Finding the best shades of paint and home decor for a farmhouse look
The easiest and simplest way to change your home decor is to change your paint color. So if you’re looking for a farmhouse style home, I’ve gathered my favorite paint colors that will enable you to transition to a farmhouse inspired home. I’ve also gathered several farmhouse accessories to give you a genuine fixer upper look,
Oh, and before I forget…if you’re planning to paint yourself, check out the helpful 2 minute video which has some quick and useful tools and techniques to help make your job turn out better and faster.
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.
Get The Printable PDF
I have everything that you need is here in this article. But it is a long read. If it’s more convenient, you can purchase the PDF file for only $5. It has the full article (including pictures). This way you can print it out and will be available for you to refer to anytime you want. (Click on the book below to purchase)
I would love to give it to you for free, but it cost money to have an online store and it’s expensive to maintain a blog. I would love your support so I can continue to help those who need it. You can purchase it here.
What is farmhouse style decor and why is it so popular?
The modern farmhouse look is a fresh take on what we would historically call classic country style. What’s interesting about this style is that it’s more than just color and decor. Rather, it’s a lifestyle and way of life that often includes living more naturally (e.g. organic food, less waste, farm to table) and being more frugal and savvy. Those that love farmhouse decor often love to repurpose and upcycle furniture and other items, and they often enjoy DIY projects.
The guiding mentality encourages us to connect with our roots, focus on family and friends, live within our means and to recognize the beauty in nature and the world around us.
What’s interesting is that it manifests itself in different ways pending on the style of the home and taste of the individual.
It’s actually a blend of modern and casual. So you will see lots of soft muted colors and textures mixed with contemporary patterns and finishes. Spaces are light, airy and inviting. They communicate an open and laid back feeling.
Best shades of paint for farmhouse decor
When it comes to paint (as well as other large pieces of decor), colors are softened and muted for an authentic, natural and airy look. You will find plenty of whites, light creams, grays, pale blues and pale greens.
As you can see, the colors gravitate towards the cool tones (i.e. whites, blues, grays). Grays and cool tone colors are more stylish and they fit in much better for this style than beiges and other warm shades. Greige is really a mix between gray and beige and these shades work as well.
My favorite whites include:
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster (sample) and Pure White (sample)
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (sample) and Simply White (sample)
These colors are the best choices for for shiplap as well as trim, and they also work well on walls.
Best grays and greiges for a farmhouse look
Grays are more popular than whites for the main walls, and here are some excellent grays and greiges for a farmhouse style home.
- Sherwin Williams: Light French Gray (sample), Silver Strand (sample), Repose Gray (sample) and Mindful Gray (sample). I also love Silverpointe and Gray Screen.
- Benjamin Moore: Revere Pewter (sample), Wickham Gray and Stonington Gray
Best shades of blues and greens for farmhouse style
- Sherwin Williams Mild Blue (sample), Icelandic (sample), Rhythmic Blue and Sea Salt (sample)
- Benjamin Moore: Misty Blue (sample)
Paint Samples
Now, let’s talk about samples…
It’s always best to test the paint colors in you own home and own lighting. The colors do look different pending your lighting and can even look different room to room.
You can definitely go to your local painting store to buy some samples (and a brush…be sure to paint with 2 coats), but I have a MUCH EASIER way for you. Check out SAMPLIZE.
Samplize offers 12” x 12” peel and stick paint samples that are EASIER, AFFORDABLE and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.
Here are a few reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients:
- Samples come right to YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, pending on location
- At $5.95, they’re more affordable than the samples/brushes/foam boards than traditional samples…and of course easier and way less messy
- If you keep the samples on the white paper, you can move them from wall to wall and room to room
They are amazingly accurate as they are made with 2 coats of real paint, so they are color correct.
Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE.
Accessorize with these Farmhouse Style Printables
Here’s an easy (and affordable way to add some more Farmhouse charm to your room. My friend, Becky Beach made these fun Farmhouse printables. They are cute and you can just print and frame them and even make a cute wall arrangement. Use my exclusive discount code (DEBBIEG).
DIY Painting tools
I wanted to share a VERY helpful video from Sherwin Williams, with some quick and super useful DIY painting tips. It’s just 2 minutes covers types of brushes/rollers and painting techniques.
Sherwin Williams and Pottery Barn Painting tips for DIY homeowners
Do you need any paint shade fan decks?
Amazon can help with that. It’s so much easier when you have the full color wheels and can see all of these in your own home (vs. going back and forth to the store MULTIPLE times).
Sherwin Williams Benjamin Moore
How to accessorize your home for a farmhouse look
There are so many ways that you can add farmhouse charm to your home. A super simply way to add some charm is simply to add some farmhouse style signs. So, I’ve put together a few choices that you can order on Amazon. You can click on any of below pictures to view them on Amazon.
You can find more farmhouse signs here on Amazon.
I’m going to be adding some more Farmhouse style items real soon, so stay tuned…
Get The Printable PDF
I have everything that you need is here in this article. But it is a long read. If it’s more convenient, you can purchase the PDF file for only $5. It has the full article (including pictures). This way you can print it out and will be available for you to refer to anytime you want. (Click on the book below to purchase)
I would love to give it to you for free, but it cost money to have an online store and it’s expensive to maintain a blog. I would love your support so I can continue to help those who need it. You can purchase it here.
Related farmhouse style and painting articles:
Related farmhouse style and painting articles:- Most popular farmhouse sinks
- 21 Farmhouse bathrooms you’ll love
- 8 ways to decorate with shiplap
- Farmhouse style hardwood flooring
- Farmhouse style pendant lights – the 10 best for under $200
- How to paint your kitchen cabinets the RIGHT way
Would Aggreeable gray be considered a farmhouse color? I PICKED THIS color because my dinning and living room I’d Sheriton Sage which is a connecting room.
Linda – Yes. I ran out of room on the pin, but agreeable gray is great choice. It’s a big more beige, so I guess it’s really a greige.
I’m a interior designer, yes agreeable gray works well, also collinada gray.
Linda – Thanks for chiming in.
This Farmhouse Style seems to embody some of the distressed movement accents. Very interesting. And I love the colors. I didn’t think I would.
Elizabeth – So glad you like it. You’re right that it’s a combo and that’s why I think it works. A lot of people here don’t like distressed texture on their floors, but they like the knots/character. And, yes, the farmhouse colors are quite soothing.
Looking to paint our Farm Stand , exterior redwood (red) with white trim. Having a hard time figuring out color for inside walls . They are all regular sheet rock & have a texture finish.
Trying to stay in the farm/country /rustic feel.
Thank you
Sharon – Red is a challenging color to work with, especially as there are many types of reds (e.g is it brighter or more brick color?). I’m glad there’s white trim, so that makes it easier. I would probably try Light French gray, or if not Revere Pewter if you need more of a griege. But, you’ll need to look at the swatches next to the red and then probably try a tester sample. It will depend on the red shade as that will define the undertone needed (e.g. is it a gray gray, or a blue gray, or green/taupy gray or greige).
I hope that helps.
I love the farmhouse look. We just bought a house with creamy almost light yellow kitchen cabinets, think French country, look. I am wanting a good wall color as most of living areas open to the kitchen. It is painted Dakota wheat now and is too dark for me. All the trim is Dover white. Any ideas? I want light and open feel. Thank you!
Julie – This really needs to be done in person and may be a bit challenging given the yellow in your cabinets (and I can’t see them). For sure most whites will go with that. Using the Sherwin Williams color wheel, if Dakota wheat goes with the cabinets, then the light versions on that strip are Compatible cream and napery (napery is lighter). Not sure if those are too close or clash w/ cabinets. Alternatively, you can try a very light blue such as mild blue or hinting blue or atmosphere (sticking with Sherwin Williams). I hope that helps.
I used SW Sea Salt in varying strengths throughout our home. Absolutely love it. Our living/dining room is SW Comfort Grey.
Jodi – Oh good. I’m so glad to hear that. Awesome.
We are building a new farmhouse style home. Would Accessible Beige be good for an open floor plan and entry? Was thinking of blues/greens for rooms off the open area. Kitche cabinents and interior trim is pure white. Kitchen countertops are viscon white granite. Our furniture is neutral color. Thanks!
Judy – Yes, that color can work as well…just make sure it works well with the granite.
I LOVE ALL YOUR IDEAS I ALSO THINKING ABOUT THE SHIPLAP WOULD IT LOOK OK ON JUST ONE WALL IN A COUPLE OF ROOMS WITH THE WITH THAT GRESISH TAUPE YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT ONE ALL THE WALLS.
Debra – Oh yes, you can definitely do it on just 1 wall. In fact, often that looks best. It makes the wall look more special. Also, if you’re going darker on the shiplap (i.e. not white), it acts as an accent wall…vs doing on all walls makes it look too dark.
Hi,
What color walls would you suggest if we are putting in a gray wood look floor?
With a gray wood/gray wood look, I would probably do a white on the walls. That will give you most contrast for floors and give you a more dramatic look. Sometimes, some light blues work, too. But look at the color next to the floor. There’s a wide range of gray looks. Make sure the walls have enough contrast with floors…otherwise everything will look washed out and sterile/cold.
What color should I use if I have stained wood trim that is the same color as my flooring and cabinets. I feel like greige would be the best but can I still get the farmhouse look with out having white trim and cabinets?
The paint color is the easy part. A griege or gray should work fine.
