katie.lacy@letsgetcoffee.co.uk, Author at Modish Living

How to successfully mix farmhouse with industrial style

Mixing key elements of interior design styles is not unheard of. In fact, by doing so, over the years designers have created whole new style systems.

The industrial look and the farmhouse style may seem light years apart but there are similarities in the thinking behind them. Both styles, for example, came about as a direct response to the environment: the industrial look in the heart of the city and the farmhouse look in the rolling hills of the countryside.

Both use natural materials – the industrial look is a pleasing combination of steel, raw brick and reclaimed wood, whilst the farmhouse style also used materials to hand, mainly wood and of course, wool. Thus, opting for reclaimed wood furniture would service both.

Painted farmhouse furniture such as dining room sets are not uncommon. With a coat of white paint, an item could be transformed from dull to bright and chic. Colour is used well in the industrial look too.

How can you successfully mix farmhouse dining chairs with an industrial dining table (or vice versa)?

Mix of STYLE

For an eclectic but successful combo between farmhouse and industrial, choosing items that are clearly of both styles and fitting together produces a pleasing finish.

For example, choose a dining table that is clearly of the farmhouse style, such as this beautiful farmhouse dining table and match it with unashamedly industrial seating. These simple, elegant, hand-painted timber frame industrial dining chairs would be the perfect foil. And don’t forget, a dining bench would look great too!

For it to be successful make either the table or seating the star of the show in this combination.

Mix of MATERIAL

Both styles use a mix of natural materials, defined in the industrial sense of materials that you be familiar with in an industrial landscape. That is the grit and cold of steel and the heavy wood of the farmhouse.

Mixing materials can bring about stunning effects. Industrial furniture can have the steeliness of black metal or it can have a slightly refined edge to it.

The industrial-inspired Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining Chair, for example, is refined and subtle.

Make it even more successful with a modern pendant light as THE statement feature.

Mix of COLOUR

The industrial look can shine with dark colours whilst the farmhouse shimmers with lighter, but still colourful palettes.

Painted furniture is a staple of the farmhouse look and can work well against the traditional moody colours of the industrial look – the clever trick is that both have a neutral palette, with no one colour being overly dominant.

The upholstered Ambrose Dining Chair would marry perfectly the simple Maddox industrial dining table because nobody said mixing styles has to be complicated or contrived.

There are so many ways to combine these two styles. How will you do it?

Get the cosiest farmhouse look in a small kitchen

Hoxton Oak Dining Table and Upholstered Dining Chairs

The farmhouse look is practical, with more than a hint of comfort. The original styling by farming families years ago would have been created from materials to hand thus wood features heavily in this interior design style.

Possibly because the wood was of different types, shades and quality, wooden furniture was often painted.

And colour was introduced in other ways too – from varnishing to painting walls, to curtains and other soft furnishings.

Golden yellows and pretty greens would probably have been the colours or choice, with bright white playing a prominent part, especially in the kitchen.

If you are looking to create the farmhouse style in your home, it is a style that works well in the small kitchen.

The heart of the home

The farmhouse kitchen table was – and still is – the heart of the home, with the process of eating together the main event of the day.

Mimic this in your home with a dining area or table that draws people to it. The oak dining table with its statement legwork grabs attention if you have the space. Whilst we tend to think of the traditional farmhouse table being rectangle, as in this case, with the head of the household sat at the head, this shape may not be the most versatile in the smaller kitchen.

Versatility is gained from extending dining tables, perfect for unfolding and putting away when no longer in use. The central pedestal leg is this round extendable dining table is again a feature because there is nothing in the farmhouse design rulebook that says there cannot be a detail that covets attention.

The seating is important. When space is limited, there is no denying the versatility of a dining bench. Plus, with a rectangular dining table, it fits neatly underneath, affording you valuable extra space when the dining table is not in use.

Handy hint – the dining bench looks fabulous in the hallway too.

The farmhouse dresser

It was – and still is – the stale of the farmhouse style. It is grand and imposing – it is meant to be this – it makes a statement and yet, oozes practicality from every knot in the wood, every curve and hinge: the farmhouse dresser.

But don’t cramp your small kitchen with a size of dresser that you don’t need. A small display cabinet works just as well to show off your finest chine (a charity shop will do!) and keep your practical, everyday plates and bowls in the cupboard beneath.

