Leave it to me…
Leave it to me…To want to decorate my house “farmhouse style”, then feel overwhelmed with all the different variations and proceed to organize them into “farmstyle categories” so I can decide on the best one.
In my defense, the farmhouse style is a tough one to nail down!
For some reason, there is a total assumption that if you have farm animals, you want to cover your entire kitchen in chicken print wallpaper.
Spoiler alert: I don’t.
It’s not that I don’t appreciate a chicken decor here or there, it’s just that my style isn’t your typical “farmhouse style”. Over the years, friends & family have given me home decor gifts that I liked but didn’t love.
Just recently I decided that I needed to find MY farmhouse style. So, I set out to do just that.
Common Farmhouse Style Elements
You’ll see a lot of the same elements in these 6 farmhouse styles, like farm photography, weathered wood, old jars, vintage pieces, wire crates, & white or cream-painted wood.
I’m going to share with you the different styles I found and at the end I’ll tell you which one I am. It’s the one that speaks to my soul and makes me all happy inside. You get me.
Which of these 6 Farmhouse Styles are you?
Cozy or Rustic Farmhouse
In this farmhouse style you’ll see lots of soft colors like creams, browns, and light greens. There will most definitely be mason jars & chicken wire, too. You’ll also see lots of rustic, unstained wood.
Picture credits: here, here, here
Classic or Modern Farmhouse
In this farmhouse style it’s all about bright whites with contrasts of dark baskets or dark stained wood. There’s usually shiplap (painted white boards) on the ceiling or walls, and wreaths or fresh flowers. You might see some geometric lines which don’t seem like typical farmhouse style, but they definitely are. (Anything geometric makes me giddy so I shall deem it farmhouse-worthy.)
Picture credits: here, here, here
Western Farmhouse
In this farmhouse style you’ll see more of a ranch-style decor. Corrugated tin looks awesome on an accent wall or even a ceiling. There MUST be some kind of animal head or antlers on the wall, and you’ll also see things like windmills, saddles, spurs, or other western gear as decor. There’s also a good chance you’ll see some animal prints or furs, but more farm animal-inspired, not African safari-inspired.
Picture credits: here, here, here
Cottage Farmhouse
In this farmhouse style you’ll see more of an eclectic vibe. There’s a base with a cream or gray paint, but lots of pops of color throughout. This style isn’t afraid to go bright green, or vintage yellow. This style reminds me of a hobbit-like home. Full of that old-world look, but with plenty of bright colors to make it fun & not Tuscany in any way.
Picture credits: here, here, here
French Farmhouse
In this farmhouse style you’ll see light blues & pinks – think pastels. There will also be lots of scrolly (is that a word?) detail in the wood furniture & chairs. Oh, and you’ll also see old white or tin basins. Those are a definite must. You won’t see a ton of rustic wood, instead you’ll see old worn frames that are gold or distressed-painted.
Picture credits: here, here, here
Bohemian Farmhouse
In this farmhouse style (and some people might not call it a farmhouse style but I’m callin’ it one!) there is a bit of a hippy vibe. You’ll see Moroccan/Bohemian/Aztec/native american patterns, but you’ll also see old baskets, hats, throws, or old guitars in the mix. Weathered wood is a feature in this style. You’ll also see neutral colors mixed with blues & oranges. There’s always a dream catcher or feathers in this style, too.
Picture credits: here, here, here
My Favorite Farmhouse Style
My Favorite Farmhouse StyleCan you guess which style is my favorite? Want a hint? I live in Arizona and I have Native American lineage.
My favorite is a mix between the Bohemian farmhouse style & the Classic/Modern farmhouse style. Being a Type A, I love geometric lines and clean, white walls. Right now we’re painting our entire inside of our home a stark, stark white (blog post coming soon!) and I am gathering native american prints (think huge buffalo art), gold frames, live indoor green plants, succulents, and plenty of patterns that speak bohemian. I’ll also throw in old metal & wood. Because, farmstyle.
I have to say, in my research I’ve found that people today really throw together a mishmash of their favorites and that you really don’t need to commit to one theme as much as we all did the past. (i.e. chicken kitchen)
So tell me, which farmhouse style are you?
My farmhouse style would probably be the Bohemian farmhouse style.
Have a good one!
I LOVE the Western Style Farmhouse!!!!!
This was very helpful. I had a house fire that took my home. We are rebuilding and I’m doing a Rustic/Industrial Classic Farmhouse. So excited to see it all come together. The blog was very helpful. When I decided on a farmhouse theme, I had no idea how many different ways to do this. Hopefully I pull it off.
Thank you for this! I’ve never had a home of my own. We’re renting a small house now built in the 1870s with an option to buy. I’ve been trying to figure out my style. The house itself has a bit of a cottage exterior, but it’s not overt. I’m thinking my style is mostly Cottage Farmhouse with a bit of Rustic and just a touch of whimsy thrown in.
