Why Farmhouse Decor Is So Popular
The enduring popularity of the farmhouse aesthetic stems from its ability to create a sense of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. This style embraces natural elements, rustic textures, and vintage touches, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels both timeless and grounded.
Here are some key elements that contribute to the farmhouse style’s enduring appeal:
- Rustic Wood Accents: Weathered barnwood, reclaimed wood, and distressed wood furniture pieces create a sense of history and character.
- Natural Textiles: Linen, cotton, and burlap fabrics add a touch of warmth and texture, while woven baskets and rugs complete the rustic feel.
- Vintage Finds: Incorporating antique furniture, vintage artwork, and repurposed objects adds a unique touch and tells a story.
- White and Neutral Colors: A palette of whites, creams, and grays provides a clean and airy backdrop for the rustic elements.
- Simple and Functional Design: Farmhouse decor is about simplicity and functionality. Furniture is often chosen for its durability and practicality, and decorative elements are used sparingly.
10 Farmhouse Decor Items Designers Would Never Buy at Hobby Lobby
Now, let’s delve into the designer’s insights on the 10 farmhouse decor items they’d steer clear of at Hobby Lobby. Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and it’s always best to trust your own instincts and prioritize quality over quantity.
1. Overly-Distressed Furniture
While distressed furniture can add a charming vintage touch, too much distressing can look contrived and cheap. Designers often prefer furniture with subtle signs of wear and tear that appear natural and authentic.
Tip: When buying distressed furniture, look for pieces with uneven distressing that doesn’t appear overly uniform or artificial.
2. Generic Wall Signs
Farmhouse-themed wall signs with generic sayings like “Live, Laugh, Love” or “Welcome to Our Home” can feel overly sentimental and cliché. Designers encourage using unique artwork, framed prints, or vintage maps to create a more personalized touch.
Tip: Instead of mass-produced signs, create your own with vintage frames and printed quotes that reflect your personality.
3. Fake Wood or Plastic Items
Authenticity is key in farmhouse style, and using fake wood or plastic items will immediately give away the store-bought feel. Opt for natural materials like real wood, wicker, or woven baskets to create a more genuine look.
Tip: If you’re on a budget, consider using reclaimed wood or repurposing old wooden items. These can often be found at flea markets, antique stores, or even online.
4. Mass-Produced Galvanized Metal Items
Galvanized metal can be a wonderful addition to a farmhouse decor scheme, but it’s essential to choose pieces with quality construction and unique details. Mass-produced galvanized metal items can look generic and lack the artisanal touch.
Tip: Look for galvanized metal planters, trays, or baskets made by local artisans or small businesses to add a unique touch to your decor.
5. Oversized Farmhouse Tiered Trays
While tiered trays can be a useful storage solution, oversized farmhouse tiered trays with a distressed finish and generic decorations can feel cluttered and overwhelming. Consider using smaller trays, a single tiered tray, or creating a unique vignette instead.
Tip: If you do use a tiered tray, style it with curated items that reflect your personal style and create a cohesive look. Don’t just fill it with whatever you have on hand.
6. Pre-Made “Farmhouse” Wreaths
Pre-made farmhouse wreaths often feature artificial greenery, generic ribbons, and mass-produced embellishments. Designers often prefer to create their own wreaths using fresh or dried botanicals, salvaged materials, and personalized touches.
Tip: Learn how to create a DIY wreath using natural materials like twigs, berries, and pine cones to create a truly unique and personalized piece.
7. Overused Farmhouse “Must-Haves”
Many mass-produced farmhouse decor items are designed to appeal to the broadest audience possible, resulting in a generic look. Instead of blindly following trends, designers encourage incorporating personal touches that reflect your own style and interests.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to break the mold and incorporate elements from other styles that resonate with your personality.
8. Cheap Farmhouse-Themed Throw Pillows
Throw pillows can add a touch of comfort and personality to a space, but cheap farmhouse throw pillows with mass-produced designs and overly-stitched details can look tacky. Choose high-quality fabrics with subtle patterns and interesting textures to create a sophisticated look.
Tip: Invest in a few high-quality throw pillows and use them strategically throughout your home. You can also create your own custom throw pillows by using fabric scraps and vintage buttons.
9. Artificial Flowers and Plants
While artificial flowers and plants can be a convenient option, they often lack the natural beauty and texture of real plants. Designers recommend incorporating fresh flowers, dried botanicals, or potted plants to create a more organic and authentic feel.
Tip: Consider adding potted herbs or succulents to your decor for a touch of greenery and a pop of color.
10. Items That Don’t Reflect Your Personal Style
The most important rule of interior design is to choose items that you love and that reflect your personality. Don’t feel pressured to follow trends or buy items just because they’re “farmhouse” themed. Instead, focus on creating a space that feels truly authentic to you.
Tip: Take your time, explore different styles, and gather inspiration from sources that resonate with you. Remember, the best farmhouse decor reflects your unique story and personality.
Beyond Hobby Lobby: Creating Authentic Farmhouse Style
Now that you know what to avoid, let’s explore how to create a truly authentic farmhouse style. Here are some insider secrets from designers:
1. Embrace Imperfection
The farmhouse aesthetic embraces imperfection and celebrates the beauty of aging and wear. Don’t be afraid to incorporate vintage items with signs of wear and tear, or to create your own distressed furniture using techniques like paint chippy and sanding. Embrace the unique character that comes with time and use.
2. Layer Textures and Patterns
A key element of farmhouse style is layering textures and patterns to create visual interest and depth. Combine natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and burlap with rustic textures like wood, wicker, and stone. Use subtle patterns like stripes, checks, and florals to add a touch of warmth and whimsy.
3. Prioritize Functionality
Farmhouse style is rooted in practicality and functionality. Choose furniture and decor items that serve a purpose and add value to your daily life. This could include storage solutions, comfortable seating, or decorative objects that have a practical use.
4. Involve Personal Touches
The most authentic farmhouse style is one that reflects your own unique story and personality. Incorporate family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or artwork that holds meaning for you. These personal touches will make your home feel truly lived in and loved.
5. Create a Sense of History
Farmhouse style is all about creating a sense of history and nostalgia. You can achieve this by incorporating vintage furniture, antique textiles, or repurposed objects. Consider incorporating a vintage tablecloth, a hand-me-down quilt, or a piece of antique furniture to add a touch of timelessness to your decor.
Tips for Finding Authentic Farmhouse Decor
Here are some tips for finding unique and authentic farmhouse decor items:
- Flea Markets and Antique Shops: You can find incredible treasures at flea markets and antique shops, including vintage furniture, textiles, and decorative objects.
- Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops: Thrift stores and consignment shops offer a treasure trove of affordable vintage finds. You can often find unique pieces at a fraction of the price of new items.
- Local Artisans and Craftsmen: Support local artists and craftspeople by purchasing handmade furniture, textiles, and artwork. You’ll find unique and high-quality pieces that add a personal touch to your decor.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Etsy, eBay, and Craigslist offer a wide variety of vintage and handmade farmhouse decor items. Be sure to browse carefully and read reviews before making a purchase.
Conclusion: Creating a Farmhouse Style That’s Truly Your Own
As you navigate the world of farmhouse decor, remember that authenticity and personality are key. Avoid those generic, mass-produced items and instead seek out pieces that reflect your unique style and story. By embracing imperfection, layering textures and patterns, and incorporating personal touches, you can create a farmhouse style that feels warm, inviting, and truly your own. Remember, your home is your sanctuary, so make it reflect your individual taste and personality. Don’t settle for generic, mass-produced decor—create a space that feels genuine and authentic to you.
