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.
Smart home technology. From voice-activated faucets to thermostats, technology has finally caught up to the home. Alexa’s name is spoken hundreds of times daily while performing multiple tasks, allowing homeowners to manage various tasks even when not at home.
GreenbrookIncluding nature’s elements in the home design remains a popular choice. Placing extra windows into the room to allow more light in or choosing eco-friendly options, such as granite countertops, are favored ways to accomplish this. Wood, however, remains the number one choice with most clients as it adds warmth and texture to the room. It also blends with multiple styles, including modern industrial and farmhouse. Even though there are numerous design benefits to incorporating wood into the design, not everyone has access to reclaimed wood or can afford to install it. Stikwood is the perfect solution.
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Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking