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My Houzz: A Renovated Farmhouse With Natural Textures and Vintage Finds
Linen, wood, metal and natural fibres blend together to create a contemporary take on farmhouse style
Lauren Palmer, owner of Bloomsbury Farm, transformed what was an outdated and run-down ranch-style home near Nashville, Tennessee, into a dreamy farmhouse for herself and her little girl. “We bought the property 10 years ago, knew we wanted to keep it, but it needed a re-do,” Palmer says. “The home was in a state of disrepair… There was even spray paint on the walls. It had clearly been through a lot.” The process of updating the house included family members as well. “I remember before moving in, what we all saw and how we could see using the space to make it work for us,” Palmer says. “It was so fun that we did it together.”
With the help of her design-savvy mum, Teresa, and local designer Rozanne Oxford at The Iron Gate, Palmer transformed the fragmented layout by opening up the roofline and creating an airy flow that made more sense. “We wanted to be able to entertain easily here, and it’s one of the first houses you see on the property, so it needed to set a tone,” Palmer says. Raw materials, white cladded walls and calming earth tones round out the farmhouse interior.
With the help of her design-savvy mum, Teresa, and local designer Rozanne Oxford at The Iron Gate, Palmer transformed the fragmented layout by opening up the roofline and creating an airy flow that made more sense. “We wanted to be able to entertain easily here, and it’s one of the first houses you see on the property, so it needed to set a tone,” Palmer says. Raw materials, white cladded walls and calming earth tones round out the farmhouse interior.
Rustic and antique touches are found throughout the kitchen. A wooden breadboard acts as a tray on the marble-topped island.
Vine basket lights hang over the kitchen island. The cool metals and warm natural materials work together in this inviting space. Palmer has always loved opening up her kitchen to friends and family, hosting dinners and gatherings on the farm. ‘It’s definitely a ‘chef-y’ sort of kitchen, and so many meals have been made here,” she says.
Vine basket lights, South of Market.
Vine basket lights, South of Market.
A casual dining table right off the kitchen provides a relaxed and informal eating space. Another basket light hangs above, and a beloved painting by a family friend, David Arms, decorates the walls.
Kitchen table and wall lights, South of Market. Kitchen chairs, Design Within Reach. Sheepskins, Ikea.
Browse 10 home accessories that are perfect for nature nerds
Kitchen table and wall lights, South of Market. Kitchen chairs, Design Within Reach. Sheepskins, Ikea.
Browse 10 home accessories that are perfect for nature nerds
Palmer splurged on the Peacock Pavers floor tiles used throughout the kitchen and boot room. A stable door, cypress ceiling and industrial lighting lend charm to the boot room. This area used to be a carport before being converted.
Lights, South of Market.
Lights, South of Market.
Custom-made scalloped shelves in the boot room display a collection of beautiful dinnerware, bottles and knick-knacks.
Palmer also created a spot to hang hats and remove boots after a long day working on the farm.
Bench, Gilchrist Gilchrist. Coat rack, Antiques on Holiday.
Check out these neat hallway tips to steal from tidy people
Bench, Gilchrist Gilchrist. Coat rack, Antiques on Holiday.
Check out these neat hallway tips to steal from tidy people
Palmer loves that the kitchen opens onto the dining room. This long wooden table is perfect for large gatherings, and the industrial pendants allow for the right amount of dimness. “We tend to like fun lighting, and all the rooms have different flares of how we light the space,” Palmer says.
Dining room table and pendant lights, South of Market. Dining chairs, Verellen.
Dining room table and pendant lights, South of Market. Dining chairs, Verellen.
Warm earth tones and neutrals make up this minimalist living space. The Verellen sofas, made of durable, toddler-proof linen, are a personal favourite of Palmer’s. “With the house being so minimal, I didn’t have to childproof too much. My daughter is free to roam about,” she says.
Keeping the TV concealed and furniture pieces simple makes this room feel clean and uncluttered.
Armchairs and sofas, Verellen. Wooden stump tables, South of Market. TV cabinet, The Iron Gate.
Keeping the TV concealed and furniture pieces simple makes this room feel clean and uncluttered.
