A harvest table is a must!

Distressed wood, shiplap and utilitarian fixtures are often found in modern farmhouse style homes.

with stainless steel appliances and modern light fixtures in a farmhouse kitchen.

Farmhouse decorating is warm, cozy, relaxing, and full of charm and character. It eschews modern sensibilities and goes back to a simpler time. That said, farmhouse style is surprisingly savvy. To keep a farmhouse from looking too “country kitsch” there needs to be a balance of old and new. It should be clean, stylish and warmhearted. And most importantly it needs to be in tune with nature – but not full of dried flowers and rooster paraphernalia. Here are some tips and ideas for decorating in farmhouse style.

Practicality Rules

Originally, farmhouses were decorated with whatever was handy and practical. These days more thought tends to go into decorating in farmhouse style, but practicality is still an important factor. Nothing should be too delicate or precious. Instead items should be hardy while still maintaining some sophistication and style.