What Sets Farmhouse Style Apart From Country Decor?

When it comes to decorating your home, there are a variety of styles to choose from. Two popular styles are farmhouse and country decor. While these two styles share some similarities, there are distinct differences that set them apart. Here are the key differences between farmhouse and country decor:

Modern vs. Traditional: Farmhouse style is a modern version of traditional country decorating. While country decor has a more classic and timeless feel, farmhouse decor is a bit more contemporary and trendy.

Color Palette: Country decor tends to use a lot of warm, bright colors like red, yellow, and blue. Farmhouse decor, on the other hand, uses a softer palette of neutral colors like white, beige, and gray.

Materials: Both styles use natural materials, but farmhouse decor incorporates more modern elements like metal and concrete alongside traditional materials like wood and stone. Country decor typically leans more heavily on wood and other rustic materials.

Furniture: Farmhouse furniture is often sleek, simple, and modern, with clean lines and minimal frills. Country furniture tends to be more ornate and traditional.

Accessories: Farmhouse decor keeps accessories to a minimum, with a focus on functional and practical items like wire baskets and galvanized metal accents. Country decor tends to incorporate more decorative items like lace doilies and floral printed fabrics.

In summary, while farmhouse and country decor styles share some similarities, they each have distinct differences. Farmhouse decor is a modern take on traditional country decorating and features a simpler color palette, contemporary materials, sleeker furniture, and minimal accessories. Country decor, on the other hand, leans more heavily on rustic materials, bright colors, ornate furniture, and decorative accessories. Whichever style you choose, make sure it reflects your personal taste and brings you joy in your home.

Understanding the Farmhouse Style

The farmhouse style is a modern version of traditional country decorating. It is a design style that has gained popularity in recent years, largely because of its charming and rustic appeal. It is somewhere in between the ever-fun style of the country cottage as well as the dark and stark appearance of the primitive country styles. This design style is characterized by its warm, inviting and unpretentious look. The farmhouse style is a blend of traditional and modern elements, which reflect simplicity, comfort, and practicality.

Key Elements of Farmhouse Decor

When it comes to farmhouse decor, there are some key elements to look out for. One of the most recognizable features of farmhouse decorating is the use of natural materials. Furniture items such as reclaimed wood and stone are often used to create an authentic look. Another important feature of farmhouse decor is the use of vintage and rustic items. This style embraces well-loved, aged items, and often features antique finds mixed with modern pieces. Textured elements such as burlap, solid or plaid fabrics, and textured textiles are also key to this style. Key elements of farmhouse decor:

• Natural materials such as wood and stone
• Vintage and rustic items
• Textured elements

Characteristics of Country Style Decorating

Country style decorating is a longstanding design style that has been popular for years. It is especially popular in rural areas, where it is married to an almost rustic aesthetic. Country style decorating is characterized by its simplicity and comfort. This design style is known for its use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick, creating an organic feel. Country decorating often features muted colors such as beige, cream, and light blue. This style is also known for its use of handcrafted items, such as quilts and baskets. Characteristic of country style decorating:

• Simple and comfortable design
• Use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick
• Muted colors such as beige, cream, and light blue
• Handcrafted items

How Farmhouse and Country Styles Differ

While there are some similarities between farmhouse and country-style decorating, there are also some notable differences. Farmhouse style decorating is known for its use of white and light-colored paints, creating a clean and bright atmosphere. In contrast, country style decorating tends to incorporate darker hues of colors such as beige and brown. Farmhouse decor utilizes natural materials, while country style tends to lean more towards traditional decoration elements. While farmhouse decorating leans into a cozy but modern farmhouse take, country style decorating captures a rural and almost rustic aesthetic. Differences between farmhouse and country-style decorating:

• Colors used (white and light colors for farmhouse, darker hues for country)
• Use of natural materials (farmhouse) versus traditional decorating elements (country)
• Cozy and modern versus rural and rustic aesthetic

Using Colors in Farmhouse and Country Decor

When it comes to using colors in farmhouse and country style decorating, the two design styles have different priorities. For farmhouse decorating, a clean and neutral palette is key. White, soft greys, and natural shades such as beige and khaki are often used to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. In contrast, country style decorating has a much warmer and richer color palette, with shades such as burgundy, army green, and dark blue being commonly used. Ways to use color in farmhouse and country-style decorating:

• Farmhouse: Clean and neutral palette with soft greys, beige, and khaki
• Country: Richer color palette with burgundy, army green, and dark blue

Furniture Choices for Farmhouse and Country Styles

The furniture selected for a space in the farmhouse and country style ranges from traditional, rustic, to modern. In farmhouse style decorating, furniture often gets a clean and more streamlined look. The use of lighter, brighter colors on furniture items such as tables, chairs, and couches is common. Country style is very different, where dark wood furniture or those that give off an antique vibe are commonly used. Furniture choices for farmhouse and country style decorating:

• Farmhouse: Clean and streamlined with lighter, brighter colors on furniture
• Country: Dark wood furniture or those that have an antique vibe

Accessorizing Farmhouse and Country Spaces

Adding the finishing touches to a farmhouse or country-style space requires you to get creative when accessorizing. The use of natural fibers, such as wicker baskets and jute rugs, adds a cozy feel to a farmhouse-inspired space. Country-style spaces have a more homey feel, with the accessories often featuring animals, nature-inspired accents, and cozy blankets. Accessories you can incorporate into farmhouse and country-style spaces:

• Farmhouse: Natural fibers such as wicker baskets and jute rugs
• Country: Homey accents such as animals, nature-inspired touches, and cozy blankets

In conclusion, while both farmhouse and country-style decorating share similarities, they also have key differences. While farmhouse style balances traditional and modern elements, country-style decorating leans towards a more rustic aesthetic. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to each homeowner’s preferences and what design elements they prefer.