Of course, there is nothing to say that the farmhouse dresser in all its glory cannot be used in another room.

Copper and brass

The shiny stainless steel and aluminium or the painted side of pans and pots didn’t come about until modern times. Although they may complement your farmhouse kitchen, if you want authenticity, there is no substitute for brass or copper pans.

Admittedly more expensive than other pan sets, both of these metals age beautifully with wear and use. And they look great against the white painted furniture that is so common in the farmhouse kitchen too.

Have you been inspired to get the farmhouse kitchen look?

Update your living room in the warm and welcoming farmhouse style

Our ancestors from decades ago would never have considered that their practical homes, built and customised with materials at hand, would become a much-sought-after interior design style. And popular it is, with many people turning to the farmhouse style for the living room and across the home.

No wonder – warm, relaxed and cosy, there is a simplicity to the style that is easy to achieve. Why not add these twists and bring about an air of the modern to the style in your living room?

Paying homage

Have you seen anything more stunning than this leather armchair? We doubt it. Plush upholstery matching with the coolness of leather.

The farmhouse style is comfort, which makes sense when you consider the weary bones of a farming family after a long hard day on the farm. Sink into the comfort of this Preston Armchair after your busy day and you’re sure to agree.

Coffee table with storage

Everything about the farmhouse style has to ooze practicality. To stay true to its origins, there is little in the way of frivolous touches in the original farmhouse interior landscape.

Of course, we expect a dash of frivolous here and there but when it comes to something like the coffee table, practical is essential. There are many choices of coffee table with storage from this pleasantly rustic looking reclaimed wood trunk to the refined appeal of this white framed reclaimed wood coffee table with shelf and drawers. Both have so much potential, so much beauty, just how will you decide between the two?

Accessories

Just because there was little ‘frivolousness’ about this originally, doesn’t mean you can’t add your own touches of luxury.

Detailing is important but in keeping with the farmhouse style appeal, retain elements of nature and the great outdoors.

The canvas art of the beautiful hare, with its soft stance and delightful dropping ear, would look simply fantastic.

A flat-weave rug, with ‘faded’ colours that don’t detract but harmonise your choices of farmhouse furniture, will also add the practical warmth underfoot, as well as warmth and cosiness to the eye. Choose the right size, erring on the side of caution and opting for a large one. The Vanilla cameo rug, for example, has colour without being over the top.

The farmhouse style is a wonderful way to add warmth to the living room – how will you style yours?

Bring the comfort of the farmhouse style in your dining room

It’s hard to tire of beautiful farmhouse décor. Whether used in your kitchen, living room or bedroom, there is a warmth or comfort about the simple yet luxurious style of farmhouse furniture.

One way to introduce a more modern take on the classic farmhouse style is by adding a trestle dining table. A trestle table with legs at each end allows for more room at the corners (making it ideal for large family dinners) and is the perfect accompaniment for a stunning dining bench, another farmhouse style favourite.

Coloured painted furniture is another staple for creating a farmhouse style kitchen or dining room. In terms of colour, it doesn’t get better or more elegant than grey, being the perfect colour to blend with gorgeous mid-toned wood and being far more practical for family life than white! A painted farmhouse dining table will create the perfect base for your dining room, and paired with matching chairs creates a simple palette for you to have fun with when it comes to smaller accessories.

Alternatively, to keep your space light, bright and open light, grey-toned wood with a painted white base might be the perfect option. Combining painted furniture and the trestle base trends, one of our Mayfair dining room sets may be perfect – our pick would be the large trestle table which comes with the option of a combination of chairs and a bench, or just chairs if you’d prefer.

In terms of décor, there are two ways to go. For a more Texas farmhouse take on farmhouse décor, bold patterns are a fabulous option. A red buffalo check print or white and blue prints you might find on vintage china are a great way of injecting farmhouse décor.

A slightly more classic version of farmhouse style is created with the use of neutral colours. Metal plants with gorgeous green plants or lavender to add a bit of colour to your window sill or the centre of your dining table are simple accessories with a huge impact. Complete the look with lots of texture – a combination of knitted cushions and fur throws for that luxurious finish with metal accents such a metal basket for logs (for an injection of industrial style) makes for a really aesthetic farmhouse finish.

