Are you a fan of the cozy and charming cottage farmhouse decor style? Discover how to find and combine popular items to design a warm and welcoming home of your own. All while exploring the beloved blog series Thrifting with the Gals with our fellow readers.
What is Cottage Farmhouse Decor?
The farmhouse cottage style is an interior design style that combines the charm and simplicity of cottage living with the rustic and nostalgic elements of farmhouse style aesthetics. It embraces a cozy and welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a country cottage or farmhouse.
Key features of cottage farmhouse decor include:
Cottage farmhouse decor aims to create a cozy and inviting environment that evokes a sense of comfort and simplicity. It combines elements from both cottage and farmhouse styles to create a unique and charming aesthetic reminiscent of country living.
Thrifting with the Gals
It’s the third Thursday of the month, and that means it’s time for Thrifting with the Gals. The time when the gals and I all get together to share our favorite monthly thrifted finds with you, along with a few tips and tricks in vintage home decorating.
We are excited to welcome back our guest host this month, Cindy of DIY Beautify. Wait until you see the thrifted wood pedestal that she found and made over with a glass cloche in her country cottage style farmhouse kitchen.
Thrifting with the Gals’ Blog Posts
Cottage Farmhouse Decor Ideas
Antiquing
The cottage farmhouse decor style embraces a rustic and nostalgic aesthetic, and incorporating antique pieces into the decor enhances its authenticity. When antiquing for cottage farmhouse decor, try exploring local flea markets, vintage shops, and online platforms to find vintage furniture, weathered farmhouse signs, aged pottery, and distressed wooden accents for a more traditional look.
These timeless pieces tell stories of the past and infuse a sense of history and warmth into the cottage farmhouse ambiance. Whether it’s a weathered rocking chair, a vintage chandelier, or a collection of antique mason jars, each item brings a touch of nostalgia and a feeling of simplicity to create a cozy and inviting space.
Find more cottage farmhouse decor inspiration in these posts:
After spending a week thrifting in Maine, see more in the Antiquing 101: A Guide From the Trail post. I made one final stop at a favorite antique store of mine in Chester, Vermont, on my way home at Stone House Antique Center. Such a wonderful place to shop for cottage farmhouse decor if you are ever in this area.
Journal of Antiques & Collectibles
Walking in the door at the Stone House Antique Center, I spied a stack of the free Journal of Antiques & Collectibles. And it was my Depression Glass Cherry Blossom: Table Setting photo on the cover! How about that? I knew about this, of course, but I had yet to see it in print. It was so exciting!
It’s a great publication to learn more about cottage farmhouse decor, too!
You may also find inspiration in this Red Decor Home Decorative Objects post.
Rustic Cottage Farmhouse Decor Trending Finds
Blue and White Small Cottage Farmhouse Decor
Blue and white vintage accents are classics and a favorite of mine, pairing so well with the popular neutral color palette of the farmhouse. Where farmhouse decor and styles embrace neutral colors, the cottage style likes to add a pop of color to mix and match with the charm of the farmhouse design.
Here are great examples of blue and white antique collections that are trending in cottage farmhouse decor.
Blue and White Cake Stand
This small blue and white cake stand, which is trending in blue and white cottage farmhouse decor, was the piece I brought home from the antique store with me.
I don’t believe it is antique, but according to one expert at the shop, it is an example of a “high-quality modern reproduction of quality historic items.” It was sold by a high-end Italian company/website that is now shut down. This fine porcelain piece is now retired and no longer made, which does make it a rare find. Some suggest it dates to the mid-to-late 20th century.
I like it simply because I think it’s beautiful and unique.
You may also be inspired by the Thrifting Trends: Hottest Sorted Collections post.
Vintage Crocks in Cottage Farmhouse Decor
Another really popular cottage farmhouse decor piece is vintage crocks. Vintage crocks are ceramic or stoneware containers that were commonly used for food storage, fermentation, and preservation in the past. They have a rustic and old-fashioned charm and are often characterized by their thick walls, wide mouths, and handles. Vintage crocks can vary in size and shape, and they are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their historical value and decorative appeal. They are commonly used as decorative pieces, flower pots, or even as functional kitchen utensils in some cases.
Vintage crocks can be rather expensive, but occasionally, you can find one with a crack or chip in it. These vintage crocks are usually marked down. If I can find one under $75, I will usually snag it, like this one that I found here.
