ACCENTS

Down on the farm

The traditional and rustic styles of a farmhouse is not unlike the current home trends for Guam. Residents with family ranches may already be incorporating some of these elements.

While there are comparatively few large-scale farms in Guam, plenty of families share ranches or plots of land that resemble space for agricultural use. Often coupled with these plots are homes where the family can stay, either briefly or permanently, after a long day of work. Pigs and goats are commonly seen in local ranches.

A great way to think about the farmhouse aesthetic is to imagine a healthy combination of vintage, modern, and simplistic styles. Locally, it may also help if you think about what your grandparents’ house looked like. Farmhouses tend to have a lot of natural light coming in, with warm tones and lots of open spaces. The original use of a farmhouse was as a temporary resting space while working in the fields for long periods of time. In modern times, this same sense of comfort and easy access can be applied to any home.

One sign of a farmhouse feature is open cabinets, cupboards, and shelves — so no doors. Silverware and dishes can also be displayed on countertops. Wooden furniture and stained windows are also common in traditional farmhouses. Much like industrial designs, a farmhouse design can look like a home that had just been built. Instead of painting over wooden panels, sometimes there is beauty and simplicity in seeing the wood in its original state. Working on a farm can get messy, and that mess can be transferred into the home. So, it is important to avoid materials and cloth that can get stained easily. Opt for darker colored floors, countertops, tables, and rugs so dirt and mud stains will not be so noticeable. Gingham cloth offers a very typical farmhouse look. Carpets are not ideal for farmhouses, but sturdy rugs and door mats can help prevent dirt from traveling around the home.

Flora can also make great farmhouse accent pieces. Prop up a plant that you grew outside the house for continuity. Something as simple as keeping green onions in a pot by a kitchen window can already add a touch of farmhouse design. p