You know I love me some farmhouse style decor. Do I live on a farm? No. Do I want to live on a farm? YES. Funny thing is I was born on a farm (and act like it too – ha!) and lived in rural life until I left the nest. So many of us adore the simplicity of farmhouse decor, but don’t live on a farm. However, we don’t have to wait for that “farm in the sky” to have it. Whether it’s good ol’ fashioned farmhouse or modern farmhouse, you can get the look for less. Let me show you what I mean. (I have a video for you!)
First, let me say that country living is in my bones and one day I will get there whether here or in heaven. God hasn’t seen fit to bless me with that opportunity yet, so I am making the most of my blessings.
Some of the ways I have incorporated my passion into my home is by utilizing the fact that farmhouse is a wide-open interpretation. I tend to lean towards a French/Nordic style with a bit of industrial thrown in. For instance, our master bedroom was a sorry sight.
SWEAT EQUITY
After much work and TLC, we were able to get it done with a low budget and couldn’t be happier with the results. Our work has been featured by many sites like Country Living and This Old House. You can take the full tour starting here, which includes all our DIY tutorials to get the look:
Another of our remodels includes our one and only bathroom for our family of 8. That’s not a complaint, just a truth. I have often said I don’t mind the size of our home, just wish it were in the country. You can appreciate our process in starting in this post. Our remodels are never normal, so each one is a good read, especially of God’s goodness.
Here it is in the before (horrible shot I know. This is what it looks like before digital cameras. Yes, I am that old. tsk.):
And the after…all of which was thrifted, found free, or bought local.
Our latest frontier is our kitchen. It is taking us longer than expected, as in pigs will fly before we are done, but… we are getting there. This posts shows your our starting point.
You can see our progress and our tutorials in this collection of posts.
You can even add some farmhouse style to your outdoor decor, like when we redid our patio. Full tour and tutorials starting HERE.
Or jack up the curb appeal by adding rustic shutters using this tutorial from one of my very first blog posts. I created these when I made them for my interior, but also have them on my exterior as seen above.
Or how about take your builder-grade garage door to a new level? With paint and a technique to get a wood grain look, it can be done in a weekend. I share the full tutorial with a 3-year update in this post.
So far, I’ve mentioned pretty large projects to achieve farmhouse style decor. Let me show you some simple decor that can also get your farmhouse style jump-started. First, I’ve created a video for you to demonstrate using a pair of thrifted candlesticks.
These candlesticks weren’t really needing an update, but I mostly prefer lighter colors in my home.
First, I gave them a base coat color – the exact same base color as my garage door.
Then used a glazing, same as I did in my garage door tutorial or in this other tutorial using a mirror as example.
While the glazing is still wet, I take a lightly damp cloth to wipe it off letting it reside in the crevices. That helps create that texture and depth we all love.
I find creating my own decor give me such satisfaction as opposed to going to the store and buying it ready-made. Yes, I realize some feel they can’t do it, but mantra is you don’t know until you try.
To give you more inspiration, I’m going to list a few more farmhouse style decor related projects along with links to tutorials to help you get your wheels turning. If you really want to peruse all the my blog has to offer, you can use the project gallery tab above, or click here to see all things FARMHOUSE.
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STORAGE
Two Different Tiered Stands from Repurposed Finds (HERE & HERE)
Storage Bins – Repurposed & Build Plans
Farmhouse Bench Build Plans for less than $20
Entry Coat Rack with Storage Build Plans
2. WALL DECOR
3. MISCELLANEOUS
Cotton Stem Tutorial with video (2 arrangements for less than $4!)
So…I hope this post has got your wheels turning and inspires you to make your house your home. My budget couldn’t be tighter, and I can still make it happen with a little DIY.
SHARE
Additionally, pin and share this farmhouse style decor collection to inspire others that they too can have the look they want for less.
Up next, I’m going to show you how this ugly duckling footstool got a new lease on life. See the after over HERE.
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Also, more ways to add farmhouse style decor to your home:
What a nice retrospective of your work.
Thank you, Debra!
How inspiring! We are moving into a 102 year young home this week. It will need a lot of love:) I’ll be coming back to your blog as we are on our journey!
Congrats on the new move and prayers all goes wonderfully. I’m happy to have you, Lexi!
I don’t have the tools or “know how” like you do, but I love watchng and looking at all your visions, transforming an old piece of wood, discarded at that, and making it look so good. Your home is beautiful and all because of your vision and ambition. I love your blog!
You are a blessing to say so, Sherry. Thank you!
All of your hard work is simply amazing! And even more so when it’s all collected in one post! Wow, so impressive! I’ve scheduled some major Farmhouse Pinterest inspo lady, thanks so much for sharing your gift with us, so inspiring! xo
You are a doll, Laurie. Thank you!!
I really enjoyed the inspiration today. I admire so much the way that you beautify your home on a tight budget and provide for your large family
Hi Larissa,
To my fellow ETSYer, I love your blog and your shop. Such fun! I look forward to seeing your projects unfold. I too upcycle, repurpose and reuse but jewelry. Thanks for your inspiration.
Warmly,
Holly
Hi Holly! Thanks so much for stopping by. Glad to hear you are like-minded. I have moved my shop to my site, though still have a few things over there. Blessings!
You’re pretty much amazing! So glad I found you!
That just made my day, Sheila. Thank you and hugs!
Lot’s of great ideas here Larissa. I like the candle holders. Did you add white paint after the glaze?
Thanks, Mary! Just the glazing that fills in the crevices. Feel free to ask! 🙂
Loved your blog, Larissa! Brought back so many memories for me. We live in a home with lots of dark paneled walls and I want nothing more to lighten and brighten everything up but hubby probably won’t go for it. Like most men, he likes the natural wood look. I can only dream…… sigh. You inspire so many and you have such a big heart to share so much with so many. Reading your blog feels like we are sitting and talking and sharing a cup of tea in one of your new campfire mugs which I love. So proud of you!
Hugs to you! I feel your pain, but am thankful that JC let’s me have reign (aka. he doesn’t care) hahaha…
Ahh! I’m just in love with your style (and love how you weave your testimony into it, too!) I wish I could bring you here for advice– I have several large paintings from family that I want to display, but hate the idea of a wall with just a single painting. Do you have any suggestions on incorporating large artwork– like 16×20 and bigger– into wall groupings? Thanks for all your good advice!
Thanks, Rebecca. 😉 Have you considered a gallery wall? That is one of the best ways to blend it in. Hope that helps!
Your backyard is gorgeous!! What a transformation!!