Upcycle to Add Farmhouse Style to Your Home

by Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS® 12/31/2023

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
Author

Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®

Aby’s understanding of excellent customer service stems from her extensive professional background. Prior to earning her real estate license in 2005, along with her college degree that focuses on business and engineering, Aby was the head of purchasing, inventory and quality assurance for an OEM medical and aerospace manufacturing company. Known by her clients and fellow realtors for her tenacity, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, as a full-time realtor, she is also appreciated for her quick response to her client’s needs. Aby has been an avid horse rider and owner since the age of eight, with her husband Billas a local firefighter/EMT they are very active within the community. Bill served as a US Army Airborne Ranger in 75th Ranger Regiment, he is a combat-wounded veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Bill's background as facility Manager for an International metals company and as a firefighter/EMT gives him the experience, attention to detail and the desire to go above and beyond to serve his customers. The Brooks' serve on the board of a local non-profit (501c3) that gives back to the veterans, first responders and their families. The Brooks family resides on their small ranch in Manatee County. Aby& Bill excel in all types of real estate and their passion is helping people. “We genuinely like people, growing up in Sarasota and Manatee counties and now raising our own family here, it is an absolute pleasure to share our growing area with newcomers and reminisce with longtime residents. Our area has so much to offer and it is our business to help folks buy and sell their own piece of paradise.”