Almost everyone wants to have a place away from home where they can go to escape the monotony and to see something different once in a while. This is where a farm house comes into the picture. Something with a huge porch, a picket fence, roses the front, and so on. Unfortunately, most of us will not be able to have a farm house of our own, so the next best thing is to try turning your own home into one. Here’s a few ways you can do this:
Wraparound Porch
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Porches were initially meant to be mudrooms or places where you could get some respite from the heat when it got too warm in the summer. Eventually, it turned into a place where you could share moments with friends and family while enjoying the evening air. So what if you don’t have one, you can use any patio, balcony, porch, or even stoop to get this look. If you don’t have space, a rustic planter with wildflowers can really help.
Classic Lantern Lighting
This is a beacon of colonial lighting in America. It is a common part of a farmhouse’s decor. It’s perfect for the interior or the exterior of a farmhouse. Consider changing one of the focal lighting pieces in your home with a lantern. A small scone will work for the front entry too. Large pendants can work quite well also.
Wood
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Wood has been used in farmhouses since it is usually available in abundance to landowners. They needed to cut down trees to grow crops anyway. Moreover, the scrapes and scuffs which come with usage over a period of time convey the history of a farmhouse. Don’t be scared to embrace it.
The more rustic a look you go for, the more nostalgic it will feel. If you aren’t one of those people who can afford fancy hardwood floors in your entire house, try installing them in the important areas like the family room. Wood wall paneling, furniture, accessories, etc. can help you create that warmth without the need of renovating your home.
Light and Bright
For early owners of farmhouses, the walls were usually light since they didn’t have much access to expensive finishes. Families who had some more money used wallpaper in the important spaces like the entryways. But light and simple walls are now an identifiable characteristic of the interiors of a farmhouse providing a rich contrast against some of the dark design elements.
Simply painting everything in a light color can help you recreate the farmhouse style with ease. Woodwork need not be painted unless your home doesn’t get too much light. Just remember, there’s no coming back from painting wood.
Relaxed Fabrics
Textiles and upholsteries were usually handmade or were passed down from generation to generation. These sort of heirloom style led to fabrics getting mixed and matched regularly to help create an eclectic, comfortable feel. Take a cue from rural America where cotton was the boss as far as comfortable fabrics are concerned. If you’re worried about your kids spoiling it then go for a poly blend to help prevent wear and tear. Just remember to keep its styling simple.
Heart of the Home
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The kitchen is the heart of any farmhouse. Since this area gets a lot of foot traffic, finishes need to be a tried and tested ones. Apron-front sinks, solid cabinetry, and sturdy wood countertops might look good, but they aren’t designed to cater to a room full of guests. If you are working with a limited budget, add some utensil holders, dishware, or other ceramic accessories. A few chunky, well-placed cutting boards can substitute any farmhouse-style butcher counter.
Dining Staple
The one word which most people would use to describe their dining room is stable. The classic dining table in a farmhouse was usually handmade and passed down for generations. If you don’t already have one, get a large wooden cutting board and use it as a centerpiece. Try getting some eclectic chairs to help liven up the place too.
The Bedroom
Lastly, most farmhouse bedrooms are adorned with mixed and matched, weathered heirlooms inherited from others. Whitewashed walls will combine well with light and airy linen to complete the look. Don’t worry about the sets matching here. The more you can make the bedroom look collected, the better it is for you.
