10 ways to avoid the “wannabe farmhouse” look

The farmhouse style used to feel warm and personal, but now, it’s easy to cross into copycat territory. When every home has the same white shiplap walls, black barn doors, and “gather” signs, it starts to feel more staged than lived in.

The key to avoiding that “wannabe farmhouse” look is balance—keeping the character while losing the clichés. You can still love a rustic look without it feeling predictable. Here’s how to pull it off in a way that feels natural, cozy, and genuinely yours.

Skip the shiplap overload

Shiplap isn’t bad, but entire rooms covered in it feel dated and overdone. It works better as an accent—like behind open shelves or around a fireplace—rather than everywhere.

Try mixing in other wall textures like limewash, beadboard, or natural wood paneling. It gives you the same charm but feels more intentional and less like a Pinterest trend from 2016.

Tone down the bright white

Bright white walls can make a space feel sterile instead of farmhouse cozy. Layering softer neutrals like greige, cream, or warm beige brings back that lived-in warmth.

White can still work, but it needs contrast—think darker trim, natural wood furniture, or aged brass hardware. It’s about depth, not just brightness.

Avoid mass-produced farmhouse signs

“Farm Fresh Eggs” and “Gather Here” signs had their moment, but they scream staged home now. Instead, look for one meaningful piece that reflects your family or the area you live in.

Vintage signage, old farm tools, or local antiques tell a real story. They make your space feel authentic instead of like it came out of a home decor aisle.

Mix modern with rustic

All farmhouse and no contrast makes a room feel flat. Bringing in a few modern touches—like clean-lined lighting or metal accents—keeps it grounded and current.

You don’t have to abandon rustic charm; the goal is to make it feel fresh. A black matte faucet or simple linen curtains can balance out wood tones and vintage finds.

Use real materials when possible

There’s a big difference between reclaimed wood and fake “barnwood” panels. Real materials—stone, brick, metal, wood—age beautifully and give your home true character.

If you’re going for the farmhouse look, prioritize authenticity over imitation. Even small upgrades like solid wood shelves or real metal fixtures make a big impact.

Swap out the barn doors

Barn doors used to feel fresh, but now they’re one of the first signs of a “wannabe farmhouse.” Unless it’s truly functional for space, skip it for something more timeless.

Pocket doors, French doors, or vintage wood options feel less trendy but still practical. It’s a quick way to elevate the look without losing that rural feel.

Choose fewer distressed finishes

Too much faux distressing can make a home look forced. A few weathered pieces work well, but everything doesn’t need to look like it’s been through a sandstorm.

Let real wear show naturally over time. Mixing newer pieces with older ones gives a home more depth and looks authentic instead of “decorated.”

Incorporate natural texture

A true farmhouse look isn’t built on paint colors—it’s built on texture. Think woven baskets, raw wood, clay pots, and linen fabrics that add warmth and variation.

These details soften the space and make it feel lived in. A home with texture feels inviting without needing “farmhouse” stamped all over it.

Upgrade lighting choices

Industrial cages and galvanized metal lights were overused during the farmhouse boom. Swapping them for softer, warmer lighting makes a big difference.

Opt for warm brass, ceramic, or woven pendants instead. They still have that rural touch but with a more timeless, intentional look.

Keep it personal

The most authentic homes reflect the people living in them, not a decor trend. Skip the matching “farmhouse” sets and build your space over time.

Family heirlooms, thrifted pieces, and local finds make your home feel original and rooted in real life—not like a showroom version of country living.

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