This one had a crack in it, and a hole was broken out at the bottom so the water from a plant could drain through it. But this only adds to the character and charm of cottage farmhouse decor, in my opinion, and the crock was very secure.
When I got home, I added a few supermarket bundles of colorful tulips to this vintage crock for a beautiful spring cottage farmhouse decor centerpiece. And for every day of April showers:
You may also enjoy these vintage crock ideas in cottage farmhouse decor:
Strawberry Collection Box
We can’t forget our outdoor spaces, too, especially with spring upon us.
This small, four-compartment strawberry collecting box was too cute to pass up. As soon as it’s warm enough, I can’t wait to display it on our porch with pansies in each compartment.
An old berry collection box is a vintage container used for collecting and transporting berries during harvest. These boxes were commonly used in agricultural settings, particularly in berry farms, to gather and transport freshly picked berries from the fields to the market. The boxes are typically made of wood and feature a slatted design that allows air circulation to keep the berries fresh. They often have handles or handholds for easy carrying and may have a hinged or removable lid to protect the berries during transportation.
Old berry collection boxes are now sought after as decorative items or repurposed for storage or display purposes in rustic and farmhouse-themed interiors. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and add a touch of vintage charm to spaces.
The berry box’s neutral color palette will beautifully complement colorful flowers with our cottage farmhouse decor style.
Demijohns
Demijohns are large glass containers used for storing and fermenting liquids, particularly wine and spirits. They are typically made of thick, heavy glass and have a bulbous shape with a narrow neck and a wide mouth. The word “demijohn” is derived from the French word “dame-jeanne,” which means “Lady Jane.” Demijohns can range in size from a few liters to several gallons, and they often have a wicker or straw cover and handles for easy handling.
Demijohns are sometimes used for decorative purposes, as their unique shape and vintage appeal can add a rustic and nostalgic touch to home decor.
Demijohns are another cottage farmhouse decor piece that I have recently started to collect. They can be pricey, so when I find one that is affordable, I grab it. Like this smaller-sized demijohn, which I added to my collection on our living room side and coffee tables, demijohns add such beautiful texture to any room design.
You may see more of how I decorated with demijohns in the Vintage Turkish Rugs: Elevate Your Living Room Design post. I was originally inspired by my friend Kelly’s demijohn collection in her Vintage Wicker Demijohn Decor Ideas (& Where to Buy Them) post.
I also added a wooden bowl of small blue and white trophy bowling balls, which I recently found at a Maine antique shop. See more in the Antiquing 101: A Guide From the Trail post.
You can see how I decorated with demijohns over the holidays, too, in this Firelight, Evergreens, and Snow: The Christmas Bottle Project of Swedish Homes post.
Save 15% off my favorite vintage rugs from Revival by shopping my storefront here.
Vintage Balancing Toy
A vintage balancing toy is a nostalgic and whimsical plaything that dates back to the early 20th century. These toys typically consist of a weighted base with a thin rod attached to it, supporting a figurine or object on one end. When gently pushed or moved, the toy balances, defying gravity and delighting both children and adults alike. Vintage balancing toys are often crafted from wood or metal, showcasing intricate details and craftsmanship that add to their charm and collectability.
These vintage balancing toys can be a challenge to find in second-hand shops, but I have found them rather easily online on eBay and Etsy. I fell in love with these gems when one of my readers sent me one as a gift. Read all about it in The Story of A Bernese Mountain Dog & The Gift of a Whale post.
I saw this colorful parrot balancing toy while antiquing. It would be the ideal pop of color in a neutral cottage farmhouse decor palette.
As you can see here, Country Home Magazine loves them, too.
You may enjoy learning more about our recent feature in Country Sampler Magazine in the Magazine Photo Shoot: Country Sampler post.
Watch these cottage farmhouse trending decor finds live:
You may also enjoy this 45 Vintage Silverware Decorating Ideas post.
Mountain Water Color
This mountainous watercolor painting was a find at just $30, and I also liked the frame. I seldom find a painting or picture where I like both the picture and the frame. And the colors matched beautifully with our new wallpaper in our cottage farmhouse decor-styled master bedroom, which you may see more of in the 3 Wallpaper Bedroom Designs Emblematic of a Cozy Vermont Inn post.
