modern farmhouse Archives | kikiinteriors.com

HOME DECOR

Top 3 Tips to Modernize your Home

July 25, 2020

Modernize your home with some change – and as the proverbial saying goes:” change is as good as a holiday”. While there is great beauty in antiquity, we live in a perpetual, technological evolving world. Just as our cell phones, cars and computer systems continue to modernize, so too can our homes. For those contemporary, modern thinkers amongst us, here are some ideas to turn any rustic home into a modern marvel.

Create a Smart Home

Just like your smartphone, you can create a smart home. Home automation is the perfect project for the technically inclined. It allows you to remotely control your homes lighting, electronic devices and heating via your smartphone or computer. The benefits of this are numerous, providing security, energy efficiency, comfort and convenience.

In today’s modern, fast-paced world, the less you must worry about, the better. A smart home setup allows you to achieve this convenience. You can manage all your home devices from one central place.

A smart home is also a way to enhance your home’s security significantly, ensuring you and your loved ones are always safe. Smart home security systems to connect to a WIFI network, meaning you can control and monitor your security devices with your smartphone. This ensures your home is safe even when you are not there. There are many fantastic DIY smart home projects out there, making them affordable and easy to set up.

Use Alternative Energy

Powering your home via means of an alternative electrical source is a great way to save on electrical bills, as well as contributing to the preservation of the environment. It also enables you to be self-sufficient and to “get off the grid’, not having to rely on the local power stations.

Installing solar panels is one excellent solution. A solar panel harnesses the power of the sun through solar energy to generate electricity and to heat your water. Your geyser is one of the most significant consumers of electricity. Using a solar panel to power your geyser can potentially save you thousands of dollars as a long-term investment.

Another way to generate clean energy for those living in windy areas is through wind turbines. Small wind turbines can be a cost-effective way to create renewable, clean energy for your home. They are incredibly durable too, with average turbines lasting for 20 years.

Install new Lighting to modernize

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. By adding modern lighting to your home, you can bring it to life and into the current century. A popular type of modern lighting are LEDs. LED lighting systems provide many advantages. In addition to generating high brightness intensity, they are highly energy-efficient and come in a variety of different colour ranges. Being extremely reliable and having a long life, LEDs also offer cost-effective lighting solutions.

There are countless modern lighting options you could consider. Replacing your old lights with contemporary lamps and chandeliers will liven up any home. Not only do they light up your home more effectively, they are aesthetically pleasing as well. You could turn your home into a masterpiece of artwork through lights.

SHOP MODERN PIECES FOR THE HOME…

0 comment

Farmhouse, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, SHOPPING FINDS

Modern Farmhouse Stools

October 30, 2018

Stools are a kitchen island (or breakfast bar) essential! Much like lighting a kitchen bar stool can set the tone and add that needed dose of style into your space. Stools should be comfortable (of course) but they should compliment your style and add to the room. We all have different elements on our checklist when it comes to furniture but these farmhouse stools that I sourced (likely) meet all of those expectations.

MODERN FARMHOUSE STOOL INSPIRATION

Photo credit: BeckiOwens.com

I love this amazing modern farmhouse kitchen by Becki Owens. I love the blend of clean white cabinetry and the rustic barn beam. The clean flooring and those farmhouse pendants are the perfect balance of clean modern classic and rustic farmhouse. These stools are the best of both worlds – the warm cognac leather adds that farmhouse cozy factor and the clean lines and black legs give this stool a modern edge.

Photo credit: I Spy DIY

I love a crisp and clean white kitchen and these wood and black stools just pop! The copper accents add a farmhouse element. But the blend of clean lines, simple styling and lighting choices give this farmhouse inspired kitchen a modern edge.

Photo credit: McGee and Co

This kitchen has the clean and classic white shaker style cabinets with subway backsplash in a white marble. The gold tone hardware installed on the horizontal add some bling to this kitchen but also add a modern element. The oversized black pendants also add some personality to the space. These natural wood floors add that warm and natural element – these stools mimic that natural wood tone. These stools also have great visual interest with their curves!

MODERN FARMHOUSE STOOLS

What I love about the modern farmhouse esthetic is that every modern farmhouse is completely different. You can play with this 'hybrid' and find the balance between the two styles and make your space your own. Elements that make a modern farmhouse a modern farmhouse - texture (adding natural textures like wood), Industrial lighting (this is a great way to add black or metal), white (walls and/or cabinets) and warmth (either through colour choices, styling...) The modern farmhouse should look chic and stylish but feel welcoming and cozy.

I've sourced out some farmhouse stools that add that are a perfect mix of style and comfort.

Centiar Bar Stool
Barraute Bar Stool
Dovercliff Bar Stool
Gracie Bar Stool
Jasper Bar Stool (or similar stool Wishbone stool)
Bastion Bar Stool

All of these stools embrace that modern farmhouse feel and yet they are all different. I personally love the mix of materials instead of just one element. When it comes to purchasing stools be sure to get the proper size. Not sure what size you need - click here for how to pick the right size kitchen stool. Stools are not just a practical or functional piece they really are a style element in a kitchen, so find a stool that is both comfortable and stylish.

Which modern farmhouse stool is your favourite?

0 comment

HOME DECOR, OUR FAVOURITES

Shades of Grey

August 8, 2018

Grey is still a popular colour in home decor – personally I have always loved the more modern aesthetic of grey but it can also be used in cozy and farmhouse inspired decor. Still not sure if you want to completely dive into this ‘trending’ tone? Start small by adding some grey pieces. Here are some favourite finds celebrating the shades of grey!

Going Grey…

We have seen grey make a huge push in modern and farmhouse decor – grey is being embraced like never before. Grey was often seen as cold and almost institutional but now we are seeing such a range of shades and we have so many examples of grey home decor (thanks to home reno shows like Fixer Upper and other social media platforms like Pinterest) we have all seen and hopped on board with grey!

Love the look of this model home? Take a look at how you can get the look…click here

Grey Mood Board Inspiration:

I love this outdoor bench – it would be perfect for setting the scene on a front porch – just add some pillows! This is last year’s model but this model is very similar

Art is a great way to add some personality to your space. This ‘lifeguard stand’ art piece is beachy without being too ‘theme-y’ I love the calm and serenity that grey brings into a room – any room – this art would be perfect for a guest bedroom or family room.

I love area rugs that add pattern to a room – but as you know by now I’m not big into colour! I love this geometric (Scandinavian inspired) grey and white area rug (I’m looking at an area rug update for my family room and this one is on my short list). This one is no longer available but here are some similar options

Pattern pillows are also a must in my books (so if the rug is just too much pattern for you – opt for pillows). I love these super affordable pillow covers from Amazon.

When I work with neutrals (like I do in my own home) I like to play with textures – I believe that is how you keep the look visually interesting and multi-dimensional. I love this decorative glass vase – the shape, colour tone and that texture would be a great piece for a console table.

I’m a big believer in not only what light can do in a space but what light fixtures can do for the look and style of your space. I love a farmhouse pendant and this one is a perfect blend of that farmhouse feel with a modern twist – this mix of the matte grey finish and the brass accent gives you so many options for hardware…

On a cool summer night (we haven’t had much of those) or a fall evening, snuggling with a soft blanket is perfection and this blanket is stylish and soft. This blanket is ideal for draping over a sofa or accent chair (when you aren’t cuddled with it).

Add some stylish storage to your space – this is perfect for napkins and utensils for a casual meal or eating outdoors. The metal makes it easy to clean, too! The style of this storage basket totally fits with the farmhouse look. This one is no longer available but here is a similar option.

Just because I don’t fully embrace a colourful space (I think having 4 kids I just instinctively seek serenity in my surroundings) doesn’t mean that I don’t like a little pop here and there. I love a fresh green paired in neutral spaces and green looks great against these grey tones. These small faux plants are great accents for a coffee table, bathroom, bookcase and more – they are so versatile!

I hope these grey pieces inspired you to update your space with some shades of grey,

SHADES OF GREY LOOKBOOK….

0 comment

HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

Why is Farmhouse style so popular?

September 1, 2017

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…

6 comments

HOME STYLING, HOME TOUR, SHOPPING FINDS, TRENDS

TimberWood Towns – Get the Look!

June 18, 2017

What is TimberWood Towns? Well if you have been following us on Facebook or Instagram – you have seen this amazing project that we have spent the last 6 weeks of our lives working on…It’s been a while since we have posted anything new but we hope this makes the wait worth while…..

TimberWood Towns is a new townhome community here in Ottawa and we had the amazing opportunity to design the sales center, the model and select all of the finishes top to bottom – it was an incredible experience, we learned a lot and created something beautiful!

It was a full 6 weeks – of selecting all the finishes for this project from flooring to paint to plumbing and lighting and everything in between. When you work with such a tight timeline you learn a lot about working together as a team, you also learn a lot about working with items that are in stock! We wouldn’t have been able to get this done without the pure magic of online shopping! Stores like Wayfair, Amazon, and Bouclair really came to the rescue! We have some amazing ‘friends’ at Urban Barn and they really pulled though with large and small purchases for this project! And of course, Home Sense (to our US readers, this gem is coming to the States soon and you will love it!)

Let us breakdown what we did in the space to create this industrial farmhouse look…

Reclaimed Wood Accents:

The look at TimberWood Towns is industrial farmhouse. We mixed a lot of great texture in the finishes but also the furniture and accessories. We found so many amazing pieces that really pulled this whole look together. Our construction team found an old barn (a little over an hour’s drive out of the city) which is where we found all of this reclaimed barn wood for the accent wall in the den and to create these beams (which are included in every one of these townhomes, what a great architectural feature!)

Creating contrast:

A big part of this look was to create contrast so that the wood was a highlight but the the white walls and lighter furniture pieces really added to the feel. You can definitely get contrast with colour but you can also get contrast with textures. We needed to balance out the hard and rough texture of the wood with some softer elements – like these white linen chairs, leather sofa and lots of pillows. We added some rope texture to the space too – the pouf, the rope on the large clock and even some photo frames with a rope accent. Another great texture in this space is the cowhide ottoman.

Lighting :

We all know that lighting can totally transform the look of any home and this project was no exception! We needed some great lighting that would really help set the tone of this industrial farmhouse look – we found some amazing pendant for the kitchens (that’s right, we have 2 kitchens in this sales center) and bathroom. We used aged bronze finishes for the lighting as they really add a rustic touch to the space.

More TimberWood Towns …

TimberWood Towns Shopping list:

If you like this industrial farmhouse look – you are in luck! We have a list of the items we purchased for this beautiful showroom.

These are just some of the amazing pieces we used in this project – we love to mix styles but also price points. when you mix styles and price points, you end up with final product that is truly one of a kind. We love how all of these items come together in a cohesive and unique way…

Let us know which piece is your favourite, we can’t decide!

21 comments

HOME DECOR, TRENDS

We Answer Wednesday – Farmhouse style

March 9, 2017

“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!

0 comment

HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, TRENDS

How to Get The Look: Modern Country

July 29, 2015

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!

0 comment