skip to main content

Home Decorating

Calling all Farmhouse white Decor fans

11 years ago

Hello,I own a old New England Farmhouse. We moved in 9 years ago and decorated with lots of color. We are now going to re-decorate using whites.We are starting in the kitchen and will work our way threw. I am hoping for pics and ideas.

Anyone who lives in Maine and wants to go shopping,Thrifting,would be GREAT!!! I am always looking for a Decorating Buddy.LOL

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

jan_in_wisconsin
11 years ago
Oh, your home sounds SO charming, and I would love to have a decorating buddy too, but, alas, I live in Wisconsin! :o(
0
allison0704
11 years ago
I like spending other people's money, but Alabama is too far to commute, especially with the current gas prices. ;)

Are you going after a Shabby Chic white or more of a farmhouse feel but in whites?

Do you seriously mean only whites, or off-whites/creams and lots of textures (fabrics, sisal, chippy paint, etc)?
0
Related Discussions
How to marry a heirloom cherry bed with farmhouse decor.
Q
Comments (7)
Real farmhouses had heirloom pieces that were hand made or that were saved for years to be bought. It’s only in Disney Farmhouses that have to have everything be themed and match. My grandmother had matching Jenny Lind twin beds and a rosewood Eastlake dresser in her real farmhouse bedroom. And real linoleum on the floor. And real hand crocheted bedspreads that she did herself. Or real handmade quilts in the winter. Made from all of the kids clothes recycled. The blue paint in there was never changed from the 30’s to 1976 when the farm was sold to a developer. It was the quality and functionality that was important, not some “theme”. Put together high quality items, and it will work. None of this PotteryBarn cheepchinesecrapola being sold for a fortune. Go to consignment stores. Buy quality. Even if you think it’s ugly. Especially if you think it’s ugly. If that ugly dresser worked, it would have stayed in the house and been used. Until it was used up, or handed down.
...See More
Farmhouse style eat in kitchen/dining table hutch decor
Q
Comments (22)
Me again, Tammy. Thanks for sharing all the photos of your cozy home. If you like it the way it is, just enjoy it. If you're wanting a more modern look, start two Ideabooks on Houzz, one "Transitional" and one "Modern Farmhouse." Save photos of houses you like that seem realistic with the style of your house--the "bones" of it, and what you already have. Look up something called "negative space." Here's an article on it in Houzz. It's about the nice sense of space and flow you get when your eye can rest on empty space. Not every wall has to have some little object on it. More space means you focus on a few nice pieces, an art work, some photographs, plants, etc. so your eye doesn't get too overwhelmed at taking in too many small things. That's why I suggested removing your metal shelves in the dining room to focus on your lovely hutch, whether it has a top on it or not. [https://www.houzz.com/magazine/the-power-of-negative-space-in-interior-design-stsetivw-vs~97343035 [(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/the-power-of-negative-space-in-interior-design-stsetivw-vs~97343035) Consider removing nearly all of your "signs" -- not all of them -- and other objects from walls, cabinet tops, etc. Put the stuff in a box for a while and see if your rooms seem simpler and spacious. Comments on your photos: --The bathroom is really nice--great paint choice; not too many knick knacks; nice shower curtain. --Sun porch: take off everything from the walls behind the corner wicker chair. If you want, add a little modern-ish reading light over the chair to suggest a cozy reading corner. One pillow--tops-per chair! How can you sit down otherwise? --Daybed/office room. If budget allows, a simple blue tailored print or solid cover would work better than the ornate spread on there now. Get a nice horizontal painting for over the daybed and remove the other little painting entirely and take off the metal thing. --Bedroom with brown tufted headboard. Hang the mirror and get yellow and blue curtains with coordinating yellow and blue shams and bedding. --Den with big brown couches. Move the sofas about a a half foot from the wall to add some visual space to the room. Move the the horse art to the window wall with nothing else--zero. That way, they'll be the first thing you see when you enter the room. Get a ledge shelf for the other wall and arrange JUST A FEW PIECES YOU LIKE ON IT! Negative space is a positive! Get a round tray for the ottoman in an accent color and leave it empty for people to put down drinks, food, etc. No pillows would be better than the floppy oversized ones on the couch that just look kind of sloppy. Less is more. --Fireplace room and everything that can be seen looks nice. If you have doodads hanging elsewhere in that room, take them down, so the focal point is that lovely fireplace. --The big bedroom. Move the mirror elsewhere. Center the dresser. It'll have more impact by itself. Again, doodads off the walls. Remove the little chest from the window. It's just another piece of visual clutter. You want a sense of the windows and light uninterrupted by that piece. Get some great curtains for this room and bedding that goes with them. With all the bitty things removed, these full curtains, hung very high and right to the floor, will have an impact. So will your nice bedroom furniture.