The trim will look more like a farmhouse and more modern and make your space look larger is it’s white. Same with the cabinets. You can see what it looks like without doing that, but I’m pretty sure you’ll come to the same conclusion. Also, if you go white on trim, you can use any paint color. If you don’t, you’ll want to make sure your paint color also goes well with the trim. Most colors will, but it depends on the wood color. If it’s orange/yellowish, you will be more limited; if it’s dark, most colors will work.
Will the SW comfort gray work with the farmhouse decor? My flooring is different shades of browns with a little hint of gray. My trim and kitchen cabinets are white.
Sarah – Oh yes, Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray can definitely work for farmhouse decor. In fact most grays and greiges will work. You just have to find the one that goes best with what you have and what you love.
Our house was built in the early 90’s and still has the wood cabinets (orange/yellowish color) in the kitchen. Out kitchen and dining room are open and and looking for a paint color on those walls…any suggestions?
Carrie – First, I’d suggest that you may want to paint the cabinets white to make your space look more up to date and give you flexibility in paint colors.
Second – if you keep the cabinets, you’ll need to test colors to see what you like best. I might try a warm gray such as silverpointe or repose gray or even a greige such as Revere pewter. Make sure the color isn’t too beige. Or a pale blue (which will be complementary to orange/yellow. Of course a white can work as well, but it will probably look a bit boring.
Hello flooringGirl,
I am repainting my whole house
with the same color I have now, “Western beige”. But I want my formal living room to have a different color that will blend well with western beige. I thought of Revere Pewter and Western beige. What paint color would you suggest?
Catherine – I don’t see Western Beige in either of my Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams and it didn’t come up when I looked for it online. Is that the color? Or is it possibly Western Reserve Beige?
I have a large cream with navy and a light dusty blue print. I also have a light gray fabric sofa , a cream fabric chair and ottoman and a leather recliner in a smoke gray. There are some dark wood furniture pieces. Looking for color fir walls. Any ideas for this. I am wanting to use a darker blue in dining room as accent from living room , white kitchen cabinets with pietra silestone quartz. Is it possible to combine these cool and warm tones ? I’m liking it but the wall color’s have me stumped.
Nancy – There is a lot of info here and complications. I’m also not sure of the exact colors. I do offer paid design consultations over the phone if you want to send me some pictures. You can sign up here if you have an interest. https://theflooringgirl.com/color-stain-consultation-westchester-county-ny/
We have picked out Behrs smokestack for our living room but husband is wanting to do kitchen a different color. I would consider smokestack a greige but maybe more on the beige side. Would a light gray look ok in the kitchen. We will be painting cabinets white. We picked out valspars modest silver but it’s looking too white to me.
Codee – I’m sorry, but I can’t help you with that as I don’t have their color swatches, and it’s very easy to make a snafu on this without seeing them in person. In general, you are better off doing kitchen same color as it will make the space look larger and white is great, so it will work with anything. If you’re going to change color and do in same family, you’ll want signficantly lighter or darker – up or down 2 colors on the wheel. and, if you have a greige, gray will probably not do well. You’ll either need to buy or get the swatches or bring what you have into a paint store to see what works. I would think though that Behr should be able to help you. maybe look at their website to see what goes or maybe buy a color swatch book from them.
3 questions: I have an open floor plan, White Dove Cabinets, SeaPearl Quartzite counters, off the shelf white trim through out (which I do like). Gray Owl walls. We are redoing our fireplace that is about 12 ft. away from the cabinets. Doing Shiplap on fireplace with a cypress wood beam mantel. Do you have a stain color suggestion for mantel? and is the white trim paint okay with the White Dove cabinets or should it ideally all be painted to match the cabinets? Last question… engineered hardwood flooring, I know somewhat what I want, classic, timeless, Character White Oak, Matte or Satin, Any suggestions? Thank you! I really appreciate your help:)
Hi Laurie. Sorry for the delay. I get tons of questions, comments, emails messages on FB, and it’s nearly impossible to keep up. I may hire someone to help soon.
Regarding the trim, both White Dove and white can work. I would generally gravitate towards white with gray owl walls as it’s brighter/cleaner with the cool gray. But, if you like White Dove it, it can work too.
Let me know if you want to do a quick design consult (on phone) on the other aspects. You can text me pictures if you like. It’s just $75/hr, and we may only need 15 minutes or so. It’s hard to give you good advice without seeing the area and asking you some questions.
Hi – we want to lighten up our house and love the farmhouse look. If we go with light grey/white washed floors, what color walls would give enough contrast but still make our room look light. We like white walls but I am afraid it will wash out the room and look to white.
Jennifer – So definitely start with the floors first! And, they you’ll see better what works. White can definitely work. Some grays/greiges will work; you won’t be able to determine this until after you see how the floors turn out (and it may vary based on species of wood). Also a pale or light blue can work. but before making any paint selections, nail down the floor color. the painting part is easy.