Seth Sebastian 
Decor styles like farmhouse and cottagecore are classics for a reason, and experts predict that they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, a 2024 trend report by Architectural Digest reveals that the term “cottagecore” was the most-searched interior design trend in major cities. Cottagecore is an off-shoot of the farmhouse style, and both themes reflect a desire for slow-country living. Interiors that fall under this category inspire feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia.
The dining room, often the center of family gatherings and celebrations, is an ideal room to implement farmhouse design principles. This space, where food, conversation, and memories are shared, can benefit immensely from the warm and inviting atmosphere that farmhouse decor provides. In this article, we’ll explore practical design tips to transform your dining room into a cozy, country-inspired space.
Stick to an earthy color palette
The foundation of any farmhouse-style dining room is its color palette. Earthy tones such as warm whites, soft grays, and muted greens or blues set the stage for a rustic yet refined aesthetic. These colors evoke the tranquility and simplicity of rural life, creating a serene backdrop for your dining space. As we discussed in a previous article, repainting your home is also a great way to update interiors. Plus, should you choose to put your house on the market in the future, neutral shades appeal to most buyers, according to HGTV. Aside from repainting, you can incorporate color through textiles and accessories like linen table runners, cotton napkins, and woven placemats for a harmonious dining room that feels grounded and inviting.
Anchor the room with a dining table
A sturdy, well-crafted dining table is the centerpiece of a dining room, often being the largest furnishing in the space. To meet the farmhouse theme, opt for a wooden table with a distressed or reclaimed finish. Natural elements with an intentionally imperfect look will drive home the farm motif. A dining set with a bench is particularly ideal for capturing a rural vibe, as it adds a casual, communal feel to the space. Consider the Cambria Brown Rectangle Wood Table, available at Living Spaces. This design features solid acacia that boasts natural beauty, while the bench seating evokes the family-friendly ambiance that the farmhouse style is known for.
Avoid overly-contemporary furnishings
Countryside-inspired design thrives on natural materials and a lived-in feel. As such, experts at Better Homes & Gardens advise against sleek, modern finishes like high-gloss surfaces or chrome accents, which can disrupt the rustic harmony you’re striving for. Instead, embrace materials that tell a story and show a bit of character. Wood, distressed metal, and stone are your best friends. For instance, a wooden hutch or a sideboard with a rough-hewn finish can serve as both storage and a focal point in your dining room. Look for pieces from brands like Restoration Hardware, which offer beautifully crafted furniture with a vintage appeal.
Opt for pendant lighting
Lighting will set the tone of your farmhouse dining room, and pendant lights, with their charming, shabby-chic designs, are perfect for this style. Pendant lights provide both functional illumination and a warm, inviting atmosphere that elevates the overall aesthetic. Choose fixtures with a country-style flair, such as the Glenwillow 1-light pendant fixture from GE Lighting. Their vintage-inspired designs centered on classic shapes and finishes can add an authentic touch to your dining room. To complement a long dining table, hang a trio of pendant lights for greater visual impact and ensure even lighting. The warm, amber glow of these fixtures will make every meal feel special and cozy.
By following these tips, you can effortlessly infuse your dining room with the rustic charm and timeless appeal of the farmhouse style. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, your farmhouse-inspired dining room will be a welcoming space that everyone will love.
