Upcycle to Add Farmhouse Style to Your Home

by Jodie Franklin 05/18/2025

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

Jodie Franklin

I love helping people find their dream home or sell their house in order to achieve their next goals. I have been working hard for my clients for over 18 years throughout southeast Michigan. I have experienced every kind of transaction there is. 

Helping my community and being involved is extremely important to me. I am Past President of the Michigan Ability Partners board, which helps Veterans and people with disabilities reach independent, self-supported, and satisfying lives. I have also been a member of the City of Milan Tax Review Board and Zoning Board, and involved in Milan Main Street. I have been a major sponsor of events for Michigan Ability Partners, Aid in Milan, Milan Main Street, and many more organizations that work to make our communities better. 

I was 2018 President of the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors, Realtor of the year in 2016 for AAABOR and nominee for Michigan Realtor of the Year. I serve on many committees with the local board, state board and was a member of the Housing Opportunity Committee for the National Association of Realtors (2018-19). I am currently serving my second term as a Michigan Realtors Board of Directors. 

I have liked in Milan for over 20 years and enjoy living here with my husband Cliff, son Evan, and dog Rosie.