9 RENOVATION MOVES FOR TIMELESS FARMHOUSE STYLE
Naysayers complain that farmhouse style is “out,” but that’s just not true. It’s a flexible, friendly and easy-care style that has withstood the test of time and makes myriad environments feel comfortable and homey. Make these design moves to create a classic farmhouse style that will feel fresh for years to come. 1. INCORPORATE NATURAL WOOD.
This is especially true for reclaimed wood trims and accents. When you’re working with floors, trims and even the wood in your furniture, pay attention to the undertones. If you pick woods with clashing undertones, your space will feel haphazard and dissonant. For example, cherry, oak and maple have warm undertones, while cool natural woods like dark walnut have gray or purple undertones. (See the next spread for a full list of common woods and their undertones.)
2. EMPHASIZE BRIGHT, AIRY WHITES.
Like any other color, whites can be cool, warm or neutral. In the cool category are blue-tinted whites, which feel crisp and tranquil. Creamy, yellow-based whites are warm. A pink- or gray-toned white feels soft and serene. Any one of these options can work well in your farmhouse style, but don’t mix cool and warm whites in the same room.
3. PLAY WITH CLASSIC COLORS.
Failing to add some colors to your whites can make your renovation look dated. Besides, too much white just looks blah. Designer Mary Maloney of Bee’s Knees Interior Design deployed gray and blue cabinetry and wall paint to add depth and character to the palette in this house.
4. ADD BUILT-IN CUPBOARDS OR BOOKSHELVES.
These kinds of features harken back to homes built earlier in the last century. The dining room in this house has built-in features with textured glass panes, which create an aged, vintage vibe. Plus, then you’ll have lots of space to display your vintage collectibles.
5. CHOOSE LIGHT UPHOLSTERY WITH A LINEN LOOK.
These fabrics go with anything, and linen weaves add textural interest. If you’re worried about light-colored upholstery with pets or kids, get custom slip covers for your sofas that you can take off and wash.
6. INCORPORATE VINTAGE ELEMENTS.
Vintage elements add tons of charm to any space, and the same is true with vintage architectural elements. Add a transom window above a doorway, or a stained glass window to your pantry door. Replace modern-looking knobs with vintage-inspired ones, and add classic crown molding to the tops of the walls. But be sparing. Carefully curate so you avoid the clutter that can kill the airy farmhouse feel you’re going for.
7. HANG ORIGINAL ART YOU LOVE.
Too many vintage farm signs or “live, laugh, love” signs in a house can make your style feel dated. Consider replacing mass-produced art with original art. You can often find beautiful art in secondhand stores, which adds to your home’s vintage vibe.
8. EMBRACE PATTERNED AND TEXTURED ACCENTS.
Alongside the hard materials, don’t forget the soft goods. For example, Mary incorporated patterned rugs, wallpaper and throw pillows into her design for this house.
9. BUILD IN PRACTICALITY.
One reason farmhouse style is so timeless? It works well for people’s lives, whether or not they live on an actual farm. This house is practical for the kids, pets, cooks and entertainers who make it their home.