Armchairs and sofas, Verellen. Wooden stump tables, South of Market. TV cabinet, The Iron Gate.
Another David Arms painting is displayed on top of a classic wooden mantelpiece in the living room.
This quaint sitting nook is just off the main living space.
Round table and bentwood chairs, Antiques on Holiday.
Round table and bentwood chairs, Antiques on Holiday.
The cloakroom features a stone basin from The Iron Gate. The raw material makes a strong statement in this space.
Towel rack, Antiques on Holiday. Wall lights, South of Market.
Towel rack, Antiques on Holiday. Wall lights, South of Market.
The nursery is kept neutral with white wood-clad walls. “It’s still a farmhouse, and we’ve used lots of wood throughout,” Palmer says. “The colours are neutral and natural, and we love that.” She played with a mix of modern and antique pieces in her toddler’s room. Toys are kept tucked away until playtime.
Caravan cot, Kalon Studios.
Caravan cot, Kalon Studios.
Sweet trinkets sit atop an antique dresser in the nursery.
Dresser, Antiques on Holiday.
Dresser, Antiques on Holiday.
A large metal window welcomes heaps of natural light into the nursery. Palmer loves that all the windows in the rooms can be opened to let the outside in. “There’s nothing better than fresh air filling the home,” she says. “We especially love mornings around our house. All of the windows allow us to get a first glimpse of the day.”
A vintage-style wardrobe is used for stashing toys, clothes and other belongings.
White armchair, Lee Industries. Roman shade, Laney Hicks. Antique-style wardrobe, The Iron Gate. Metal lamp, South of Market.
A vintage-style wardrobe is used for stashing toys, clothes and other belongings.
White armchair, Lee Industries. Roman shade, Laney Hicks. Antique-style wardrobe, The Iron Gate. Metal lamp, South of Market.
The master bedroom is a welcome retreat after a long day of working in the dirt. The natural tones and simple décor make this a calm, inviting space. “Our home feels fresh, open and, most of the time, clean. I love watching my little one run around on her bumblebee scooter,” she says.
Bed frame, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Linen bedding and pillows, Pom Pom at Home. Wall lights, The Iron Gate. Light fixture over bed, South of Market.
Bed frame, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Linen bedding and pillows, Pom Pom at Home. Wall lights, The Iron Gate. Light fixture over bed, South of Market.
Built-in shelving in the master bedroom houses special family photos and beautiful finds.
Wall light, The Iron Gate.
Wall light, The Iron Gate.
A cool blue antique dresser stores toiletries and towels off the walk-in shower. Peacock Pavers flooring also makes an appearance in the master bathroom. The chandelier hanging from the cypress ceiling adds a romantic touch.
Dresser, Antiques on Holiday.
Dresser, Antiques on Holiday.
Palmer splurged on a freestanding copper bath from South of Market for her master bathroom.
Roman blinds, Laney Hicks. Chaise, Antiques on Holiday.
Roman blinds, Laney Hicks. Chaise, Antiques on Holiday.
A crisp white exterior, clean lines and simple landscaping set the tone for this farmhouse. French windows and caged lanterns create a beautiful entrance.
Palmer is pictured with her daughter in a favourite garden spot. For several years, Bloomsbury Farm has provided the Nashville area with organic fruit and vegetables. “It’s been a gathering point for lots of people. We have employee lunches here and parties, too,” she says. “I love sharing my home, and I want everyone to feel open to walk in and say hello.”
Palmer proudly stands with some freshly plucked beets in one of the polytunnels on the farm. Nine families make their living here, on land that Palmer saved from becoming a development. She says her father always said, “Bloom where you are planted.” And she has tried to live by that motto in creating her home.
TELL US…
What do you like about this home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
TELL US…
What do you like about this home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who lives here Lauren Palmer and her 2-year-old daughter
Location Tennessee, USA
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
White cladded walls give the farmhouse a warm and rustic feel, while industrial metal accessories, cool marble and a gas range cooker make this kitchen one of Palmer’s favourite spots. “The kitchen by far is the heart of the home. It was actually once a carport, along with an outdoor utility room that’s now the boot room [off the kitchen],” Palmer says.
Wall lights, South of Market.