Shopping isn’t for everyone, but sometimes when you graze and pop in and out of shops, you can really hit the jackpot and snag a few special farmhouse finds! We recently did this in search of the perfect pieces to put next to our mantel and we had a blast. Of course, we found everything but the pieces we need, but a fruitful trip nonetheless. We realize that the internet is a marvelous place to snag what we are in quest to find nowadays, but there is something about pounding the pavement and seeing & touching items in person that gets us every time.
Refresher pieces are one decor category that can be found when setting out on a shopping expedition. Just like the pieces we are hoping to score for the sides of our fireplace mantel, refresher pieces are the items that keep homes feeling fresh, most like you and most like the present day (even in a farmhouse). They don’t have to cost a lot, but should definitely inspire you and round out your space. These pieces can help the home feel more of that farmhouse vibe or help to modernize the place by adding some contemporary, clean and simple accessories. A lot of times we can get inspired by items like these in more expensive home décor shops, but don’t blow your budget in this category! It is important to remain patient and you never know…you may just find those exact same pieces in a larger, discount shop like Home Goods! Or, even wait for a sale at the boutique.
Key furniture pieces are another reason to get yourself out in shops like Home Goods or Target. You never know what you will find. Back when we lived in our first home and we were aiming to get it fully furnished on a very low budget, we scored coffee tables from Target. Those coffee tables lasted us 10 plus years! They served their purpose, lasted by looking pretty with minimal wear-and-tear and we were able to recycle them by selling them for minimal profit to another happy, new owner. They were a feel-good score from start to finish! We find that chairs, end tables, bar stools, benches are some of the most popular furniture finds when scouring the bigger name discount stores. These are all pieces that accent a room, but are not necessarily where you want to place the majority of your budget and/or focus.
Accessories like table cloths, bread baskets, canisters, baskets (wire and straw), door mats, dog treat jars are also a great purchase when shopping on foot. Sometimes seeing the piece in person really makes you believe it will work in your home. Also, these accents bring your home back to the farmhouse vibe, lending a nod to the traditional.
It is important to not go overboard on shopping trips, even when shopping in a discounted store (which, trust us, we know can be a challenge!). Walking in to the store with a purpose is always important. However, on the flip side, understand that a key piece (that was not in the immediate plan) may speak to you. Heck, it may even say your name (laugh out loud). Go with this…dissect it…what will the purpose of this piece be? Where will it live? Why do you love it? Make sure you’re not shot-gunning a purpose just because the price is right or just because you love it.
From the beginning in our farmhouse, we have been all about minimizing and keeping things simple, clean. However, there have been those few shopping trips that have sparked a design idea, a design flow. I’ve come to understand the shopping voice inside of me! Before purchasing something that may not 100% work in the home, I always make sure it can be returned. Check the store policy. Living with something for a small time-frame in the actual space you envision it in can really help with the final decision. Also, it gives others a chance to give their opinion which could also help! After all, seeing something in the actual space it may occupy is very important. A way to live with something before actually owning it.
What we found on our shopping excursion (mission?) was that it is possible to discover those farmhouse finds. It is more so about knowing your plan, knowing your space/home and knowing your budget. Oh! And also knowing your willpower (ha ha). Good luck and happy shopping!
