Farmhouse, FarmHaus

I will be the first to admit that hearing someone say “Farmhouse is dead” gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. There really is no style I like less than Farmhouse. There is something about walking into a builder grade suburban house and seeing a sign that says “Farmhouse” nailed to the wall that just makes me shudder. That being said, I do not think it is right to paint the entire concept of “Farmhouse” with the same Old White chalk paint dipped brush. Farmhouses exist all over the entire world, with or without burlap wrapped mason jar center pieces. There is so much beauty and potential that we are losing by dismissing the entire category of Farmhouse. When I think of the house at the family farm I think of the warmth from the wood stove, the smell of leather, and the sound of rubber boots hitting the floor. When I think of Farmhouse I think of a cold and contrived space, desperately trying and failing to evoke this feeling by filling every void with Rae Dunn pieces.

Farmhouse vs. “The Farmhouse”

Once upon a time there was no such thing as Farmhouse there was only “the Farmhouse”. The Farmhouse was big or small, and it was made of simple, easily accessible materials, and filled with functional items. Think exposed plumbing, galvanized metal, farm tools. There was never a decorative sign in the Farmhouse that said Farm Fresh Eggs, because everyone was too busy collecting, cooking, and eating farm fresh eggs. So when I say Farmhouse is dead, what I really want to see dead and gone is the manufactured and contrived Farmhouse aesthetic, and I want to see it replaced by warmth and authenticity.

Trying to replicate the feeling of being surrounded by animals and fields and dirt is going to be tricky in your downtown apartment. Hanging horse tack on the walls isn’t going to convince anyone that there is a horse right outside. Your home should be a reflection of who you are and the life you are living.

FarmHaus

Let’s refine and elevate into FarmHaus. Let’s take what works and leave the clutter behind.

Instead of a sign that says “ANTIQUES” consider bringing a couple of antiques or vintage pieces into your space. Found objects add a rustic charm without being too obvious.

Choose simple building materials like wood, brick, adobe, stone or plaster. Even if you are not building from the ground up, bringing in some of these elements adds an instant earthiness. A beautiful old wood bench is going to do more for your space than an entire home filled with “made to look old” grey laminate flooring.

Instead of numerous rooster embossed throw pillows, try more traditional farmhouse fabrics like florals and ginghams, paired with linen curtains. Ikea Hannalill Curtains in beige are a great inexpensive option.

Milk painted furniture is a staple of Farmhouse decor, but it is okay to stop after one piece. Keep the spirit of having a large space for family to gather. There is no law that saws you must pair Windsor back chairs with trestle tables. European Farmhouse style has so much depth and regional variety that everything feels timeless. The goal is to be effortless, not formulaic.

Take down the giant clock and pare down the gallery wall. Less wagon wheels are always more. Focus more on a focal point, and let walls breathe with some negative space. Cool white tones have their place, but opt for slightly warmer shades. Close your eyes and think about what you want your home to feel like. Is covering every wall in shiplap going to add to this? If your home is starting to seem more like a tv set it is time to say some goodbyes.