Earth tones are the latest trend taking interior design by storm. It’s warm, soothing, and versatile enough to find a place in any design scheme. From minimalism to farmhouse, you can use earth tones as accent colors or as a foundation for bright pops of color. If you’re curious about earth tones and want to use them in your house, keep reading for some ideas. 

What are Earth tones?

Generally speaking, earth tones are colors you would find in nature. These shades are inspired by the outside, so think blue skies, green leaves, browns, and reds. You won’t find any neons or bright shades but earth tones can be vibrant and saturated. They tend to be warm colors but you will also find mossy greens, olives, and navy blues in earth tones. 

One thing most earth tones have in common is a brownish undertone. Turmeric, terracotta, ochre, rusty orange are examples of earth tones that can be vibrant. These colors add warmth to any room, so use them if you want cozy vibes.

Earth tones have been around for a while, so why the sudden popularity? The pandemic has forced most people to spend way more time at home than ever before. It’s not surprising that redecorating and home improvement projects have skyrocketed. Earth tones are seeing a resurgence as homeowners want their homes to feel comfortable and inviting.

Versatile fit any space or decor

Earth tones are very versatile and you can use them in any room, no matter the interior design. These shades can add warmth to a minimalist bathroom or make a traditional living room feel cozier. You can use them in a kitchen, bedroom, or library. Brown and red shades can work as a backdrop for any bright mid-century dining room and create the perfect ambiance for a farmhouse-style kitchen. You’ll never run out of ideas to use earth tones around the house   

Calm, grounded, and comforting

Earth tones are soothing to the eye, reducing visual strain. Warm browns and deep reds work well in rooms with large windows and greenery. It grounds the space, making it blend into a garden or backyard. Because these colors are what we see when we go outside, they create a sense of familiarity and comfort. With home interiors moving away from the minimalist look, warm earth shades are a welcome respite from the cool colors of the last few decades.

Neutrals with a twist

What comes to mind when you think of neutrals? White, beige, and grey. If you wish to get away from using the same neutral colors everywhere, earth tones fit the bill. Think of them as a bold neutral and you can create amazing palettes with them. They can serve as a neutral base and allow other colors to shine or work as accent colors in their own right. 

Usable in all seasons

You can use earth tones throughout the year, although fall is when these colors are most abundant in nature. Use earth tones to introduce warmth to a large and cold room, making it cozy through the winter. They also work as a wonderful backdrop to a summery color palette of blues and yellows. Earth tones will shine no matter the season. 

Earth tones in the kitchen

Earth tones can work as accent colors or a bold, neutral base. So you can paint the kitchen walls in taupe or warm brown shades. You can also choose dark cabinets and pair them with a white countertop for some vibrancy.

On a smaller scale, you can introduce earth tones by displaying accent bowls in shades of reds, browns, and golds. Showcase small appliances on the countertop and minimize the use of visible metals in the room. Try adding a washable rug or other textural contrasts for an earthy and inviting kitchen.

Earth tones in the bathroom

Most people associate earth tones with kitchens and living rooms but you can use them everywhere. Even bedrooms and bathrooms can benefit by introducing some warm earth colors. Mustard, turmeric, chocolate, and terracotta work well in bathrooms. 

If you’re building or remodeling the bathroom, you start with a blank canvas. Tiles and paint are a great way to add earth tones in browns, reds, and warm greens. You can create custom designs with multi-colored tiles or add decals to existing walls. Another easy way to add earth tones is by using unique sinks and faucets. You’re no longer restricted to boring white or steel for bathroom sinks. So choose stone or glass vessel sinks in earthy tones for the vanity. 

Even if you’re not ripping out tile or repainting the bathroom, you can add earth tones via accessories. Soap dishes, towel rods, and hooks, as well as bath towels or shower curtains, are good opportunities to use earth tones. 

Rustic is a word often thrown around a lot of design styles, so it can be hard to pin down what rustic actually refers to. You might see the term used for a home with a beach cottage vibe as well as a rambling shabby chic farmhouse! If you’re interested in creating a rustic space in your home, it’s entirely possible and you don’t have to live in a log cabin either.

What is rustic design?

