Rustic Farmhouse Patio: 10 Chic Ideas for Your Outdoor Space.

Image: Houzz.co.uk
We love the farmhouse aesthetic. Comfortable and timeless but with a contemporary charm, it has the ability to transport you to a sunsoaked space in the South of France, or a high-end hideaway in the Hamptons. For that reason, it’s an ideal theme to carry through to your outdoor areas. Whether you only have enough space to create a blissful balcony bolthole, or you happen to be in the middle of sprawling fields, we’ve rounded up our top 10 tips for creating the ultimate rustic farmhouse patio.
10 Tips for the ultimate rustic patio space
Rustic and elegant with hints of coastal charm, Farmhouse trends typically feature plenty of light, natural wood, rattan weaves, roaring fire pits and soft greenery. If you’re struggling to conjure up that image, just imagine if Little House on the Prairie got a visit from Queer Eye’s Fab Five. Alternatively, you could just refer to this inspirational article.
So, you’ve got the outdoor space, now how to go about creating the rustic farmhouse patio of your dreams? Here’s ten of our favourite tips:
1: Plant Mediterranean flora
Nothing appeals to the senses quite like the smells and sights you can enjoy with a little bit of planting. We love climbing varieties such as bougainvillaea and wisteria, or the lower-maintenance options of lavender and hostas. You could make things slightly more tropical with banana plants, palms and a luxury faux cactus (because let’s face it, UK weather is not cactus friendly), or instead create your own herb garden for a truly provencal feel.
If you’re looking to create a real zen den - we’ve got just the plant pot to house your glorious greenery.
2: String lights, string lights and more string lights
When it comes to making long summer nights feel that little bit more special, outdoor string lights are essential. Casting a gorgeously gentle glow and keeping the theme refined yet rustic, string lights are quite simply non-negotiable.
With plenty of variety available out there, you could opt for solar-powered string lights to keep the costs down and be kinder to the planet. Win-win.
3: Old tin baths and buckets = the perfect planters
For a subtle farmhouse feel, you can use old metal buckets and tin baths as planters for small shrubs and even laidback grasses. Simply pop one either side of your back door along with a pair of stylish khaki wellies/coir mat/attractive labrador and you’ll have nailed it.
Or, if you’re looking for the perfect rattan planter for those bay trees, look no further because here it is.

Photo: @homeinprogress2020 Rattan planters: Genoa Planter
4: Firepits and outdoor log burners
A key part of rustic farmhouse living is the gentle ambience and social side that inevitably comes with it. To create this outside, we suggest adding a central seating space with a firepit or log burner so that you can carry on the conversation long into the evening. Drunken stargazing optional.
5: Create a corner of comfort with cushions and throws
Leading on nicely from our comment on social spaces, being comfortable in your outdoor environment is key. Whether you’re lucky enough to have a stunning wooden gazebo in your garden, or you just leave it down to fair weather and fate, adding outdoor seating with cushions and throws is the perfect way to create rustic ambience.

Image: Pinterest
6: Stuck on space? Add a hammock or swing
If your footprint is restricted, or you’d just like something compact and convenient, you can add a removable hammock or porch swing to your outdoor area which can be packed away during the wet and windy winter months. Disclaimer: You might find yourself suddenly capable of telling great ghost stories when you choose one of the above seating options.

A porch swing: The perfect place to spy on your neighbours from. Image: Pinterest
7: DIY stencil design for budget-friendly flooring
If you’re stuck with an uninspiring concrete slab or outdated, unloved tiles and your budget won’t stretch to those sleek ceramics, you can try a DIY makeover with some outdoor paint and some clever stencils. Simply tidy the area and give it a gentle jet wash if needed before getting to work with neutral paint colours for a farmhouse feel.
8: Add an outdoor kitchen for the ultimate alfresco experience
Well, if we were really going to push the boat out, we would do it with an outdoor kitchen like the one that TV Chef James Martin has. We’re thinking of a cocktail bar with our Wishbone Bar Stools, an authentic wood-fired pizza oven and a charcoal grill for fresh fish dishes. Garden party, anyone?

Image: The Design Files
9: Opt for neutral colours to keep things classic
Due to the association of farmhouses and older, authentic materials, rustic palettes are usually kept quite basic with tones of natural wood, blacks, creams and soft greens. However, if you’re styling your farmhouse decor around coastal settings, you could introduce some deep, bold blues and coral shades. Alternatively, Mexican and Spanish farm decor is likely to feature deep terracotta hues alongside eclectic accessories.
10: Add natural textures & enhance existing materials
Traditional farmhouse decor often features honey-hued stone or natural wood, which is why those materials and colours are ideal for continuing the theme outdoors. Red brick can also be given the farmhouse treatment with a coat of white paint or by applying a rustic limewash, which penetrates the brick rather than sitting on top of it.
Outdoor rattan furniture and accessories are also ideal for furthering a farmhouse theme, thanks to their natural material and sympathetic shades. However, you’ll need to check that it is suitable for use outdoors and ensure that it is covered or stored inside during the winter months.