Which room would be your pick to inject farmhouse style into?

Get the look – a pleasing mix of oak and the industrial style

Getting the style ‘just right’ is not just about understanding the key elements of your chosen style but adding your own touches too. In this blog, we look at two dining room styles with oak and industrial furniture, and how you can get the look.

In any dining room, it is the dining table that should be the star of the show with the dining chairs and sideboard or shelving unit supporting it.

This Sussex oval dining table is simply stunning. We all love the beauty of the parquet floor and now it is brought to your dining room in the shape of this exquisite dining table. The table edging also adds to the drama because if you could sum this dining room in one word, it would be theatre.

Everything pulls together to create a space that is masterful and yet subtle, beautiful and yet has hidden details that you are still finding as your eyes roam across the photo one more time.

Leather dining chairs work exceptionally well, as you can see, but as we said, creating style is not just about following the rule book but adding personal choices too. Why not opt for upholstered dining chairs instead? A cream dining chair would work well or why not add velvet dining chairs?

A reclaimed wood sideboard is somewhat essential in this formal dining room. How about an exquisite piece from the ever popular Barclay Collection. You would think that the detailing on the front of the large sideboard would somehow detract from the beauty of the dining table.

But it doesn’t. perhaps it is the neutral backdrop, the well-chosen accessories but could anything supersede the beauty of a parquet oval dining table? We think not and this is why the room carries the table and sideboard so well together.

If you want to bring more modern flair to the industrial style dining room, the Picasso industrial oak dining table, with its pleasing rectangular shape is the ideal choice.

The legwork of the chairs perfectly mimics the table legs. Don’t underestimate just how noticed and noticeable table legs are! The same is true for dining chairs.

There is a modern edge to the sideboard too, just in shot on the far right-hand wall of the dining room. The Picasso range is not a boastful one and yet, it does make a statement. Take a look at the Picasso oak sideboard and you will see why.

There is a pleasing frame to it, but the lack of fuss and detailing gives it a streamlined finish, perfect we think for complementing industrial dining chairs of a similar ilk.

Unlike the first dining room example, this one uses a rug to frame the dining table and chairs. Note how the rug is large enough to accommodate the table and chairs when it is in use. There is nothing worse than a dining chair ‘falling off’ the rug edge, giving your guests a see-saw effect.

Choose a large rug but also opt for one with a light tone and barely there pattern to recreate the above effect.

Which of these two dining rooms do you lust after?

Stylish industrial shelving for every budget

A shelving unit is worth every penny you invest in it. It will be the unsung hero of your home for years to come. It will be whatever you want it to be, from the platform that showcases photos, artwork, sculptures or books to the ‘look at me’ piece in a room.

Getting it right may seem like an uphill struggle – how do you buy an item of furniture that will keep on giving, no matter what the interior design trends are? Take a look…

The ‘Look at me’ Piece

Perhaps it is the size, the generous height and the towering columns that make the Oldman reclaimed wood shelves the attention-grabbing piece of furniture in a room? Either way, it is simple yet stunning to the eyeline.

Pleasantly angular and statuesque, to get even more from it and to bring out the warmer tones of the reclaimed wood, use it against a backdrop of pastel colours or let it stand out with bright white walls. Soften it further with the soft glow of a table lamp. And then sit back and admire, as it teases you to do.

The Bookcase

There are times when we need an item to deliver what it says on the tin. If you are a book hoarder or enjoy collecting DVDs but love the understated simplicity and utilitarianism of industrial furniture, the industrial bookcase is exactly what you need.

Unfussy. Uncluttered. Unpretentious. Perfection.

Get a lean on

Shelving doesn’t have to be boring, nor does it have to be square or built to a certain set of dimensions and instructions to be useful. Which is why we like this leaning industrial shelving ladder with reclaimed wood shelves.

Dressy enough for any room, we think it also adds style and aplomb in terms of home office furniture too. With cascading shelving that increase in depth as they reach the lower rung of the unit, it offers a range of storage options – in this case, four perfectly proportioned shelves for anything from your collection of cacti to limited edition books.

When less is more

You don’t always need height and sometimes, you don’t need over-complexity of furniture either.

