Natural, honest, clean and comfortable… we love everything about a modern farmhouse aesthetic. Tasked with bringing the Springvale Country Estate clubhouse to life, Ballito interior designer Kirsten Wuth shares some advice for creating a beautiful farm-style look in your home.
“When incorporating a modern farmhouse style into a design, the focus should always be on functionality and practicality, while making the space feel as inviting and comfortable as possible,” says Kirsten, who is excited to be assisting the Springvale family bring their Island Dam clubhouse to life.
Kirsten’s brief from Springvale developer, Mike Graham, was simple: ‘A cozy place that is practical yet welcoming, family-centred with farm-style touches and a nod to English country charm.’ Drawing inspiration from other local farm-style interiors (like in the Midlands), she shares some guidelines for achieving this look.
1. TIMBER TRUSSES, BEAMS & NATURAL TIMBER
Including natural timber in the design of a modern farmhouse space adds warmth and texture to the interior. This can be in the form of wide plank timber flooring, exposed timber beams on the ceiling or the use of solid, timber furniture. When paired with whites and neutrals it creates the perfect base and colour palette for a warm and inviting space.
2. PATTERNS, WOODEN WALL PANELS & CLADDING
The use of patterns is definitely a characteristic of the modern farmhouse look. This can be incorporated by adding wood panelling on walls and ceilings. Tiles can also add whimsical charm to the interior and are a great way to bring in pattern or colour contrast. They can be bold – like a black and white pattern – or subtle with soft greys, blues and whites.
3. INVITING AND COMFORTABLE
Layering different textures and adding warmth to a space with natural finishes really helps make a space feel inviting and comfortable. Furniture selection is important in bringing together the whole look, and you should choose pieces that are modern, comfortable and practical for the space. Add elements of interest with artwork, mirrors, decor and beautiful fabrics.
4. NATURAL LIGHT, OPEN SPACES
High ceilings, large windows and sliding/stacking doors opening up the interior space to the outdoors create a lovely flow throughout the home. Large windows allow maximum natural light into the space, making it more inviting. Springvale offers spectacular clubhouse views, so the flow to the outdoor area is important. We will use correct furniture placement and focus on natural light in the space to achieve this.
5. INDUSTRIAL FEEL WITH LIGHTING ACCENT WALLS
Industrial-style light fittings – typically exposed bulbs, steel elements and caged fittings – are a great way of creating a focal point in the space. Rattan also pairs well with natural timbers and adds warmth and texture. Including exposed brick and stone can add another dimension and raw texture to the space. ‘Klompie’ style bricks have become very popular and can be used in outdoor areas, floors and walls with this style.
ABOUT SPRINGVALE COUNTRY ESTATE
Situated near Sheffield Beach, Springvale is a secure, modern country estate that promises a lifestyle where children have the freedom and space to explore and residents can live out the farm- style life they have always dreamed of. There are larger farm plots on offer (where you can have your own veggie garden, lay chickens and up to four dogs and cats), as well as the Springvale Village’s smaller plots offering an affordable entry into secure estate country living.
Details: www.springvalecountryestate.co.za, 087 094 1084, @springvalecountryestate.kzn
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Kirsten Wuth, The Design Group. www.thedesigngroupsa.com,
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