A Guide to Farmhouse Chic Style, According to the Experts

Outfitting your home with the best decorative accents allows you to change the tone of your space, especially with popular design aesthetics like farmhouse. The ever-popular style focuses on creating rustic spaces that are simple and welcoming, and of course beautiful. Modern farmhouse style, on the other hand, promotes the same welcoming spirit but focuses on clean lines, bright neutrals and high contrast. For those who can’t get enough of farmhouse design, we spoke to the experts to share a look at chic must-haves for your cart.

First things first: it shouldn’t be too valuable. The pottery barn Design Director Monica Bhargava says, “Warmth, comfort and a certain familiarity are at the heart of the farmhouse style. The materials are often humble, but there is beauty in simplicity.

“We usually start with the old ‘aha’ piece of furniture (the one you can’t stop thinking about) and build from there,” say Laeticia Gorra and Sarah Needleman of Roarke Studio (who designed the interiors of the country housewares store The six bells). After that, the duo say, mix and match is the key to conquering the style. “In our take on farmhouse chic, we use lots of layers, both in materials and prints,” they advise. Read on for more expert tips on achieving style at home.

How to Create a Chic Farmhouse

The Bhargava Farm Checklist will ensure you have found the best parts. “It’s a style with an interesting juxtaposition of materials – warm natural woods next to woven naturals, crisp whites. The combination of clean, simple lines and laid-back materials gives things an elevated yet laid-back feel at the same time” , explains Bharagava. So here’s what to include:

• Woven textures
• Bronze and black accents
• Comfortable and relaxed sofas
• Neutral bedding.
• A lot white
• High contrast between coffee/side table or light fixtures/mirrors
• A touch of patina

If you love statement pieces in your home, Gorra and Needleham find charm in the details. “Country iconography is timeless and for this reason is both beautiful and also a good investment. Antiques with roosters, tulips, schools and other traditional farm symbols are usually the first verses that I gravitate to,” says Audrey. Ready to start? The duo suggest looking for large antique pieces that liven up the space, like a farmhouse table or a breakfast buffet. Shop our farmhouse chic decor finds below!