Is Farmhouse Style Still Trendy or Officially Outdated?

Instead of opening with a personal anecdote or opinion, begin with a question or statement that matches the user’s search intent, such as:
“Farmhouse decor has been a household favorite for over a decade — but is it still on-trend in 2025?”

First of all, before I write this post, I have to say something.

That bench needs to be scooted two inches to the left.

Seriously.

Was it bugging you, too?

I went to upload the pictures for this post and realized they were all taken with a bench that’s throwing off the entire symmetry of the upstairs middle room.

Sigh.

It’s a little hard for me to concentrate on the task at hand with furniture that won’t cooperate, but just between us? I can identify with that bench.

I’m a little random and off-center, too.

And now to the question I have to ask you.

Do we think that farmhouse style has left the building?

I started thinking about this subject in depth after I finished the office makeover. Someone sent me a message about how my style had evolved from the farmhouse style at our Kentucky home and I started evaluating my own home and thinking about how I’ve been replacing some of the farmhouse style in my own home. And then I read this article from Southern Living last month with all these incredibly beautiful images and they made my heart so happy. And the juxtaposition was so powerful and so I wanted to discuss this question with all of you:

Is farmhouse style on its way out?

I did a little research online and in the design world and talked to some design professionals and I have an answer to start the discussion.

My answer is…..

….maybe.

Here’s the thing.

Styles change all the time.

We change all the time.

What you liked when you were wearing scrunchies in 1995 might not be the same thing you like when you re-wear that scrunchie in 2023.

Farmhouse style is evolving and changing and in its current state, it’s a little less shiplap and a little more cozy.

I think the new term for farmhouse that everyone is using is Rustic Decor.

(total aside: it’s like farmhouse went a little more rustic and vintage.)

What are the design elements of Rustic Style?

If you want to start dropping the term Rustic Style in conversation, here are a few design elements that you can incorporate into any farmhouse decor to help it transition:

• seagrass lampshades
• textured baskets
• vintage linens
• down pillows
• mixing old and new
• distressed finishes
• glass panels on furniture
• layering in different neutral paint colors
• repurposing anything
• layering vintage decor to make the farmhouse look even more authentic

Rustic Style just like farmhouse, except a little more woven and back to basics.

Kind of like Laura Ingalls before she moved up from the banks of Plum Creek to the little house on the prairie.

What are some ways to update farmhouse?

I would not be a good friend if I told you that farmhouse needed a little makeover without giving you any ideas. Here are some SUPER simple ways to update your spaces for 2023 without spending a ton of money:

1. Replace your regular inserts with down inserts. Look at your couch right now. Are your pillows stiff? Do they look like fun? The easiest way to make them feel more comfortable is to add a little down. If you have an IKEA down the road from you they have the BEST down inserts for $6.99. Or I found this set of two on Amazon for under $25.
2. Spray paint a basket. You can spray-paint the entire basket and then lightly sand it to make it look distressed. You can spray paint numbers on the front like this.
3. And while you are at it? Here are eight other things you can update with spray paint in your home.
4. Paint something white. I’m not talking about your grandmother’s heirloom cabinet—I’m talking about something you bought 5 years ago at a yard sale and meant to paint, but you never did. Look around your house. There’s probably something that could use a little white paint to make it feel fresher. And if you need a white paint suggestion? Here are some of my favorites.
5. Treat yourself to one new thing for your space. Maybe it’s a patterned pillow. Or maybe it’s a new basket.
6. Make a new wreath for your space. Here’s a fun one I made using an old grapevine wreath.
7. Cover books. Buy some wrapping paper or craft paper at the dollar store and cover books and then stamp the titles on the spine. Here are some ideas for decorating with books.

You have your own style

Just between us?

I’m still all about a little farmhouse here and there like this upstairs space at the top of the landing.

I still have shiplap walls. I still have rustic baskets. I still have neutral rugs.

I have been farmhouse for years way before anyone ever even called it that or made it a thing and I’m not about to stop now.

There’s a secret to decorating that most people don’t really mention when they talk about trends.

You do you.

Yep.

Let me say it again so it can sink in.

I know that seems so simple, but the way to create a home that you would take as a date to prom is to EMBRACE all the things that you love.

Sometimes that style that you love doesn’t even have a label.

It’s kind of farmhouse and kind of glam and kind of yard sale chic and kind of I found this in my attic and I’m making it work.

And that is okay.

It’s actually more than okay.

It’s wonderful.

Look around your spaces and look at the things in your room and ask yourself:

Does it make you happy?

Does it make you smile?

Does it make you want to come home to that room?

Then it’s perfect.

Your home is one of a kind. Your home is loved. Your home is a reflection of who you are.

And you my friend are perfect….

….just the way you are.

PS That bench still needs to be moved.

Want to explore more updated design ideas? Check out our guide on Modern Rustic Living Room Ideas to get inspired