Before you dive into buying pieces or repainting the walls, you need to know the basic characteristics of rustic design. Most people think of exposed wooden beams or dark, foreboding fireplaces in the lounge. While these are certainly rustic elements, you don’t have to use them if it doesn’t fit your home. Whether you are remodeling your entire home or just want a rustic style family room, here are a few main things to consider:

• A rustic space emphasizes nature

This may seem obvious but rustic design emphasizes nature and borrows elements from outside. Specifically, any rustic area tends to evoke the feel of a woodsy forest or mountainside log cabin. It should be warm, inviting, and homey. Stepping into the room should make you feel relaxed and comfortable. That is the essence of a rustic space. 

 As you can see, rustic doesn’t necessarily mean putting wood and stone on all the walls. You can highlight specific architectural details like a cozy nook or a fireplace with rustic elements. If you don’t have a wall of stone or exposed wooden beams, you can still recreate the aesthetic with wooden furniture and inviting rugs on the floor.

• Pick a warm and earthy color palette

You won’t find any bright splashes of color or a rainbow of tones in a rustic room. Pick a limited or monochrome color scheme for your rustic areas.  The emphasis is more on muted, warm, and earthy tones. Neutrals like warm greys, browns, and reds are welcome here. You can add other earthy shades like olive green or terracotta as well.

Use the color of the furniture as a starting point for your color palette. Add other pieces in various tones and pick complementary colors for the fabrics. Avoid pastel tones and bright colors.

• Avoid anything with a sheen or polish

Rustic design is cozy and warm, which means nothing with a sheen or polish. This means no modern materials like plastics or glossy metal. Elements made from iron or oil-rubbed bronze are the exception since they present a matte finish.

The same principle applies to fabrics as well. You will not find any silk, velvet, or other high gloss materials in any rustic space. Consider materials like burlap, canvas, jute, and cotton instead.

• Rustic elements are unfinished, gritty, and handmade

Since rustic design draws inspiration from nature, you won’t find polished furniture pieces. Think wooden furniture with obvious grain or untreated/partially treated materials. You will find a variety of textures around the room.

If you’re lucky enough to find vintage pieces or items made from reclaimed wood, these will fit in any rustic space easily. You can often find sellers online who will undertake commissions for wooden furniture or decor items. It will take time but you’re likely to end up with a unique space by using handmade pieces.

• Furniture leans towards heavy pieces with simple lines

Rustic furniture tends to be heavy, you won’t find any minimalism here! However, the pieces themselves are still simple and feature clean lines. This allows the natural materials to shine through, especially wood and stone. You won’t find matching sets or perfectly coordinating pieces in any rustic home. 

Ideas for rustic design

You can apply rustic design to any room in the house including the bedroom and bathrooms. If you don’t want to go all out, then use furniture and fabrics to create a rustic-inspired aesthetic. 

If you have a fireplace in the living room or master bedroom, it’s a great place to start. Frame the mantle with dark woods or stone tile. Use similar colors when selecting the bigger furniture like the couch and coffee tables. If you don’t have the luxury of exposed beams or stone walls, try using wallpaper or decals with a wood grain pattern. 

For a master bedroom, consider using an oversize wooden headboard and frame. Use colors like warm terracotta or deep green for the sheets and window treatments. Use the color palette to make the room look rustic.

The kitchen is probably the easiest place to create a rustic feel. Use a dark wooden finish for the cabinets and avoid white countertops. Get cabinet handles and faucets in a matte finish like oil-rubbed bronze. A farmhouse-style sink with an apron front is the perfect finishing touch!

The faucet is one of the busiest tools in any kitchen and is quite often the focal point in kitchen design. Whether you are redesigning the complete kitchen or just want a quick refresh, replacing the faucet can work wonders. But this decision can feel overwhelming, what with the number of options available in the market today. Between materials, looks, and features, you have hundreds of options regardless of your budget. 

Looks don’t matter, much

The looks and finish of the kitchen faucet matter a lot and you’d definitely want something that matches the rest of the kitchen hardware (like cabinet handles). However, looks do not matter much when it comes to selecting a faucet model. It’s more important to focus on the features and size. Once you’ve decided on the must-have features, you can find almost always model in the look and finish you want.

