What is a Farmhouse Style

Many talk about how it was in the good old days when social media meant talking with your neighbors and family dinners were looked forward to as a chance to catch up. Maybe this need to reconnect with our social roots is what makes the farmhouse style so popular. This design is also trending with interior designers as they seek to help their clients have their own little oasis. Even HGTV highlighted this growing trend by featuring the show Fixer Upper with husband and wife dream team Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their down to earth humor and simplistic approach to design was a breath of fresh air and generated a following of its own. This design trend seems to always be among the most popular and you don’t have to live on a farm to appreciate this simple, inviting style. In a world that seems to never stop moving, there is often a need to create a space where you can slow down, unwind from the cares of the day, and enjoy the simple things.  In this blog, we want to explain exactly what the farmhouse style is and how you can incorporate a little of the past into your future.

What is farmhouse style

This style has its roots in Europe and traditionally was used to describe the way people lived versus how they decorated. Many lived off of the land and this influenced their choice of design materials. They chose function over formal and practical instead of pretty. Wood was a popular element used, from furniture to accent pieces like vases and frames. While living off the land today is the exception and not the rule, the simplistic, warm, and inviting style remains popular today and continues to grow. Learn a little more about the modern farmhouse style here.

Farmhouse features

The farmhouse style has distinct features and characteristics that make it unique. Here are a few of the things that are typically included in the design.

• Sinks: Commonly known as farm sinks, they are also called apron sinks. The front of the sink extends beyond the cabinet and the sink base is exposed after it has been installed making a nice statement piece. View some examples here.
• Natural wood accents: Exposed beams, wooden trim, reclaimed wood, butcher block countertops, and even good, old shiplap; there are so many ways to incorporate wood into the design. We do, however, recommend limiting the amount of wood you use or it can overpower the rest of the design. Wood blends well with other elements such as metal and adding a splash of color can create a beautiful result. 
• Traditional fabric: Utilizing patterns that have simple geometric shapes or designs and soft colors to reupholster an old chair or redo a pillow cover is a great way to subtly bring that quiet farmhouse feel into the design.

How to best showcase it

There are some who feel that the farmhouse style can be a little dated but here are a few ways to incorporate a little hint of modern to the farmhouse mix. 

• Color: You are not confined to the dated, traditional colors that are typically associated with a farmhouse design such as sunflower yellow and country blue.  Neutral, earthy tones are a good choice as they complement the natural feel of the farmhouse and also set a relaxed tone to the room.
• Furniture: Wood is the material that is most associated with the farmhouse style but it is not limited to just that. Look for pieces that are different, flea markets and antique stores are a great way to find beautiful furniture that can add character to the room.
• Accent pieces: Pillows with a unique texture, home decor items made from metal and wood, and light fixtures made from different materials such as iron or wood can give a statement to the room helping it stand out or blend together.

Country living at it’s best

If you enjoy a bit of a relaxed vibe in your home, a warm, earthy color palette and decor that hints to a time gone by, then the farmhouse style is for you. We will be the first to admit that it is one of our favorite design styles and we have helped many of our clients achieve this look for their own home. Browse our gallery to view some of the projects we have done or come visit our showroom to take a tour and see what we have to offer. We are located in beautiful uptown Shelby and just a short drive from Charlotte, Asheville, and Spartanburg.