...See More
Help decorating farmhouse style without refinishing wood floors
Q
Comments (60)
i actually do not as I have not made major changes. We ended up deciding to replace or update issues after prioritizing those that we think annoy us the most. For us, that was the exterior lighting (changed from gold to black), the first floor powder room (changed from a brass shower door to orb) and several of the fixtures. Next, we are going to swap out all of the outlets and covers from almond to white and the door levers from brass to chrome. The brushes nickel chandeliers that we installed made a huge difference. In the spring, we decided to get all new flooring, do something with those columns and paint all trim to white. The reason we held off on painting the trim was because we figured it would be easier and less expensive if we waited until taking the flooring off. Lots of work but we are happy in this house and breaking it down into manageable steps is working for us. Thanks
...See More
Fireclay farmhouse sink versus Stainless farmhouse
Q
Comments (11)
Fireclay is certainly more beautiful IMHO. But I like the ease of stainless, and being free of worrying about chips, cracks, wine stains, and boiling water. I was at the store yesterday looking at sinks, and my thoughts are identical to yours. A sink is -- first and foremost -- a workhorse, so I'm going with stainless steel ... even though I think a white fireclay sink is prettier. I don't like the Vigo apron front because the front is curved and thick. The big advantage of an apron front sink is the ergonomics of being able to stand right up against the sink, as opposed to an undermount sink where there is a strip of counter in front, which makes you have to bend slightly which can be uncomfortable over time for some people. But the Vigo apron front is curved and thick and so defeats the benefit of an apron front sink. That had not occurred to me. Thanks for this. I had no idea that was the benefit of a farmhouse apron sink. I might reconsider my choice now. Farmhouse sinks are great for us short people -- I barely scrape the bottom edge of 5' tall with my shoes on. We don't have to reach our short arms so far to reach into the sink, but don't take my word for it -- go to Lowes and pretend you're working at one of their sample sinks. You'll see whether you like them or not. i contacted kohler and their's is guaranteed for life against chips but yea i suppose if that happens i''ll be stuck paying to have the work done Yeah, having them replace a chipped sink is good, but having a sink that never chips in the first place is far superior! Even if they paid for the installation, you'll never find a convenient time to schedule workmen, clear out that portion of your kitchen, and miss a day of work while it's being done. A bounce-off question: Like I said above, I was at the store yesterday looking at farmhouse sinks ... and I notice that the cabinets underneath are noticeably shorter /a little harder to access. I'm sure it has to do with necessary support under the sink. Questions: - Assuming you're sold on the farmhouse sink, is this a worthwhile trade-off? - Is this shorty cabinet still enough for a garbage disposal? (You'd think I'd have thought of that question at the store.) - I'm thinking a pull-out shelf would work well here. Any experience with such a thing?
...See More
jennybog
Original Author
11 years ago
Allison,
I am going for a more clean white look.I am going to start in the kitchen. Paint the walls and cabinets all bm dove white. And put butcher block tops in. My inspiration is from a blog called.a country farm house old and knew.I am trying to make the space look lighter and bigger. We put a covered farmers porch on the back of the house and it has made everything dark.After that it will be onto the braekfast room.
0
sheesh
11 years ago
My cousin has been decorating her whole house(es) in shades of white for 45 years. Woodwork, drapes, bedding, curtains, carpeting, sofas and chairs, etc., all white. She has wood flooring and tables often, picture frames sometimes, sometimes white casegoods, sometimes wood. Her homes are beautiful and surprisingly comfortable and friendly, and I am always amazed at how different the rooms are from each other, given that they are always white, just with texture and shade.
0
jennybog
Original Author
11 years ago
Sherrman, It sounds WONDERFUL!!!! I would Love to see pics if she was ever up to it.
When I first purchased the house,I felt it didnt have as much character as i would of liked.So I infused a lot of color and fabrics. Now after living in it for 9 years and feeling the flow of the house my vision has changed.I have been keeping a file of home interiors. All of them are white.I will post a pic of the first room,I am starting in the kitchen and working my way through the whole house.Maybe I should of posted this in Kitchens but I am doing the whole house.
0
allison0704
11 years ago
Ah, I've seen her kitchen/blog before. Love the setting and that view is to die for! Since you already know the kitchen color and counter selection, and basically decorating, this is the best forum. Love the glass knobs, and such a cute/tiny stove! The room will feel larger after painting.

