SIMPLE & SOPHISTICATED
Calm style combines with classic décor to create a modern twist in this Utah farmhouse.
Calm style combines with classic décor to create a modern twist in this Utah farmhouse.
"The client loved the idea
of having a clean white backdrop to help showcase the character of
the rustic and transitional furnishings.” Using white paint as a foundation on the walls, Akin Design Studio accents the room with blues, natural wood, metal wire features and linen throw pillows. The differing textures keep the room inviting and visually interesting. “The wooden coffee table has the perfect rustic finish and comes in a couple of different sizes, making it easy to use in large or small spaces,” says Stephanie.
Anewly crafted farmhouse rests on the edge of what was once expansive farmland near Herriman, Utah. Designed by Akin Design Studio, the use of airy, neutral tones with accents of wood and pops of muted color give this home a sense of welcoming serenity you can feel when you step inside. “I can’t imagine a better style for this home than the classic but updated farmhouse aesthetic,” says Stephanie McCabe, one half of Akin Design Studio’s husband/wife duo. “It’s a tribute to the peaceful land the community was built on.”
SIMPLE DESIGNS
The home’s design is simple, starting with the choice of paint. “The same paint color was used in all of the public areas of the home,” Stephanie and Griffin say. “The client loved the idea of having a clean white backdrop to help showcase the character of the rustic and transitional furnishings.” Opting for one shade of a neutral color gives continuity when you design your own farmhouse. The open color scheme makes it easy to bridge and transition décor throughout connecting rooms. Though this home has plain white walls, the use of textured linens, natural wood and warm accents give the farmhouse its familial character.
Akin Design Studio designed the sofas, so it’s no wonder the room looks both sophisticated and friendly. The couple found the painting above at a local Home Goods store. The tiled flooring offers a welcome change to the farmhouse’s dark wooden floors, while the plush throw pillows look snuggle-worthy.
“We love the warm gray pantry door, the mini brick backsplash reminiscent of the classic subway tile and the rich, warm whites contrasted with the dark wood floors,” the designers say.
(opposite) This patterned rug is the perfect addition for a lively gathering space. “This rug has a bold two-tone pattern, which really invites the eye over to that area of the home,” say the designers.
Items such as the rounded wood coffee table, nature-based prints and blue patterned poufs create contrast, yet work to make the living room more cohesive. “We didn’t want the entire home to be completely neutral, so incorporating blue accents was important to inject some life into the space,” says Stephanie. “The bones of this home have cleaner lines that lean modern so we wanted to balance that by incorporating natural earth tones and organic lines in the furnishings.”
Stephanie says: “The chalkboard map really pulled this whole space together. It’s a place where the kids can track their family road trips and also learn a bit of US geography at the same time. Fun and educational is always a win!”
(opposite) This reading nook features twin desks for inspiring art projects or homework sessions—an oasis for kids to focus. Work with a simplified color palette
if you’re overwhelmed while choosing designs. This farmhouse used primarily white, blue, dark wood
and natural wooden accents.
FARMHOUSE FLAIR
This farmhouse uses both classic and modern pieces effectively within its design. The natural wood dining room table has a simple, yet rustic, style flanked by classic dark wood chairs and an eye-catching patterned rug. “The dining table is the place where our clients will gather as a family and with friends to enjoy each other’s company and great food together, so we felt like this blue, two-toned rug was conducive and inviting for that kind of setting,” the designers say. The dining room’s traditional farmhouse style creates a pleasant contrast against rooms like the sleek, updated kitchen, furnished with stainless steel and a white brick backsplash. Akin Design Studio strikes a beautiful balance with their “clean and classic, modern but subtle ”approach.
“The client was looking for a space that was comfortable and inviting that reflected their personality in the classic farmhouse style they love,” says Stephanie. “With the home’s white and crisp color scheme and simple architectural finishes, we decided to keep the design clean and crisp as well.”
CALM COMFORT
“We really enjoyed designing each space in this home, but I think one of our favorite spaces was the master bedroom, ”says Stephanie. White shiplap walls keep the master bedroom light and airy while accented with more traditional, vintageinspired floral curtains. “A favorite spot in the bedroom is in the bay window area, where we paired a couple of slipcovered chairs with task lights, flanked by some beautiful custom window treatments,” Stephanie says. “It’s the perfect place to catch up on a book while enjoying some warm sunlight.”
The open color scheme makes it easy to bridge
andt ransition décor throughout connecting rooms.
The shiplap wall creates a classic feeling throughout the master bedroom, while the rustic wooden mirror that hangs above the bed ties together the farmhouse’s focus on natural warmth.
Akin Design Studio also took the entire family into account, designing a cozy, kid-friendly reading nook and twin girl bedroom that offers a place to both play and study. The twins’ bedroom is a combination of simple whites with soft pink hues and playful pieces like a rope hanging shelf to give a touch of whimsy. The open reading nook is the perfect place for little ones to relax or do homework assignments. “This space is just off the top of the staircase on the second floor of the home,” the designers say. “All the kids bedroom doors open up into this space, so it’s the perfect place in the home where the kids can just be kids and spread out and play games with each other and friends.”
In the end, this farmhouse invokes both classic and modern themes and creates a balance between simple sophistication and stylish family living.