Farmhouse Interior Design: Understanding the Key Elements (2024)

The farmhouse trend, especially modern farmhouse design, has mushroomed in recent years. Even if you’re not familiar with the latest in interior design trends, it may still be the most recognizable to you, thanks to one television star.

“Has anyone been more closely associated with the farmhouse style than Joanna Gaines?” says interior designer Lindsay Boudreaux, proprietor and creative director at Shotgun Double.

Gaines is the interior designer who rose to fame with her husband Chip when their HGTV show Fixer Upper blew up, most notably for bringing the word “shiplap” into the everyday lexicon. (Shiplap is wood paneling installed horizontally rather than vertically.)

“The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this style is white-painted, shiplap wood wall paneling,” Boudreaux says. “But other markers of the ‘modern’ farmhouse style are reclaimed wood, a mix of light and dark neutral colors in varying textures, and handmade textiles, like quilts and knitted blankets.”

About The Experts

Lindsay Boudreauxis the proprietor and creative director at Shotgun Double, an interior design studio in the greater Washington, D.C. area.

Artem Kropovinsky is an interior designer and founder of Arsightin New York City.

Ariana Lovato is the owner and principal designer at Honeycomb Home Designin Arroyo Grande, California.

What Is Farmhouse Interior Design?

“Farmhouse interior design is a style that draws inspiration from the traditional, rustic charm of farmhouses and rural homes,” says Ariana Lovato, owner and principal designer at Honeycomb Home Design. “It combines elements of simplicity, warmth and functionality to create a comfortable and inviting living space.”

Lovato says the signature style came from functional roots; farmers needed enough space to house farmhands. And Gaines isn’t the only one currently doing it well. Lovato points to Studio McGee and Becky Shea Design Farmhouses, who also use elements of farmhouse in their designs.

Lovato says her favorite place to draw inspiration is old British farmhouses. “They have that truly rustic element that is hard to emulate in newer homes,” she says.

Even if farmhouse design has reached peak saturation, some of its elements will always be timeless considerations for a home whose residents prefer a balance between rustic design and the comforts of modern life.

Artem Kropovinsky, an interior designer and founder of Arsight, says the combination “mak[es] them warmly inviting spaces that lack pretense while being undeniably elegant.”

What Are the Key Elements of Farmhouse Interior Design?

It isn’t all shiplap or a black-and-white color scheme that helps you achieve the farmhouse dream. These designers recommend a few other key elements to achieve the look.

Handmade textures

Quilts and knits add a personal touch. Boudreaux says these provide contrast with the more rustic elements, like weathered wood or furniture repurposed from more industrial farm uses (think old barn carts!).

Lovato says fabrics with natural textures, such as linen, burlap and cotton, are used for upholstery, curtains and throw pillows. These lend a tactile element.

Natural building materials

Kropovinsky says the look “is built around natural materials, such as exposed wood beams, hardwood floors and stone embellishments.”

Neutral colors

Color palettes are generally neutral and produce a calm, united appearance.

Kitchen know-how

Lovato says a farmhouse or apron-front sink is a popular choice for kitchens, “contributing to the nostalgic and practical feel of the design.” Open shelving allows for easy access to dishes while keeping things casual and charming.

Natural light

Farmhouse interiors often emphasize natural light, reflected with the focus on white-based color palettes. “Large windows and light curtains contribute to an airy and bright atmosphere,” Lovato says.

Simple, functional furniture

Kropovinsky and Lovato suggest keeping furniture simple and functional. Comfort is also key. “Pieces often have a distressed or weathered appearance to enhance the rustic charm,” Lovato says.

Vintage and antique finds

“Items like weathered signs, old tools and repurposed items contribute to the overall nostalgic and lived-in look,” Lovato says. Hit flea markets and vintage shops for the real deal.

Farmhouse Interior Design for Your Home

No need to move to the country to achieve a farmhouse feel. These designers say you can test out the look inexpensively with a few key changes:

Decide on distressed wood

“Instead of modern furniture, consider placing a wooden coffee table or distressed bookshelf,” Kropovinsky says.

Layer on texture

Embellish what you’ve already got with throw pillows, chunky knit blankets or a jute rug, Kropovinsky says.

Add open shelving

Add open shelving made of rustic reclaimed wood in the kitchen. This is an easy and inexpensive way to bring this element into your home. Hardwood flooring is also always on trend.

Welcome in white

“I like to add white linen drapery panels into a space to make it feel cozy but also add that nice texture,” Lovato says. She notes natural light is key to making the design genuinely farmhouse.