We Answer Wednesday - Farmhouse style

"I see this farmhouse style everywhere - I really like it! How can I get this look in my home without buying all new furniture?"

You are right!  The farmhouse look does seem to be everywhere!  The great news about this style is two fold.

One - when it comes to the farmhouse look there are many options, levels and directions you can choose.

Two - it is a cozy and timeless look, so you don't have to worry about being trendy.

 We also love the versatility of this style.  The farmhouse look blends easily with the industrial look and also a rustic look.  But you can easily blend farmhouse with some traditional pieces and some modern elements too.

 

So how can you get this look (on a budget)  at home?

You are in luck - to get this look you don't need to spend a lot.  You can achieve this look with adding a few elements and pieces.

Here are some of our suggestions:

Farmhouse Art - art, photography and  even country inspired signs are an easy addition to your space to help you get that farmhouse look.

 

Chalkboard - the ease and casual look of chalkboard gives a space a warmth of a country farmhouse.  It's relaxed and simple - we love chalk board paint - it's easy to use and apply.



Galvanized metal -  easy pieces like buckets, chairs, even light fixtures in this material add to that country feel.  Be sure to have a dull finish and even a few dings is totally OK.



Ladder displays - add another rustic touch plus they are a eat way to store blankets and even books and magazines.  They are great in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms. We love this ladder display with framed family photos!

 

Layer textured rugs - again keeping a very casual look and mixing up textures adds another element to the laid back farmhouse style.  We love to mix a cowhide with a natural fiber like sisal or even seagrass.



Lighting - simple lighting fixtures in a metallic and dull finish add a farmhouse character to a space.  Look for pendants with simple and clean lines with a rustic feel.



Textiles - in pillows, drapery and blankets are another easy way to get this farmhouse look.   Look for knits, flannel, plaids and soft stone washed fabrics.  Mix them up - farmhouse is a very simple and laid back look. Layer them and don't get caught up in symmetry.



Add 'practical' pieces - so decorate with items like laundry wash boards, old farm tools, bowls, baskets, pickle jars and mason jars.  These rustic pieces play into the farmhouse feel.

 

Wood - the farmhouse look is really focused on texture.  Wood is a texture that is closely connected with farms and the outdoors.  Add some wood elements to your space like bowls, boxes, trays, shelving and even a fireplace mantle.  Opt for reclaimed pieces with lots of character.

 



With this farmhouse style you can 'dial it up' or 'dial it down' as much as you like.  You can go very literal with farm pieces like signage and wire baskets OR you can take some influence from this style and play with the different textures and add the farmhouse essence into your space.

We Answer Wednesday - Spring Home Decor Ideas

"Spring is almost here.  What are your favourite spring home decor ideas?"

Spring really is a wonderful time of year! Both us of have spring birthdays...but that's not the only reason why we love spring!  Spring is fresh, fun and a new start.  Spring offers so much colour - just look around and you will see it every where.

We have a few favourite ways to bring spring into home decor.

 

Kristi's favourite spring home decor ideas:-

 

Greenery -  

yes, this is THE colour of the year but for me, the first spring home decor piece I add to my home is a beautiful floral arrangement (or potted plant).  It just brings a burst of life into your space especially after these long and snowy winters.  It's so fresh to see 'green' again! I love to see fresh flowers on a kitchen or dining table but I also love them in my bedroom - it's so lovely to wake up and see a touch of nature!

 

 

Let the light in (and the air, too) -

we are stuck at home all winter long and when that warm spring sunshine is out I want to bring it in - along with the fresh air.  I pull back the drapes and pull up the blinds and open the windows (even if it's just for a little bit).  Our spring season here is still pretty brisk but letting that light and fresh air gives the home a good boost. That beautiful natural light and fresh air can really make a difference!

Switch up my textures -

if you don't know this about me yet, you will soon figure it out.  I don't decorate my home with a lot of colour (unlike Maddie) but I love texture! Faux fur, leather, wood, wool knits, cow hide, metal and well any texture.  But once spring is here - I tuck away my furry pillows and blankets.  I give them a wash and hide them away until the fall.  They just add a winter-like feel to my space and who needs winter all year long? Instead I have added some Stonewashed Belgian linen pillows in some different earthy tones and a few with some print.

 

Maddie's favourite spring home decor ideas:-

 

Colour -

I love colour.  I love all colours.  One of the reasons I have a lot of white and grey in my house is so I have a lot of freedom to play with colour.  Since I have lived in my home (coming up on 3 years now) I have played with shades of aqua and blue, teal and orange and now I'm on a pink kick!  (My office has a bold and bright pink accent wall) Colour is a great way to bring spring into your space.  Take some cues from your spring flower garden, green grass, robin eggs and all that the spring season presents.  Use colour with decor items, art, and pillows.

 

Pattern -

I also love pattern.  I feel a room without pattern is pretty much incomplete.  Every room needs some pattern.  For spring think floral pattern - you might be thinking that it's not modern enough for you or it's too feminine - think again! There are so many options for floral pattern, I love and have some of these Bluebellgray pillows at my place.  I have it mixed with some other more geometric prints and my bold abstract art. I love the bold colours mixed with an abstract watercolour print against my gray sectional. If florals aren't for you, try adding a bold pop of colour - one colourful print item can total change up your look (and maybe inspire you to add even more to your space).

 


Spring is such a great time to refresh your home decor - many of the new collections are out in stores at the end of winter and that's when we have a ton of choices - colour, texture, print and pattern - you don't need a lot to make an impact ...just a few pieces can put a spring in your step!