What not to do in farmhouse inspired decor

Farmhouse decor has become increasingly popular in recent years, characterized by its rustic charm, distressed finishes, and use of natural materials. This style draws inspiration from the simplicity and practicality of rural farmhouses, often incorporating vintage and antique items as well as DIY elements. 

However, as with any trend, it can go too far and become overdone. Using too much burlap or shiplap can result in a cluttered and outdated look. When farmhouse decor is not balanced with modern elements it can easily become overwhelming and lose its charm. 

If you’re questioning whether you agree with me, just picture it! Would you live in a rustic and hearty farmhouse or the adjoining barn?

Exactly. No one wants to live in a barn. That’s why this post is important to read when decorating any farmhouse inspired space.

We must be mindful of the design elements and avoid overdoing it. Our goal is to achieve a timeless and balanced aesthetic in your home.

By incorporating a mix of traditional and contemporary elements, you can achieve a stylish and inviting farmhouse-inspired decor that feels fresh and modern.

Getting farmhouse core right

Are you a fan of farmhouse decor but struggling to strike the right balance in your home? While this style can bring warmth and character to any space, it’s easy to go overboard and end up with a cluttered or outdated look. 

To help you avoid common mistakes and achieve a timeless and balanced farmhouse-inspired decor, we’ve put together a list of what not to do in farmhouse decor. 

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common pitfalls of this style and provide tips and inspiration for incorporating it in a way that feels fresh and modern. 

Whether you’re just starting out with farmhouse decor or looking to refresh your existing style, keep reading for our expert advice.

Don’t Overdo the Shiplap

Shiplap has become the poster child for farmhouse decor, with its characteristic horizontal planks adding texture and warmth to walls, ceilings, and even furniture. However, too much shiplap can quickly turn your home into a rustic sauna, overwhelming the senses and leaving you feeling like you’re trapped inside a barn. 

Here are some areas your shiplap aspirations should avoid:

• Overuse: Using shiplap on every wall in a room can be overwhelming and make the space feel too busy. It’s important to use shiplap in moderation to avoid going overboard.
• Poor Quality Installation: Improperly installed shiplap can look sloppy and cheapen the overall look of your space. It’s important to hire a professional or ensure you have the right tools and skills to install it correctly.
• Ignoring the Rest of the Design: While shiplap can add a beautiful touch to a space, it’s important to ensure it complements the rest of the design elements in the room. Neglecting to consider the other colors, textures, and materials in the space could result in a disjointed and unbalanced look.

To avoid going overboard with shiplap, consider using it as an accent wall or in smaller doses, such as on a fireplace or kitchen island. Shiplap looks good in farmhouse inspired bathroom designs as well.

This will create visual interest without drowning out the other design elements in your space.

Here are some spaces where shiplap is acceptable:

• Accent wall: If you have a living room with a large blank wall, consider adding shiplap to just that wall to create a focal point. Paint the remaining walls a complementary color to make the shiplap really stand out.
• Fireplace: Use shiplap to create a cozy, rustic feel around your fireplace. You could add shiplap to just the mantel or to the entire wall surrounding the fireplace for a dramatic effect.
• Kitchen island: Adding shiplap to your kitchen island is a great way to create visual interest without going overboard. You could also use shiplap on the back of open shelving or as a backsplash to tie the design together.

Avoid Too Much Distressing

Distressing is a hallmark of farmhouse decor, with furniture and accessories designed to look as if they’ve been lovingly used and worn over time. While a little bit of distressing can add to the rustic charm of your home, too much can make it look like you’ve raided a thrift store and hauled everything back to your living room. 

To avoid this, choose a few key pieces to distress, such as a coffee table or picture frame, and leave the rest looking clean and new. This will help strike the perfect balance between old and new in your farmhouse-inspired decor.

Stay Away from Too Much Burlap

Burlap is another popular material in farmhouse decor. With its rough texture and neutral color it fits in perfectly with the rustic aesthetic. Unfortunately, burlap is also really cost effective. Which is why we see it in abundance anytime we see it.

We can all agree too much burlap can make your home feel like a hayride gone wrong. An overwhelming amount of the fabric leaving you feeling suffocated. 

We’ve specified exactly what not to do in burlap lead design themes:

• Don’t have a burlap lead design theme.
• Overuse: Burlap can add a rustic touch to your space, but it’s important to use it in moderation. Too much burlap can make a room feel overly rustic and unbalanced.
• Poor Quality Materials: Low-quality burlap can look cheap and unkempt. It’s important to invest in high-quality burlap materials to ensure a polished and sophisticated look.
• Disregarding Texture and Color: Burlap has a unique texture and color that can complement a variety of design elements. It’s important to consider the texture and color of burlap when pairing it with other materials to ensure a cohesive look.
• Ignoring the Scale: Burlap comes in a variety of scales, from large to small weaves. It’s important to choose the right scale of burlap for the space to avoid overwhelming or underwhelming the design.
• Neglecting to Consider Seasonal Trends: Burlap is a popular material for seasonal decor, such as fall or winter decorations. However, it’s important to update your burlap elements with seasonal trends to avoid a dated look.

To incorporate burlap in a more balanced way, try using it sparingly as accents, such as on pillows or curtains. This will create a cozy and inviting atmosphere without turning your home into a country fair.

Don’t Overlook Modern Elements

While farmhouse decor is all about rustic charm, it’s important not to overlook the power of modern elements. Modern elements can be sleek design lines, a cool lighting concept or tech inspired nook. It helps in keeping your home feeling fresh and up-to-date.

Too much farmhouse decor can quickly make a space feel outdated and boring. This why modern design elements is key to achieving a balanced aesthetic.

Consider incorporating sleek metal finishes, minimalist lighting fixtures, or abstract art to add a touch of modernity to your farmhouse-inspired decor. This will create a timeless and sophisticated look that marries the best of both worlds.

Avoid Clutter

With its emphasis on vintage finds and DIY elements, farmhouse decor can sometimes lead to clutter if not carefully curated. Too much clutter can detract from the overall aesthetic. I’ve noticed it makes a space feel chaotic and overwhelming.

To keep your farmhouse decor simple and uncluttered choose a few key pieces. Showcase them and keep the rest stored away. You can easily incorporate lots of storage solutions such as baskets, crates, and cabinets. Helps to keep your space organized and tidy. And it could looks cute!

We found this cool DIY on Thrifty and chic for a DIY shelf plus cabinet. You can find it here.

In conclusion, achieving a balanced and beautiful farmhouse-inspired decor is all about avoiding common mistakes. Striking the right balance between rustic charm and modern style is so important! After all, this is a niche style that will look like you’re in a barn easily. And trust me, no one wants to be in a barn!

Don’t overdo the shiplap, avoid too much distressing and burlap, and incorporate modern elements to keep your space feeling fresh and up-to-date. Remember to avoid clutter by keeping your decor simple and uncluttered.

By following these tips and staying true to your personal style, you can create a home that’s both cozy and stylish.