Today I want to share with you one of my latest Postbox Projects. I looooved working on this project not only because the homeowner adores the Fixer Upper & Rustic Farmhouse style (much like I do!), but…
This was a housewarming gift from his Mom. Isn’t that the sweetest idea?!
This young couple was moving into their new home together and needed help figuring out how to combine their existing furniture and make this house into their home.
Like many young couples, they had a tight budget, so everything selected is not only beautiful, but affordable.
I always design TWO versions of every room for my clients! This first version starts with a light colored sofa and neutral fabrics like the sisal rug and gray walls. Simple, rustic patterns like Ikat, stripes, and this awesome arrow pillow (just $7!) added some charm and character to the room. She already owns a factory cart coffee table that she will use, and this simple arrangement of hand blown vases and cotton bolls can grace the top….very Magnolia Market!
There was one large blank wall in the Living Room that was begging for some styling! An easy way to fill up a wall is using a simple formula:
console table + oversized artwork + 3-5 accessories
In this case, this rustic farmhouse console table is a great price, so I started with that as the foundation. A vintage map of their town not only adds a personal touch, but it is a very inexpensive way to fill up a wall with oversized art. Finally, don’t spend hundreds of dollars on knick knacks to fill up a space. Find 3-5 objects in varying heights. This will fill up the table without looking too cluttered.
So while version #1 encompasses the Fixer Upper style she loves, I always create a second version. Not only will this give the couple more choices, but they are designed to be mixed and matched! Instead of a sectional, this version shows a totally different layout. This floor plan has a smaller, white sofa and two comfy armchairs. Rustic woods like this side table, floor lamp, and her factory cart add to the Fixer Upper look. To keep the space from getting boring, this striped rug and cottage elements like grain rack, galvanized metal, and swiss cross add character.
In Version #2, I re-created the console table set-up but in a different way. This rustic wood and metal table with nail heads is a little on the small side. But it came in at a great price point, so I suggested putting two together. To keep a space from looking too busy, try to stick to a color palette of 3-5 colors. This space uses whites, beiges, grays, and darker browns. A few pops of carefully placed black stand out against this light background.
If you are on a tight budget, window treatments can blow your budget. Over the years my favorite pick are these white cotton grommet curtains from Target. They start at just $10 each and are the perfect touch to any farmhouse look. I happen to have these exact curtains throughout most of my own home!
Love the Fixer Upper Style?
Here are some items to bring it home for yourself:
A natural rug like sisal or jute
A white or light colored sofa
Rustic wood furniture (which also helps hide scratches)
Add in 1-2 distressed elements
Light walls (soft gray or white)
Add in shiplap or vertical battens
Patterns such as grainsack, swiss cross, and stripes
Add in a couple distinct, vintage pieces to add charm
You can add farmhouse charm to any room in your house by using the same formula as above. Here is a Fixer Upper style Mudroom that I created for a Family of Four…check out all of the details HERE!
Stay tuned for more pictures from this space…I helped them tackle their fireplace and sunroom as well!
If you love this style, we’re going to be fast friends! Check out the oodles of inspirational photos on my Pinterest or let’s hang on Facebook & Instagram where I share free design tips, giveaways, and ideas how to bring professional design to your home!
Or love the idea of giving Postbox Designs as a gift just like this awesome Mom?
Email me at kristin@postboxdesigns.com and we can chat more!
Hillary says
Hi there,
Do you link to these items somewhere? I really like one of the chairs and would be interested in finding out where it is from.
Thanks!
PostboxDesigns says
Hi Hillary! Let me know what chair you liked and I would be happy to give you the link/info for it! Cheers! 🙂
Cecily says
I am just wondering where you got #18 console table, in the living room version #1, part 2? Would you be willing to give me the source? I love how you design, so beautiful!!
PostboxDesigns says
Cecily, Thank-you so much! That was such a fun project to work on 🙂 I hope you will be thrilled that it is from World Market AND on sale right now for $249, it is called the “Everett Console Table” and here is the link for ya: http://www.worldmarket.com/product/everett+foyer+table.do?creative=9739027933&device=c&matchtype=e If you link that style, I’m going to be featuring another Fixer Upper style family room in just a week or two that I recently did…stay tuned!
Pam says
I love the slipcovered sectional! Would you mind providing the source? I love your style!
PostboxDesigns says
Hi Pam, Thanks so much! You will be thrilled to know that it is from IKEA! It is called the “Ektorp” sectional and it comes in a couple of different colors-which are all slipcovers. The one shown is “Loffalet Beige”. I love it so much that I now own TWO of them (this color AND in white). I believe with this light beige color it clocks in at $800 (and you can buy a second slipcover for just $99) I’m a huge fan of them-it has held up great to my three kids and beast of a dog 🙂 Happy Shopping!
Julie Berry says
What do you use to create your design boards?
PostboxDesigns says
Hi Julie, I use Photoshop to create all of my Mood Boards!