Life, Styled
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 little oasis. Even HGTV highlighted this growing trend by featuring the show Fixer Upper with the husband-and-wife dream team Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their down-to-earth humor and simplistic approach to design were 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 never to 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 precisely 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 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.
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 installation, making a lovely statement piece.
- 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, as 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 bring that quiet farmhouse feel into the design subtly.
How to best showcase it
Some feel that the farmhouse style can be a little dated, but here are a few ways to incorporate a little hint of modernity into 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 in the room.
- Furniture: Wood is the material most commonly 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 make a statement in the room, helping it stand out or blend.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the best features of any bedroom is the closet. This is the place where not just your clothes go, but a myriad of other objects as well. As it is considered one of the more functional areas in the room, this means it has certain obligations to meet, including sufficient space and storage capacity. Few things frustrate a homeowner as much as a dysfunctional closet that is a hazard every time the door is opened. Having one that is designed according to your needs, with ways to keep everything organized and in its proper place, is a dream come true. Of course, while closets need to be functional, they can also be stylish and ever personalized to your particular needs. Let’s talk about what goes into designing the perfect walk-in closet.
Finishing a basement or renovating it completely can also increase the value of your home. There is also the possibility of gaining additional income by renting out the basement. A basement is a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a useful and functional space for you and your family.
Greenbrook DesignHome is our place of refuge, the place where we can recharge and refresh ourselves before heading out for another day at the office, whether that is driving to town or walking down the hall to our desk. Our home is also our safe zone, especially when it comes to our health. We implement things that help us maintain and protect ourselves against illness, such as easy-to-clean surfaces and materials that hinder the growth of bacteria. Multiple companies are dedicated to the health of their customers, which is why they continually develop products that not only limit the spread of disease but also promote overall wellness, whether physical or emotional. Both work together to help maintain our good health. Let’s discuss some great home products that can be utilized in your home to increase wellness for yourself and those you love.
Walker WoodworkingCoffee is a staple ingredient for the majority of people’s mornings. We love the freshly brewed scent as we begin our day and rely on the boost it gives us to get the last of the sand out of our eyes, plus a little bounce in our step. Since it has become such an integral part of the start of the day, it makes sense to create a dedicated area in the home for our beloved beverage. From a sideboard near the kitchen with all the essentials necessary to make the perfect cup or an entire section set aside for its use, there are multiple reasons why you should have a coffee station in your home. Let’s talk about how to design the perfect coffee bar area in your home, as well as some helpful tips for creating it.
Seating is a crucial element in the kitchen, as it serves as the primary hub for nearly all activities that occur in the home. Having a place to sit and talk while dinner is being made or to enjoy that morning cup of coffee makes the kitchen that much more inviting, as well as creating an environment just right for connecting with others. Ensuring there is ample room for everyone can be a challenge for both large and small kitchens, as you cannot simply add a chair or barstool wherever you want. Kitchen islands are a great place for incorporating extra seating options, but built-in seating, often referred to as banquettes, is a wonderful way to gain seats with style. Let’s discuss the benefits of incorporating built-in kitchen seating and explore ideas on how to integrate it into your design.
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