Laura Hunt's artistic journey began at age 16 when she responded to a “Draw Me Talent Test” ad. After working as a graphic designer for 30 years, the native Texan now focuses on the human form as she explores the nuances of emotion through portraiture and figurative art.
Moments and Postures
Laura starts her creative process by carefully observing daily life, capturing moments and postures in a small sketchbook. She uses a variety of reference materials, including posed sessions with friends, spontaneous snapshots, and vintage photographs. “Most Handsome Sophomore 1973” (above) is a painting from her series “The Yearbook Revisited,” depicting the dreams and angst of young people coming of age.
As Laura digitally edits photos to accentuate contrast and simplify shapes, those images become her new reference. She then applies layers of vibrant acrylic underpainting onto cradled wood panels, often incorporating patterned paper or torn maps for texture and depth. This foundation peeks through the final piece to enliven the composition. She further abstracts the subject by scraping paint across the surface, focusing on emotional resonance over visual fidelity.
Enter Frame Destination
Laura really loves Frame Destination for our canvas floater frames. She found inspiration for her piece titled "Family of Origin" (below, right) from a family archive photo, using a muted palette to create a nostalgic feel. The vintage silver of our Canvas Floater Frame Optional Metallic Finish F306 visually complements the art. The other two works, “She’s Already Made Up Her Mind” and “Before I Knew Her” (below, left) are presented in our Natural Wood Grain Canvas Floating Frame F536, the black frames enhancing the deep blacks of the paintings.
See More of Laura’s Work
Discover Laura’s diverse portfolio at LauraHuntArt.com, featuring Figures & Faces along with Contemporary Landscapes, Small Works, Large Works and more. For insight into her impactful collaboration with a local homeless coalition — and to learn which app she uses to create digital work — be sure to check out our Q&A section below.
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Laura Hunt …
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
My art career began at age 16 when I responded to a “Draw Me Talent Test,” an advertisement placed in a farm magazine by Art Instruction Schools in Minneapolis. I spent over 30 years as a graphic designer, although I managed to continue doing personal work in pastel portraiture, cut paper illustration, greeting card design, and textiles. During that time, I honed my design skills to market my clients’ businesses. My focus shifted in 2013 when I sold my business, affording me the time and space to concentrate on my fine art studio practice. Now, rather than creating to help market products and services, my purpose is to elevate the lives of those touched by my art. I work in acrylics, mixed, and digital media. My focus has been on contemporary figurative work, but I have recently added landscapes and still life to my repertoire.
2. What role do you think the artist plays in society?
I believe artists’ role in society is to reflect, interpret, comment on, and even confront the culture. In doing so, we spark meaningful conversations. The focus is up to individual artists; our unique sensibilities guide us in the direction that is most expressive for us. However, all voices have a place, and together, they are powerful.
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
I did not have the benefit of formal training nor exposure to museums, art books, or galleries in my youth. Back then, visual accuracy seemed like the sign of a good artist. I gradually outgrew that definition and realized that expressiveness, voice, and technique come uniquely from within each artist. Along the way, I heard this: “Be yourself and keep growing.” That advice has been transformative for me.
4. In what ways does your work reflect your personality?
I need structure and spontaneity both inside and outside the studio. My paintings reflect those aspects of my personality. My choice of subjects reveals my interests and passions—human connections to each other and exploring the meaning of life through figurative paintings, landscapes, and meaningful objects.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
I seldom have creative blocks. There are more ideas for paintings than I will ever be able to execute. Because of that, I can be overwhelmed by the choices before me. When that happens, I remember what a mentor once said: “Just pick something.” I must trust that whatever the choice, it’s the right one for that moment.
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
My iPad. It allows me to crop and manipulate an image and display it as a painting reference. I’ve also used it to test different solutions when encountering problems with an easel painting. I can photograph the painting in progress and then take it into Procreate to make adjustments that don’t impact the actual artwork. Procreate is also the app I use to create digital work.
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
I am passionate about projects that connect with the community. In 2022, I collaborated with Tarrant County Homeless Coalition to create 27 portraits of people who had recently been without shelter. I interviewed and photographed each subject. Then, I wrote their stories from the point of view of their own voices as best I could. The project culminated in "Our Community, Our Neighbors," an exhibit that helped raise awareness about homelessness, raise funds, and connect viewers with the subjects. I am looking for another organization to partner with.
