or cream, bringing in contrast (trim, window treatments, artwork, mantel, etc.) will inject warmth. Weed out the little things hanging around that don’t hold any special meaning (that means you, plastic plant in metal bucket). Don’t buy fake or reproduction unless it is spectacular and/or you can’t afford the real thing.
Installing curtains under a sink is almost a country cliché. But if you think about its functionality (hides ugly stuff) and its appealing form (light and feminine), it could be a good choice. I love the ethereal muslin fabric used here. (Photo: Ashley Montgomery Design)
Recognizable elements captured in new materials and forms create dramatic effect while still working within the overall look of a neo-farmhouse home. Enjoy the discovery of new ways to decorate that celebrates the country cousin inside all of us.