Adding Farmhouse Style-Seven Inexpensive Ways

Why share something like this? Aren’t there already tons of farmhouse ideas on the internet?

Why yes, there are many ideas out there! However, I have never shared my ideas! Each person is an individual, and each person can do the same thing a little bit differently! Broad terms like “Farmhouse” can really mean a lot of different things to different people. For some, it may mean a more primitive look, while for others, it might have more of a modern flair. I think it’s fun to look at lots of different ideas, and then form some of my own from the inspiration.

Inspiration from a conversation

So, a friend and I were conversing through text one day. She shared a funny story with me about a homeschool field trip that she and her family went on the day before. They went to a nature center and her children were introduced to Taxidermy! The next morning, when they went to let the ducks out of their coop there was a dead mouse in the field! Her son suggested that they preserve it and hang it up on the wall! She said, “NO!” (shocker)! I told her that it sounded like the next big trend in decorating! Her reply was that it took Farmhouse Living to a whole new level.

That funny story got me thinking about what farmhouse living looks like. So, I decided to look around my house…an actual farmhouse and see what makes it feel legit.

One more thing–remember contentment

You don’t have to live in a farmhouse. Truth! You can live in the city, in an apartment, and still have the spirit and feel of farmhouse living. I think it is just a relaxed and welcoming feel with some organic elements thrown in.

You also don’t have to love everything about your home. Change the little things that you can. I do not care for oak trim. Our house is filled with it. Could I paint it all white? Yes, I could. However, there is a little part of me that fears I might regret it later on. Also, it would be such a time investment to do that! Remember we talked about counting the cost in a different post? Maybe in a less busy season of life I might!

Here are seven easy and inexpensive ways to add farmhouse style to your home.

Handmade Signs

There are no shortage of farmhouse type signs available these days. You can get them just about anywhere. Hobby Lobby, Amazon and Walmart just to name a few. But, how about making your own? You can do it for a fraction of the cost, and it will be unique to you, with your own taste and style. Plus, it can say whatever you want it to!

For this Groceries sign, I simply found an old piece of beat up wood from the garage. Next, I got some chipboard letters from Hobby Lobby. I painted the letters and the sign and distressed it all with some sandpaper.

For the sign that says Keeping Room, I simply painted and distressed the board. Next, I used PowerPoint to print the words. After that, I traced and filled in the letters with a charcoal pencil on the wrong side. I did this by taping it up to the window, so that I could see. Lastly, I transferred the words onto my painted board by putting the paper charcoal side down on the board and then tracing over them again. I know there are probably fancier ways to do this, but this is pretty simple and it works for me!

Old Windows

These can be picked up just about anywhere. Look on Craigslist or Marketplace. I love to use them for picture frames. It is a simple and easy way to make a gallery type wall without having to arrange anything! My window frame pictures need some serious updating. I will do a tutorial when I do that. The middle frame has a secret. My husband made that one into a very shallow TV cabinet. We don’t really watch TV, just the occasional movie, so our TV is actually pretty small and sad! It fits nicely in the cabinet though!

Banners

This is so easy and so inexpensive! Decide what you want your banner to say. Then get on Word or Powerpoint and find a font that you like. In powerpoint, you can actually use some shapes to make the banner, or you can just print them on plain paper and cut out your own template. My subscribers can get their own template for this banner shape–Free in my printable library! I hang my banners with a piece of twine used like a clothesline. Then I attach the letters with little tiny clothespins.

Chalkboards

Are chalkboards still a thing? I don’t know, but they are at my house. I love changing them out with the seasons or holidays. It is a quick and easy way to be creative when you don’t really have time for a big project.

Both chalkboards at my house were made from other things. The one inside was made from some awards picture that my husband got from work one year. He is not into inspirational pictures of an eagle flying with a “You are amazing” quote, and his name engraved on it. So, I just painted the glass with chalkboard paint. It has held up for years!

The one on the front porch was made from plywood. My husband built the frame around it. I also put a piece of plexiglass over it so it doesn’t get washed off when it rains. Again, I just painted the plywood with chalkboard paint.

Baskets

I love baskets. Like–maybe too much! I could always find a use for just one more. Baskets are usually inexpensive and easy to find. I look at antique stores for old picnic baskets, because I think they are extra charming. My mother-in-law has given me a couple as well. They all have a purpose!

Aprons

They don’t have to be vintage, but extra points if they are! I was blessed enough to get some of my grandma’s aprons. She had great taste in aprons and I love the way they look hanging on my island. I have seen people hang them on a wall in their kitchen, and I think that looks farmhousey too!

Jars or Pitchers with Flowers

I am not talking expensive bouquets. Clip what you have growing around your house, even if it is just weeds. My kids are constantly bringing me flowers. Most of the time it’s not even anything I planted–it’s just a bunch of clover or wildflowers from the field. Do you have trees? Clip some branches and bring them in. If it’s green, it brings life into your home!

Bonus–Fly Tape

I added this one for anyone that has ever been to my house! From April to November we have fly tape hanging up. It annoyed me so badly at first! Then I realized that nearly every country home I visited had fly tape. We are surrounded by cattle. We also have lots of children running in and out, so flies are a part of my life that is here to stay. I just wish I could come up with a prettier solution!

Tell me, what are your best farmhouse decor ideas? Thanks for stopping by!

Farmhouse Favorites

Shared on Farm Fresh Tuesdays and Simple Homestead Bloghop