The two-tiered Oldman industrial reclaimed wood shelving unit is ideal for the smaller space but offers the open storage that so many of us find useful and stylish in the home.

Slim enough for the hallway or landing, it is also a functional piece for the home office too. Imagine that sitting alongside your Oldman desk, with everything you need to hand.

When less is more with a touch of refinement

Some things, just don’t need to be on display. Like your notebook or your smaller items such as your portable hard drive when not in use. The Standford collection takes on the mantle of the industrial look – metal with reclaimed wood – but adds a touch of refinement.

The reclaimed wood console table from the range has the function and form of the industrial appeal, but the refinement of drawer space for enclosed storage with handles that are not fussy, and yet somehow, prettily elegant.

And so you see, industrial shelving is a possibility, no matter what your budget!

How to choose your perfect industrial style coffee table

Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

The industrial style is as popular as ever, and more people than ever are bringing elements of it into their home. The coffee table is a versatile piece of bespoke furniture in any home but when it comes to choosing an industrial inspired piece, it isn’t always easy to know what works and what doesn’t.

Industrial style elements

To choose a piece that complements the industrial look, you need to remember the key elements – natural materials, mixed with those found in a traditionally industrial setting. Think metal with reclaimed wood. Think sparse and simple but full of character. Think unpretentious textures and materials, such as the coolness of leather. Think no fuss, no clutter, no fluff.

But this doesn’t mean you can’t have glamour…

Think uplift to an industrial styled living room

The polished, cross framework legs of the industrial reclaimed wood coffee table from the Luxe Kensington range offers a little ‘something extra’. Not a million miles away from the clean, almost minimal look of this popular style, you can opt for extra glamour with a glass top finish too.

Think outside of the box

Square or rectangular pieces may have pleasing lines and angles, but too many without a break soon tips from a cohesive style to a room into everything being too ‘matchy-matchy’. This oval industrial coffee table with it rather delicious trumpet column leg breaks the monotony.

Think refinement in the coffee table stakes

Reclaimed wood is a mainstay of the industrial style, but this doesn’t mean it has to be rough to the touch or rough sawn. You can opt for refined wood without compromising on reclaimed or the industrial style.

The Oldman range can always be relied upon to deliver the results you want and this coffee table with storage in the shape of an open shelf is a delight.

For hidden away storage, the two drawers in this industrial coffee table are a lifesaver when unexpected guests arrive and you have to clear up quickly, as is its smooth reclaimed wood surface complete with metal framework.

Think of something completely different

Throwing a curve ball into any style is a fantastic way of adding detail and a talking point. We’ve long loved the Aviator range – as you do! – so no wonder the high-polish of the Aviator coffee table goes down a treat with industrial style fans. The highly reflective nature of this piece is perfect for matching with darker leather furniture pieces.

Think bestseller

There are pieces that fly out the door as fast as we can get hold of them and there’s usually a good reason for it. The industrial coffee table from the Standford range is always a very firm favourite. It has a pleasing edge to it that means it fits into any room, from the living room to an occasional piece in the dining room.

Think wheels

Industrial style furniture doesn’t mean it has to serious and overly angular. You can have fun with this style and we think the Hyatt coffee table on wheels is the perfectly functional, yet slightly-whimsical piece that is not a million miles away from the industrial look that we all know and love.

With all these options for industrial coffee tables, we’re sure there’s one in the range for you – which one will it be?

Get the look – the beautiful Lansdowne industrial kitchen

Lansdowne Reclaimed Wood Dining Table and Bench

The warmth of the red brick and the orange of the bench cushions, matched with the brown and neutral palette of this industrial kitchen is without doubt, stunning. It is no wonder that more of us are embracing the industrial look as offering function and style.

To get the look, you need the beauty that can only be found in our Lansdowne collection, a superb range of industrial furniture pieces that make the above landscape a distinct possibility in your dining room.

And we’ll show you how…

The dining table

The Lansdowne industrial dining table is the centrepiece, around which everything in the room revolves.

This is the natural order of things in the dining room or kitchen/diner. The dining table is the platform around which the world is sorted, politics discussed, homework done, and family dinners consumed.

Available in three different formats – non-extending, one extension or a double extension option – choose the industrial dining table that matches your needs.

