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farmhouse style

BATHROOMS, DIY, HOME DECOR

Room Reveal : Farmhouse Powder Room

room-reveal-farmhouse-powder-room

Well, my 4 weeks are up and it’s time to reveal my new farmhouse powder room!

It has been a busy 4 weeks – I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone and made a major transformation in my powder room. I love my farmhouse powder room and so have my friends and family.  The new look is truly incredible and I did not go over budget BONUS! Let me show what I did to create my farmhouse powder room….

A look back at my powder room…..

BEFORE

This powder room was dark and dull – the cabinets are right of out of 1981 and the whole room just looked blah…I really wanted to add a brighter colour, make the room fresh and have a farmhouse powder room.

My farmhouse powder room – what I did…

I knew I wanted a brighter and fresher feel in the room.  The big element here was paint.  I’m fortunate because I had almost a full can of a warm beige-y colour (it’s actually the same colour I have in my other 2 bathrooms) HUSH by Benjamin Moore This new colour on my walls has made a huge difference! The powder room looks so much bigger and brighter (honestly I still cannot get over how fresh it looks).  The next paint project was painting that vanity! I love the look of chalk paint and I thought to get the farmhouse look a chalk painted vanity would be perfect! I chose a great chalk paint colour from Rustoleum ‘Country Gray’ and I love it!!

I was going to paint my existing hardware but after doing some looking around – I found these bar pulls in an oil rubbed bronze – they have a more modern look than my old ones, they are a great price and I had room in my budget so it was perfect! I did have the brushed nickle in my cart but I then realized with my existing hinges (and limited budget) I should stick with the oil rubbed bronze – I love how this vanity looks like a piece of furniture with the new paint and hardware. These bar pulls make a big difference in updating my farmhouse powder room.

 

I have always wanted to do something with my window but I never really figured out what – I found an awesome tutorial for a new-sew window valance and that was the plan but then I found this valance at Target – it fit in my budget and the colour is perfect! The rod was a great deal, too!

 

What I didn’t get done…

I purchased some spray paint that was supposed to be used for my counter tops – it has not yet arrived so this did not get done during the challenge.  I’m a bit disappointed as I was really looking forward to changing it but now that everything else has been painted – I’m not sure that I need to paint it! I’ve asked friends and family what they think and it’s a 50/50 split of whether to paint or not – let me know what you think I should do, I’d love to hear your thoughts…..

 

Styling my farmhouse powder room….

I lucked out with some art from my sister that she was no longer using.  I also have this old wood ‘mailbox’ piece that I purchased years ago and I have always loved it but never found a home for it – it has been sitting in my office collecting dust for about 6 years – it is a great piece that works with the farmhouse look I am after so I was super happy to give it a ‘home’. I used this amazing product called ‘Gorilla Hooks’ to hang it – so easy!

I also had some decor items here that were just sort of extras like the wicker basket with my ‘guest towels’, the large mason jar with some faux greenery that I took from an arrangement in my dining room (just two branches), I had the ‘iron’ owls from my family room.

 

I used some white bar towels for my guest towels and rolled them up and put them in the basket -so simple – but that’s what farmhouse is all about, right?

My towel bar, lighting and mirror were there before – but with the new paint they kind of look new, too!

Get a farmhouse powder room with only $100

So here’s my budget breakdown …

Chalk Paint                                        $24.64

New cabinet pulls                             $4.79 (x4)

Paint starter kit                                 $8.00

Curtain rod                                         $3.99

Curtain Valance                                 $10.99

Spray paint                                         $30.05

Mirror                                                  already had

Wall paint                                           used left over from my other 2 bathrooms

Art                                                        already had

Decor accessories and towels         already had

Gorilla hooks                                     already had

Total spent                                          $96.83

Even though I have not yet used or received my counter top spray paint I still included it in my budget – without it I would have only spent $66.78 !

Farmhouse powder room photos

 

 

 

I still cannot believe that this is the same room – the transformation is just incredible! I feel great about the end results and I feel great about all of the painting that I took on – there’s a first time for everything! When you ‘shop your home’ it is really amazing what you can find and what you can give new life…

Be sure to check out the other participants in this round of the $100 Room challenge – it is reveal week and there are so many amazing projects in this challenge –


 

 

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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

Why is Farmhouse style so popular?

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Why is Farmhouse style so popular?

Farmhouse home decor has been a popular ‘trend’ for some time.  In recent years we have really seen this style rise in mainstream popularity.  The influence of country style home decorating isn’t new – I remember growing up with a kitchen that had a brick accent wall, oak kitchen cabinets and a wallpaper border with chickens, cows and pigs….(can you any of you relate?).  But the farmhouse style that we see today is less literal and more inspired by the idea of ‘farm life’.

Photo credit : 99architecture.com

Farmhouse style is popular for a few reasons…

1 – It is warm and approachable which (I believe) is the feeling that most people want in their home for themselves and for their guests.

