Published July 2022 | Updated May 2025
What is Farmhouse Style?
It’s not difficult to imagine the roots of farmhouse style. Think rural landscapes dotted with farmhouses and a design ethos that blends traditional aesthetics with practicality and a relaxed vibe. This uniquely American design style is a cousin to English cottage and shabby chic. It also encompasses rustic farmhouse or modern farmhouse styles.
Farmhouse style, whether rustic or modern, has a few core elements:
- ENDURING LOOK Distressed wood furniture contrasted with white-washed brick or ship-lapped walls is a classic visual for a farmhouse look. Celebrated architectural details include exposed wood beams, wainscotting or picture rails.
- COMFORT Expect to see easy going, comfortable furniture that welcomes large gatherings and invites fun-loving conversation.
- ECLECTIC A farmhouse-inspired home is a mix of modern pieces, antiques, and sentimental objects.
- NATURAL BLEND Natural materials abound in farmhouse decors. Soft elements like linen and natural fibers are combined with hard wood, metals and stone to form a balanced look.
- SOFT COLORWAYS Beiges, creams, whites, greys or greens are some of the tranquil colors in the farmhouse color palette. This neutral landscape is vitalized by adding black or dark metallic accents and fixtures throughout the space.
Which Rugs Amplify Farmhouse Style?
Texture A chunky seagrass or thick sisal-wool rug add texture to the neutral hues and architectural features found in farmhouse interiors.
Patterns Plaids, stripes and patterns strike just the right balance between polished and playful when used in a farmhouse aesthetic. A plaid wool rug or subtly striped sisal runner check the farmhouse style rug box.
Easy Maintenance: The welcoming nature of farmhouse style requires durable and beautiful floor coverings. Easy to clean SisalPLUS weaves like Lopez have robust, natural fiber texture and are perfect under dining room tables. Or look to a SynSisal® weave for a soft, sisal-look rug that is easy to maintain.
Final Tip for Achieving a Farmhouse Look
A balance between natural, soft elements and solid, hard surfaces is essential for evoking the farmhouse vibe. So bring in metal accents like brass, wrought iron, or galvanized steel in the form of finishes, fixtures, or shelving. Then balance it all with relaxed textiles like a seagrass rug and a deep, cozy couch for a farmhouse look.
Want to explore more design styles?
Head over to our post How to Choose the Right Rug for Each Design Style to discover different design styles and unforgettable rugs.