8. What is your favorite color to incorporate into your art?
I’m color agnostic, but I do favor the warmer side of the color palette. I recently painted a still life/mixed media piece of a baby dress my mother had saved, taking the opportunity to work with variations of Peach Fuzz, Pantone’s 2024 color of the year. It was the ideal background for a very nostalgic piece. It’s good for me to try colors that I wouldn’t ordinarily use.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.
Last Updated July 1, 2024
Laura Hunt’s artistic journey began at age 16 when she responded to a “Draw Me Talent Test” ad. After working as a graphic designer for 30 years, the native Texan now focuses on the human form as she explores the nuances of emotion through portraiture and figurative art. Moments and Postures Laura starts her creative […]
What is custom framing?
Custom framing is the process of creating a unique frame to protect and showcase your artwork, photos, or memorabilia. It involves selecting materials, colors, and styles that complement the piece and fit your personal taste.
Why choose custom framing over ready-made frames?
Custom framing offers a tailored fit and a wider selection of materials and designs. It ensures your item is preserved and presented in the best possible way, unlike ready-made frames which may not provide the perfect match or protection.
How do I choose the right frame for my artwork?
Consider the style, color, and texture of both your artwork and the room where it will be displayed. A professional framer can help you select a frame that enhances your piece while complementing your decor.
What materials are used in custom framing?
Custom framing can use a variety of materials including wood, metal, and acrylic. Matting, glass, and backing materials are also chosen to protect and enhance the appearance of your item.
How long does custom framing take?
The time frame for custom framing can vary, typically ranging from one to three weeks. The duration depends on the complexity of the framing project and the availability of materials.
Is custom framing expensive?
The cost of custom framing depends on the size of the piece, the materials chosen, and the complexity of the design. While it can be more costly than ready-made frames, the quality and personalization make it a worthwhile investment.
Can I frame more than just pictures?
Absolutely! Custom framing can be used for a wide range of items including artwork, photographs, diplomas, sports jerseys, memorabilia, and even 3D objects like medals or flowers.
What is the importance of matting in framing?
Matting enhances the visual appeal of the framed piece and prevents the artwork from touching the glass, which can cause damage over time. It also adds depth and can highlight certain elements of the artwork.
How do I protect my artwork from fading?
Using UV-protective glass or acrylic can help prevent fading caused by exposure to sunlight. Additionally, it's advisable to avoid placing framed items in direct sunlight.
Can I change the frame if I don’t like it later?
Yes, frames can be changed later if your tastes or decor change. A professional framer can help you select a new frame that better suits your needs.
What is archival framing?
Archival framing involves using materials and techniques that preserve the artwork for the long term. This includes acid-free mats, backing, and UV-protective glass to prevent deterioration and fading.
How do I care for my framed items?
Avoid hanging framed items in direct sunlight or humid areas. Dust them regularly with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid using cleaning products on the frame or glass.
Can custom frames be made to any size?
Yes, custom frames can be made to fit any size and shape, ensuring a perfect fit for your artwork or memorabilia. This is particularly useful for items that do not conform to standard frame sizes.
What types of glass are available for custom framing?
Options include regular glass, non-glare glass, and UV-protective glass. Each type offers different benefits in terms of clarity, glare reduction, and protection from UV light.
Choosing custom framing for your cherished items not only enhances their visual appeal but also ensures they are preserved for years to come. By working with a professional framing company like Frame Destination, you can create a personalized display that perfectly complements your artwork and fits seamlessly into your home or office decor. Invest in custom framing to showcase your treasures with the care and attention they deserve.
Written by Mark Rogers
Mark Rogers is the President and Co-Founder of Frame Destination. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Mark has become a leading authority on framing techniques and best practices, and has earned a reputation for his innovative approaches to custom framing and frame services for photographers and artists.
What is custom framing? Custom framing is the process of creating a unique frame to protect and showcase your artwork, photos, or memorabilia. It involves selecting materials, colors, and styles that complement the piece and fit your personal taste. Why choose custom framing over ready-made frames? Custom framing offers a tailored fit and a wider […]
Charles “Dennis” McKelroy has been honing his love of nature for a lifetime. Spending his childhood summers scouting and camping, he worked as a sea captain for much of his adult life, traveling the world with a camera in hand. Along the way, he developed an appreciation for the outdoors that he continues to express through photography.
Soul-Soothing Scenery
Dennis likes to say that he seeks a story around every corner. He believes that by consistently taking photos, he has begun to “see in pictures.” Beyond simply owning a camera, he says practice, patience, location research, and imagination are all required.
