Anyone who has turned on HGTV or walked through a furniture store in the last two years knows that farmhouse decor is all the rage. Nothing can make your home feel rustic yet inviting quite like reclaimed wood, subtle fabric choices, and a few industrial touches can. While homeowners young and old strive to curate living spaces that embody comfort and charm over frills and glamour, the “old is new” look can get expensive quick. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the

bank to help your home look like Joanna Gaines herself pulled it together. Don’t just dream about achieving your farmhouse decor on a budget – check out these practical tips.

1. Don’t Be Afraid to DIY

When it comes to incorporating cheap and cheerful farmhouse decor into your home, you can’t go wrong with making your own. Don’t think you have to be super handy or (creative?) to do it, either.  Whether you’re a DIY-expert or you’ve never held a paintbrush in your life, there are countless blogs, videos, and websites exclusively dedicated to teaching folks of all skill levels how to tackle virtually any home improvement project you could think of.

With a bit of extra time, a pinch of creativity, and (let’s be real) some self-patience, you can successfully create anything from rustic curtain panels and distressed coffee tables to mason jar light fixtures and milk crate flower boxes. Fabricating your own farmhouse decor may seem daunting at first, but it will be well worth the effort when your home is filled with beautiful, one-of-a-kind furnishings that didn’t cost a fortune.

2. Upscale When Possible

Farmhouse decor is more popular than ever, but it didn’t become that way overnight. The rustic home style has been trending for years, which means that it’s easier than ever to find second-hand furniture, accessories, and more that still have plenty of life in them. If you’re on the hunt for quality farmhouse decor for a good price, be sure to check out your local consignment shops, yard sales, and social media resale sites before stepping foot in a furniture store.

You may be surprised at what people are willing to part with for a steal. Even better, shopping at thrift stores and from neighbors gives you the added benefits of supporting your local community, reducing waste, and, of course, giving yourself the opportunity to negotiate for a lower price. The more money you save, the more you’ll have to spend on other gorgeous farmhouse pieces later.

3. Know Where to Spend Your Money

Furnishing your home should be viewed as an investment. After all, the pieces you choose to bring into your living spaces will affect the way everyone who steps foot in your door feels and functions. With this in mind, it’s important to recognize where it’s worth spending a few extra bucks to optimize the overall appearance, comfort, and practicality of a space. For instance, it may be possible to sew your own throw pillows or paint your own side table, but what about more prominent pieces, such as a sofa or a bed?

If you’re redesigning an entire room from head to toe, or even several rooms, to reflect a more rustic style, decide where the bulk of your budget will go before you start purchasing items. This way, you’ll know that the most impactful pieces in the space will be covered while the less significant items can be found or built later for a fraction of the price.

4. Bring the Outdoors In

Farmhouse style is known for its authentic simplicity and country charm. What better way to accomplish this sought-after look than by incorporating plenty of natural elements into every room in your home? Along with natural wood furniture and accessories, don’t forget to make use of houseplants and greenery to add a much-needed pop of color and subtle texture to everywhere from your living room and guest bedroom to office and bathroom. Likewise, decorating with outdoor elements, such as pine cones, stones, or even branches, is an inexpensive option that can freshen up your farmhouse decor in an instant.

5. Mix Old & New

One of the most beloved aspects of farmhouse decor that makes it so endearing is that the pieces rarely match perfectly. Instead, the cozy, rustic vibe of our favorite Fixer Upper episodes is achieved by pairing antique items with contemporary ones for a personalized, welcoming effect. This is great news for shoppers on a budget. Rather than being forced to fork over a chunk of change for the typical matching dining room set, you have the freedom to piece together complementary chairs to go with your grandmother’s vintage table, if you so choose.

To ensure your farmhouse decor makes sense while not being perfectly coordinated, be careful to choose similar colors and styles for the items you’re pairing together. Your family and guests will love the eclectic result of mismatched dishes, accent pillows, and dining room chairs that are sure to give your home an unexpected yet thoughtful atmosphere.

Tips to Shop for Your Farmhouse Decor Like a Pro

You don’t have to be an interior designer to shop like one. When the time comes to shop for your farmhouse decor, keep these tips in mind:

• Create a Wishlist: Before you purchase a single item for the space you’re trying to revamp, it’s important to make a list of things you’d love to incorporate in the room. This will help you visualize an end goal to work toward as you begin to accumulate things.
• Establish Needs vs. Wants: Once you have a wishlist, you can separate the items you would like to have in the space from the pieces it actually requires. Being able to distinguish between the two is crucial to building an accurate budget. If money is left over after acquiring the room’s necessities, you can then have fun buying items from your “want” list.
• Shop Around: After you make a list of the items you need to shop for and create a budget of what you can afford, be sure to shop around. Just because you found something you love with a hefty price tag at one shop doesn’t mean that there won’t be others that are a better financial fit somewhere else.
• Stick to the Plan: Don’t overspend! Be sure to document the items you’re looking to buy, how much you want to spend, and how much you do spend as you go along to ensure that you stay on track to a creating design project you can afford.

Bringing your ideal farmhouse style to life shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. At Classic Farmhouse Decor, we are proud to offer a large selection of quality home decor for virtually any budget. Visit us online today to check out our timeless home furnishings and exceptional service.