Look forward to seeing your rooms transformed!
0
sheesh
11 years ago
Jenny, she is as inept with a computer and camera as I am, so I'll ask, but probably no pics. Sorry. She had a guest bedroom with a white lace canopy bed in one house that I was crazy about.

I like your kitchen as is, but white will be great. You have a pretty good eye already, and you have a clear vision of what you want. I think you will carry off your project well.
0
yayagal
11 years ago
I'm in Maine sometimes, where are you? I'm in Bridgton. Starting with the kitchen is a great start off point as you'll be so inspired to go on. A light kitchen gives a great off a great feeling when you walk in to it in the a.m. So cheery and light.
0
jennybog
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you all for your support.Yaya i am in Woolwich about a hour away.I LOVE the Bridgton area. My husband and I travel threw on our yearly North Conway trip.
Allison Thank you. My stove is tiny. The cupboards were made around it. It was hard when i moved in but i am very used to cooking in it. Turkeys are a snap. I am replacing the white appliance with stainless steel. I am also going with a counter depth fridge that is very tall with freezer on the bottom. It is a (Summit FFBF285SSIM). The wall side with old hutch will have new cabinets to match the old.On top with be 3 large shelves. Similar to the blog inspiration.
0
happyintexas
11 years ago
I love your red kitchen cabinets, but I understand the need for change. Adding lightness always works in my opinion. And I love a white kitchen.

I can't wait to see what you do with your decorating. There are days when I think I should just spray paint everything in the house a creamy white and be done.
0
yayagal
11 years ago
Jenny I live right on 302 where Shawnee Peak and Moose Pond are located. I'm right on the road in a little red house on the pond across from the launching ramp. Drop in anytime. 985
0

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Room of the Day: Black, White and Red All Over

By Becky Harris

Custom fabric, heirlooms, bold color and a beloved collection of books cozy up this farmhouse library

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Call: Show Us Your Farmhouse!

Bring on the chickens and vegetable patches. If your home speaks country, it might appear in a featured ideabook

BATHROOM VANITIES All the Details on 3 Farmhouse-Style Vanities

By Becky Harris

Experts reveal dimensions, finishes, paint colors, hardware, faucets and more

MODERN HOMES My Houzz: All Right With All-White in a Modern New Jersey Home

By Rikki Snyder

A bold monochrome palette with black accents, modern art and treehouse-like views of NYC are stars in this couple’s dramatic home

HOLIDAYS Houzz Call: Show Us Your Holiday Mantel

By Becky Harris

Do reindeer prance or lights dance above your fireplace during the holidays? Share your decorated mantel with us

GREEN BUILDING Houzz Call: What Have You Salvaged for Home Use?

By Becky Harris

If your floors, furniture, exterior materials or other home elements have a past life, we'd like to hear the story

HOLIDAYS Houzz Call: Show Us Your Decorated Holiday Mantel

By Annie Thornton

Share your festive fireplace stylings with the Houzz community in the Comments!

HOLIDAYS Houzz Call: Show Us Your Thanksgiving Table Decor!

By Becky Harris

Mercury glass, pheasant feathers and colorful glassware are just a few of the fall table setting ideas we're spotting

DECORATING GUIDES Make All White Look So Right

By Lisa Frederick

All-white rooms are harder than they look. Here's how to blend white tones for pure perfection in bathrooms, kitchens and more

DECORATING GUIDES 9 Ways to Boost Your All-White Color Scheme

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Grays, seafoam, metal, wood and more help embolden a white-on-white look so it doesn't leave you cold

Sponsored

A.I.S. Renovations Ltd.

15 Reviews

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County

More Discussions

Toddler Bedroom Decor Help

21

Help! Is this chair style from a certain recognizable period?

23

Coffee table choice for two couches.

14

coastal theme kids bedroom

9

Looking for advice on reformatting my apartment

5