Do You Dream of the Simple Life? 9 Instagram Accounts to Follow

published Mar 5, 2017
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If you’re looking to lead a simpler life, reconnect with nature, maybe even snag a few backyard chickens, look no further then Instagram, where happy homesteaders share peeks of their idyllic agrarian lives with the rest of us. You can find practical advice and inspiration for making everything from clothes to kombucha, or just get lost in a sea of perfectly styled shots of adorable kiddos in rustic wool caps running wild in the woods.

Whether you want to keep a worm bin in your city kitchen, or dream of being a full-time farmer, these Instagrammers inspire with their vision of simple, intentional living—and the immense satisfaction that doing, growing, or making it yourself brings. Not to worry if you only enjoy watching other people get their hands dirty though, these accounts still offer a welcome respite from our culture of hustle, and a fun look into the ways creative individuals forge beautiful lives off the beaten path.

Here are nine of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow that will have you canning your own homegrown veggies in no time:

Bright and beautifully curated, Johnna’s Instagram is full of forest foraging, poetic takes on parenting, and really unique recipes like these Activated Charcoal Cinnamon Rolls. It’s easy to forget her feed is real life, as you scroll through perfectly styled photos filled with beautiful light, nature, and adorable children. Moreover, her greenhouse in the middle of the forest is pure magic whether or not you give a damn about homesteading.

Rich, warm, and rustic, Julie’s feed is full of family, sheep, fiber arts, and beautiful hand-thrown ceramics. Total escapism for city dwellers and farmers alike, every photograph is gorgeous, and her lovely, lyrical writing style is thoroughly engaging. Go for the sheep, stay for the knitting and the good humor!

It doesn’t get more idyllic than a house on a hill somewhere in Italy, does it? After getting lost in Katrien’s jewel-toned feed full of family, forest, and food, I think not. She’s truly living her dream of cultivating a “slow, green, handmade” life on that hill, and it couldn’t be more beautiful to witness.

Kate and her husband, Nick, raise Icelandic sheep, Milking Devon cows, and Ossabaw pigs in the picturesque hills of Vermont. Full of happy animals and homey vignettes, her feed makes me want to move to Vermont and join her for a cup of tea and a cuddle with a cute farm animal. Seriously, go for the baby farm animals and stick around for her witty banter!

Full of whimsical drawings, vintage nature books, and adventures foraging in Finland, Delila’s nature inspired feed is a peaceful respite from modern life. Organic and refreshing, it feels like a lovely stroll through the forest. After checking out her baskets full of foraged treasures, you’ll be inspired to grab your own basket and get outside already.

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A post shared by Deanna T ~Central Coast of CA~ (@deannacat3) on

Inspiring and attainable urban homesteading makes Deanna’s feed one of my favorites. Less dream at your desk, more dig in the dirt, her feed is really inspiring for city/suburb dwellers like myself who dream of actually doing the whole homesteading thing without abandoning modern life entirely. She has charming chickens, a cute cat, and a veggie garden to envy, all in a normal backyard with next door neighbors to boot.

If you’re looking for inspiration to eat more veggies, look no further than the beautiful veggie flat lays on Jess and Brian’s feed. Stick around for a behind-the-scenes view of life on a 40 acre farm full of fields, farm animals, and a really cute ginger cat named Gloucester.

It’s that time of year when I’m harvesting more peppers than I know what to do with.

A post shared by Kyle Hagerty (@urbanfarmstead) on

Bright, beautiful, and bountiful vegetables grown on his urban farm, located in his very own backyard, fill Kyle’s edible Instagram feed. Even more amazing, he has a farmstand in his front yard and gives them all away every Tuesday! I feel healthier just looking at all those vegetables, and love his helpful tips and inspiring message to grow what inspires you.

It’s always after 5pm on Kate’s bright and boozy Instagram feed, which is filled with delicious garden-fresh cocktail recipes and hilarious chicken antics. Her feed proves that it’s possible to raise a fancy flock and have a gorgeous garden right in the heart of Los Angeles, and it looks like she’s having a heck of a lot of fun doing it.

Know of any other accounts we should follow? Share your favorite links in the comments!