Joanna Gaines’s signature design style is perfect for your equestrian property. The rustic elements complemented by her charming farmhouse decorating are everything you’ve wanted.
Here in Langley, BC, my acreage clients are often looking to bring the area’s farmhouse, rustic quality indoors.
So whether you’re looking to impress potential buyers or create a beautiful living space for you and your family, here are some Joanna-inspired interior decorating tips anyone can tie in for a classically rustic home.
8 Interior Decorating Tips for a Rustic, Farmhouse Home
Keep it Light and Airy
The key to an open and inviting space starts with plenty of natural light and neutral colour palettes. Leave your windows uncovered by removing curtains or other embellishments, allowing the trim to stand alone. Doing so promotes a craftsman-style look and accentuates the windows as a design feature.
Next, paint the walls using neutral, warm colour palettes to reflect the natural lighting. Joanna tends to favor soft whites and lighter greys in her color choice.
Whichever wall color you choose, be sure it complements the wood tones/staining within the house. Clashing the undertones of paint with the wood is a common beginner mistake, so avoid this by pairing the two like you would for two distinct colors.
In addition, don’t choose dark wall colours unless it serves as an accent wall. You want to keep the walls light as they will contrast darker furniture as well as the wood and metal fixtures you’ll be adding next.
Metallic Finishes and Wood Grain are Everything
Take note of the dark, metallic accents and wood grains at the heart of Joanna’s designs. Keep the charm of any wood grain, exposed beams, distressing, and original flooring if you can. Consider leaving cosmetic “blemishes” that come from natural aging alone – they can add an appealing character to the home.
Metallic accents are a must-have for any rustic home, but frames, light fixtures, and accent pieces made of real metal can be costly.
To save some money, take pieces you already own and spray paint them with a metallic finish. You can easily upgrade your decor with a few dollars worth of spray paint.
Pro tip: Only use spray paint for items that aren’t handled or used often – otherwise, the spray paint will begin to wear and chip. Use metallic paints on items like picture frames, plant pots, other small, decorative (in other words, “look but don’t touch”) items.
Not a DIYer? Don’t worry. There are many inexpensive decorative items that appear metallic and act as a perfect alternative.
But if you’re bent (pun intended) on having real metal fixtures, try searching your local thrift stores for high-quality pieces at a lower price. Don’t write off a piece that can easily be cleaned with a little TLC, but avoid pieces that are worn, rusty, and otherwise dilapidated.
Finally, avoid shinier metal finishes. Instead, think bronzed metals, iron, duller golds, and galvanized steel instead. Shiny metals often have modern finishes that detract from a cozy, warm space, so use them sparingly as light accents.
Bring the Outdoors in
Natural elements are essential to any rustic, farmhouse style. If you own an equestrian property, like the beautiful ones here in Langley Acreages, there are plenty of natural elements to view from inside your home.
So take it one step further and complement these elements inside your home as well. Be creative and have fun with it! Terra cotta pots, faux straw baskets, and green-leaf plants can naturalize the space.
Be subtle here – natural elements go a long way!
Soft Lighting to Set the Tone
You may not have the budget to change out entire light fixtures, and that’s okay. Instead, try switching out standard bulbs for ones designed for cozy, indoor lighting. This change can mean the difference between a relaxing, comfortable space and a harsh, artificial one.
Another good option is using a dimmer, so you can adjust the lighting as needed throughout the day.
If you enjoy the look, well-placed string lights are great for softer lighting in small doses. Remember, string lights also come in different bulb shapes to complement any space, so don’t think you’re limited to the classic Christmas lights.
Cozy Textiles Are a Must
You absolutely need the right textiles for a comforting space. Canvas fabrics, cozy linens, and a few gingham touches can work well for a farmhouse style. Again, keep these fabric colors neutral and pair them with the wall colours and wood grains. Rough, raw textures are best for a cozy feel, so stay away from shiny and smooth textures.
Also, don’t be afraid to try more unconventional patterns as long as they are neutral and maintain a bulky texture. Joanna often uses geometric rugs in her interior decorating, but she keeps these pieces to a minimum. Remember, less is more.
Modernize Everywhere Else
This may seem like the opposite of the tips I’ve covered so far, but modern touches allow your home to look high-end while keeping your desired rustic style.
To create a luxury farmhouse feel, keep all other decor, accents, fixtures, and appliances modern. Try porcelain vases, plush towels, fancy accent pillows, velvety rugs, and unique light fixtures. Glass tables, mirrors, and golden accents can give your home a modern feel as well.
Use these pieces in moderation. The goal is sophistication, but not so much that you lose that cozy charm.
Spend a Little Extra on Statement Pieces
This is your time to use bold statement pieces that are just enough to tie the space together.
In almost every episode of Fixer Upper, Joanna has a statement piece custom-made for each homeowner.
Because one statement piece can go a long way, consider spending a little extra for these to be top quality. Set aside a decent portion of your budget to have a piece or two you really, really love.
A great place to search online for these items is Etsy, a marketplace for handmade, custom, original or vintage goods!
Stay Organized and Functional
Joanna is known for her beautiful, yet functional designs.
But ever notice how those homes on TV and in magazines are staged so it doesn’t look like the owners actually own anything?
The secret is crafty storage in ottomans, bins, and baskets. Use these for miscellaneous items that don’t need to be on display like kids’ toys, paperwork, cables and cords, and junk-drawer items.
(Hint: If you’re finding you’re having trouble finding storage for everything, it may be a sign you need to declutter!)
Staying organized keeps the space looking fresh, cohesive, and magazine ready at all times.
So, which one of these interior decorating tips is your favorite for creating a rustic, farmhouse-style home?
Which one will you try first?
Thinking of buying or selling real estate in the Fraser Valley? Let’s talk!