Materials and finish

That being said, some finishes do affect how often you need to clean the faucet or the long-term durability of the spout. For instance, chrome is the most durable finish and the easiest to keep clean. So in a high-traffic area like the kitchen, chrome makes sense. 

Other options include satin nickel (also called stainless steel) and oil-rubbed bronze. Both are quite durable finishes but less so than chrome. They also show water spots and you’d need to clean them more often. However, if those finishes match your kitchen design, then you need not worry too much about the durability.

Features to look for

Pull out vs pull-down spouts

Pull-down spouts attach to a rubber hose that offers better reach to fill large pots or to reach the corners of a large sink. With a high arch, they add a dramatic flair to any modern kitchen. Pull-out spouts offer the same functionality but pull out towards you rather than down into the sink. They have a lower profile, so it’s a good choice if you have a shelf above the sink.

Spout height and reach

A tall spout adds flair and looks amazing but may not fit the space above your sink. You also need to consider the size of the sink. Faucets with smaller reach may not access the corners of a large sink or a 3-bowl sink. You might also end up splashing water behind the spout if you select one with a smaller reach. A short pull-out spout might be your best option if you don’t have a lot of space around the sink.

Installation type

Unless you’re replacing the current sink, you need to match the number of holes available to the faucet. Many sinks have 3 holes to accommodate a two-handle faucet but many homeowners now prefer single-handle spouts. The faucet may include a plate to cover the extra holes or you can purchase one separately. You can also use extra holes for a soap dispenser to reduce clutter on the sink counter. 

Valves

There are different materials brands use when it comes to valves but ceramic offers the best long-term durability and virtually eliminates repairs. Avoid plastic valves as they will start to leak quite soon. Don’t hesitate to spend a bit more to make sure you get a faucet with ceramic valves. 

Smart functions

Many modern faucets come with electronic controls or motion sensors to add functionality. For instance, you can tap the spout or wave your hand to turn on the faucet. This is helpful if your hands are dirty or if you have young children who can’t reach the handle. Remember that these faucets are a bit more expensive and require a power source nearby. 

Spray functions

Another feature you might consider is the type of sprays you can get from the faucet. Some manufacturers offer multiple spray options like drizzle, spray boost, ring spray, pause, etc. These can add a boost to your water pressure or reduce splatter. A pause button lets you stop and restart without the faucet switching back to the default spray option. 

Wall or deck-mount

Deck-mounted models are more common among kitchen faucets with a dizzying array of options available. Wall-mounted options save on space, hence commonly used in industrial and hospitality environments. If you have a small sink or not much free space on the counter, then a wall-mounted design may be preferable. 

Budget considerations

A good quality faucet with basic features will run you between $65 to $100. Models with electronic functions or smart technologies can cost more. While that is a baseline, you can end up spending quite a bit more on the faucet. Fancier models with stunning designs can cost more than $300 – $500. 

Keep in mind that these faucets are not necessarily better quality, it’s more about the looks.  If you’re on a really tight budget, you can get a basic model with fewer features but make sure it has ceramic valves for durability. 

Selecting a bathroom tile can be a frustrating process. After all, there are just so many options out there. The tile can set the mood and overall aesthetic of the bathroom, so of course, you want to pick the right one. But walk into any tile shop and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. 

Whether you’re considering a major renovation or a small upgrade, here are some things to keep in mind when choosing bathroom tile.

• Pick your budget and materials

As with any remodel, it’s important to set your budget first for several reasons. 

First, it helps you narrow the available choices, so you don’t have a hundred options on the list. Second, it will stop you from overspending on any single area. Remember that you may have other things to budget for such as installation cost, buying the vanity and cabinets, etc. 

Third, your budget will dictate the choice of material for bath tile. You might like the look of marble but it is expensive to buy and maintain. Ceramic and porcelain are the two most popular options and work well in humid areas such as bathrooms. Natural stone tile looks exquisite but requires sealing and seals in more moisture. So it may not be the best choice for most homes.

Remember that you will need tile for the floors, walls, and other areas depending on your bathroom configuration. Ideally, you would cover the shower stall with tiles up to the ceiling. It will make the overall space look bigger. Purchasing expensive tile quickly adds up.

