Farmhouse Decor and Lighting Explained
Understanding the History and Appeal of Farmhouse Style
History of Farmhouse Style
Farmhouse style has been the world’s leading contemporary home trend in recent times. However, it might leave you surprised to know that it actually has its origins in 16th and 17th century Europe. Thought it wasn’t until modest rural homes that were built by pioneers in the US during the 18th and 19th centuries that the style took off.
There were no building codes before the 20th century, which were later created for ensuring that shoddy construction did not take place in major American cities. Therefore, early farmhouses had no concrete rules concerning their look or construction methods. They were usually rectangular and single floor dwellings made using local materials like mudbricks, stone, and wood. Since trained builders and architects were scarce in those days, unskilled laborers were the ones building these early farmhouses for their families to live in. When farming communities grew in size, the local population would pitch in their efforts for constructing new houses.
Farmhouse style is a relaxing, cozy, and warm home décor, resplendent with character and charm. It reflects a much simpler time, untouched by modernity. Farmhouse style can also be surprisingly savvy. Since you can’t really have your farmhouse looking too ancient, modern farmhouse styles incorporate elements from both the new and the old. It has a warmhearted, stylish, and clean appeal to it. Additionally, these houses are also nature-friendly – that doesn’t mean they’re full of rooster paraphernalia and giant flowers though! Keep reading to learn a few innovative tips to take your farmhouse décor to the next level.
Practicality Has the Highest Priority
Farmhouses were originally decorated only with practical and handy items. While modern farmhouses are not sticklers about this rule, practicality remains the highest priority in a farmhouse. Farmhouse designers don’t use precious or delicate decorations but instead prefer to go for hardy and durable items that possess a sense of style and sophistication. A farmhouse usually uses decorations sourced from flea markets and family-owned decorations along with new, modern pieces. For example, you can combine Shaker cabinets and old tables with farmhouse lighting fixtures and stainless-steel kitchen appliances in the kitchen for a brilliant farmhouse look.
A farmhouse doesn’t use decorations all from the same time – in fact, it’s a cardinal sin to have everything match. However, that doesn’t mean that you should boycott all store-bought furniture pieces. For example, a sofa from IKEA is always a good option – but don’t purchase everything from IKEA. You can pair it up with vintage, reupholstered chairs for a stunning effect. You can use any kind of furniture that you like. The diversity of materials and styles is key to this design.
Don’t overdo it either. For example, putting up country-themed craft showpieces in your room is a great idea. But if you place too many pieces in the same room, it’ll start overpowering the room for instance. We recommend checking out antique shows and flea markets to find furniture and decorations that have genuine nostalgic value. For instance, you can use old bar carts for displaying your accessories and books. A vintage apple-picking ladder is a good choice for hanging tea towels or quilts. But adding genuine vintage pieces, you’ll be able to enhance the character of the room dramatically.
Be patient about the decoration process. Many people make the mistake of rushing things while designing their farmhouse-style houses. Character and charm won’t magically appear out of thin air. Don’t purchase things simply because you feel pressured to do so. Always make sure that your furniture and décor pieces hold a special meaning to you – it doesn’t matter how old they are.
Farmhouse Decoration Ideas
If you’re looking to design an amazing farmhouse style house, here are a few important elements you shouldn’t ignore:
Exposed Wood Beams – Similar to barn boards, an exposed wood beam can enhance the architectural detail of your house. Consider yourself incredibly lucky if you have them. They’re a must-have for every farmhouse-style house.
Wood Floors, Light Walls – Start by renovating your home’s background. Paint the walls ivory or white, which will give your house an awesome neutral background and brighten everything up in your house. Wooden floors can also enhance your home’s farmhouse appeal exponentially. For the complete farmhouse effect, you should definitely consider getting apron sinks for your country kitchen. You can combine it with a shaker-style cabinet to ratchet up the effect.
Vintage Furniture – Farmhouse style allows you to utilize anything you want as part of your home décor, especially your prized collections of wood bowls, enamelware, mason jars, old silver, quilts, and ironstone. If you don’t know where to start, a few genuine vintage accessories can help you get started. While you don’t need to fill the house with ancient furniture, having some vintage pieces is integral to the style. You can also pair the sofa with vintage chairs and tables, buy vintage lamps to enhance the charm of your house, etc. The goal is to see which combinations work best for your house and complements its farmhouse design.
Open Shelves – These are especially important if your goal is to show off your collections and accessories. A free-standing piece or a bookcase can be a splendid way to display your prized possessions. You can also paint your kitchen cabinets with a contrasting color to enhance its appeal. Combining open and closed storage furniture together can help you hide its uglier aspects and highlight its beauty. Open shelves are highly recommended and should be on the top of your list while planning a farmhouse style house.
Weathered Finishes – Peeling paint and rough wood can work wonders if you want to create the perfect farmhouse look. While that obviously doesn’t mean your house should have a dilapidated, hobo appearance, a new and shiny effect can diminish the farmhouse style.
Rattan and Wicker – Having furniture pieces made of these materials in your house can help generate a country farmhouse appearance. Rattan chairs and wicker baskets are absolutely great for this purpose.
Slipcovers – Thanks to their practical and casual nature, slipcovers can lend a certain charm and grace to your rooms. While they aren’t cheaper than regular upholstering pieces, you’re free to remove and wash them at your convenience.