Are you looking to give your home a cozy, rustic feel? Do you love the look of vintage furniture and weathered decor? 

You may have heard the terms "rustic" and "farmhouse" thrown around in the home decor world, but what exactly do they mean?

Both rustic and farmhouse styles draw inspiration from the simple, rugged charm of the countryside, but they have distinct differences that set them apart. 

In this post, we'll take a closer look at the unique features of each style, so you can decide which one is right for your home. 

Get ready to discover the difference between rustic and farmhouse style, and how to bring each look to life in your space.

Check out Melissa & John’s in-house designed  farmhouse kitchen products here.

 

Table of Contents:

I. Rustic Style
A. Definition and characteristics of rustic style
B. Examples of rustic decor elements
C. Incorporate rustic style into your home

II. Farmhouse Style
A. Definition and characteristics of farmhouse style
B. Examples of farmhouse decor elements
C. Incorporate farmhouse style into your home

III. Differences Between Rustic and Farmhouse Style
A. Overview of the main differences between the two styles
B. Side-by-side comparison of rustic and farmhouse style in terms of specific decor elements
C. Examples of spaces that showcase one or the other style, and what sets them apart

IV. How to Decide Which Style is Right for You
A. Considerations for choosing between rustic and farmhouse style
B. Tips for blending the two styles if you can't decide or want to incorporate both

V. Final Thoughts
A. Recap of the main points
B. Why try out rustic or farmhouse style in your own home

I. Rustic Style

The goal of rustic designis to create a cozy, homey atmosphere. It frequently includes components made of wood, stone, and other organic materials and is inspired by the outdoors' untainted beauty. 

A. The following are some essential elements of rustic design:

• Rough, textured surfaces: Rustic style embraces the natural flaws of materials like wood and stone, with rough surfaces and exposed grains.

• Warm, earthy colors: Brown, beige, and rust are examples of warm, earthy colors that are often used in rustic decor. These colors make a room feel cozy and welcoming.

• Natural materials: Wood, stone, and other natural materials are the foundation of rustic style. They create a connection to the outdoors and bring a touch of nature inside.

• Vintage or handmade items: To add character and charm, rustic decor often includes vintage or handmade items, like repurposed furniture or artisanal ceramics.

• Cozy fabrics: Wool, flannel, and burlap are commonly used in rustic style to add warmth and texture.

B. Examples of rustic decor elements (e.g. natural materials, textures, colors)

From decorative accessories to large furniture, there is a wide range of rustic home decor options to choose from. 

Some commonplace components of rustic design are as follows:

• Add some country flair to your walls, floors, or furniture with planks of reclaimed wood.

• A fireplace or a stone tile backsplash are two examples of stone accents that can be incorporated to achieve a natural, rustic look.

• Throw pillows, blankets, and curtains crafted from wool, flannel, and burlap are all great examples of textured fabrics  that can be used to make a room feel more inviting.

• Use historical items—bring in a repurposed trunk or some artisanal pottery from another era to give your room some personality.

• Warm and inviting light can be achieved by installing lighting made from wrought iron or rustic wood.

C. How to incorporate rustic style into your home

If you want to add rustic style to your home, start by figuring out what the key elements are that you like. Do you like the way exposed wood beams look, or do you like the way wool and flannel feel? 

Once you know what your favorite pieces of rustic decor are, think about how you can use them in your space.

You don't have to go all-in on a rustic makeover. Even small things like a vintage wall hanging or a piece of natural wood can give your home a rustic feel. Try out different textures, colors, and materials to find the right mix of rustic charm and modern comfort for your home. 

II. Farmhouse Style

The design world has been swept up by the popular decorating trend known as farmhouse style. It's a design aesthetic that prioritizes ease, minimalism, and a cozy, inviting ambiance. Among the essential elements of farmhouse design are:

A. Definition and characteristics of farmhouse style

• Farmhouse style is all about simplicity and understated elegance, with muted, neutral colors and few decorations.

• Vintage and rustic elements: Reclaimed wood or old metal pieces, for example, are often used in farmhouse style to add character and charm to a room.

• Cozy and comfortable: Soft fabrics, plush furniture, and warm lighting are all part of the farmhouse style, which is all about comfort and coziness.

• Accents from the industrial world: Many farmhouse rooms add texture and depth with metal light fixtures, metal hardware, and  galvanized metal containers.

• Shiplap: Shiplap is a popular characteristic of farmhouse style. It gives walls and ceilings texture and character.

B. Examples of farmhouse decor elements (e.g. vintage items, shiplap, neutral colors)

Whether you're looking to make subtle changes or a more dramatic overhaul, farmhouse style can be easily incorporated into any home. 

Some standard features of farmhouse style that you might want to incorporate into your space are as follows:

• An antique side table, an old wall clock, or a woven basket made from rusted metal can all add to the farmhouse feel.

• Applying shiplap  to a wall or ceiling is a great way to increase the visual interest and texture of a room.

• Use a neutral color palette such as white, beige, or gray to create a clean, uncluttered background for your design elements.

• Soft and warm textiles like a throw blanket, an area rug, or linen curtains can do wonders for the ambiance of any room.

