A Vintage Inspired Farmhouse in Chicago
This 1970s home received updates with simple, economical ways to create a unique, vintage inspired farmhouse.
With its white and natural wood exterior, this bi-level home stands out among its brown-brick neighbors in the suburbs of Chicago. The inside of the home is no different, and boasts airy whites with pops of natural wood for a vintage inspired farmhouse vibe.
The home wasn’t always this way—it has seen a lot of touch-ups since homeowner Cynthia and her husband bought it in 2017. As soon as they purchased the home, Cynthia began her journey of slowly refurbishing and updating the 1970s space to suit her style.
Cynthia documents her home décor journey on her blog, Vintage Grace and Living, where she writes about many of her DIY projects and reveals helpful tips and tricks for decorating on a budget. Driven by her desire to create the home of her dreams without breaking the bank, she found simple and creative ways to bring her vintage inspired farmhouse to life.
Going Neutral
Cynthia’s style starts with a white or neutral palette, which gives her the freedom to build upon the base in any way she wants. “I wanted to have a blank canvas to work with,” she says. This blank canvas is then filled with pops of color and textures that add character and warmth to each room.
A common thread throughout the vintage inspired farmhouse includes natural wood accents—in furniture, such as vintage coffee tables or chairs, or in more subtle ways with a rustic basket or natural wood trim. No matter which piece she chooses, Cynthia has an expert eye for adding warm, rustic touches. “I love to use wood and golden hardware for my contrasts,” she says.
Vintage Touches
One of her favorite accent pieces includes vintage signs. “I like that they are not mass produced,” she says. “They are a unique piece of art that most likely won’t be found in someone else’s home.” Cynthia will often frequent local flea markets and antique shops for signs. She loves to hang them on walls, place them on mantels, and mount them to old architectural pieces for her vintage inspired farmhouse. “I like to showcase signs in ways that they weren’t originally intended,” Cynthia says.
Her love of vintage signs adds a unique flair to her décor. You can find a variety of pieces in almost every room—including an antique sign gallery in the living room, which Cynthia likens to an art installment. “I like to showcase signs in ways that they weren’t originally intended,” she says.
Cynthia’s neutral palette is the ideal foundation on which she builds her distinctive style.
The home’s vintage inspired farmhouse design strikes a perfect balance between stark white bases and warm, natural accents. Each room feels clean and airy, whereas Cynthia’s artistic flair for vintage signs and architectural accents brings interest and character to every space.
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