Thank you for this.. I was about to do the same thing or, at the least, try to organize it in my head because there’s so many different types, I really don’t even know what is and isn’t considered “farmhouse style” anymore. I’m just trying to go with things I like and that somewhat matches my furniture but this has helped immensely so thank you. I love people who are wired like me! Lol
Hi. Thanks for this. Ive been trying to shop for bedroom furniture and this helps! I could be several, but i think, as hubby loves colour, I’ll look into Cottage Farmhouse.
Love this! Building a new home and trying to pinpoint my style. It leans toward the rustic side a bit, with lots of Texas influence. Lots of white and wood, almost western or industrial but without the tin. I think I am a combo between modern and western styles. Using stained concrete floors, earthy green and wood in the kitchen, earthy brick on the fireplace and most of the outside, and lots of white paint. I have a whole room for plants on the west side of the house and a huge front porch. We have a fabulous leather sofa and industrial cart (real, not new) for the coffee table, and I have this amazing huge wood and iron scrollwork bed for the master. Planning on animal decor, cow hide rug or two, farmhouse and industrial fixtures, and Redwing crocks and antique bowls for decor.
What about industrial farmhouse? This style has alot of caged lights , open shelving, and piping accents. Also, wired containers, colorful metal signs, and a great deal of tin. Some might say that this is just industrial, but when you live in a farmhouse, or ranch, I think industrial farmhouse, sums it up.
Also Americana Farmhouse Style which is what I’m leaning toward: American flags that include on them, Summer Tanager, Cerulean warbler, and Snowy Owl chicks. Bookcases painted in blue, curtains of red buffalo plaid, and cream area rug, and a quilt with red, white and blue fabrics.
Mine is an eclectic array of cozy rustic cottage style all brought together we call HOME
I like a classic sort of cottage style the best, but these are all so gorgeous!
I have struggled with this topic, because one seems to get sucked with the all white, which is NOT me. I like what I like and it just didn’t fit in with all that white, although I do love some elements of it.
I think I am cozy/cottage because I am definitely mixed and I like color and LOTS of antique/vintage pieces that I inherited.
Thank you for writing this article and helping me put a name to my style.
I’m definitely a mixture of French and cottage style farmhouse with cozy/rustic thrown in! I’m glad I know what I like now! ?
Wow I’m a mixture of almost all of them! I definitely think there is a beach cottage/ farmhouse style as well, including the shiplap, pastel colors, and nautical/ beach decor. I love somehow meshing the beach vibes, boho vibes (I made a gorgeous lacy dreamcatcher), shabby chic florals, antiqued French style furniture, vintage heirlooms like tea sets and grandfather clocks, travel and nature impressionist scenes. I LOVE decorating :). Great post! I’ve never seen the farmhouse decor categorized this way!
Cozy Modern Cottage would be my style. I love the backdrop creams of Cozy (without the rustic) however I pair it with deep reds, terracotta orange, cerulean blue (think jeweltones). I love baskets, buckets, wire and wicker. Living green plants, a window herb garden and silk floral arrangements where there isn’t enough light. Upcycled furniture, floral prints mixed with stripes. Anything to break up the boredom.
Great article.
Ooh, love that combo!
Omg this is so helpful! I love the farmhouse style but I love color too. I’m glad to know a bohemian farmhouse style exists because that is so me! I decorate with tons of blue and hints of orange so that really struck a chord with me. Thanks so much!
This was so fun to read and look at, as we’ve been renovating our country home we bought two years ago! Thank you for organizing all of the themes, it really shows where I fall in the mix. I’m a mix of the cozy, rustic / classic, modern for sure!!
Oh thank you so much for this post! I have been dreaming of redoing my kitchen and now I have inspiration! I see dark floors, white cabinets, soapstone counter tops and a corrugated tin back splash!! I know what’s going on my Christmas list this year!!
My style is a mix of the cozy and rustic, classic and modern, with a touch of western. I love old barn doors and ladders, I love the color contrast of white cabinets with black soapstone, but I love cozy benches and unfinished, old wood. I want the type of place where visitors aren’t afraid to kick back and put their feet up on the coffee table! Thank you so much for this post! It has helped me tremendously!
Love it!
Western and rustic for me. I’m an Oklahoma girl.
This is a great article, but I feel there is one missing. Lodge Farmhouse.
With timber &/or log elements, not antlers necessary 🙂
River rock, fabulous functional kitchen, wood or etched cement floors, etc.
My farm house is very practical with design elements that will last my lifetime.
Thanks, you set my mind to additional dreaming!
Ooh, yes!! Totally forgot about that one!
Sounds like a 1st cousin to our colonial salt box, based on 18th century Massachusetts design. Heart pine floors, exposed timber ceilings, zinc candle sconces and many fireplaces. ?
I dream of having a goat farm. I grew up across from my grandparents farm. I miss the animals and fresh food. I also enjoy crocheting. So I would enjoy having other wooly creatures.
My farm house would be a cottage style home.
