The faux farmhouse is the trend these days, but what if your dream home is a little more faux cabin and involves a few more deer mounts?
When I picture my “perfect” home, I imagine a chair by the wood stove, the smell of cedar logs, taxidermy showcasing our favorite hunting memories cluttering the walls, and little pieces of our lives scattered throughout to spark conversation. Since purchasing our little home, I have made it a point to create a home that fits our lifestyle and personalities. What started as a little bungalow, has slowly transformed into a cozy, rustic abode. I wanted to feel like I was walking into an old trappers' cabin, with memories and history filling the walls. I wanted our home to tell a story. Here are a few ways you can too.
How To Create Your Faux Farmhouse {{Cabin}}
Wood
You can’t have a log cabin without wood, so to achieve that same, warm feel in your faux cabin decor, use reclaimed wood where you can. In both my bedroom and living room I sourced some weathered pine and created an accent wall. Not quite have the all-over log cabin feel but it certainly creates a cozy atmosphere. Think outside the box when sourcing reclaimed wood; ask farmers that have decrepit buildings on their property, check out the woodpile at the landfill, and post an ad on your local marketplace looking for salvaged wood. This project shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, but it can require patience to locate the perfect boards.
Antlers
Use those sheds! If you’re anything like me, you may have a pile of sheds laying around. There are a million ways to put them to use and nothing gives you that rustic feel like antlers. I’ve used mine for end tables, a rustic chandelier, euro mounts, and much more! It requires some creativity and a few tools, but you ultimately end up with one-of-a-kind pieces that also tell a story. Get creative and add antlers in unexpected places. Need a towel rack? Use a shed. Want a rustic light? Add an antler to a generic sconce. Think outside the box!
{{Getting Crafty: Coyote Skull Up-do}}
Souvenirs
As we’ve started to travel for various hunts, I have made it a point to bring back items that represent the place we traveled to. I love to display interesting artifacts that I come across and I tend to steer away from the generic souvenir shop. If I can legally bring something from nature back, like a shed or something interesting, then that’s my go-to! However, depending on the laws, that may not be legal. On our moose hunting trip, I was able to bring back some moose sheds. My next suggestion is to check out a local antique shop if you have a chance. They generally carry a lot of historical pieces you wouldn’t come across in your local area. On our trip to Montana in the fall, I bought a few vintage Montana hunting magazines to frame for the wall. Other items I’ve collected are old wooden snowshoes, an old foothold trap, postcards, and much more. These items will always tell a story and remind me of fond memories of our travels and hunting adventures.
Handcrafted Furniture
Handcrafted furniture may seem daunting, especially on a budget. However, this could mean a variety of things. It could be as simple as drying out an old stump for an end table or crafting an end table out of scrap wood or branches. Allow yourself to find inspiration for your faux cabin through nature. If you’re feeling ambitious, there are a multitude of tutorials online for furniture and for every skill level with minimal tools required. If tackling a DIY project isn’t optimal and the budget allows, reach out to someone in your area who builds furniture. Well-built furniture will last a lifetime, and the character you add to your space is unbeatable. My brother built my kitchen table out of reclaimed lumber, and I gave it the finishing touches (stain, shotgun shell accents etc.). I hope to pass this table on for many generations and that it will see many Christmas dinners and memories with family and friends.
{More Ways to Bring the Outside In}
What is Faux Farmhouse?
Faux farmhouse is a design trend that mimics the rustic, cozy aesthetic of traditional farmhouses, but with modern elements and materials. It combines the charm of old-world farmhouses with the convenience and functionality of the contemporary design.
Elements of Faux Farmhouse
Faux farmhouse design incorporates a variety of elements, including shiplap walls, distressed wood accents, vintage lighting fixtures, and natural textures like linen and burlap. It also often features neutral color palettes, such as whites, grays, and earth tones.
Mixing Old and New
One of the key aspects of faux farmhouse design is the blending of old and new elements. This can include pairing vintage furniture with modern decor or incorporating antique pieces into a contemporary space. The goal is to create a comfortable, lived-in feel that is both stylish and functional.
DIY Faux Farmhouse
Faux farmhouse design is also popular among DIY enthusiasts, as many of the elements can be created or repurposed at home. This includes painting furniture to give it a distressed look, creating shiplap walls with inexpensive materials, and using natural fabrics like burlap and linen for curtains and upholstery.
Faux Farmhouse in Different Spaces
Faux farmhouse design can be incorporated into a variety of spaces, from kitchens and living rooms to bedrooms and bathrooms. It is particularly popular in rural or suburban homes, but can also work in urban apartments and condos.
Faux Farmhouse vs. Traditional Farmhouse
While faux farmhouse design is inspired by traditional farmhouses, it is important to note that it is not the same thing. Traditional farmhouses are typically older homes that were built for practical purposes, such as farming and livestock. Faux farmhouse design, on the other hand, is a modern interpretation of this style that incorporates contemporary elements and materials.
Is Faux Farmhouse Here to Stay?
Faux farmhouse design has been popular for several years now and shows no signs of slowing down. Its blend of rustic charm and modern convenience appeals to many homeowners, and its DIY-friendly nature makes it accessible to a wide range of budgets and skill levels.
These simple tips can bring you a little closer to your cozy faux farmhouse. I believe creating your faux cabin goes beyond the décor, and extends to the history and memories scattered throughout. As hunters, that’s why many of us are drawn to displaying taxidermy on the walls and memorabilia from our hunts.
