How do decorate with a country theme?

My husband and I are in process of doing just that. Our farmhouse was built in the late 1800's and we want to keep it close to period while updating. We put a galvalume metal roof on it, looks like the original tin but is much more durable. When we replaced the horrible windows with double pane insulated ones, we did the trim out of 1x4s and didn't mitre the corners, did them at right angles like the old days. Exterior is white with black trim. Flooring will be weathered wood look. Decor is farmhouse style with lots of cotton boll accents. Here is a progress picture, we still have a long way to go but love the way the windows turned out.

Look at Country Living or others magazines like that for ideas. I like to make a wish folder with ideas and pictures when trying to make choices.

Good idea

Hi Karla! As someone who has done that while raising a family, I recommend you keep a few things in mind. Use the best materials for your project, especially the kitchen and bathrooms. You'll never regret the quality materials. Change the footprint of a room before redoing it, if it doesn't work, now. Kitchens take more planning than any other room in the house, in my opinion. In our house, the downstairs hallway has wood shiplap, and a vintage type lamp above the door. We put a door with glass in it recently to increase the lighting. Windows, wiring, plumbing, a new roof and then new siding were our initial big expenses. A porch is wonderful on an older (or any) home. There are lower maintenance options now for pretty railings and trim. We saved the floor we could, in the hallway, but, needed new flooring in the other rooms, since the floors were so worn. Older homes often don't have much in the way of storage, so we built closets, and added storage wherever we could. Soft whites, sage green, and grays give you a neutral backdrop, although I didn't take my own advice on that until recently. I kept window coverings simple. The fun stuff? Using galvanized material for décor on the wall, upcycling old furniture for new purposes, and using warm colors and multiple textures really made it comfy and homey. Since you are planning on retiring there, keep maintenance in mind, since at some point you won't want to be cleaning out gutters, or painting the outside of the house. We are currently making the transition into our retirement home, and I've kept all that in mind (many lessons I learned the hard way), with the new home. Good luck and enjoy your new home!

Thank you for all the good information you guys have gave me