Farmhouse style has been a top trend for some time now, so the look has now evolved in several ways. It is not a hard and fast style, and happily, it is open to interpretation by the occupants of the home where this style is employed. Generally, this style is not flashy or sleek. Rather, it is comfortable, easy care, and homey. The style is decidedly rustic by way of the use of shiplap, wainscotting, exposed beams, barn doors, reclaimed wood, and vintage accent pieces. Even kitchen cabinet might be fashioned using reclaimed wood. 
After all, the country lifestyle is simple and practical. Even so, this is a dynamic and eye-catching style which appeals to a wide range of people. The colour palette is pale and soothing, most often. Generally, light neutrals are used and only a few shades are used throughout the home. That being said, light neutrals just don’t do it for some people. As well, rich, dark neutrals look wonderful with reclaimed wood. 
Practical use of vintage pieces lends charm, as well as ambiance, to the rooms. A harvest table refinished to show the original wood is a terrific piece for this look. X-back chairs in a whitewashed finish add to the look. Scraped, limed and whitewashed finishes on doors, window frames, flooring, and furniture are features of this style. 
The look need not be entirely casual. A button tufted sofa with ornate wood trim reupholstered in natural linen is terrific with this look. You can see how well the rich, dark neutral wall colour complements the old wood of the dining table. Cane back chairs also enhance the room design. for some, the crystal chandelier is too feminine and ornate a look. This could be replaced with a light fixture that is still rustic but with cleaner lines. The grass window shades complement the aged wood in the table, dining chairs, and tufted sofa. Along this same idea, the buffet hutch would also be to feminine looking for some farmhouse style fans. Just swapping out the hardware with a cleaner-lined choice in perhaps black iron would really enhance the overall finish of the room, making it more farmhouse, less Victorian.
Speaking of hardware, barn doors are an almost essential feature of the farmhouse style. Nothing says farmhouse better than a distressed old door on barn hardware. Wainscotting, as well, adds an old time look. Ladder shelving is another nice addition to this farmhouse chic look. 
Farmhouse lighting is a look in itself. Polished chrome, hammered copper, wrought iron and antiqued bronze finishes lend ambiance to farmhouse lighting. Notice the bell jar fixtures in the room below. It suits the rough hewn overhead beams in the ceiling and the reclaimed wood furnishings. In addition, exposed ceiling rafters and door headers are a charming detail. Country style decorating of the 1980’s bears no resemblance to this chic and breezy style. Ceilings are clad in wood, kitchen cabinets are bead board, there is open shelving near the sink, and there are plank floors. Concrete countertops are a terrific and practical look in a farmhouse kitchen. Honed granite or non-porous soapstone counters are also excellent, and the soapstone will age to a beautiful dark finish over the years. Zinc topped counters are another interesting way to complete a farmhouse kitchen. Farmhouse sinks with apron front construction in copper, granite, fireclay or stainless are an iconic element, along with textured glass cabinet doors. Beaded board can be used as a backsplash, edged in mosaic tile or molding.
Chipped paint on an old door or funky chair can be just the right finishing touch to this look, along with board and batten wall cladding. Accessories in galvanized steel, chipped enamel, or white porcelain with barnyard beginnings can be adapted for use in the city farmhouse. Embossed tin tiles can be used on ceilings as they once were, but can also be used as a backsplash or a single artwork. If you’re very lucky, you might even be able to swing a wraparound porch.
Call Mulberry Interiors now at (905) 849-6423 to book a consultation. We look forward to working with you to increase your enjoyment of your home.
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