Q: I'd like to mix a bit of farmhouse style into my mostly mod aesthetic. I'm not really into ruffles, chintz, or decorative chickens, but I love the simpler look, as represented by this photo (at left). I'd love some inspiration in the form of books, magazines, and blogs. Any suggestions?
Sent by Kelly
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Sprout Side Table
The magazine Marie Claire Idees is exactly this. It's in French, but has gorgeous photos that don't really need the text to make sense. We have it in Barnes and Nobles here.
The pillows in your photo remind me of Miss Mustard Seed. She's primarily a furniture rehabber, but her beautiful blog is full of inspiration.
http://missmustardseed.com/
i follow a blog called theletteredcottage.com might be what you're looking for. I have the same rustic kind of style in our home.
sorry i meant theletteredcottage.net
Think Shaker style. Clean simple lines in wood. Plain but opulent fabric takes it up a notch, too.
Check out French General, book, website, fabrics, http://www.frenchgeneral.com
Bemz is great if you have some IKEA upholstered furniture and want that loose linen slipcovered look, http://www.bemz.com
What is your definition of “mod?” To me, mod connotes Austin Powers and/or the Beat movement. You might even describe Jonathan Adler as mod-influenced. But Austin Powers and Grandma Moses make rather odd bedfellows.
Pulling this off takes confidence and know how. Rather than thinking in terms of styles and objects, you might do better thinking in terms of feeling and mood. How about breaking it down like this:
Mod = colorful, enthusiastic, youthful, urban… (you fill in the rest).
Country = rustic, simple, natural, rural… (you fill in the rest).
When you break things down in this way, you’ll inevitably be confronted with the question: “What is it that I REALLY like?” And then you get to the real heart of the matter.
Etsy shop "enhabiten" makes gorgeous pillows/other goods in this style. She also has a great blog.
I also love 16house.blogspot.com for inspiration.
Find old copies of "cottage living" magazine, it's exactly what you're looking for. :) But good luck, its been out of print for a few years. :(
Check out Brook Farm General Store > http://www.brookfarmgeneralstore.com
Love Miss Mustard Seed. Also check out Farmhousetohome.com, a new blog about the gradual and ongoing transformation of an old farmhouse whose owner has a clean and modern approach to "country" design.
check out http://jonesdesigncompany.com/
A little girly for me sometimes, but she has great taste.
Just got back from Sweden and the "country style" there is just what you named off. Definitely what you specified. Found a supply and goods store while I was there you can see them at www.gysinge.nu Brilliant Stuff! Enjoy!
It's not necessary to embrace a country style. The linen fabric you like would look just as nice in a Parisian style room. Rich leathers and velvets would set off the homespun linen beautifully. A Parisian style might include industrial elements and the use of black in both metal pieces and in some of the wood pieces. A willingness to combine antiques with modern pieces would be typically Parisian. Glass objects as well as books and cushions, like the one you like, add comfort. Think glam meets chic and they both put their feet on ottomans while drinking a glass of wine. http://vosgesparis.blogspot.com/
Sorry, I just reread your post and you want a country style. Never mind.
Two authors known for 'farmhouse' style:
- Tricia Foley (she has a website)
- Mary Randolph Carter
Magazines:
- Marie Claire Maison & Marie Claire Idees (magazines, books and websites)
- Country Living
- Cottage Living (which actually IS still in publication but only as a 'special issue' meaning it ranges in price from $10-15 and comes out just a few times a year) though most of that monthly magazine ideas have been rolled into the MyHomeIdeas.com website so check there.
Blogs:
- Belgian Pearls
- Trouvais (also Belgian-focused)
- Pale and Interesting (English)
- The Warp and The Weft (French General's)
I tend to lean toward Belgian and Austrian farmhouse and have found that you can search online for '(country name) farmhouse interiors' which results in enough sites & pictures to keep you occupied for many hours.
very rustico!