A Slice of Americana in a Westchester Farmhouse
We were hired to stage a Westchester new-build spec house in a very specific style - Urban Farmhouse in the manner of Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper and Magnolia Home fame. We squealed with delight at the prospect of stretching our pastoral muscles to envision a space that would be at once compelling, urban and contemporary, while also honoring a plain-spoken simplicity and enhancing the work of our Los Angeles developer client, Blu and White Homes. All photography by Christopher Lee.
Our first impulse was to go with fresh off-white linen furniture in a pair of comfortably overstuffed Chesterfield tufted sofas, facing off with an industrial coffee table between them. A warm seagrass rug underfoot ensures a family-friendly vibe that says, “kick off your shoes and stay awhile.”
A matched set of rustic wood and linen campaign-style chairs defy any particular genre and add their unique prairie-influenced accent to the space. We love their relaxed shape and mixed-material construction. The vintage pitchfork in the background was sourced at one of our favorite salvage vendors Silverado Salvage.
Our goal with this staging was to mix whimsy with a serious chill factor. So when the absolute best rustic authentic ladder presented itself at Silverado Salvage, we said, “Oh, yes!” An oversized wood-slice mirror plays along, as do wood-topped end tables and a fiddle leaf fig.
A casual basket of birch logs and a filigree end table help by softening the mood and creating moments for potential buyers. Moments that speak of a blazing fire in winter, a warm cup of tea while curled up on the sofa. Ah, moments.
A demijohn bottle holds a simple spray of thistle plant. Mantel decor is kept neutral with vintage books and candlesticks.
A peek toward the dining room reveals a farmhouse table (here, it’s IKEA’s Morbylanga) and a set of statement-making Windsor back chairs in black.
These awesome high ceilings and a wow-factor chandelier worthy of Joanna Gaines herself ensure that this dining room won’t be ignored. A soft cowhide underfoot defines the area organically.
We’ve accented the table with a runner, an oversized basket and a mercury glass vase filled with eucalyptus leaves. A stack of linen napkins await a heartwarming family dinner or potluck with friends.
The open staircase’s black metal railing echoes our Windsor chairs. in the foreground, a trio of Emeco counter stools soften in gray.
Kitchen styling is deliberately pared-down for maximum impact. A galvanized metal tray holds a white pitcher, plant and a jar of sea salt. A rough-hewn cutting board is always at the ready for impromptu recipe-making.
A vintage farmhouse ladle peeks out from behind an ironstone jar filled with wooden spoons.
The all-important entry console in an industrial style holds baskets to accommodate mail, keys and a dog leash or two. A large open basket below corrals the family’s shoes and flip-flops.
In the master bedroom, a grand rattan headboard holds court in a neutral color scheme under an oversized leather mirror from West Elm. Ample nightstands serve as individual dressers whose surfaces hold your latest bedtime read as well as double gourd lamps in a fresh white.
We love styling beds in crisp white linens, with soft ticking stripes and a touch of gray.
We are officially obsessed with staging bedrooms with dual twin beds, and we take every available opportunity to do so. When you have these awesome vintage headboards, how can you not? Fresh B&W buffalo check pillows are tempered with moss green accents and a ‘lil fiddle leaf fig.
A globally influenced round table brings an organic touch to the room and pairs well with the rattan tones.
This soft, gender-neutral nursery invites play and comfort with its light, bright vibe. A print from Juniper Print Shop injects a little whimsy.
When presented with an ideal nursery corner, always, always, always add a teepee! We found this simple white linen teepee on Amazon, and paired it with a soft aqua kilim bench and a few toss pillows on a sheepskin.
For your adult guests, treat them to this soothing guest bedroom with a tufted linen bed and organic tones. We’ve repeated certain colors and textures throughout the home — like basketweave — to create a cohesive feeling. A gray and white tribal textural rug warms the toes upon rising from this sweet spot.