Cottage Farmhouse Decor Lighting
Inspired by the cozy, welcoming ambiance of traditional cottages and farmhouses, this style of lighting combines elements of vintage and industrial design. Common features include weathered finishes, exposed bulbs, and simple yet elegant shapes. Whether it’s a pendant light hanging above a farmhouse dining table or a wall sconce illuminating a cozy reading nook, cottage farmhouse lighting adds warmth and character to any space. It effortlessly blends the old with the new, creating a nostalgic and inviting atmosphere that is both functional and visually appealing.
This vintage oil lamp turned into an electric lamp with a soft brown lampshade, which I picked up for just $15. Its soft lighting is cozy and warms the shelf of our built-in bookcases in the living room. You may see more of the built-in shelving in this Fireplace Built-ins: Vintage Neutral Design post.
You may also be inspired by the Unique Flowers Vase: How to Repurpose an Oil Lamp post.
Find more bookshelf and built-in styling ideas here.
Modern Cottage Farmhouse Decor
If you like the look of cottage farmhouse decor but aren’t quite into antiques, modern farmhouse decor may be more your style.
Modern cottage style interiors are a popular interior design style that combines the rustic charm of farmhouse aesthetics with contemporary elements. It embraces a cozy and lived-in feel, incorporating natural materials, neutral color palettes, and vintage-inspired accents for a more modern look. This style often features reclaimed wood, distressed finishes, and vintage furniture pieces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Modern cottage farmhouse decor also incorporates modern touches such as clean lines, minimalism, and industrial elements, blending the old and the new for a fresh and timeless living space.
There are no strict rules when it comes to modern cottage farmhouse decor. Feel free to mix and match elements that resonate with your style and create a space that is a cozy retreat, inviting, and reflects your personality.
What I’m Crushing On in Cottage Farmhouse Decor
Candles
Embrace the fresh scents and warm summer glow with Kanda Candles’ new Summer Candle Holder Collection!
New Summer Cottage Farmhouse Candle Collection
Hand-poured, 100% soy wax, clean-burn candles are the perfect addition to your summer home decor – not only do they smell incredible, but you feel incredible burning candles that are all-natural! 5 New Scents:
🍉 Watermelon Margarita
🌊 Seaside Mint
☁️ California Dreamin’
🍓 Strawberry Sugar
🍊 Apricot Nectar
To celebrate the launch of the new Summer Collection, every candle you order is 15% off with coupon code ANN15. Plus, you’ll receive a free jar of matches!
Spring
On Tuesday, we saw the first signs of spring here in Vermont. It felt so good! It was our first full day outdoors, starting with a three-mile hike with our Berner, Ella. Then, I stained a mailbox that my husband had replaced, that the snow plow had bulldozed over this past winter.
Pro Tip
You may also find inspiration in this How to Style Vintage Collections in an Open Floor Plan post.
We saw our first Daffadolis sprout along with the dandelions, and the grass started to turn green, just like that. Much-needed welcome signs. We still have a couple more weeks to go before our evenings are above freezing, and we can officially de-winterize our new Panoramic RV, which I can’t wait to do. See more in our new blog series, Antiquing Road Trips & RV Decor Series
Thanks so much for joining us for Thrifting with the Gals today; I hope you will become a regular here at Dabbling & Decorating.
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com
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I love seeing how you use your amazing finds! And how fun to come across your photo on the cover of the magazine!! What a feeling! And congrats!
Thanks so much Kristin! Yes I got so excited when I saw it, it was great! Happy Spring!
Wow! You really found a lot of great things! That blue and white cake stand is a real beauty, and I love the floral design on the crock. Berry baskets and carriers are always such a fun find and yours will be great on the porch with flowers!
Thanks Molly, I’m glad you liked the finds. Keeping them all too!
Ann,
I love all the blue and white. So many great finds and ideas.
Thanks Rachel!
Such a great article, Ann, featuring so many pieces I love to collect! Your blue and white pieces have always been a favorite of mine and that cake stand is stunning! Thanks for having me as a guest this month on TWTG!
Thanks so much Cindy, I loved your cake pedestal too, beautiful!
Fun to see some of your recent finds, Ann! I always like the look of those wicker demijohns, but can’t say I’ve ever seen them in my area. Great design points for cottage decor, too!
Thanks Lora. It’s hard to find them at an affordable price so when I do I like to grab them now. Nothing like all your find this week though, haha!
This is such a great post, Ann! I love all the tips and ideas. I am so into the cottage style right now and keep finding myself drawn to the blue decor, so I loved this!!! Happy Thrifting with the Gals day! xo- Robyn
Thanks so much Robyn, me too! Great minds think alike, LOL.