He applies all those things to the wildlife and wide-open spaces that are frequent subjects of his work. Take “Mull’s Ears” featured below. With its desert, mountains, and open skies, Big Bend National Park in west Texas holds a special place in his heart. The photo “Thinking It Over,” shown above, is testimony to Dennis’s patience: How often do we see a hummingbird at rest?!
Roots in Film
In the early days of his photography journey, Dennis worked with film, a medium that required meticulous attention to composition, lighting, and film exposure. The process was not without its challenges, including the cost and the anticipation of seeing the results only during the print phase. However, these hurdles only fueled his passion and deepened his understanding of photography, a knowledge that continues to shape his work today.
See More of Dennis’s Work
Explore this Texan's online portfolio for a deeper dive into his color and black-and-white photography. From the serene marshes where osprey soar to windswept fields of sunflowers, his artistry is a testament to his curiosity in finding beauty in unexpected places. To learn more about his journey and his most indispensable tool, check out my Q&A with Dennis below.
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Charles “Dennis” McKelroy…
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
Right after high school in the 1970s, a friend introduced me to photography. My first camera, an Instamatic with tiny film negatives, grabbed my interest and imagination. I continued advancing from there, purchasing self-help and how-to books and taking a couple of correspondence and college courses in photography. My job had me traveling around America and other parts of the globe, always carrying a camera.
2. How important is it for a photographer to "connect" with their subject?
Ansel Adam stated: "You don't make a photograph with just a camera. You bring to photography all the pictures you have seen, books you have read, music you have heard, and people you have loved." To make the image work, one needs to understand how to capture the viewer's imagination by drawing them into the photograph. That is accomplished by understanding the laws of nature and the ability to see in pictures. One mentor put it this way: "By constantly using the camera, one begins to see in pictures." This requires many hours of practice, patience, researching locations, and, of course, one's imagination.
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
I traveled to many exotic, remote locations while using film-based cameras. There were no redos, so capturing the moment with limited frames required understanding the medium of film and camera. In college, we worked with black-and-white film and learned to develop and print our photos. Those two experiences have elevated my understanding of a photograph's creation even as we entered the digital age.
4. In what ways does your work reflect your personality?
My profession was a sea captain. The ability to think quickly on my feet while remaining vigilant in my surroundings has been an asset. I notice things that most people would not see — or would take for granted in their everyday surroundings. Plus, I have the patience to wait as a potential subject comes together.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
Yes. It usually involves viewing other photographers' work. Then, my imagination seeks out what may be within my grasp locally that might fill a void in my portfolio. I don't want to capture the same image; instead, I think of new possibilities.
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
The ability to use imaging software. My equipment is a professional Canon camera, and my imaging software is Photoshop with several plug-ins. I started with PS in the early '90s and have continued to advance using it as Adobe advanced their technology.
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
I am currently working on scanning early images taken using negative film and positive slide images. Recently, I have been putting together some local photographs as prints or to share as note cards.
8. What "fad" gadget do you most regret purchasing?
With the cost of photographic equipment, I've not purchased any "fad" gadgets. But I have invested in a few items that I have not yet gotten around to using.
All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.
Last Updated June 17, 2024
Charles “Dennis” McKelroy has been honing his love of nature for a lifetime. Spending his childhood summers scouting and camping, he worked as a sea captain for much of his adult life, traveling the world with a camera in hand. Along the way, he developed an appreciation for the outdoors that he continues to express […]
From city streets to Death Valley dunes, the fine art photography of Eric Renard covers a lot of ground. Lately, he has focused on capturing the City of Angels, where he currently lives, with an eye on poking fun at the ’80s tune “Walking in L.A.”
Stroll, Saunter, Strut
If you know the song by Missing Persons, you’ll remember this verse: "Nobody walks in L.A." Eric’s work by the same name shows us that, despite the car culture, Angelenos do move about the city on foot.
“This black-and-white project focuses on high-contrast urban cityscapes that reflect an eerie sense of peace and tranquility,” Eric explains. For example, in “Circles & Stripes,” showcased above, sweeping architectural details tower above a lone man, conveying the motion of a journey on pause. In “Urbanity,” below, long shadows line the interior of a building in downtown L.A. while a man’s silhouette brings scale and life to the image.
Enter Frame Destination
For his “Nobody Walks in L.A.” exhibits at the Sasse Museum of Art in Pomona, California, and TAG Gallery in Los Angeles, Eric framed his work in our Black Wood Photo Frame 852 with matte finish. This contemporary gallery-style frame complements a range of art and photos without overpowering the display. Eric also appreciates the quality of our frame construction, the vast selection, and our customer service.
See More of Eric’s Work
Discover an array of black-and-white, color, and “splash” photography at EricRenardPhotography.com. Eric’s Instagram feed captures the character of urban environments and natural spaces, primarily in black-and-white. To find out which high school teacher’s advice he follows to combat creative blocks — spoiler alert: it’s not an art teacher — read my Q&A with Eric below.
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Eric Renard…
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
My photographic journey began almost 50 years ago, documenting what I saw: my friends, family, and neighborhood. However, I didn’t embrace photography as a creative art form until many years later. I still find myself exploring with camera in hand, documenting my surroundings — the people, the light, and the shadows.
2. How important is it for a photographer to "connect" with their subject?
I love what I do, but I think it’s more important for the viewer to connect with the subject than me.
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
Very simple. As French artist and photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson said, “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” In other words, keep shooting.
4. In what ways does your work reflect your personality?
We are polar opposites. My work is meticulous; I am not. My work is black and white; I am grey. My work is solitary with few people; I am usually in a crowd.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
Yes. I take the advice of my high school gym class coach: "Walk it off." 🙂
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
Walking shoes, my Mac, and a big monitor.
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
In 1982, the song “Walking in L.A.,” by the new wave band Missing Persons, poked fun at Los Angeles for its dependence on cars — “Nobody walks in L.A.” Forty years later, the world may still think we don't walk much, but we do. We also saunter, stroll, and strut our stuff on bikes and scooters. This black-and-white project focuses on high-contrast urban cityscapes that reflect an eerie sense of peace and tranquility. Wrapped in our daily cocoon of routine, we obliviously move past cityscapes painted by light and shadows. In this series of images, we explore L.A.’s unique architecture — some of it is loved, some is hated, and some is completely unnoticed.
8. What "fad" gadget do you most regret purchasing?
Hmmm. Probably a mini tripod, which isn’t any more stable than hand held.
All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.
Last Updated April 9, 2024
From city streets to Death Valley dunes, the fine art photography of Eric Renard covers a lot of ground. Lately, he has focused on capturing the City of Angels, where he currently lives, with an eye on poking fun at the ’80s tune “Walking in L.A.” Stroll, Saunter, Strut If you know the song by […]
Many people would prefer to forget their cancer experience, especially one that includes misdiagnoses, chemotherapy, radiation, and a terminal prognosis. But visual artist David Brady records — and redeems — his experience via sketchbook, imagination, and a ballpoint pen.
“In the Pain Cave”
While going through stage 3 throat cancer, David chronicled his journey via hundreds of drawings and paintings. He used his sketchbooks to create the series “Into the Tunnel,” layering his artwork with such items as medical records and prescriptions. Because David believes art is a healing experience, he infuses this somber topic with threads of resilience, hope, and even humor.
Today, fully recovered and living near the mountains in Phoenix, Arizona, David is still using his art to bring attention to difficult subjects like the mental health crisis, creating psychological portraits of what he observes and feels as he explores the figure through collage, assemblage, oil, and drawing.
Enter Frame Destination
The pen-on-paper piece featured above, titled “Nervous,” is part of the “Into the Tunnel” collection and is showcased in a black Nielson P-117 frame by Frame Destination. “Little Hero” below is a new work. David framed this oil, pen, and collage on canvas in our metallic bronze Canvas Floater Frame F342, featuring a slight inward slope that draws the eye directly into this powerful piece.
See More of David’s Work
David’s website, BradyArt.com, showcases his collections, new works, and publications, including a published graphic memoir of his cancer experience. Tune into his YouTube channel for interviews and insights into his painting techniques. David’s company Brady Book Design helps turn people’s passions, adventures, and causes into personal publications. To discover his latest form of expression, read the Q&A below.
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with David Brady …
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
When I was in 2nd or 3rd grade, my mom sent me to another school every Friday so I could attend their art classes. She said I was better than the public school teacher and was bored to death. After leaving home as a teenager, I discovered the power of a sketchbook; over 90 sketchbooks later, they have become the center of my figurative universe. Although I took art figure drawing classes in college, I never felt connected to anything going on and abandoned it all altogether until I was nearly 30. It took me leaving my corporate job and leaning on my tiny savings to go at it full-time. Like most artists, it was about balancing making money and the time commitment required to do good work. Today, at 60, I am deeply rooted in my daily creative practice and am grateful to have never given up.
2. What role do you think the artist plays in society?
Art, like music, not only can inspire others to pursue meaningful truths but also educate society in new ways. The first day I encountered the power of the internet (1992), I immediately thought, "Wow, artists can now not only present their work in their own voice, but they can also communicate with other artists all over the world; I wonder if we will see this opportunity.” When I saw Francis Bacon's "Pope Innocent X," I realized for the first time that artists could make art about things they were upset or bothered by. Art could be used to talk about wrongs, inform the culture of its errors, and inspire others to tell the truth. While others painted familiar, safe, and already-seen things, I became fixated on "the unseen" people we marginalized. Suddenly, bringing awareness about mental health and other issues became part of my purpose to create. Through my touring installation of 100+ psychological portraits, "The Mind Mask," and my graphic memoir, "Into the Tunnel," I have raised awareness about several subjects.
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
Opportunities are created. Many of my relationships with professional creatives have yielded amazing conversations that have kept me going through the challenges of being a full-time artist. My best teaching experience was running a commercial gallery for years for a large company. I learned that whatever you do, whatever you make, be honest with intent, stick with your voice, and don't follow trends. The artist LeRoy Neiman once told me, "The art world will turn on you in a minute and label you done. Follow your own voice and create your own world." I have learned that, in the end, it's about what you have left for the world to digest, what you've added to the history of art.
4. In what ways does your work reflect your personality?
Well, I often get emails and texts asking, "Are you okay? Did something bad happen?”
People have given me business cards for shrinks and doctors and have even told me that their whole church was praying for me to stop making "that art." So, some people have associated my paintings with me personally. I wondered, "Do they think Stephen King has killed someone because of what he writes?" I often work alone, like most artists, and most of my images are solo figures. I have done bodies of work based on something that has happened to me. (My "Into the Tunnel" exhibition and publication are about surviving cancer.) The reflection is based on the viewer and their state when seeing it.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
Creative blocks do happen, and it's part of the process. After completing a body of work for an exhibition, the following weeks in the studio are often a bit flat. I continue to use my sketchbook and return to familiar music and traditional materials that slowly crank up my mind again. Sometimes, it is best to stay away from news, social media, etc., while resting my mind and doing fun, childlike experiments in the studio. In the end, the whole point is to have fun and be happy that you are alive.
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
Discarded ballpoint pens. You can find them on sidewalks, public places, and even banks (lol). With my sketchbook companion, these two elements are just about all one needs to record daily.
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
With process and materials being key in my work, I have recently moved away from line drawing and into mark making. This slight adjustment to tap the pencil on the canvas or paper rather than move lyrically has opened a whole new form on my canvas, an entirely new way to express. With about 10 drawings and a few paintings in this mark-making, I am fully focused on its possibilities and new languages.
8. What is your favorite color to incorporate into your art?
Currently, yellow. Hope is a theme in most of my work, which often portrays a sense of loss or stagnation; yellow represents hope to me.
All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.
Last Updated March 13, 2024
Many people would prefer to forget their cancer experience, especially one that includes misdiagnoses, chemotherapy, radiation, and a terminal prognosis. But visual artist David Brady records — and redeems — his experience via sketchbook, imagination, and a ballpoint pen. “In the Pain Cave” While going through stage 3 throat cancer, David chronicled his journey via […]
Rustic, Refined
Buffalo check? Time to uncheck. Faux distressed furniture? Let’s get real. Even if a few traditional Farmhouse Chic elements are wearing out their welcome, this warm and cozy interior design style is still on the scene in a fresh, modern way.
Where Did Farmhouse Chic Decor Originate?
Farmhouse architecture emerged from Germany and Scandinavia. The simple, hardy construction migrated to the U.S. in the 1700s and is associated with America’s early pioneers, who often settled in unforgiving environments. Building on these hardy beginnings, Farmhouse Chic decor took flight around 2010 on the wings of Joanna Gaines — the Waco, Texas, star of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. A welcome shift from its fussier predecessor, Shabby Chic/French Country, Farmhouse Chic is similar to Modern Rustic Decor, which blends traditional farmhouse elements with graphic shapes and sleek finishes to instill a contemporary vibe.
