Our 1917 Farmhouse
Learn about the farmhouse renovations of this new mom and social media enthusiast.
Ashley Dusing is a wife, new mom and the face and voice behind Our 1917 Farmhouse. She and her husband, Kyle, live in North Carolina, and what started as a photo journal of farmhouse renovations, has become a thriving social media presence.
How did you get involved in the online décor community?
Ashley: Initially, I joined Instagram just to keep a photographic diary of the renovation journey of our old farmhouse. It did not matter to me if five people followed or 5,000.
Why did you choose the name for your social media accounts?
Ashley: The name I chose was pretty simple. The farmhouse was built in 1917, it was the quintessential working man’s farmhouse and she was ours.
AFS: How would you describe your style?
Ashley: My style is affordable and minimal. I am always on the hunt for a bargain; I refuse to overpay. The vast majority of the farmhouse’s furnishings are secondhand, or dumpster finds. I love incorporating antique and vintage pieces in place of mass-produced décor. I think that is what perhaps sets me apart, as I love to let the character of my authentic farmhouse home be front and center.
AFS: Do you have any exciting upcoming projects you can share with us?
Ashley: A new mudroom floor is on the top of the list as it is currently just a tongue-and-groove subfloor and quite drafty. We also will be adding onto the library this year.
AFS: Tell us how social media helped your baby come into your family?
Ashley: Social media literally brought us to our son. One day, I received a message on Instagram from a follower, Kaitlyn, who asked me—out of the blue—if we would ever adopt a baby. She had watched our foster care journey on social media and explained that she knew of an expectant mom, early in her pregnancy, who was looking to place her baby. She asked if I would be interested in speaking with her, if nothing else, to give her guidance since I was adopted myself. We spoke with her and had an immediate connection, and later booked a flight to meet who we lovingly call “Mama M”. The connection was just as genuine in person, and exactly 103 days and 2,135 miles later, our son arrived, and at Mama M’s request, I got to be in the room! We have an open adoption with Theodore’s first mother, and she will forever be a part of our lives. The magnitude of her selflessness is not lost on us, and we are ever grateful.