The Art Behind Creating Farmhouse Style

On Farmhouse Fixer, renovation expert Jonathan Knight restores old New England homes. Stealing ideas from his stunning remodels, recreate the charm of farmhouse style in your home — even if your house isn't centuries old.

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Lean Into Architecture

A hallmark of farmhouse style is shiplap, beadboard and simple moldings, such as wainscoting. Quickly infuse your home with the look by adding one of the countryside's favorite architectural details. Clapboard siding instantly creates dimension in this entry porch, and shades of blue bring a little coastal charm to the ceiling and flooring.

Blend New and Old

While you'll likely have to bring in new design elements, it's important to merge them with historic pieces. For this bathroom redo, reclaimed wood from the property's barn is used to create a heavy-duty base for the brand-new cast-iron sink. Slate tile grounds the room and creates contrast with the vertical-laid shiplap and subway tile.

Work With What You Have

Reuse, reuse, reuse. When this homeowner inherited her grandparents' 1922 house, she wanted to make it her own without losing all the character. Jonathan reconfigured the kitchen to allow for a massive eat-in island and salvaged the original cabinets, freshening them up with a soft blue coat of paint and new hardware.

Ode to the Past

Incorporate old family photos and heirlooms for a personal and timeless touch. Here, a black-and-white photo of the homeowner's ancestors is the centerpiece of the living room. Look for a mix of materials — rustic woods, mixed metals and casual upholsteries — to create a lived-in atmosphere.

Try a Different Technique

Different finishes can completely change the way materials — stones, metals, wood — look. To give these countertops a rugged aesthetic, Jonathan had them leathered. A leather finish creates a soft sheen that includes a textured, dimple-like appearance — a perfect fit for country life.

Get an Old Look With New

It can be hard to beat a great salvaged piece, but fortunately, there are tons of replicas on the market if a reclaimed option is tough to find. A traditional washstand sink with a modern finish blends the old and new in this simply pretty powder room.

It's OK to Go White

While natural materials and beautiful woods play a significant role in farmhouse design, it doesn't mean you have to shy away from bright, light hues. White paint completely transforms this entryway, while still highlighting the elegant detailing on the stair railings and moldings.

Opt for Farmhouse Lights

Look for vintage-inspired or unique light fixtures to illuminate your space. A contemporary take on barn lights flanks the bed in this main suite, and the overhead pendant is cased in an eye-catching wire frame.

Work With Imperfections

Farmhouse style is all about embracing the imperfections: the peg holes, notches, scratches and bumps of materials that have been lived with and worn over time. When Jonathan opened up the living space of this New Hampshire farmhouse, he decided to leave the raw ceiling exposed, adding history and character to the room.

Embrace Every Element

Take an eyesore — like an old radiator — and turn it into part of the design. Painted the same pale blue as the beadboard, the radiator practically disappears into the wall. Functional and stylish, the mudroom is outfitted with plenty of hooks for hanging jackets and bags.

Of-the-Moment Style

No need to sacrifice on modern amenities just because you want a simple, rustic farmhouse feel. A huge soaker tub takes centerstage in this modern farmhouse bathroom, where patterned tiles deliver a quilt-like vibe to the floors. Natural woods and gold finishes add to the neutral palette.

Integrate History

Bring the past into your design for a true farmhouse environment. Reclaimed beams saved from the property's barn are used to build the base of the massive kitchen island in this 1730s house. To amp up the natural materials, dark blue-gray cabinets strike a contrast with the light counters.

Designed for Work

Farmhouses are made for working and have designated spots for everyday tasks. Even if you're not waking up to milk the cows, create space for your favorite hobby — gardening, crafting or painting. Here, Jonathan converted a small outbuilding into a very chic chicken coop and potting shed.

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Farmhouse Fixer

The Art Behind Creating Farmhouse Style

Related To:

Lean Into Architecture

Blend New and Old

Work With What You Have

Ode to the Past

Try a Different Technique

Get an Old Look With New

It's OK to Go White

Opt for Farmhouse Lights

Work With Imperfections

Embrace Every Element

Of-the-Moment Style

Integrate History

Designed for Work

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