Rooted in the quiet charm of rural living, Farmhouse design transcends the boundaries of time and place, inviting us to slow down and relish in a home that feels both beautiful and practical.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of Farmhouse interior design, its philosophy, and how to use Onton to introduce this functional and cozy aesthetic into your home.

What is Farmhouse Design?

Farmhouse design is inspired by — wait for it — the farm. As its name would suggest, the design aesthetic draws inspiration from the simplicity and practicality of rural farm life, channeling its most charming features and bringing them to the modern home. With its soft neutral hues, rich textures, and a harmonious blend of old and new, Farmhouse weaves a narrative of comfort and authenticity — where every piece tells a story, and every room feels like a cherished memory come to life. At the same time, the style places a strong emphasis on function, making sure that the elements in a space aren’t just decorative but serve a purpose.

Farmhouse design goes way back — think of the European farmhouses of the 16th century. But it was really in the early 19th century, when more people were moving around by train and ideas were moving along with them, that Farmhouse began spreading beyond its rural beginnings.

At the same time, the style itself had come into its own. Advancements in machinery meant farmers who had previously spent the majority of their days working the land suddenly had more free time on their hands. And how better to enjoy this newfound luxury than relishing in the comfort of home? Naturally, this cultural shift came with a wave of interest in designing interiors for comfort and relaxation.

Pivotal moments in the rise of Farmhouse Design

While Farmhouse has a storied history in interior design, its resurgence in recent years can be linked to several pivotal moments.

Chip and Joanna Gaines evangelize the aesthetic

Farmhouse design probably wouldn’t have the hold on us it does today without the husband-and-wife duo behind the popular TV series “Fixer Upper.” Chip and Joanna Gaines popularized the style, not only incorporating it into the renovation projects they featured on the series, but also showing off how they brought it to life in their own farmhouse and sharing helpful tips (e.g., how to do open shelving the right way, and how to pick a rug that fits the Farmhouse vibe) on their Magnolia blog. Some of the key elements that defined their “modern Farmhouse” aesthetic focused on neutral tones, cozy textiles, and creative ideas for incorporating existing structural elements of the home (e.g., shiplap) into the design. 

Sustainability taking center stage

The popularity of Farmhouse in recent years also coincides with a growing interest in sustainability and mindful living. By prioritizing natural materials like responsibly sourced wood and metal, the style offers a more eco-friendly approach to interior design. Choosing solid wood furniture built to last also reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimizing waste. Finally, Farmhouse incorporates vintage and pre-loved pieces alongside new items, allowing homeowners to embrace sustainability while adding unique character to their spaces.

What are the defining elements of Farmhouse Design? 

Chances are you can recognize Farmhouse design when you see it, but recreating the aesthetic in your own home starts with breaking it down to its core components:

Neutral color palettes

Shades of white, beige, gray, and cream form the foundation of the Farmhouse color palette, creating a calm and serene backdrop for daily life. These muted tones also allow the natural beauty of wood and other materials to shine while providing a versatile canvas for layering different textures, patterns, and artwork for moments of visual interest that punctuate the space.

Natural materials

Natural materials are a hallmark of Farmhouse design. Wood, in particular, plays a central role, from structural elements, like exposed beams and hardwood floors, to furniture and decorative pieces. Stone and metal are also commonly used, adding to the rustic charm of the space. These materials bring warmth and texture, contributing to the lived-in feel of Farmhouse interiors.

Vintage and reclaimed pieces

Farmhouse embraces the beauty of imperfection, often incorporating vintage and reclaimed pieces that add character and history to a space. Whether it’s large functional pieces (e.g., a weathered wooden table) or decorative accents (e.g., an antique mirror or a collection of old books), these elements help to create a sense of charming nostalgia and give the home a truly unique personality.

Shiplap and beadboard

Originally used in old farmhouses for their practical benefits, shiplap and beadboard are types of wood paneling that have become a signature element of Farmhouse design. Shiplap, with its horizontal wood planks, adds texture and depth to walls, while beadboard, with its vertical grooves, brings a touch of classic charm.

Cozy textiles

Textiles play a crucial role in creating the cozy, inviting atmosphere that defines Farmhouse design. This could be crisp cotton bedding, chunky knit blankets draped over your favorite armchair, or soft woven rugs that frame a room. These textiles often feature subtle patterns — typically checks, stripes, or florals — that enhance the rustic charm of the space.