• Metal light fixtures, metal hardware, or a galvanized metal tray are all great examples of industrial accents to add to your home for a touch of farmhouse style.

C. How to incorporate farmhouse style into your home

Start by deciding which farmhouse-inspired features most appeal to you if you want to incorporate them into your home.

Do you prefer the warm textures and subdued hues, or are the vintage and rusticdetails more appealing to you? 

After choosing your favorite farmhouse decor pieces, think about how you can use them in your room.

You don't have to completely renovate. A vintage wall hanging or a soft throw pillow are just two examples of small finishing touches that can give your home a farmhouse feel. 

Find the ideal harmony between farmhouse style and contemporary comfort by experimenting with various textures, colors, and materials.

III. Differences Between Rustic and Farmhouse Style

While natural materials and understated elegance are hallmarks of both the rustic and farmhouse aesthetics, there are key differences between the two styles as well. 

A. Overview of the main differences between the two styles (e.g. color schemes, furniture styles, decor elements)

• Color schemes: Farmhouse style frequently favors cooler, neutral colors, whereas rustic style frequently features warmer, earthier tones.
• Rustic furniture typically has chunky wood pieces and metal accents, making it heavier and more substantial. 

Contrarily, farm-style furniture frequently has curved lines, softer materials, like upholstered seating, and is lighter and more delicate.

• Elements of décor: Farmhouse style incorporates vintage or industrial accents, whereas rustic style frequently uses natural materials like stone and wood.

B. Side-by-side comparison of rustic and farmhouse style in terms of specific decor elements (e.g. lighting, textiles, wall decor)

Let's take a closer look at how rustic and farmhouse style compare in terms of specific decor elements:

• Lighting: Rustic lighting tends to feature natural materials like wood or iron, while farmhouse lighting often incorporates glass or metal elements.
• Fabrics: Rustic textiles often feature natural, organic materials like burlap or linen, while farmhouse textiles incorporate soft, cozy materials like cotton or wool.
• Wall decor: Rustic wall decor might include items like reclaimed wood shelves or metal signs, while farmhouse wall decor often features vintage or antique items like old window frames or weathered mirrors.

C. Examples of spaces that showcase one or the other style, and what sets them apart

Let's look at some real-life examples  to see how rustic style is different from farmhouse style:

• Rustic: A cabin in the woods might be the perfect example of rustic style, with its natural wood finishes, stone fireplace, and warm, earthy colors.

• Farmhouse: A renovated farmhouse might have white shiplap walls, old light fixtures, and cozy fabrics like wool throw blankets and linen curtains to show off the farmhouse style.

Both styles like to use natural materials and keep things simple, but they are different in terms of color scheme, furniture style, and other decor elements. 

Whether you like the warmth and roughness of rustic style or the cool elegance of farmhouse style, there are many ways to bring these design trends into your home.

IV. How to Decide Which Style is Right for You

Now that you know the differences between rustic and farmhouse style, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

A. Considerations for choosing between rustic and farmhouse style (e.g. personal taste, existing decor, budget)

• Personal taste: Ultimately, the decision should come down to your personal taste. Do you prefer warm, earthy tones and natural materials? Rustic style might be for you. 

Or do you like cooler colors and vintage accents? Farmhouse style might be a better fit.

• Existing decor: If you already have a lot of rustic or farmhouse elements in your home, it might be easiest to stick with the style you already have. 

However, if you're starting from scratch, you have more flexibility to choose either style.

• Budget: Keep in mind that some elements of rustic or farmhouse decor can be pricey, like vintage or antique items. 

Consider your budget and decide which style you can achieve within your price range. 

B. Tips for blending the two styles if you can't decide or want to incorporate both

If you can't decide between rustic and farmhouse style, or you want to incorporate elements of both into your decor, here are some tips for blending the two:

• Choose a neutral color palette: Stick with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige to create a cohesive look that blends both styles.
• Mix natural and vintage elements: Incorporate natural materials like wood and stone alongside vintage or industrial elements like metal accents or antique furniture.
• Keep it simple: Both rustic and farmhouse styles emphasize simplicity and understated elegance, so avoid clutter and unnecessary decorations.
• Use texture to add interest: Add texture to your decor through items like woven blankets or pillows, or with rustic wood finishes on furniture.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can create a space that blends both rustic and farmhouse styles to create a unique and cohesive look that reflects your personal style.

V. Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the difference between rustic and farmhouse styles comes down to their unique characteristics, but both offer warm and inviting vibes that can make any home feel cozy and inviting. 

Rustic style  is all about bringing the outdoors inside, with natural materials, earthy tones, and rugged textures. 

Farmhouse style, on the other hand, focuses on vintage and antique accents, neutral colors, and shiplap or beadboard walls.

Whether you prefer one style over the other or want to blend elements of both, the key is to understand their defining features and choose what works for you and your home. 

Remember, decorating is all about expressing your personal style and creating a space that feels warm and inviting.

We hope this guide has helped you understand the difference between rustic and farmhouse styles, and inspired you to incorporate these elements into your own home. 

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your decor - and if you need any advice or inspiration, be sure to check out our  other blog posts and join the conversation in the comments below.