Favorites Farmhouse

Use these essential ingredients to boost your home’s farm-cottage character.

There’s more to the classic American farmhouse than shiplap and shutters.

A closer look at Allison Stolar’s Connecticut home reveals that creating the perfect farmhouse is about a balance of details that give the exterior a fresh

and welcoming look.

1. USE AN EDITED COLOR PALETTE. It doesn’t get any more timeless than white shiplap for a farm-cottage vibe, but Allison kept her accent colors to a minimum. Denim blue and a lively pine finish punctuate the architecture, while leaving the look perfectly simple.

2. DRAW YOUR EYE TO ALL THE RIGHT PLACES. A pair of trellis flower boxes leads your guests from the porch steps right to the welcoming front door. The glass door is also a more modern touch that keeps the façade looking light and airy.

3. PREEN YOUR PORCH. American flag pillows deck out the porch with seasonal fun. Yet the furnishings and accent pieces outfit the porch with year-round coziness and warmth. A good farmhouse porch is always comfy, inviting and full of seating.

4. ADD HANDCRAFTED ELEMENTS. From the picket flag to the woven lanterns and stars that add a festive touch, the exterior shows that this homeowner appreciates artisan touches. Add a curated and well-edited selection of decorative arts to give your porch that final homey touch.