Decorating Ideas for Old Farmhouses

Decorating an old farmhouse should lean toward embracing its age, character and overall charm. Farmhouses were originally built as the workhouse of a farm. Their simplistic but functional design often carried out into their decor---something highly sought after in farmhouse interior design. Farmhouse interior design tends to lean in either a classic country design with primitive antiques and wooden handicrafts or toward a rich Victorian design with elegant crystal and porcelain accents. Does this Spark an idea?

Antiques

One way to decorate an old farmhouse for either a Victorian flavored or country flavored theme is to use antiques. For the Victorian look, preserving antiques in the best original condition is something that is well sought after. Solid oak armoires, cherry dining room tables and Victorian era fainting couches and chairs should be bought in their original condition or refinished to resemble the original masterpiece.

For country or shabby chic inspired designs, antique furniture can be rejuvenated with the help of some paint and faux finishing techniques. Often times a light coat of colored paint is placed over the antique piece of furniture---such an old five-drawer dresser. Once the paint dries, a light brushing with a course sandpaper will reveal the underlying paint color or wood grain---this is a distressed look sought after for primitive country farmhouse styles and shabby chic.

Victorian

Classic Victorian designs that promote the original style and decor of the home are great for decorating farmhouse homes. Using antique wallpapers to line the walls that carry large floral designs or those reminiscent of colonial revivals and Victorian Classicism create originality. Tin and copper ceilings are also a great way to add Victorian flair to a kitchen or dining room area. Lace doily's and table cloths can showcase small Victorian accents such as porcelain dolls and antique ironware. Dated Victorian photographs and animal prints in mahogany frames held by fabric ties can line walls or adorn dated mahogany furniture tables and shelves. Displays of dated Victorian hats can make colorful wall art for parlors and entryways.

Country

The country look associated with the old farmhouse theme is a very warm and traditional look. The country look embodies everything that a farmhouse represents---hearth, home, food and family. Patchwork quilts, framed stitchery and homemade cloth dolls are just some of the accessories to showcase in an old farmhouse. Distressed furniture in bold country colors of deep blues, burgundies, hunter greens and mustards, adorn furniture such as pie safes, shelves and weathered benches. Dried flower bunches in either mason jars, galvanized pails or coal hauls offer a natural touch to the corners of each room. Scented grubby candles in small tin candle holders surrounded by homemade potpourri gives off scents of home baked apple pie, cinnamon rolls and peaches while providing a decorative touch. Homemade soaps offer luscious scents of lavender and clove while providing country visual charm along the rim of a deep farmhouse sink.