Open shelving and display

Farmhouse interiors (kitchens, in particular) often feature open shelving, which allows for the display of everyday items — from vintage crockery to loved cookbooks — in a way that feels both functional and decorative, styled yet personal. This style of shelving can also brighten a space and make it feel larger. 

Blending the old with the new

Farmhouse celebrates classic elements and traditional design, as well as modern elements. The key is striking a harmonious balance between the two. A rustic dining table can be paired with modern chairs, or a Farmhouse sink can sit alongside sleek quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. The blend captures the essence of Farmhouse living — rooted in simplicity and authenticity yet adaptable to modern lifestyles.

Examples of Farmhouse design throughout the home

Living room

Neutral sofas and a natural rug frame the space, while details like a wooden coffee table, stone fireplace, exposed beams, and cozy throws inform the room’s rustic charm.

Bedroom

Bed linens in a palette of warm neutrals define the space, which is accented with rustic details — natural rug, industrial lighting — and playful decorative nods to country life. 

Kitchen

Wooden countertops, a Farmhouse sink, exposed shelving, and metal light fixtures create a kitchen that is warm and inviting. 

Bathroom

A clawfoot tub has a vintage charm, while wooden trim, bold metal fixtures, and open shelving complete the aesthetic. 

Easy ways to incorporate Farmhouse design into your home 

When you’re redesigning a space from scratch, achieving a warm Farmhouse aesthetic can be as simple as incorporating the style’s core elements. But even if you’re not fully overhauling your interiors, there are easy tricks for incorporating elements of Farmhouse into your home:

Opt for neutral linens

Crisp white bedding or soft linen curtains in neutral tones are an easy-to-implement switch, transforming the vibe of a room to anchor it in the sense of calm and comfort. Consider layering different textures, such as cotton, linen, or burlap, for added warmth and depth.

Add distressed furniture

Distressed or weathered furniture has an inherently rustic quality to it that is perfectly compatible with Farmhouse design. This could be a vintage piece that is naturally weathered, or it could be a newer piece that you transform with a DIY distressing technique. In either case, these pieces can instantly add character and a sense of warmth to your space.

Paint existing furniture

If you have furniture that feels too modern or polished, a fresh coat of paint can transform it into something more Farmhouse-friendly. Opt for soft whites, muted grays, or earthy tones. Painting your furniture can also be a nice way to add some tonal variation to your space while emphasizing the serene qualities of Farmhouse.

Embrace mixed metals

Farmhouse often combines finishes like wrought iron, brass, and copper — beautifully juxtaposing the industrial feel of the metals with warmer materials and textures. Consider adding different metal accents throughout the home with metallic light fixtures, cabinet hardware, or decorative pieces. For example, a brass lamp on a distressed wooden side table can create a beautiful contrast.

Get creative with light fixtures

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of your space. Swapping out your standard lightbulbs for soft white LED bulbs or Edison bulbs can instantly create an inviting ambiance, making your home feel cozy and welcoming.

Add beadboard, shiplap, or wainscoting

Adding beadboard to your bathroom, shiplap or planked walls to your living room, or wainscoting in your dining room can add visual interest and a classic touch that feels both rustic and refined. While each of these elements can drastically redefine a room, they’re all relatively easy to install yourself and can make for a fun weekend DIY project. 

Bring in some foliage

Greenery and plants are a natural fit for the Farmhouse aesthetic, adding life and freshness to your space. Use potted herbs, large leafy plants, or market bouquets to add vibrance to your space. Consider placing plants in rustic containers — terracotta pots, wooden crates, metal buckets, or glass jugs — to maintain the overall aesthetic.

Start your Farmhouse interior design journey with Onton

Discover how you can bring the charm of Farmhouse design into your home with the help of Onton, the leading AI-powered interior design platform. 

Start by igniting your creative spark using Onton Discover, a vast collage of design spaces created by other Deft users. The best part? Each generated space is 100% shoppable! 

Once you’ve mapped out your ideal Farmhouse home, use Onton Search to find the pieces and decor that will best accentuate your design space. In one click, Onton Search delivers hundreds of Farmhouse-inspired options that fit your space and style — without the ads and sponsored content.

If you’re curious about how a specific piece will look in your home, Onton Imagine can help you generate photorealistic images of your new design space. Simply upload a photo of your home and watch your Farmhouse vision come to life.

If you need any expert-level assistance during your design journey, Onton Concierge can assist you with personalized recommendations and guidance. It’s the next best thing to having a personal shopping assistant!

Try Onton for free today to bring your Farmhouse dream home to life!