Farmhouse Blitz
My co-host and I start this track off by painting a vivid picture of what it’s like to take in all of Vermont’s natural summer beauty, a distinct celebration for all the senses. In the foreground of my mind, however, are the farmhouses that can been seen around almost every turn I take.
As an interior designer, I often find myself gravitating towards a few particular farmhouse styles, and since I live in Vermont, you can probably imagine why!
But before getting into the thick of the design discussion, leave it to me to catch you off guard with an unusual conversation about my thirsty cucumbers and how I give myself a perfect “10” when it comes to my passion for gardening. There’s a lot of chuckling after I dare Bo Derek to challenge me on this!
In the continued effort to uphold my modus operandi, I make the announcement of another unconventional choice for a podcast theme song, We’re an American Band by Grand Funk Railroad.
After all, how could this song possibly relate to farmhouse design? It’s SIMPLE, I’ll tell ya’…
I love to listen to music featuring COW BELLS!
I ask my co-host, “Have you ever noticed how people run to the dance floor like a herd of cattle when they hear cow bells?” I know I do!
While chatting it up about this Michigan-based band, I mention famous groupie, Connie Hamzy. I point out there’s a line in this song dedicated to Sweet, Sweet Connie. The two of us joke again…Perhaps I could become a groupie for my co-host’s band, and everyone would refer to me as Sweet, Sweet Lizzy!
It’s so easy for us to propagate more and more spin-off music talk, because we clearly love it! Keep the faith, though, because I do manage to turn this track around to inform listeners about my three favorite farmhouse design styles, something else I really, really love.
I begin the talk with describing the Early American Farmhouse style…
I not only provide a little history, I describe the typical furniture from this era as well as their signature characteristics. There’s even a few short lessons on pie safe and Windsor chair construction.
Stripes, Stripes, and more STRIPES! This farmhouse design is chocked full of reminders of furniture designed by our early American settlers and old-time farmers from the day. The grain sack fabric club chair has been a favorite of mine ever since I began studying interior design. The yellow fan-back Windsor chair is also a delightful accent for any farmhouse style room. Used in a bedroom, it’s the perfect choice for paring up with a rustic writing desk or a spot to plop yourself down to slide on your morning slips!
Both the armoire and nightstand are reminiscent of the Shaker style, another period, utilitarian furniture style. I decided to add a jute rug with a creme border, but the truth is, any jute rug will do. But…when it comes to selecting the best braided rug, there’s no room for compromise in my mind- Stroud Braided Rugs is my go to, cause I love this company!
All there’s left to do now is throw a farmhouse ticking duvet in red, a few more grain sack/floral pillows, and you’ll have this farmhouse bedroom design nailed down in no time flat!
Next up is what I like to refer to as Farmhouse Glitz…
You’ll surely want to stick around to hear about my romantic bedroom design. I’ll show you how complete opposites, rustic and glam, can work very well together.
I’m not going to waste a lotta time getting right to the one piece of furniture that serves as the inspiration for this farmhouse glitz bedroom…a French-inspired sofa (whoops, did I say French?) bonding together Louis XVI glamour with durable navy grain sack striped, linen upholstery. That, a bold print damask wallpaper and a romantic crystal chandelier matched up with a natural linen duvet with shams and a set of Vermont Country Store classic ball fringe curtains go on to prove that opposites really do attract…Like so many great couples, they balance each other out beautifully!
Finally, I get around to a style so many of us are just crazy about - Industrial Farmhouse!
I provide a comprehensive list of elements, once again, but get a hold of this- you’re also going to be hearing about an in-my-dreams NYC loft apartment! Let’s say this for now…Twiggy is our special guest.
Listen for yourself…
Locating industrial farmhouse lighting, seating, and tables is, fortunately, so easy nowadays, since this style is so widely popular. However, I spotted this side chair that I just couldn’t resist adding to this open concept, city loft design. You may be amazed to learn where I found it- not my typical place to shop!
You can also explore a bevy of Twiggy pop art right here. You never know what you’ll dig up!
Sure, you could consider taking down the Twiggy art to hang a flat screen television, but I have to warn you- she may hunt you down and haunt you…your decision.
We’re an American Band - Grand Funk Railroad
