Style Guide: Farmhouse Style for Every Home

Farmhouse style has captured hearts with its warm, inviting charm that blends practicality and rustic elegance. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgia of classic farmhouse or the sleek sophistication of modern farmhouse, this guide will help you understand the differences and achieve the perfect farmhouse look in your home.

Pictured above, the Americana Sofa and the Sedona Coffee Table

Classic Farmhouse Style: Timeless Comfort

Classic farmhouse style is defined by its rustic, utilitarian furniture with soft, rounded lines and a warm, nature-inspired color palette. Rooted in traditional craftsmanship, this style embraces simplicity and functionality while creating a lived-in, nostalgic feel.

Key Features of Classic Farmhouse Style

• Furniture: Weathered or distressed wooden pieces, often with turned legs or carved details, like trestle dining tables and Windsor chairs.
• Color Palette: Warm neutrals such as cream, beige, and soft pastels paired with natural wood tones.
• Decor: Vintage-inspired accents like lanterns, woven baskets, pastoral imagery, and antique-style clocks.
• Textures: Chunky knit throws, floral rugs, and natural textiles like linen or burlap.

Pictured above, the Sedona 5 Pc. Dining Set

How to Create Classic Farmhouse Style

1. Choose Rustic Wooden Furniture: Invest in pieces like a distressed dining table, a wooden bench for your entryway, or a weathered coffee table to anchor your space.
2. Incorporate Upholstered Comfort: Look for sofas or armchairs in neutral fabrics with soft curves or tufting for a cozy vibe.
3. Add Vintage-Inspired Accents: Decorate with antique-style mirrors, galvanized metal trays, or mason jar vases to enhance the nostalgic feel.
4. Use What You Have: Highlight architectural features like exposed beams or shiplap walls if they’re present in your home.

Modern Farmhouse Style: Clean & Contemporary

Pictured above, the Briar Fork 5 Pc. Dining Set

Modern farmhouse style takes the warmth of classic farmhouse and updates it with sleek lines and minimalist design. It’s all about balancing rustic charm with contemporary elegance to create a look that feels fresh yet grounded.

Unlike classic farmhouse, modern farmhouse incorporates cleaner furniture silhouettes and a more neutral color palette dominated by whites and grays. This style also leans into industrial touches like metal accents and streamlined decor for a more polished aesthetic.

Key Features of Modern Farmhouse Style

• Furniture: Large-scale pieces with clean lines—think oversized sectional sofas or shaker-style dining tables.
• Color Palette: Light neutrals like white, cream, gray, and black with occasional bold accents (e.g., navy or emerald green).
• Decor: Minimalist accents such as industrial light fixtures or abstract wall art paired with vintage touches.
• Textures: Balance smooth, polished finishes like sleek metal legs or lacquered wood surfaces with natural materials such as woven jute rugs, rattan chairs, or soft wool throws

Pictured above, the Pleasant Hill Bedroom Set

How to Create Modern Farmhouse Style

1. Opt for Clean-Lined Furniture: Choose pieces like a streamlined sectional sofa or a simple wooden bed frame to set the tone.
2. Layer Textures Thoughtfully: Pair sleek furniture with natural materials like jute rugs or leather ottomans to create depth.
3. Incorporate Industrial Elements: Add metal barstools, black hardware on cabinets, or factory-style pendant lights for a modern edge.
4. Keep Decor Minimal: Use only a few carefully chosen accents—like potted plants or framed black-and-white photography—to maintain an uncluttered look.

Blending Classic and Modern Farmhouse styles

Classic farmhouse emphasizes cozy, weathered furniture with vintage-inspired decor, while modern farmhouse introduces clean lines, industrial accents, and minimalist touches. By blending these styles, you can achieve a space that feels both timeless and fresh—combining the nostalgic comfort of classic farmhouse with the polished elegance of modern design.

Pictured above, the Mountain Home Desk

Tips for Blending Both Styles

1. Start with a Neutral Base

Both styles share a love for neutral palettes. Begin with light tones like white, cream, gray, or beige on walls and larger furniture pieces. Add natural wood tones for warmth and depth.

• For example, pair a distressed wooden dining table (classic) with sleek black chairs (modern) to ground your space.

2. Layer Textures Thoughtfully

Texture is key to blending these styles. Mix rough-hewn materials like reclaimed wood or chunky knits (classic) with smooth finishes like leather or polished metal (modern).

• Add jute rugs or linen curtains for a cozy feel, then layer in sleek accents like metal light fixtures or glass decor.

3. Balance Decor Choices

Incorporate vintage-inspired decor sparingly to avoid overwhelming the space. Think lanterns, antique mirrors, or floral prints from classic farmhouse.

• Balance these elements with modern touches like abstract wall art, geometric vases, or industrial pendant lighting.
• For example, decorate your mantel with a mix of vintage candlesticks and minimalist black-and-white photography.

4. Play with Scale

Classic farmhouse often uses smaller-scale furniture and decor pieces, while modern farmhouse leans toward large-scale items. Mix these proportions to create harmony:

• Pair oversized sofas or dining tables (modern) with smaller vintage accents like woven baskets or antique clocks (classic).

5. Incorporate Natural Elements

Both styles celebrate nature but approach it differently:

• Use greenery like potted plants or boxwood wreaths (classic) alongside sleek planters or terrariums (modern).
• Combine rustic wooden shelving with contemporary ceramic pots for a cohesive look.

6. Highlight Architectural Features

If your home has features like shiplap walls, exposed beams, or brick fireplaces (classic), use them as a backdrop for modern furniture and decor.

• Alternatively, add modern architectural touches—like black window frames or glass doors—to complement rustic elements.

Pictured above, the District 5 Pc. Dining Set

7. Use Pops of Color Strategically

While both styles favor neutrals, you can introduce color through accents:

• Add muted pastels or blues from classic farmhouse alongside bold pops of emerald green or navy from modern farmhouse.
• Throw pillows, area rugs, or artwork are great places to experiment with color.

Final Thoughts

Farmhouse style—whether classic or modern—is all about creating spaces that feel warm, inviting, and connected to nature. By understanding the differences between these two aesthetics and tailoring them to your preferences through furniture and decor choices, you can craft a home that’s as stylish as it is comfortable.

Ready to bring your vision to life? Visit us online or at the Furniture Row near you for expertly crafted pieces that suit every farmhouse aesthetic!