6 Elements of Farmhouse Style That Are Truly Trend-Proof
First, let us be clear: At Country Living, we're not ones to obsess about trends (so fleeting!) or this season's so-called "must-haves." Country style, after all, is rooted in roll-up-your-sleeves practicality, not disposable stuff.
Still, each of the homes we feature tend to possesses certain elements that help evoke the kicked-back, easygoing, come-as-you-are calm that so many of us crave. Whether you're a modern farmhouse enthusiast, a cottagecore devotee, or all about cabin decor, you can take heart that these essentials will be happily at home wherever you may roam.
Pre-Loved Quilts
There's a reason one of our most trusted bits of antiquing wisdom involves never passing up a good quilt. A blanket or throw is a low-commitment way to bring color to a space. “Beautiful handmade quilts are a great way to introduce deep saturated color in playful and unexpected combinations,” says Portland, Oregon-based designer Jessica Helgerson. “And they’re so easy to change out with the moods and seasons.”
Hardwood Floors
Creak or no creak, hardwood floors simply feel right at home in a country house. If you inherit a home with wide plank flooring complete with centuries-old, artisan-forged square nails, you've hit the old-house jackpot. If you're installing new floors, and overwhelmed with finish options, take it from designer and architect Chad James: “For 20 years I’ve used a secret mix that I learned from my late mentor, Landy Gardner. It’s three parts Jacobean and one part Ebony [both available from Minwax]. Shh!”
RELATED: An Essential Guide to Hardwood Flooring
A Feed-a-Crowd Farm Table
Anchoring a room with an antique farm table—one so scuffed and scratched up that a nick is hardly noticeable—sets a tone that wear-and-tear is not only inevitable, but it’s something to be desired. Just as handwritten notes and grease stains can transform a plain recipe card into a precious heirloom, a worn-in farm table gives a kitchen or dining room a happy helping of soul and substance. You can’t help but think about the previous generations that have broken bread and maybe spilled a little wine over the very same surface.
RELATED: 80+ Ideas for Decorating the Dining Room
A Clawfoot Tub
There’s a reason the claw-foot tub is a design hallmark of a country house. Despite its humble origins (the earliest were enamel-covered horse troughs!), the claw-foot tub now represents the ultimate act of self-care, literally elevating bath time and all its indulgences. No matter your amenities—suds or salts, paperbacks or podcasts—the stillness of the water sets a decidedly unhurried tone. They say great ideas come in the shower, but we suspect the best ones bubble up in the bath.
RELATED: Best Bathroom Ideas for Country Houses
A Tire Swing
Regardless of one's age, a weekend in the country is not complete without having a go on a good old-fashioned tree swing. There is simply something about this lighthearted limbellishment that still sparks joy in even the most jaded adults. Perhaps it’s because the humble, handmade tree swing represents so many hallmarks of country life—roll-up-your-sleeves resourcefulness (see: tire or wood slab), an outdoorsy spirit (see: tree), and an easy to-and-fro that sets a leisurely summer pace. Now, be warned: There’s nothing “up to code” about this improvised equipment, but you probably already knew that. Even though its installer may repeatedly assure everyone that it’s secure, deep down you all know better. (Good thing it only hovers two feet from the ground.) As far as home improvements go, anyone can swing this upgrade—one that sees many happy returns in the form of a toddler learning to pump his legs, cousins pushing one another (“higher, higher!”), or a teen quietly reading with feet dangling. So here’s to showing the ropes to a new generation—it’s the most fun you can have going out on a limb.
A Good Name
What evokes more personality: “14 Southall Road” or “The Happy Valley Homestead”? Giving your home a name gives it a stronger sense of place. You can honor a house’s history by seeking out a previous owner’s surname (think “Campbell Cottage”), speak to the surrounding nature (“Honeysuckle Hideaway”), or even pay tribute to your decor aesthetic (“Hodgepodge Lodge”). Make it official by commissioning a painted sign—think of it as a friendly name tag— from an Etsy vendor or Cracker Jack Junk Co.
Need help coming up with your own? Consult our handy Country House Name Generator below:
You Might Also Like