2 – It’s a pretty versatile style that mixes well with other styles like industrial or traditional.  You can really play with the amount of country inspiration you want in the space.

3 – It’s family friendly.  The materials and finishes and the overall relaxed nature of the style works for families since the ‘chippy’ furniture already looks aged and a lot of the wood and metals already have dull finishes (plus a few dings and nicks) that add character.

4 – It’s everywhere!  It is easy to find at local and online stores … plus it is widely seen in the media.  With TV shows like Fixer Upper as an example, we are exposed to this style on a regular basis.

What is ‘modern farmhouse style’?

Modern farmhouse style is the ‘country’ home decor style of today.  It consists of country inspiration with a modern or urban edge.  So we still see home decor pieces with chippy and dull finishes, reclaimed barn wood, ‘used’ or ‘found’ decor items like old windows or pickling jars; brick walls, and even farmhouse signs plus the odd farm animal.  But with these typical farmhouse elements they are blended with modern influence like more monotone decor – lots of shades grey and white.  We also see a cleaner look – many of us think of country being a bit on the cluttered side. Displays are simple – like floating shelves with styled decor items like wood bead garlands and recycled glass vases and even floral arrangements are streamlined.

Photo credit : Damask et Dentelle

Farmhouse inspiration…

One of the many aspects of farmhouse style that I love is that it is so easy to update your space (even on a budget).  Here are some modern farmhouse images for inspiration on how to bring this style into your space…

Photo credit : Fox Hollow Cottage

Reclaimed wood elements like this amazing ceiling beam add so much character to a space.  And when you have this kind of character contrasting with clean white cabinets and walls – it is so fresh and still warm. The hand scraped wider planks hardwood floors add that farmhouse feel as well. The vignette with the glass pieces, antique clock and that chalk board really embrace the ‘aged’ look of farmhouse but this display has a clean colour palette. The reclaimed wood harvest table adds more character and contrast to the pure white elements in the space. The large dough bowl is a great centerpiece for greenery or seasonal fruit like apples in the fall months.  This dining area is modern farmhouse at it’s best!

Photo credit : Pine and Birch

This entry is farmhouse fabulous! It has the clean and crisp white walls that we often see in more modern homes but the shiplap detail adds that country house feel.  The wall display (gallery wall) is simple and with the crisp colour palette has a slight modern touch.  Adding ‘found’ pieces like the stunning church pew is genius (you need seating at your entry) and it adds character to the space.  Details like the sisal rug, galvanized metal boxes and the glass vase with greenery shows off that mix of textures that I love.  The buffalo check pillows on the pew have more country but in the grey / black and white scheme they feel more modern. This entry is a perfect example of modern farmhouse.

Photo credit : Twelve on Main

This modern farmhouse master bedroom is just dreamy….The layers of warm white in this room make it calm and peaceful and the black accents like the sconces, the barn door hardware and the chandelier add a rustic touch.  The white sleigh bed has a country feel. The paneled wall detail  and the tufted arm chairs add  bit of traditional elegance without being stuffy. And those exposed wood beams… bring in that great natural texture and wood grain adding incredible visual interest, that same texture is also seen as an organic side table being the arm chairs.  Other details like the greenery and the soft textiles on the bed and chairs make this bedroom so calming and soothing. A beautiful farmhouse bedroom retreat that I know I would never want to leave….

All of these farmhouse rooms have a unique look while still embracing the textures of country and the clean elements of modern design. I love how you can take this style and really make it your own – mixing with other style is a breeze, too!

Are you inspired by modern farmhouse decor?

SHOP FARMHOUSE…

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – What is Chalk Paint?

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“What is chalk paint? I have heard people talking about it. “

Yes – chalk paint is a term we are hearing a lot …so here are the details.

What is Chalk paint?

Chalk paint is an actual brand of paint – Annie Sloan has trademarked the brand (but there are other similar paints by other companies). But it is a paint used mostly on furniture.  The paint has a flat and chalk like finish and is used to create an aged finish on furniture pieces.  Plus you can distress the finish as well (very easily).

With the popularity of the Farmhouse look in home decor – chalk paint is being used a lot. To update great garage sale finds or transform pieces to give them a rustic, shabby chic or country look. Don’t you just love the charm that the chalk like finish adds to decor pieces and furniture?

Get creative with Chalk Paint:

Frames:

Chalk painting your photo frames or even old frames that you often see at yard sales or online – look so chippy and vintage with a spot of chalk paint.  These look great in a gallery wall

Storage furniture:

Adding chalk paint to a large piece of furniture transforms the look of the room.  This dresser looks aged and adds a romantic look and feel in the bedroom.

Vases:

Trying painting your mason jars . This is a great idea for a center piece, spring decor, weddings and Easter – the finish of the paint and the tones are perfect for the spring season!

Chairs:

I love these chairs – they look like an old vintage find from an old cafe and that robin’s egg blue really adds some personality in the space.