I’m one of those mix and match type individuals. The kitchen is still original in the house, and I’m itching to change it up. I just haven’t decided exactly how i want to do it except that i want it to be red and white. There is a huge skylight over the island, and I love that, but it is old and needs replaced with one that opens. The cabinets are oak, and the counter tops are white formica. I hate them. The appliances are all stainless – we’ve changed them out from the old white ones that were here when we bought the place. The ceilings are high, so there is room over the cabinets for jars and bottles, although none of them are canning jars. There are bright red, turquoise, and purple decanters. One corner of the kitchen has a glass fronted curio that is full of horses, and the family room is SW. I just painted a huge mural on the master bathroom wall that is a peacock, with wisteria blooms in various shades of purples and pinks. Everything is as eccentric as I am.
Haha, I feel the same way about oak cabinets, unless they’re painted white!
I’m deffinately the first one. It’s gorgeous! I love the updated look, I like a country look, but more current. No “Beverly Hillbillies – pre black gold” for me.
Love how you broke it all down! I’ve been trying to pin point my style as well. When we did a major remodel on our home we purchased late last year, I wasn’t settled on a style yet. I was still trying to figure it out. Now that the basics of the house are done, we chose soft whites, pale greens, black and oil rubbed bronze finishes. Dark wood floors, stainless steel, and some Carrara marble in the bathrooms. Since our home is on 7 acres, I knew I wanted a farmhouse vibe, but wasn’t sure how to quite get it there. I would say today, that my style is a mix of the cozy/rustic and the classic/modern farmhouse. We are working through decor to add that in, but will also be incorporating elements of ship lap, aged wood, metal, etc. Here’s hoping it all comes together! Excited to see your new makeover!
Thanks, Jana! I love shiplap, too! Definitely going to add that on our ceiling!
Hey Danielle! Loved this post! I love all of the styles. I wanted to pin it to Pinterest but can’t . Do you have any Pinterest buttons I missed? Thanks!
Hi Sally, they should be there at the bottom and top of the post.
Ah Bohemian FarmHouse!!!? Thank you so much for creating a name for my style. We added on and remodeled our home this past year and I want farm house and eclectic/ Boho style and I wasn’t sure I could marry them. But you have empowered me by naming it and making it official!! Thank you!!
YES! Validation for my style! I was worried people would balk at that category. So, basically we’re best friends now? 😉
Great info! Thank you! I’m French rustic. ?
I’m all…
Can’t even leave a comment without a typo.
And thanks for the shout out.
Haha!
I spied an old, funky red sink that’s not gathering dust and chicken poop in the barn not to mention Brooke Gianetti’s amazing office space.
I all French farmhouse with a touch of British here and there I suppose. The thing that moves my soul about a true French farmhouse look is the indoor.outdoor feel…. stone foyers and entry ways, windows that swing open… sans screens. And that incredible “gathered” look. Real French homes have those family object passed down, influence of the French colonies and even a bit of Ikea here and there. And wonderful textiles to seal the deal.
Great post DaNelle.
Thanks! I love your style, so perfect!
Wow, I seem to be a mix of classic & cottage with a dose of western thrown in for good measure.
I think everybody needs a bit of western 😉
Love this post. Moving to Utah in a month and am redoing my decor in the new house. I am definitely a cozy/rustic farmhouse girl I love warmth so browns here we come!
This was so helpful! My husband “gently persuaded” me to buy an A-frame cabin in the mountains on 2 acres of land. I’ve decided to make the most of it– veggie garden, chickens, etc. I want a look that complements the cabin but I HATE the Western farmhouse look. That’s all we have around here. I was starting to despair, but I LOVE the Cottage Farmhouse look. Thank you!
That sounds so dreamy! Yes, turn it into your kinda style!
Definitely a mixture of western and cottage farmhouse over here! Love that you broke it down like that. They are very distinct styles within the “Farmhouse” group!
Love the center photo of the cottage farmhouse collage, but can’t seem to find the correct exterior link to the photo for more details? Thanks for this post as I am trying to decide on my farmhouse style! 🙂
Shoot! I can’t seem to find it. You might be able to if you search on Pinterest for “cottage farmhouse”
What a great help!! I think that I, personally, am cozy/rustic, but my family is definitely Western!
We’re currently building our home on our 60 acre homestead in the far north mountains of Idaho. We’re mixing lodge/cabin with farmhouse elements and calling it “homestead.” I see from your choices that it’s most like Western Farmhouse. Come check out our progress at North Woods Homestead on Facebook!
Fun!
Agh! I can’t decide! Definitely not the Western Farmhouse… but I like bits and pieces of all the rest! Wish we could afford to update our little house! Look forward to seeing your After pics!
I am Rustic/French. I also spotted Elliot Homesteads house for one of the pics. 🙂
Yep, I had to feature hers, of course!
Love this article. I have been trying to define my style but rustic didn’t totally fit but either did farmhouse. I am cozy farmhouse and western. I love big beams and stone fireplaces but also love big cozy cream colored sofas and a farmhouse kitchen. I have been calling my style Colorado Farmhouse.
Haha, that’s a good one!