• Choose the color scheme

Consider the overall look and feel of the bathroom, as well as its purpose. You may want completely different colors in the master bath and children’s bathroom. Lighter colors work well in small bathrooms, making them feel spacious especially if you don’t have a window there. A large bathroom with several windows is suitable for darker shades and you can experiment with different colors here.

Most bathrooms are small areas, so don’t pick more than 2 – 3 colors for the space. If you want to demarcate separate areas (tub, shower, vanity, etc.) use tile in the same color but in different shades. Make sure the color scheme fits with the overall look of your home as well. A traditional-styled bathroom next to a modern master bedroom can be jarring. 

Similarly, some colors work well with certain design choices. A rustic bathroom may use shades of warm reds and greens whereas a modern bath would be perfect in white or neutrals. 

• Consider textures and patterns

Wet bathroom floors can be slippery, so you want a tile that will prevent falls. But you can choose different textures for other areas such as above the vanity. If you have the budget, glass tiles can look gorgeous in any color but it’s not advisable for high traffic areas such as a guest bath or kids bathroom. Glass tiles are perfect for the space next to or above the vanity rather than the floor.

Feel free to experiment with creating patterns using colors as well. For example, you can use white subway tile in the shower with a splash of blue tile for the final few inches near the ceiling to create a striking effect.

• Tile size – big or small?

Big tile sizes are all the rage right now but you can use multiple sizes in one room. If you have a bench in the shower, bigger tile will feel more comfortable for sitting. Smaller tiles are perfect if you want to create an intricate pattern or outline the edges around the tub. So consider using different tile sizes based on your needs.

The size of tile plays an important role in maintenance, installation cost, and working in tricky areas. For instance, using bigger tiles on a wall with several windows means your design could end abruptly. Smaller tiles will help you build around such areas. Similarly, intricate mosaic looks good but can be tricky to install driving up the cost of installing it.

• Pick one main feature and build around it

This main feature can be anything – a gorgeous free-standing tub in the middle of the room, a focus wall with several large windows, an alcove containing your vanity, etc. Select the color, material, and size for that tile first. You will find it easier to select tiles for the less important areas based on that focus feature. Suppose your main bathroom wall has a large green pattern, you can choose smaller tiles in the same or lighter shades for the other walls.

Many people go overboard when remodeling and want to highlight everything! This makes the room look chaotic instead of relaxing. So stick to one main feature and build the remaining space around it.

After a year spent entirely inside the home, it’s no wonder decorating trends are moving towards a calm and relaxed look. This is especially true of bathrooms, which are most likely the hardest working area in your house. You start the day here and most people end it here as well. So why not create a space that you can relax in and will also rejuvenate you for the day ahead?

Nothing says rest and relaxation quite like nature. That’s why bathrooms in 2021 are taking inspiration from nature when it comes to colors, materials, and overall design. Whether you’re considering a complete redesign or just a quick update, here are a few tips to create a nature-inspired bathroom:

Use green

Perhaps the easiest way to evoke nature in your bathroom is to use a green color palette. You can use green in several ways:

• Use dark forest green on one wall that will serve as a focus wall. Depending on your bathroom configuration, you can set off your vanity or bathtub perfectly against this background
• Use different shades of green throughout the bathroom in the form of patterned wallpaper or even decals
• If you want a calm and soothing room, then you can use pastel green or light green for the walls. This will work well if you intend to use dark woods elsewhere

Natural materials

Another tip is to use more natural materials where you can. Any materials that can withstand the humidity and moisture in a bathroom are good to use. Consider using wicker baskets to hold your bath accessories and cosmetics. It serves to minimize clutter on the vanity counter and introduces a warm element to the space.

Other materials that work well are wood and bamboo. If you have the room, you can add a wooden storage bench to keep extra towels and the like. You can bamboo accessories for toothbrushes, bath products, and other small items. 

If you have a huge tub that is the focus of the room, you can also use a bamboo platter to arrange bath items like bath bombs, essential oils, a book, etc. 

Add plants

Even if you have a small bathroom, you can always add a touch of greenery with potted plants. Ideally, you should select plants that like humid conditions but even succulents can work well here. For larger bathrooms, you can even hang plants from the ceiling in wicker or linen baskets.

Larger plants in big pots can also work as dividers in a large room or to create private areas within a larger bathroom. 

Use nature-inspired shapes and patterns

You would be surprised at how many ways you can use patterns and shapes within the bathroom. If you have the space for a rub, then try using one in a giant leaf shape or a carpet with small leaves as a pattern. Other ways you can use patterns are:

• Wallpaper with leaf/garden/flower patterns
• Select a tile pattern in greens, browns, or warm reds
• Create your own patterns with different colored tiles

Use lighting to great effect

The smart bathroom is no longer a dream of the future. Smart bathrooms are already here, from smart speakers to play music to smart lights that change according to your mood. Lighting plays a very important role in bathroom design, so experiment with using different kinds of lights such as LED strips and color-changing smart bulbs.

You can also use hidden lights to great effect with diffuse lighting. Try using LED lights behind tall cabinets so they reflect light off the ceiling. In fact, you can also connect your lights with smart speakers so that the lighting changes with the music.

Arrange bath fixtures strategically

Whether you have a small or large bathroom, there are ways to position bath fixtures to highlight some areas. For instance, a glass-enclosed shower stall works better than a tub in a small bathroom. If you can, position the shower stall next to some windows so you get plenty of natural light.

For larger bathrooms, you can try using a bathtub that is inset into the floor or a free-standing tub. The inset bathtub will evoke a forest pool or garden lake, especially if you use decor items strategically. Arrange some potted plants next to the pool or use some blue tiles to mimic a natural pool.

A free-standing tub offers different possibilities. If you can position it in the middle of the room, it will naturally become the focus. If you have the luxury of a corner bathroom that has some privacy, you can even knock down a wall and replace it with glass. Imagine being able to relax in your tub while looking into your garden!

Thinking of transforming your home but bored with recent trends like minimalism? If you’re going for a luxurious or glamorous design style, look no further than Art Deco. This design trend dominated the first few decades of the 20th century. It’s one of those iconic looks that most people cannot define, yet they know it when they see it. It’s no wonder that At Deco is still popular, even a hundred years later.

If you’re someone who loves bold and dramatic spaces or you cannot pass up a geometric pattern, then Art Deco is for you. It incorporates geometric patterns, rich colors, and ornate details. An Art Deco-inspired room is luxurious and elegant, inviting and sophisticated. 

How to use Art Deco style

The Art Deco style suits larger homes perfectly with room for big furniture pieces and dramatic visual flair. It can be hard to use the Art Deco style in a smaller house or apartment but it’s not impossible. The key is to use Art Deco elements in crucial areas. If you live in a smaller space, you can always add a few touches here and there instead of redesigning your entire home.

Bold and rich colors

Art Deco throws the door wide open when it comes to selecting colors. Forget about neutrals or pastel shades. It’s all about bold, unconventional colors that add drama to ay room. If you like jewel tones or deep, dark shades, then you’ll feel right at home. Experiment to your heart’s content with forest greens, dark blues, and even black.

You can apply the color palette to your windows treatments, wall paint, or furniture. Paint one wall in a deep jewel tone and stage your biggest furniture or favorite art piece against that background. If you rent or live in a small home, try using wallpaper or decals instead of paint. If you have an entryway, foyer, or other niche areas, you can add Art Deco elements without going all out.

Geometric patterns

Art Deco style

Geometric patterns and shapes tend to be unfashionable in modern home decor but not when you use them in Art Deco style. Geometric shapes can pop up anywhere from bathroom tile to furniture and mirrors. Play with unusually shaped mirrors such as large ovals or create a focus wall with smaller mirror shapes. 

You can also incorporate metallic finishes in creative ways. Gold, bronze, and copper jeweled tones feel right at home here. Where can you use these metallic finishes? Frame your artwork in a gold finish or use a coffee table with metallic accents. You can also use metallic fabrics to enhance the glam look.

Luxurious materials

Speaking of fabrics, opt for velvet or silk where possible. Art Deco emphasizes luxury and glamour and that means going for heavier fabrics. Similarly, when it comes to wood furniture, pick heavier and darker woods that lend themselves to bigger pieces. The whole effect should make you feel like you stepped into the pages of The Great Gatsby.

A large, ornate velvet couch may not be feasible for a small living room. But you can still use the same materials for a curtain or to upholster an ottoman. 

Ornate and symmetrical design

When it comes to details, the Art Deco style features ornate and intricate designs. Whether it’s bigger furniture like a couch or smaller elements like a frame, it’s all about the extras. Many designers will even change the molding and trim inside a house to achieve a complete look. 

Don’t forget to work in pairs or aim for symmetry when possible. For instance, hang two pictures on either side of the fireplace or frame a large couch with two smaller side tables. You can apply the same principle in your bedroom as well. Frame a large headboard with nightstands on either side. Or center your seating around a large mirror against one wall. 

Lighting, mirror, and glass

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to bring Art Deco into your home. Focus on light fixtures with bold shapes and reflective, metallic elements. You cal also use mirrors extensively and effectively in this style. If you’re ever dreamed of covering an entire wall with mirrors, now’s your chance! The best part of using lights in this way is that even a small room can benefit from adding a large light fixture.

Don’t forget about lights in your kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom as well. It’s easy to focus on a big chandelier for the living room or foyer. But smaller and more functional light can also look decorative. Try using big, brass pendant lights for the kitchen, or use metallic wall lights in the bedroom. Look for pieces that use metals and glass. If you’re on a budget, flea markets and antique shops are a gold mine for Art Deco-inspired pieces that won’t break your wallet.

Decorating a room or an entire house is not an easy task. Even if you know the look you’re going for, finding the pieces that you and your family like can be difficult. But what if you like 2 different interior style trends and want to incorporate both? It’s not as hard as it looks since many trends have at least a few elements in common. The key is finding those commonalities and using them to your advantage.

Mixing summer beach house and urban city trends

Some people have a vacation home or a beach house to get away from work. But you don’t need a separate beach house to bring that style into the place where you live all the time. With many people working from home, you may want a room that is functional, yet relaxing. Or you might want to mix the aesthetic of a beach house with the modern feel of urban city living.

So here’s how to mix both trends and create something your family can enjoy together:

Common traits

Whenever you think of mixing different decor trends, look for the common elements you can find in both. With beach house and urban city styles, a few common elements you can use include:

1. Open and airy interiors
2. Light hues and white rooms
3. A minimalist approach to furniture
4. The use of natural elements 
5. Decorate with house plants

Open and airy interiors

Clutter is the enemy of most design trends and it tends to make a small room feel even smaller. Interiors should feel open and airy, filled with natural light from large windows or glass doors. Welcome the summer sunshine by keeping the curtains open and using light fabrics for window treatments. 

If you already have furniture in the room, you can try taking everything out first. Then bring in one piece at a time to see if they fit the space and work well together. You might find that you don’t need as many pieces as you thought.

White rooms and light colors

Both design trends use light hues and even white rooms to serve as the basic foundation. You can then add in accent colors like blues, greens, beige, khaki, and even light grey. You can use these colors in several ways such as painting an accent wall or hanging artwork. You want to play up the abundance of natural light, so white is a great choice. You can also go for pastel yellow, ivory, or similar hues.

Keep it simple

Beach houses only have furniture or decor that helps you relax. Urban city design emphasizes the use of multi-functional pieces. As you can see, both trends tend toward minimalism in terms of furniture. Look for good quality pieces that will last the test of time. 

Instead of using a big sectional in the living room, break up the seating into multiple light pieces. Use a loveseat with a lounge-style chair or mix and match eclectic pieces. Combine a small couch with ottomans or even an open-back chaise. Just remember that the furniture shouldn’t take up all the space in the room. 

Natural materials

Both decor trends use natural and light materials. Don’t use a lot of metal, stone, or dark wood. Use lighter woods like bamboo, maple, and white oak. These materials not only make the pieces feel lighter but also take up less space visually.  This can be a boon for smaller rooms or even for large rooms where you want to carve out specific areas like a library and office. 

Other natural materials you can use are linen, wicker, rattan, and cotton. Rugs, pillow covers, slipcovers for the couch, curtains are all places where you can use these summer fabrics. Try to keep shine, glitter, and polish to a minimum. Opt for matte or even unfinished pieces to create a more relaxed environment.

Add some plants

Mention the beach and most people think of swaying palm trees. While it may not be practical to bring them inside your house, you can always add some plants to any room. Train creepers to grow down from the top of a bookshelf or hang some pots near the door. You can also use larger potted plants as room dividers. These work much better than plonking a large shelf or similar piece in the middle of your room.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when decorating your home is that you have to like the end result and live with it. Even if it means using a couch that doesn’t exactly fit the style you’re going for. You can always find ways to make it work. So enjoy your new room and don’t worry too much about breaking some arbitrary design rules!

It seems everyone wants a spacious farmhouse-style kitchen that has the perfect mix of modern and rustic elements. These kitchens often star in home renovation shows and appear on magazine covers. If you getting ready to renovate or remodel your kitchen, here are a few tips to help you achieve the farmhouse look.

What is a farmhouse kitchen?

As you might guess, the farmhouse kitchen draws inspiration from the large and inviting kitchen you would find on a farm. There are a few basic elements that are almost indispensable in any farmhouse kitchen but as with all decor rules, it’s all about knowing when to break them. 

The farmhouse-style kitchen is warm and inviting, yet quite simple. It’s meant to make your guests feel at home and is often a gathering place for the family. In direct contrast to many modern kitchens with sleek stainless steel appliances and cold marble countertops, the farmhouse kitchen features warm woods and natural materials. You’ll hardly find any metallic elements in a farmhouse kitchen, except for maybe some wrought iron fixtures. 

While you can add some farmhouse elements to a small kitchen, the typical farmhouse-style kitchen tends to be spacious. They’re often large enough to incorporate an island and an overly large dining table. This decor style is quite flexible so don’t think you have to add every element listed here. Pick and choose what works for your space, even if you don’t have the ideal cooking range or apron front sink.

• Light colors

The color palette for a farmhouse kitchen tends to be light and airy. Consider colors like yellow, jade green, light blue, or neutrals like ivory or beige for the walls. You’ll use a lot of warm woods throughout, so consider the best tones to offset it. 

• Sinks

A farmhouse kitchen is incomplete without a sink to match. Also called apron front sinks, they are large, made of porcelain, and feature a single bowl. These sinks are typically white and hang over the top of your cabinets. If your kitchen cannot hold a farmhouse sink, then try getting a smaller one in a similar style. Most farmhouse layouts will position the sink near a window but it may not work for all homes. 

• Hardwood floors

You’ll seldom find tile or marble in a farmhouse kitchen. It’s all about the hardwood floors here. They look cozy and feel great under your feet and it’s the perfect excuse to extend your gorgeous floors throughout the house.

• Wood countertops or an island

Wood countertops or butcher-block style counters are a great option. They are easy to maintain and can withstand heavy use. If you don’t want wooden countertops throughout, you can use an island with a wooden top instead. Or you can mix and match with butcher block style on one side and other materials elsewhere.

• Large dining table

Most farmhouse kitchens are large enough for both an island and a dining table. These tables tend to be large (seating 8) and made out of solid wood. Some homeowners even get tables that use wooden planks to resemble the classic farm table. If your kitchen isn’t big enough, try to use a large island that can also double as a place to eat for everyone.

• Exposed wood beams

If your kitchen has exposed wood beams and a sloping roof, then you don’t need anything else to make it feel rustic. These beams add interest and will mirror the hardwood floors to great effect.

• Light/white cabinets

Opt for white shaker-style cabinets to pair with your wooden countertops to evoke warmth. Other pale neutrals like ivory also work well. These colors are inviting and open up the room, especially when you use so many wooden accents throughout.

• Open or glass front shelving

If you’re looking to add smaller farmhouse elements to an existing kitchen, open shelves are your best bet. Use them to display white dishes, antique cookware, or even mason jars filled with pantry staples. If open shelving is not an option, try glass-fronted cabinets to replicate the see-through effect. 

• Colorful appliances

Stainless steel appliances can work in a modern farmhouse kitchen but try to use other colors instead. Manufacturers now offer small and big appliances in eye-popping colors like candy red and electric blue. You can even add a farmhouse-style cooking range if your budget allows for it!

• Oil rubbed bronze or black fittings

Generally, the few metallic accents you see in a farmhouse kitchen are the cabinet pulls and the faucet. Opt for fittings in oil-rubbed bronze or black finishes that will fit in with the rest of your kitchen. You can also try less common finishes like copper or rose gold instead of satin nickel.

Summer is almost upon us and with spring cleaning done, what better time to redecorate your home for the warmer days ahead? You don’t have to switch up your decor for every season but a few simple changes can bring summer vibes indoors.

Small changes, big impact

Not everyone can or even wants to do a big remodel for the summer. But if you’re looking for a change, then think on a smaller scale. You don’t necessarily have to buy new furniture or change the paint color on the walls. Instead, think about small changes that can have a big visual impact. 

For instance, changing the cushion covers on your couch to lighter fabrics or colors can make a huge difference. Now that summer is here, you can try your hand at growing some easy-care indoor plants. Or you can even just swap some accessories between different rooms for a whole new look.

You’ll be amazed at what you can with stuff you already have! Curtain fabrics, sheet sets, cushion covers, and pillows alone can make any room feel new. So if you’re looking for ideas on getting your home ready for summer, keep reading!

• Lighter spaces

The key to summer decor is light and breezy. Think light colors, light fabrics, and even light woods. Instead of heavy furniture in dark woods, try lighter tones such as bamboo or rattan. Pair these pieces with covers or pillows in ivory, beige, and other neutral or pastel colors. 

This simple change will make small rooms feel bigger and you can do this whether you own or rent your home. While you don’t have to embrace the minimalist style, eliminating visual clutter will always make the room feel light and bright.

• Make a statement with color

Sun, surf, and sand are the symbols of summer everywhere. So why not be inspired by summer colors like the golden sand and bright blue skies? Blues and yellows in all their glorious shades will look right at home in your living room or bedroom for that summer look.

Pair deep blue accent pieces with pastel yellow furniture covers. Or go the other way round by using light cerulean blues with burnished gold or yellow tones. You can use these colors anywhere, don’t limit yourself to just the big furniture items like couches and chairs. 

Framed artwork, coffee table accessories, pillows, and throw rugs offer plenty of opportunities to showcase summer colors.

• Incorporate natural elements

Natural materials and fabrics are ideally suited for the summer months. Materials like rattan, wicker, and jute are light and airy. Switch your pillow covers to cotton and linen materials for that summer vibe. Few people want to buy two sets of furniture for their house, one for winter and another for summer. But having covers, sheets, and curtains in different fabrics can easily help you achieve a summer/winter look. Not only is it easy to do but your wallet will thank you as well!

• Showcase your green thumb

What better way to welcome summer than by growing some plants? You can use potted plants in creative ways to section some space in a large room. Large potted plants act as quite effective barriers if you have a study/living room or bedroom/office situation. 

Don’t just stick to the standard pots and plants. For instance, try growing some vines on a nearby sculpture or a free-standing shelf. You can hang pots with cascading plants from the ceiling or put them on top of tall bookcases to great effect. Get a decorative ladder and put vines or cascading plants on the top shelf and knick-knacks on the other shelves. 

• Bring the sun indoors

Summer means sunshine and what better way to celebrate than by bringing it inside? If you have small windows, try keeping them open to let the light in. Use sheer curtains as they will instantly make the room feel like summer. 

If you have large windows, accentuate their effect by framing them effectively. Use curtains in lighter fabrics that just touch the floor. Also, try to hang curtains as high as you can to make the room feel bigger. 

• Decorate the porch

Nothing says summer like a great outdoor area. Whether you have a small balcony or a large patio, get it ready for summer. Hang a string of garden lights on the trees or a railing to spend a cozy evening outside. Bust out the outdoor chairs and set out a few candles. 

You can also use the tiny fairy lights on your porch. Fill up a mason jar or two with them or twist them around the candles. You can even hang them up on a wall in a nice pattern. Place a few flowering plants around and viola, your home is set to welcome summer in all its glory!