DESIGNING YOUR HOUSE THE FARM HOUSE STYLE

The term farmhouse simply put means the house that serves as the main residence in an agricultural land. These types of houses were mostly built when man made materials were not accessible. The design of a farm house therefore depends on the geography, the climate, the people, the culture and the natural building materials available in the area. What this means is that a farmhouse, which in today’s world is mostly used just as a style, should be unpretentious, straightforward and as much as possible made from available natural building materials in the area where it is built. 

The design used and materials used should reflect the surrounding culture and climate. It should fit into the environment naturally. It doesn’t necessarily have to be built of mud, logs or stone; it could be built of brick or quarried stone.

The major characteristics of a farmhouse interior style are;

1.       Natural materials, textures and simple comfortable furniture

2.       Rush-matting and cane seating

3.       Use of natural wood

4.       It is not about overwrought iron, mock-rustic accessories but about an atmosphere of casual comfort and sturdy solidity

5.       Simplicity of the design

Real farmhouses have small windows that cannot be easily flung open; this is because most the day is spent in the farm and not in the house. However, a “farmhouse” built in town will need to have a window wide enough for airing and light. As much as possible the house should make use of natural light.

A farmhouse has a fireplace, both for keeping the house warm, and in other times just for decoration. The sitting arrangement is never formal. Comfort is key, the furniture, cushions and mattresses used should be very comfortable. Sinks, water systems and other essential accessories should also be installed to make the house comfortable. Lighting fixtures should be of very simple shapes. Decorations mostly involve vintage items and flowers.

Most parts of the farmhouse from the floor, the staircases to the ceiling are made of wood. Decoration is characterized by use of soft colours which are very close to natural shades. This makes the house look very natural and calm, and also brings in a sense of comfort.

             

The farmhouse bedroom is a soothing sanctuary. Even with its simplicity it is full of cozy bedding that make it very comfortable and peaceful. The colors used to decorate are calm and natural colors which create peace of mind whenever one gets into the bedroom.