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 main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
While cabinets tend to be the focal point of the main spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is the details that add the final touch to the design. The selection process can be one of the highlights of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming with multiple styles, colors, and options. In this three-part series, we want to give our best tips for the top three categories of selections and help make this as enjoyable and simple as possible. Our focus today is hardware.
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking