Farmhouse style- perfect for using your vintage and antique pieces

Vintage and antique items fit right into a farmhouse home. Old windows, doors and furniture bring unique character and history into a space. They help tell a story which adds depth and interest to your home. These unique pieces have stood the test of time so also anchor in a testament for the future as well. Vintage and antique definitely tick the recycled and sustainable living box as well. Why recreate the wheel when with a bit of searching there are some amazing finds to be had in recycled / secondhand stores. I love the hunt of seeking out rustic, characterful furniture. For me personally the more shabby the better. I find often antique shops can be quite pricey but there are many other avenues to purchase quality vintage and antique items. Try trademe or Facebook marketplace. NZ has many amazing charity shops and markets are also on the increase. For the more hardy there is also the weekend garage sale rounds. So get vintage and antique shopping. Your home will love you for it!

Can country homes fit right into city living?

The country home moves to the city. One of the great things about New Zealand is the varied array of homes in our country. Unlike the streets of identical houses in eg the UK, New Zealand home owners can splash their home and decor tastes whichever way they please. So life in our big cities could absolutely reflect a farmhouse country style decor even in the heart of any CBD. Country style is often fairly neutral with lots of muted colours and rustic natural wood. Vintage and Character pieces can take the hard edge off concrete and hard surfaces. Farmhouse does not necessarily mean cows, chickens or sheep, but does encompass cosy, friendly and informal. So no barnyard but lots of warm, fuzzy and cuddly things!

Recycling is our Future

Sustainability is the catch phrase of the moment. Some might even say it seems over used. Personally I prefer the words Recycle-Renew-Restore-Relove when is comes to living sustainably in your home. It is amazing how someone else’s trash can truely be someone else’s treasure. Add to this, often with a lick of paint and some creativity new life can be breathed into the old, faded or tired. Vintage items in particular are well made and have already lasted the test of time. Vintage pieces are often at the heart of farmhouse country living, but even the most modern homes need a little vintage to bring balance and context to the shiny and new.

What I love about Farmhouse Decor

Things I love about Farmhouse decor- it is simplistic without being too fussy. Primarily it is a lot of whites and natural wood, mixed in with tinware, stoneware, baskets and boxes. Baskets can be both cane or wire baskets. Boxes can be painted, stencilled or rustic wood. Farmhouse decor or country cottage style is although a neutral pallet is layered with warm textures like blankets, throws and cushions. This all combined creates a cosy, interesting and characterful home.

Country Living

I feel privileged to live rurally in our insanely beautiful country of New Zealand. Green rolling hills, mountain backdrops, a multitude of trees and paddocks dotted with cows, horses, sheep and a full array of animals. Fitting perfectly into this scene is cosy country living homes. Homes that have a rustic farmhouse feel. Lots of whites and neutral colours combined with natural wood, greenery, textured fabrics and complimentary patterns. I personally also love a bit of hunting lodge decor. Antlers, comfy leather couches, chess sets, plaid woollen blankets and cow hides. Also a splash of industrial warms my heart, particularly pigeon hole and apothecary type pieces. ❤️ my farmhouse!

Recycled Repurposed Furniture

I love to find unique pieces of tired furniture and give them a new lease of life. My husband Marc has long since given up on rolling his eyes at me when I bring a sad and broken piece of furniture home. He has learnt not to judge a book by its cover as with a little imagination ugly ducklings can be transform into bespoke characterful pieces of furniture. My trademark style is distressed finished painted furniture. Chippy paint is my fave. Often it is as much about taking paint off as it is about putting it on. This creates very much a farmhouse rustic vibe. My husband calls it shabby shit (opps hope that is not a swear word!) but really it is fabulously shabby chic.

Farmhouse Decor Nostalgia

For me growing up in a farmhouse has possibly imprinted into me the need for cosy, quaint and characterful spaces to share with family and friends. I have always said that it is not so much about the ‘things’ in your house but more about creating inviting spaces that encourage gathering, conversing and just being together. Farmhouse, rustic decor is what I aim for to create this place for coffee, chats, food and of course wine! It has a warm, textured, natural feel. Cheers🥂🍻