Finding the best shades of paint and home decor for a farmhouse look
The easiest and simplest way to change your home decor is to change your paint color. So if you’re looking for a farmhouse style home, I’ve gathered my favorite paint colors that will enable you to transition to a farmhouse inspired home. I’ve also gathered several farmhouse accessories to give you a genuine fixer upper look,
Oh, and before I forget…if you’re planning to paint yourself, check out the helpful 2 minute video which has some quick and useful tools and techniques to help make your job turn out better and faster.
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.
What is farmhouse style decor and why is it so popular?
The modern farmhouse look is a fresh take on what we would historically call classic country style. What’s interesting about this style is that it’s more than just color and decor. Rather, it’s a lifestyle and way of life that often includes living more naturally (e.g. organic food, less waste, farm to table) and being more frugal and savvy. Those that love farmhouse decor often love to repurpose and upcycle furniture and other items, and they often enjoy DIY projects.
The guiding mentality encourages us to connect with our roots, focus on family and friends, live within our means and to recognize the beauty in nature and the world around us.
What’s interesting is that it manifests itself in different ways pending on the style of the home and taste of the individual.
It’s actually a blend of modern and casual. So you will see lots of soft muted colors and textures mixed with contemporary patterns and finishes. Spaces are light, airy and inviting. They communicate an open and laid back feeling.
Best shades of paint for farmhouse decor
When it comes to paint (as well as other large pieces of decor), colors are softened and muted for an authentic, natural and airy look. You will find plenty of whites, light creams, grays, pale blues and pale greens.
As you can see, the colors gravitate towards the cool tones (i.e. whites, blues, grays). Grays and cool tone colors are more stylish and they fit in much better for this style than beiges and other warm shades. Greige is really a mix between gray and beige and these shades work as well.
My favorite whites include:
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster and Pure White
- Benjamin Moore White Dove and Simply White
These colors are the best choices for for shiplap as well as trim, and they also work well on walls.
Best grays and greiges for a farmhouse look
Grays are more popular than whites for the main walls, and here are some excellent grays and greiges for a farmhouse style home.
- Sherwin Williams: Light French Gray, Silver Strand, Repose Gray and Mindful Gray. I also love Silverpointe and Gray Screen.
- Benjamin Moore: Revere Pewter, Wickham Gray and Stonington Gray
Best shades of blues and greens for farmhouse style
- Sherwin Williams Mild Blue, Icelandic, Rhythmic Blue and Sea Salt
- Benjamin Moore: Misty Blue
Paint Samples
Now, let’s talk about samples…
It’s always best to test the paint colors in you own home and own lighting. The colors do look different pending your lighting and can even look different room to room.
You can definitely go to your local painting store to buy some samples (and a brush…be sure to paint with 2 coats), but I have a MUCH EASIER way for you. Check out SAMPLIZE.
Samplize offers 12” x 12” peel and stick paint samples that are EASIER, AFFORDABLE and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.
Here are a few reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients:
- Samples come right to YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, pending on location
- At $5.95, they’re more affordable than the samples/brushes/foam boards than traditional samples…and of course easier and way less messy
- If you keep the samples on the white paper, you can move them from wall to wall and room to room
They are amazingly accurate as they are made with 2 coats of real paint, so they are color correct.
Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE.
DIY Painting tools
I wanted to share a VERY helpful video from Sherwin Williams, with some quick and super useful DIY painting tips. It’s just 2 minutes covers types of brushes/rollers and painting techniques.
Sherwin Williams and Pottery Barn Painting tips for DIY homeowners
Do you need any paint shade fan decks?
Amazon can help with that. It’s so much easier when you have the full color wheels and can see all of these in your own home (vs. going back and forth to the store MULTIPLE times).
Sherwin Williams Benjamin Moore
How to accessorize your home for a farmhouse look
There are so many ways that you can add farmhouse charm to your home. A super simply way to add some charm is simply to add some farmhouse style signs. So, I’ve put together a few choices that you can order on Amazon. You can click on any of below pictures to view them on Amazon.
You can find more farmhouse signs here on Amazon.
I’m going to be adding some more Farmhouse style items real soon, so stay tuned…
Related farmhouse style and painting articles: