modern farmhouse decor Archives

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…

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How to decorate with recycled glass vases

April 15, 2019

Recycled glass vases are one of my favourite pieces to use when decorating any room. They have a one-of-a-kind look because of how they are made. They have a clean and simple shape and they work with a variety of styles ranging from a modern look with clean lines to an urban farmhouse style. Recycled glasses vases come is many different colours – but personally I am drawn to the blue and green tones.

Photo credit: Target

How to style a room with recycled glass vases

I love the smooth shape of these recycled glass vases – there is something so soothing about the curved lines of these vessels. They are so simple but they add a sophistication to any space. I love the pop of blue this vase adds to this room and even empty it makes an impact in the space.

Photo credit: Twenty One Two

These vases are so sculptural and beautiful that they don’t need big and lush bouquets (plus with the bottle neck design you couldn’t really use them for bouquets). I love the volume they bring to a coffee table or entry table or as a dining centre piece and by adding a seasonal branch it adds a touch of nature to a room.

Photo credit: DecorPad

Recycled glass vases also come in different sizes – so they are perfect for bookcase styling. I love adding glass to my decor because it adds a new texture, a pop of colour and the glass element makes the look light and airy (not bulky or chunky). I love pairs or trios of glass vases (depending on the size) when styling a bookcase or coffee table.

Photo credit: Made by Katy

Shop Recycled Glass vases

I love these vases – they work so beautifully as a set . The light beach glass tone adds a delicate pop of colour in a neutral room. I also love the twine detail – it works with in a coastal decor inspired room or a modern farmhouse look.

This vase is a beautiful shade of blue unfortunately it is out of stock . With these simple branches it adds a touch of nature to the space in a very clean and modern way. I love a vase like this as a simple centre piece or on a coffee table. But here is a link for something similar

This vase is so simple and that angled bottle neck is a detail that makes this piece totally unique and perfect for displaying beautiful seasonal foliage. This works in a modern home or a country home.

There is so much beauty in simplicity…

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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?

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HOME DECOR, TRENDS

Wood Bead Garland – A decor trend we love

July 3, 2017

The Wood bead garland is a trend that we just love! I used some recently in an urban farmhouse inspired model home, not to mention I have some in my own home … I love these simple garlands and let me tell you why and how I love to decorate with them!

Photo credit – PrettySimplyStudio

What is a wood bead garland?

The wood bead garland is probably best described as ‘jewelry for the home’. It adds a great texture and a new shape to a space. These wood bead garlands come in different lengths and colours, some even come with different size beads. The beaded garlands have a touch of rustic which is why they work so well with farmhouse decor.

How to decorate with a wood bead garland?

There is no set way on how to decorate with the wood bead garland but it works best in a relaxed arrangement. I personally have mine at my front entry draped over some books and a Dutch clog from my husband’s family. It adds to our entry vignette

The wood bead garland works well draped over a vase, vintage trophy, glass or pottery piece or even draped over a wreath…it add another element of texture.

Photo credit – PrettySimplyStudio

We also love the look of draping these garland in a bowl or tray – hung or coiled or a combination of the two works – just keep it looking casual…

Photo credit – PrettySimplyStudio

Wood bead garland also work beautifully in Christmas decor – if you like a woodland or natural look, try an extra long natural wood garland in your Christmas tree

Photo credit – The Merrythought

Mix it withe some greenery to and add it to your fireplace mantle – it has a woodland look with a touch of Scandinavian inspiration.

Photo credit – Oleander + Palm

Where can you buy a wood bead garland?

If you are crafty, you can make your own wood bead garland….

I purchased my wood bead garlands through a great little shop on Etsy, PrettySimplyStudio I love the quality and the handmade craftsmanship, plus there are even customization options for colour and also some custom tags too.

Photo credit – PrettySimplyStudio

I love the texture and the shape that these wood bead garlands bring to a decor scheme…what other ways to you see this trend working in your home decor?

SHOP WOOD BEAD GARLANDS…

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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!

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kiki interiors

home. life. family. simple. style