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The Top 8 Reasons Farmhouse Style Has Lost its Charm

Farmhouse-style decor gained popularity in recent years thanks, in part, to HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines. However, the style isn't for everyone. Here are eight reasons why farmhouse decor is losing its charm.

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paintEfetova Anna/Shutterstock

Paint Colors

Farmhouse style thrives on whites and lighter shades of blue and green, yet bold color is in. Pantone’s Color of the Year is Ultra Violet, which when combined with farmhouse decor, could look tacky. Ditch the pale hues for bright colors to stay on trend. These are the top paint colors for 2018.

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high gloss accent wallPhoto: Courtesy of Teresa Odland

Accent Walls

Accent walls are still popular, but the shiplap or barn wood accent often found in farmhouse style isn’t always easy to pull off. Instead, use a bold paint color or textured wallpaper for a refreshed accent wall. Here are 15 stunning accent wall ideas you can do.

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chairStockLite/Shutterstock

It’s Time Consuming

Especially if you have a tight budget, finding just the right furniture pieces for farmhouse-style decor takes time. Plus, it can be extremely time-consuming if you have to refinish furniture to make it look shabby chic. Have some time? Follow this guide to make old furniture look like new.

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The Cost Factor

Some farmhouse style mainstays are costly. The farmhouse sink is more expensive than its drop-in and under-mounted counterparts. Installation and maintenance can also be factors that many people will want to avoid.

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decorTatyana Korotun/Shutterstock

Cliche Artwork

Distressed pieces of artwork have become a bit of a cliche. Pieces with sayings such as “Blessed” and “Relax” have been so popular over the last few years they are even sold at big-box stores. Skip the distressed artwork and go for something a bit more original. Create some good-looking inexpensive DIY artwork in just minutes.

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kitchenSvetlana Lukienko/Shutterstock

It Can Look Cheap

Farmhouse style isn’t always easy to pull off. When you bring older items into your home to incorporate them into your decor, it can look cheap if it’s not done correctly. Stick to one or two vintage pieces so it’s not overdone and messy. These 10 money-saving tips don’t always work.

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bedPhotographee.eu/Shutterstock

It Can Be Unhealthy

Some popular decor styles can harm your health. Pallet wood, often used for DIY projects and found in many farmhouse decorating schemes, can contain harmful chemicals, insects and bird droppings. Here are 10 things you shouldn’t make with pallets.

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shelfunited photo studio/Shutterstock

It’s Restricting

Farmhouse decor goes with one thing: Farmhouse decor. Mixing farmhouse style with modern, contemporary or industrial won’t result in a good look. Instead of going all farmhouse, stick to one or two rustic pieces that can be used with other decorating styles. Here are 20 easy ways to add farmhouse style to any home without going overboard.

Rachel Brougham
Rachel Brougham lived through a major home renovation in 2019, knows the ups and downs of home improvement, and loves sharing tips with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, she’s won several awards for her writing and has covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food. She’s written for several publications beyond newspapers including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent, and she currently writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column. Her memoir, Widowland, about the sudden loss of her husband, was published in 2022. She specializes in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her tending to her garden (both vegetables and native plants), playing with her dog, watching sports with her family or getting some exercise. A native of Michigan, she currently lives in Minneapolis. An avid user of Instagram, you can follow her @RachBrougham.