How To Mix Farmhouse Style With Any Architecture

How To Mix Farmhouse Style With Any Architecure

Photographed by Bret Gum

Styling by Victoria Van Vlear and Kristin Dowding

Farmhouse style isn’t just for farmhouses. You can mix farmhouse style with any architecture.

It may seem difficult, but learning how to mix farmhouse style with any architecture is not only possible, but it can look great too! You can incorporate farmhouse elements into any home, regardless of whether it’s a late-19th-century-Victorian or mid-century ranch. Check out these tips from homeowner Kelly Wilkniss of My Soulful Home for how to mix farmhouse style with any architecture.

how to mix farmhouse style with any architecture sideboard — In this corner of her home, Kelly added a beautiful antique cabinet with an assortment of spools and orbs in a wire basket. “I simply love the texture of yarns, twine and string,” she says.

Don’t Overdo It

“Add farmhouse style judiciously,” Kelly says. “Not so much as to overwhelm the integrity of the architecture or style of the home.” Mixing farmhouse style with any architecture requires a careful balance, so when in doubt, stick with simplicity. Shiplap walls or vintage collectibles are a good place to start.

Victorian dining room — “My vision for this room was to be elegant, but accessible in feel,” Kelly says. “It is a pass-through from the foyer to the kitchen, so it needs to look neat all the time and not too fussy.” The gorgeous ceiling tiles and vintage chandelier help the space feel historic, while the furniture gives the room farmhouse vibes.

Be Authentic

“Use authentic pieces: vintage or antiques with real patina,” Kelly says. “One authentic piece makes more of a statement than a collection of knock-offs.” This is especially true if you’re trying to mix farmhouse style with the architecture of a historic home, as a less-than-great piece can cheapen the look.

how to mix farmhouse style with any architecture seating area — Kelly has dubbed these upcycled chairs Victoria and Albert for their engraved crowns. “They were in tatters with horse hair stuffing falling out of the seats,” Kelly says. She paired them with classic gold curtain rods and farmhouse-worthy bamboo window shades.

Surprise Yourself

Look beyond the function of that vintage treasure and freshen it up by making it into something new. “This keeps it fresh,” Kelly says. “For example, I used a rusty vintage metal gate as our outdoor fireplace screen. You can also refresh an old item with a new coat of paint or by reupholstering it.”

What is Coastal Farmhouse Style?

how to mix farmhouse style with any architecture loveseat — Kelly added an extra touch of comfort to her dining room with a loveseat by the window. Other vintage treasures help keep the feel of a Victorian farmhouse.

Learning how to mix farmhouse style with any architecture may seem difficult, but the complex, layered result it can bring to your home is so worth it! Work slowly, and add and take away pieces as needed until you’ve created a space that you’re ready to be a part of.

Live in a historic home? Check out how to renovate it without gutting it! Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for your daily dose of farmhouse inspiration!