Meet Farmhouse expert Emily Starr Alfano. She'll be sharing all her tips bringing farmhouse style home! Emily is the Starr behind Boston-based lifestyle studio mStarr Design. Getting its start designing weddings and events, mStarr quickly expanded into the world of interior design. With a knack for blending the artisan with the mainstream, Emily makes layered, approachable interiors that reflect her clients’ personalities and lifestyles. Follow @mstarrevdesign on Instagram and see how Emily does farmhouse style in her 1830s home #farmhousedialfano.
What colors do you recommend for farmhouse design?
I love earthy colors for a fresh farmhouse feel and a nice mix of warm and cooler tones. I know a lot of people have a tough time deciding on colors. And I certainly get tripped up sometimes {especially when looking at 50 different shades of a particular color}. But I tend to know what I like {or what my clients will like} and more often than not, I simply put together the colors that are inspiring me for a project and they work well together. Sometimes it's best to just go with what you like and you'll be surprised at how nicely they end up looking together.
Brick Shown: Klamath (discontinued; for a similar look, try Joshua Tree) // Design + Image: Emily Starr Alfano
Where do you find inspiration?
It's so wide-ranging! Instagram, blogs, nature, magazines, friends' homes etc.
Three words to describe your design style?
Organic. Layered. Approachable.
Brick Shown: Klamath (discontinued; for a similar look, try Joshua Tree) // Design + Image: Emily Starr Alfano
What does Farmhouse style mean to you?
Farmhouse style to me is not the more traditionally thought of Farmhouse style. It means incorporating elements that resonate with a farmhouse but mixing in other styles too. So maybe it's shiplap but installed vertically vs. horizontally for a more contemporary look. Maybe it's reclaimed wood floors but installed in a herringbone pattern. I strive to honor certain aspects of our nearly 200-year-old-home but focus on blending styles...Cottage, Farmhouse, Organic, California Cool.
Design + Image: Emily Starr Alfano
What are your top 6 Design Tips to creating a modern farmhouse kitchen or bathroom?
1. Stay away from too much color. I think the farmhouse style is appealing because it's so inviting. Too much color or too many bold colors, and it starts to get away from that.
Tile Shown: 2x6 Driftwood with Glazed Thin Brick in Big Horn // Design: High Street Homes // Image: Jen Morley Burner
Brick Shown: Olympic // Design: Tinge Floral // Image: Kate Osborne
2. Incorporate some type of open shelving and/or rail with hooks.
Some may say this is trendy but I think they're timeless and a beautiful way to display both everyday and decorative items that you {and your guests} want to look at! If you're worried about storage or dust, just do a small section.
Tile Shown: 4x8 tiles in Mist // Design: EJ Interior Design // Image: Brad Knipstein
3. Herringbone
So maybe this screams more Parisian apartment but it's got historical roots and is the loveliest addition to a home, whether on the floors or the walls.
Tile Shown:2x6 tiles in Driftwood with Glazed Thin Brick in Big Horn // Design: High Street Homes // Image: Jen Morley Burner
Brick Shown: Klamath (discontinued; for a similar look, try Joshua Tree) // Design + Image: Emily Starr Alfano
4. Mix and match metals and woods.
You want to keep things fresh and a little unexpected. There's nothing wrong with matching your faucet, lighting and/or hardware but it's that much nicer to do a mix of metals.
Tile Shown: 3x6 tiles in Mist // Design + Image: Benita Cooper Design
Brick Shown: Olympic // Design: Heidi LaChapelle Interiors // Image: Erin Little
5. Make sure to layer textures.
This will add visual interest and build depth throughout your home.
Tile Shown: Pickets in Frost // Design: Rudy Winston Design // Image: Janis Nicolay
Brick Shown: Front Range (discontinued; for a similar look, try Absaroka) // Design: Jon De La Cruz // Image: House Beautiful
6. Incorporate vintage {or vintage-inspired} elements.
Adding vintage is a must in any home but especially in a farmhouse. Vintage items have stories to tell and can set your design apart. Sure sometimes vintage can be pricey {and a worthy investment} but there are so many beautiful accents you can find on places like Etsy and Ebay that are more affordable than mainstream items, and certainly more unique!
Tile Shown: 3x12 tiles in Sand Dune and Feldspar Gloss // Image + Design: Danielle & Ely Franko
Brick Shown: Elk // Image + Design: Danielle & Ely Franko
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