Who Does Farmhouse Chic Decor Appeal To?
If you appreciate a casual farmhouse feel and natural elements with a splash of modern elegance, Farmhouse Chic ambiance should be right up your alley.
Renewing the Farmhouse Chic Look
Some designers are wondering whether Farmhouse Chic is falling out of style. True, we’re all slightly over the “Live, Laugh, Love” signs and black-and-white buffalo check. However, other basics are enduring beautifully. Let’s look at which Farmhouse Chic features are wearing out their welcome, which ones are still in, and how to breathe new life into the look.
Living on Borrowed Time:
- Faux-distressed furniture
- Shelves stuffed with rustic knick-knacks
- Wood overload
- Shabby-chic slipcovers
- Chicken wire and burlap
- Typography signs like “Blessed” and “Gather”
Still Timeless:
- Neutral color palettes
- White walls
- Mixing wood tones
- Exposed beams
- Open kitchen shelves
- Art featuring landscapes and botanicals
Refreshing the Trend:
- High-end fabrics like velvet
- Plaids rather than checks
- Tailored furniture
- Contemporary light fixtures
- In-tact wood antiques, not distressed
- Burled wood picture frames in a satin finish
- Polished brass
- Smooth marble
- Clean lines and clutter-free
Farmhouse Chic, Room by Room
Like other interior decors, Farmhouse Chic grants you full permission to personalize the aesthetic based on your taste. Which components you want to keep rustic and which more contemporary are up to you. Let’s look at some examples.
In Your Living Room
Often the largest room in the house, the living room is an excellent place to mix authentically distressed wood (i.e., furniture or mantel) with contemporary pieces for visual depth. Ditch the slipcovers and opt for a velvet sofa with modern lines and an accent chair in a rich, warm shade. Wood coffee tables are still classic, but try sleek or painted rather than rough. Mix and match cozy throw pillows in solids and soft prints, skipping the buffalo plaid. Vintage rugs are still having a moment, so feel free to seize it or opt for a simple pattern instead. Resist the urge to pile up collections of rustic trinkets. Living plants always add life to a space by bringing the outdoors in, and landscapes — especially vintage ones — make great art for the walls of an updated Farmhouse Chic living room.
In Your Kitchen
Light oak cabinets and open shelving add breathing room to a Farmhouse Chic kitchen. Exposed wood beams draw the eye upward, lending a more spacious feel. To avoid wood overload, skip the butcher block countertops and choose marble or quartz. We’re happy to report that beautiful, classic farmhouse sinks are still in vogue and available in materials like copper and stainless steel. (Double-basin versions add even more functionality.) A glossy tile backsplash and glass light fixtures lend shimmer and contrast to rustic elements like a vintage jug with obvious signs of wear. After all, we’re not going for an overly polished vibe. In the example above, we might swap the cool-hued pillows for a smoky green to add warmth.
In Your Bedroom
Since faux-distressed wood furniture is trending toward the exit, we’re seeing more finished woods, as in our photo example. Offset dark wood tones with white walls and clean lines for a cozy yet sophisticated Farmhouse Chic bedroom. Elegant touches appear in the accent chairs and antique side tables. A thick striped rug, plush bedding, and long drapes — all in natural materials — bring texture. Lighting is warm and soft. The overall ambiance is soothing and inviting.
In Your Bathroom
Although shiplap is beginning to feel a bit cliché, you can refresh the look in several ways: by taking it all the way around the room, installing it three-quarters of the way up a wall, or painting it pale taupe or a deep hue that feels on trend. Consider modern elements like a contemporary vanity in deep navy blue and brushed metal fixtures. A mix of botanical and rustic artwork balances the scene. If there were a freestanding bathtub with claw feet in the room, it would absolutely fit the Farmhouse Chic mood.
Go Get the Look
All interior decor styles evolve. And while the Farmhouse Chic of yesterday may not fit your home today, you can easily drop some accessories, do some painting, and add pieces that feel fresh and relevant. Trust your eye and enjoy this inviting, serene, beautiful aura throughout your home!
Last Updated February 20, 2024
Rustic, Refined Buffalo check? Time to uncheck. Faux distressed furniture? Let’s get real. Even if a few traditional Farmhouse Chic elements are wearing out their welcome, this warm and cozy interior design style is still on the scene in a fresh, modern way. Where Did Farmhouse Chic Decor Originate? Farmhouse architecture emerged from Germany and […]