In my last post I showed photos of a farmhouse that I designed from the ground up. Not everyone has the luxury to buy or build a new home but they like the farmhouse look that has been made popular by Chip and Joanna Gaines of the hit HGTV show "Fixer Upper". If that's you, know that you can achieve the look in your home.
I really think the reason this look has become so popular is that it is a throwback to a simpler time. The home is warm, inviting, and looks like it has been put together over time. Items don't match but look like they have a story behind them.
I too love the style and wanted to bring it into my home even though it is far from the farmhouse look architecturally. I got the chance to visit Joanna's store "Magnolia" in Waco, TX for inspiration and of course brought home a few pieces!
Here are suggestions on how you can achieve the look.
1) Trays. Use them on an island, a buffet, a coffee table or a bar. Use a tray that has a farm house look or use any tray you have and place a few farm house accent pieces on it.
Here is a great farm house tray that also serves a purpose on my island. Plus it is a great place to showcase my Grandma's owl cookie jar! A mixture of modern and vintage.
Vintage iron trays have so much character and can be filled with any items you like.
Use eclectic pieces in trays or other containers that may be a throw back to the farm house days of old. Old keys, spools of twine…get your creative juices flowing! These types of pieces can be great conversation starters especially if they hold a personal story. Use pieces that have meaning to you, perhaps something handed down from your Grandma or Grandpa or reminds you of a special time spent with them.
2) Wood of any kind is always a great way to bring the farm house style into your home but it also adds texture, warmth and a natural element. Both of these pieces I purchased at Magnolia and can be bought online however look at your local flea markets and antique stores. You will more than likely find unique pieces there too!
A large butcher cutting board which can be used different places and different ways:
Large carved wood slabs can be used to hold or showcase many things. In this photo I used a large wood piece as part of centerpiece on a dining room table.
3) Reclaimed wood, texture, vintage pieces and soft floral will bring that chic rustic look to your home.
To create a chic farmhouse look of your own hit all those flea markets and get pieces with character. Remember the words vintage, wood, texture, character and whimsical. Think outside the box and most importantly have fun! It's all about creating a warm environment for your guests with a flair of your personal style so it doesn't look like something straight from the floor of a furniture store.
As always, I can help you achieve the farmhouse look or any style that speaks to you. If you want to see all the photos of the farm house I designed check out my last blog at "Farmhouse Chic Hits Suburban Minneapolis!"
Shar Sitter, owner Rooms With Style Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis MN.
CHSE and APSD Home Stager Pro Trainer
www.RoomsWithStyle.com
952-567-1124
