It’s all the rage now.  Pinterest pins are showcasing it like mad. It’s farmhouse or cottage style.

There are a lot of different characteristics that fit under the umbrella of farmhouse style. Today we’re going to examine capturing the essence of farmhouse style by reviewing: 

History of the American Farmhouse

The American farmhouse served as a functional home before becoming an architectural style. It served the needs of the farmers and was very basic in design.

In the 1700’s, the farmhouse was often built of logs, native stone, or mud – your basic log cabin.

With the advent of the railroad in the 1800’s and as agriculture became more prosperous, farmers had easier access to lumber, brick, and quarried stone. Some farmhouses in this era sported Greek columns, stained glass, and jigsaw-cut trim.

The American farmhouse was built to last and accommodated the various rugged tasks that came with farming. The front of the house served as the formal area for entertaining guests. A large kitchen and the staircase to the bedrooms were located in the back.

Many farmhouses started out as two rooms wide by one room deep – just enough living space for the farmer, his wife and one child. As his family grew, the farmer added rooms onto the existing house.

Architectural Features of the American Farmhouse

The American Farmhouse had these 11 primary architectural features/purposes:

• simple rectangular floorplan, sometimes in a “T” shape
• designed for the farm functions;
• one-and-a-half or two stories
• often built with local materials
• white or light-colored exterior
• side-gable end roofs
• friendly, cozy, front porches
• formal rooms in front separated by walls and doors from family areas in the back
• a prominent fireplace
• thick walls
• few small windows

Why So Much Interest in Farmhouse Style Today?

Today we’re seeing a return to a simple back-to-nature lifestyle giving people a sentimental connection to America’s history. Over the years both coastal cottage and shabby chic decorating styles have come under the umbrella of farmhouse style. We’re seeing the return of smaller, more functional houses, too.

Ways of Capturing the Essence of Farmhouse Style Through Design and Decor

Farmhouse style décor and decorating is usually minimalistic, and full of charm and character.  It balances the old with the new and looks like it has evolved over time. Matching furniture pieces are not part of this look. To capture the style, visit a flea market and look for things that could be repurposed such as an old bar cart to display books, an armoire that could serve as a coat closet or kitchen pantry; or, old suitcases that could be piled to serve as an end table. Here are a few more features of the farmhouse style:

• white interior walls
• neutral fabrics and textures
• slip-covered sofas
• antiques / vintage pieces
• repurposed items
• reclaimed wood for floors, walls, shelving
• combination of open shelving and cabinets for kitchen storage
• exposed wood beams to add a touch of nature and great architectural detail
• butcher-block countertops
• kitchen apron sinks
• Shaker – style cabinets
• front porch rocking chairs
• barnwood  doors
• wicker and rattan baskets and chairs
• farmhouse kitchen tables; and
• beadboard kitchen backsplashes

How will you capture the essence of farmhouse style in your home? Just make sure that you don’t fill your kitchen with roosters; gingham throw, rugs, and towels or you will have created a corny country home! Let your farmhouse style develop over time and include blending the old with the new. You‘ll be excited how it all comes together.

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Interiors Revitalized is a full-service home staging, model home merchandising, and interior design firm located in Jacksonville Florida.  In addition to Jacksonville, we serve the St. Johns, St. Augustine, Orange Park, Fleming Island, and Fernandina Beach areas. Contact us today at 904.625.2214 to discuss your home staging or interior design project.  We’ll make that first offer your best offer!

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