Have you embraced the Modern Farmhouse aesthetic yet? Y’all, it’s hard to resist those folksy touches that make a house look more homey: distressed wood, gingham, wire baskets, and sunflowers. I can smell the peach cobbler now. But it can be jarring when the inside of your house doesn’t match the outside. Learn how to give your exteriors rustic charm and curb appeal.
Make an Entrance
It’s all about the front-door wreath. This is your chance to say hello to the world with some color, design, and optimism. Make one yourself that incorporates your interior color scheme. It doesn’t cost much to put one together, as long as y’all take it easy at the craft store. I always make sure to hit that clearance aisle first! You can find Styrofoam and grapevine wreath bases, or you can even make your own with some branches and wire. Your glue gun should already be in its holster, so use it to secure anything loose. Use some of these elements in your design:
- Faux wildflowers
- Multicolored berries
- Dried lavender
- Pampas grass
- Pussy willows
- Eucalyptus leaves
- Plaid, checked, burlap, or striped ribbon
Swinging Seats
If you have a porch, there’s one thing that will give it appeal: you. Spend some time each day relaxing outside in a rocking chair, sipping tea or lemonade, and being neighborly. Even without a porch, y’all can get the same effect with a framed wooden swing under a tree. Kids will also love a classic tire swing, probably even more than the expensive gadgets you showered on them at Christmas. They’re easy to rig up yourself, although you can also buy one online if you’re not confident in your engineering.
Old-Fashioned Lighting
Assess the fixtures outside. Do they say, “Fresh eggs in the back”? If not, y’all can update the lighting with throwback features. Think lanterns with a weathered patina finish. The great thing about faux-vintage objects is that you don’t have to spend a lot on them. They’re supposed to look like they’ve survived a tornado or two. Y’all can even buy barn lights to brighten up your door with the very modern convenience of LED lighting. Obviously, if you’re going to give your exteriors rustic charm and curb appeal, y’all better be sure that everyone can see it.