Dining chairs and benches

The dining chairs are the next consideration with the PU leather dining chairs clearly meant to sit alongside the grandiose industrial dining table.

You can opt for all dining chairs – this table comfortably accommodates three chairs on either side – or you could ring the changes without losing the sense of cohesive style with the Lansdowne dining bench. Just as we have done here, softening the seating with plump cushions or use a sheepskin rug in winter for warmth without compromising on the industrial styling.

For the smaller dining space

When space is a factor – in other words, you have to be uber-clever with furniture choice and placement – there is a refreshing alternative. Better still, the Lansdowne reclaimed wood bar table continues the industrial style in the smaller kitchen. Available without or with complementing kitchen bar stools, it is an appealing alternative.

Sideboard and shelving

Storage in a dining room is essential and you can see that there are solutions, no matter your budget or the space available.

Industrial shelving perfectly complements the reclaimed wood dining table in this dining area, with the angular metal handles of the sideboard pulling together nicely with the darker metal legwork of the table, chairs and dining bench. Available in two sizes, the bijou small sideboard and the larger reclaimed wood sideboard, for the smaller room, there is also a versatile console table that offers open storage solution.

The open industrial shelving unit is also complementary to the whole scheme and despite its height, does not swallow the limelight.

Texture and detail

Texture in the industrial styled dining room, or living room for that matter, can look overly flat if there is not a change of tempo. For a ‘lighter’ look, as in this landscape, keep everything smooth – the Lansdowne Collection is a firm favourite because of its refinement.

Change textures with the change of season – this look is ideal for spring and summer – by adding a rug, textured cushions or why not add romance with flickering candles as the rain lashes against the window?

The industrial style is not just for loft living, but a practical choice for the busy family home too. Is it a style that attracts you?

Can bistro garden style work if you have a small garden?

The bistro garden has an informal relaxed style but more than that, its compact dimensions make it the perfect addition for the smaller garden. Most bistro chairs are folding, perfect for storing away when not in use. But it has to be said, the different shapes, materials and colours now available make the outdoor bistro set a must-have for any garden.

But how can you use this relaxed style in your outdoor space?

Reclaimed wood table and folding bistro chairs

There are many bistro garden sets from which to choose but there is something pleasant about a larger table, complete with reclaimed wood table top with mix and match bistro chairs to complement it. If you are choosing coloured chairs, match them with the table frame for a cohesive sense of style.

Square or round

The idea behind introducing a garden bistro set to a garden is to introduce an informal dining space. In effect, it is your own choice whether to choose a round or square table, as both hold a fantastic allure.

The Dean Street garden set is a delightful example of a square table with two chairs, perfect for dining al fresco on a warm’s summer day.

But small and compact doesn’t mean squashed together, elbows knocking as you awkwardly pass the salt. A metal garden furniture set seating four diners is perfect for a smaller garden without compromising on personal space at the dining table. The same style metal garden furniture set can be purchased in a two-seater format too.

Informal entertaining

The bistro-style concept is about informality in the garden, adding functionality with style. But that doesn’t mean when dining al fresco, whether, with family or friends, it has to be done sitting at a table.

The bar table is a brilliant alternative to an outdoor table and chairs. Complete with integrated cooler, it is the perfect addition to the smaller garden. Add some relaxed seating close by or a few bar stools and you have the perfect relaxed setting for al fresco dining, BBQs and summer parties.

Relax in the sun

What better way to relax and shed the stresses of everyday life than by sitting in your garden, enjoying not just the warmth of the sun but the sights and sounds of Mother Nature all around us too?

Of course, relaxed seating is essential too which is why so many of us opt for a small garden table, complete with bistro chairs. But there is an alternative for the small garden.

Swing gently, cocooned in the rattan Hanging Nest chair. Ably supported by its own stand, the egg-shaped chair can be moved easily and as soon as the weather cools in autumn, it can be easily stored in a shed or garage.

Small garden furniture: Versatility is key

Furniture that adorns a smaller space, whether that’s an interior room or a small garden, needs to work harder. It needs to be as versatile as possible and able to offer a lot whether that’s doubling as storage, foldable for easy storage or be freestanding so it can be easily moved.

There are amazing solutions for a small garden, and we think the outdoor bistro sets answer a lot of these needs. How well would it fit your garden?