Recreating the Farmhouse Aesthetic

by Lauren Busser, Direct from the Designers™' Editorial Director

The farmhouse has been a growing fixture these last couple of years. To many the American farmhouse represents ingenuity, self-reliance and architectural heritage. Today, you can find not only historical farmhouses but also the essence of the style, sensitively reinterpreted by a number of interior designers.

The key to a traditional farmhouse look is to keep it simple. With a focus on light and airy design and beautiful natural details, you can see everything from painted wood walls to modern style tile in a farmhouse kitchen.

There are plenty of elements to farmhouse style that you may incorporate into your design and there are lots of ways you can update it, too.

One time-honored staple of the farmhouse kitchen that's making a seamless transition into modern interiors is the apron-front sink. It's long been a favorite of homeowners as it reflects a hard-working history, filling the roles of everything from canning station to a washbasin for dogs and small children. While remaining an iconic element in traditional kitchens they are becoming more popular in contemporary spaces too, thanks to fresh twists on colors, materials and new installation options.

Apron-front sinks appeal because they blend form and function seamlessly. They are large enough to accommodate oversized cookware and cookie sheets, and can create a stunning focal point. They're also ergonomically friendly since they are often oriented farther forward than typical drop-in or under-mount sinks.

The Northern Roots bathroom is the perfect example of combining elements of farmhouse style into a home. While the wall color may be more contemporary all the fixtures are classic silhouettes, creating a middle ground between traditional and contemporary bathrooms.

One of the many charms of a farmhouse design is that it invokes memories of a simpler time, and has a storied appearance. Don't be afraid to incorporate vintage pieces. And do indulge your design with personal touches, antiques and family heirlooms to personalize and complete the look in a way that makes it unmistakably your own.