Chalk paint allows for you to get create with some old furniture items, garage sale finds or just updating your space! We all know what a difference fresh paint can make in a space so why not try something new!

It’s only paint…

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HOME DECOR, TRENDS

We Answer Wednesday – Farmhouse style

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.

 

 

How can you get the farmhouse style 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. We love this farmhouse sign from Wayfair – so simple and clean a perfect addition for any space that needs that country touch.

 

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. This galvanized metal pitcher – it ‘pitcher’ perfect! Add some fresh greenery or a cut bouquet and it is a simple farmhouse centerpiece!

 

 

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. So much of farmhouse style is about simplicity – this pendant has a rustic feel due to the colour and finish and the design is just simple….

 

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 relaxed 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.

Add some personality

– the farmhouse style is a relaxed look in every way so keep it casual and fun!  We love to add signs and other items that have a bit of personality.  small accessories in any room can add to that farmhouse feel.  This kitchen utensil holder is a great little piece for a kitchen that fits into the farmhouse look.

 

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 love the warm and cozy feel from this style – we hope you do, too!


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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, TRENDS

How to Get The Look: Modern Country

how-to-get-look-modern-country

Country decorating has come a long way. It has always been a popular home decorating style but it has really changed in recent years. In the past this has included such elements of the style as handmade items, collections, and rustic charm. While country style will always epitomize home and warmth, its time to bring country design into the modern era. We call this decorating style “Modern Country“. Modern country is still charming, and rustic but with some clean lines and cool colour palettes it has a ‘cooler’ vibe. If you love that laid back rustic style with a modern edge – better know as Modern Country,  here’s how to get it.

 

Clean it up

Traditional country decorating has been often accused of being “cluttered”. Modern country decorating is anything but! So it’s time to seriously edit and pack away all those little things that don’t contribute to the overall design scheme. Don’t go overboard though, country is about home and family, so you don’t want to eliminate everything that’s personal. Create a box of decorative items to store, and rotate favorite accents with the seasons.

Choose a simple and clean color scheme

Update your country decorating look with a more modern color scheme. Pick one color, then try combining it with white or neutrals for a stylish look that isn’t dated, and doesn’t cause confusion for the eye. Add textures to give the room great interest and contrast. Keep patterns to a minimum, and try to incorporate some of the new classics or a modern floral that uses white and one color in its design. Think tone-on-tone for a soothing look in the space. We like a great light neutral on the walls and then for accessories layers of soft greys, taupes even dried herb tones look great with this style.

Choose your inspiration

Choosing your inspiration for the modern country decorating look is kind of like choosing a theme. But instead of the cutesy country themes of the past are passe, you are choosing an inspiration that creates a feeling. Gone are the roosters and instead think of a theme inspired by the mountains in Colorado, or the high country of Santa Fe.
You can actually picture the “feeling” of the room just by those descriptive words, and that’s what will give you guidance and keep you on track. Look through photos for inspiration, that will help you stay on track but again, don’t go over board! You don’t want a theme room like “this the dairy farm room” take what you love about the feel of the country and incorporate that in the space.

Light the way

One of the fastest ways to update an outdated decorating shame is to add a modern lighting fixture. This works great with the “Modern Country” as they compliment each other well. Think West Elm, Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn.

Texture

So important in this look! When it comes to country decor it’s really about comfort and ease, so texture can really help with that.  Think canvas, wool, distressed denim, flannel, distressed leather and mixing it all up on a sofa.  Be sure to add other textures too like reclaimed wood, stone and brick for another layer of texture. Elements of nature are another great way to add texture to your space.

Accessorize

The “more is more” traditional country decorating look of the past is just that…it’s in the past. Choose a few great pieces to display at a time. Mix and match with other styles, offering interest and contrast, and bringing more attention to your beloved possessions. If you have a collection, or want to showcase Grandmas quilt, then showcase it. But display it gallery style and give each piece importance. Don’t just use something for the sake of having something fill a space. Treat the things you love like art.
Another great way to make a country piece look more current is framing your art.  So a country landscape with a clean white over sized matte and black frame is easy and looks clean and modern.
Look for country piece like large milk jugs, butter churners, pickle jars, mason jars etc…they add great character and some texture to the space and of course, they have that country feel
Look for inexpensive antiques that can be used to create a unique wall collection such as postcards or antique flatware. Add items from nature, but be selective. Leave some space around your treasures for the eye to rest. If a wall or a room is cluttered no one can focus on your beautiful pieces – art or artifacts. So keep it simple that’s really important in modern country decor.

Relax

Above all, relax and enjoy the creative process. There are no rules in decorating that can’t be broken. Modern Country Decorating is a fantastic way to take a beloved home decorating style of the past, and give it a current twist.

 

 Modern country might sound contradictory but it is a beautiful blend of relaxed and styled decor.  We hope you love this look as much as we do!
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