Style Guide: Historic Farmhouse

“We’re two gents from the big city—a perfectionist designer and a free-spirited doctor—who decided to slow down and simplify by moving into a historic farmhouse in upstate New York,” says Shawn Lang of the life he and husband Kris chose and chronicle on Instagram. Outfitting their home has involved a healthy dose of DIY, and Shawn stops into some of his favorite local antique shops on a weekly basis and checks into Facebook market place each morning with a list of things he’s searching for, taking cues from the home itself to create an authentic but livable-for-today vibe. “To us, farmhouse style can go classic or modern depending on your style and home,” Shawn says. “Don't be tied down to a specific theme or trend in your home; mixing things up will give you a more classic and relaxed aesthetic.” He shares more about how to achieve the historic farmhouse look.

COLORS
Most historic farmhouses are found in rural areas, so use a color palette inspired by nature. I love going a bit darker and moodier in my paint choices. Wallpaper is also a great way to incorporate historic farmhouse style.

FURNISHINGS
Vintage and antique pieces are by far the best way for achieving a farmhouse vibe. Older pieces could get pricey but I always recommend comparing prices with something brand new. You'll be surprised that antiques are about the same price as something mass produced, if not cheaper. You're also being environmentally friendly!

ACCESSORIES
Lighting is such an important part of a room. You can keep it classic with vintage chandeliers and table lamps but there is nothing wrong with popping in a modern light to mix into a classic room. I love decorating with stacks of old nature books or my favorite coffee table books, it keeps your room feeling relaxed and cozy.

ART
I'm always drawn to old oil paintings of portraits, botanicals, or countryside landscapes. I collect historic etchings of birds, flowers and other studies of nature and have a very large collection of antique silhouettes that I'm obsessed with.

TEXTILES
Mixing prints and patterns can be intimidating but it also can make a lovely statement. Keep a cohesive color palette between prints and allow one print or pattern to stand out while the others are more neutral and subtle.

EXTRAS
Fresh flowers can make any room that much better. I've always been inspired by old Dutch botanical paintings. The flowers are arranged wildly and not symmetrical that feel more like a sculptural work of art. Also, I'll incorporate seasonal design with a few natural touches here and there. We try to refrain from buying things that don't serve a year-round purpose.

PHOTOS Courtesy of The Farmhouse Project