9 things that scream “wannabe farmhouse”

The farmhouse look used to feel warm and lived-in. Then it turned into a trend that everyone copied—right down to the fake shiplap and mass-produced “gather” signs. A real farmhouse is practical, sturdy, and a little rough around the edges because it’s built for work, not show.

If your goal is to make your home feel authentic and timeless, these are the things to skip. They don’t make your space feel cozy or genuine—they make it look like you’re playing pretend.

Overdone shiplap

A wall or two of shiplap can look nice, but covering every surface turns your home into a theme park. Real farmhouses didn’t have perfect, evenly spaced boards; they had wood walls because that’s what was available.

When it’s overused, shiplap starts to feel more like décor than structure. Stick to using it in one area—like a mudroom or accent wall—so it looks intentional instead of overdone.

“Gather” and “farm fresh” signs

No one on an actual farm needs a reminder to gather or that their eggs are fresh. Those mass-produced signs were cute for a minute, but now they instantly read as fake farmhouse.

If you want charm, hang something meaningful—a vintage sign, a family photo, or even a handmade piece that ties to your land or story. Authenticity always beats something printed to look rustic.

Faux barn doors on every room

Barn doors have their place, especially in tight spots. But when every doorway in the house has one, it feels like a Pinterest board gone wrong. They were made for barns, not bathrooms and bedrooms.

If you like the look, keep one where it makes sense—maybe a pantry or laundry room. Otherwise, opt for a traditional door and focus on natural wood tones or aged finishes for that same warmth.

Too much white paint

There’s clean and bright, and then there’s blinding. Real farmhouses were rarely all-white—they had layers of wood, stone, and age. A completely white interior can feel sterile instead of lived-in.

You can still get that fresh look by mixing soft neutrals and natural textures. Warm grays, light tans, or off-whites with real wood accents bring balance without looking flat.

New furniture made to look old

Distressed furniture from the factory floor always gives itself away. Real wear happens unevenly, and it tells a story—something mass-sanded and painted can’t fake.

Skip the fake distressing and look for secondhand or solid wood pieces that actually age well. A few real scuffs and scratches always look better than fake ones.

Matching galvanized everything

A few galvanized accents can add character, but when the whole house looks like a feed store display, it feels forced. Buckets, trays, and planters all made from the same material make it look staged, not lived-in.

Mix your materials—wood, glass, ceramic, and metal—so your space feels collected over time, not bought in one afternoon.

Oversized clocks

The giant farmhouse-style clock trend got popular fast—and dated just as quickly. Unless you actually need to see the time from across the pasture, it’s not serving much purpose.

Try a smaller, classic wall clock or vintage piece instead. You’ll get that same sense of function without screaming “I bought this during the farmhouse boom.”

Fake greenery and cotton stems

Real homes on land are surrounded by nature—you don’t need plastic plants to pretend. Those faux cotton stems and eucalyptus bundles make your space look more like a staged photo than a lived-in home.

Opt for real greenery or dried arrangements from your own yard. Even a few clippings in a jar feel more authentic than anything from the craft store.

Too much matching décor

When everything comes from the same “farmhouse” aisle, it all blends together—and not in a good way. Real farmhouses evolved over time with hand-me-downs, local finds, and functional pieces.

Mixing old with new makes your home feel natural. Pair a weathered table with clean-lined chairs, or add modern lighting to vintage woodwork. A real farmhouse never looks like it was finished in one shopping trip.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.