3 Pieces of Farmhouse Decor You Can DIY

by Ann Hayward 12/04/2022

Farmhouse decor celebrates the rustic and comfortable aspects of country life. One of the many advantages of embracing this design style in your home is the opportunity to upcycle old items and give them new purpose. Here are some great ideas for DIY projects to make your own farmhouse decor.

Upcycled Pallet Headboard

Wooden pallets are essential to rustic DIY projects and are the starting point for many farmhouse-style decor pieces. One fun way to add some farmhouse charm to your bedroom is by creating a headboard out of upcycled wooden pallets.

You can deconstruct the pallets to add more planks if you wish, otherwise you can keep the spaces in-between as-is for a lighter aesthetic. Adding paint or wood stain is up to you, but sand the pallets thoroughly to avoid splinters.

Upcycled Wooden Crate Shelving

Give new life to an old wooden crate by turning it on its side for storage. By attaching an open wooden crate to the wall, you can create floating shelves and add farmhouse flair to any room. Another option is to take multiple crates and stack them together to create a DIY bookcase. If you opt for this approach, secure the crates together with nails or screws rather than stack them loosely. This will keep you and your displayed belongings safer.

Upcycled Blanket Ladder

Blanket ladders are pure farmhouse style and simple to add to your décor. Check your local thrift or vintage stores for an old ladder or buy a new one and add a distressed finish. You can paint and sand the surface of the ladder to make a faux patina. For a slightly more formal farmhouse vibe, try adding a brass finish to a metal ladder. Don't forget that you can use ladders for more than blankets: this piece of upcycled decor could also make an excellent addition to your bathroom for hanging towels.

If you're interested in incorporating the farmhouse design style into your home, upcycling and DIY projects are a perfect place to begin.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]