Fall Nesting Boxes (Farmhouse Fall Decorating)

There are hints of fall in the air and on the trees. While I love summer, I must confess I've already begun burning vanilla pumpkin cream scents.

There's something about the crispness and colors of fall that call us to nest, creating cozy and inviting spaces. 

Speaking of nesting, I just added some tin buckets with dried hydrangeas to our nesting boxes. A simple chalk message reminding us to "give thanks" is an attitude I hope will be echoed in our home this coming season.

Some old books and a pumpkin or two...

Are you looking forward to fall or holding on to every last minute of summer?

I'm so glad you stopped by today. 

I'll be sharing more of our early fall family room soon...

Xo

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French Country Cottage
From My Front Porch To Yours
Savvy Southern Style
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How to Bring Farmhouse Style Outdoors {10 Ways}

Comfortable. Casual. Welcoming. Rustic. 

These are some feelings that come to mind when I think of farmhouse style outdoors... Where a hurried life seems to slow down and the quiet beauty of nature is all around.

A place for family and friends to gather.

Whether you have an actual farmhouse with acreage, a suburban home in a neighborhood, or an apartment with a small entryway and balcony, there are ways to incorporate farmhouse style right where you live.

1. {Wood crates} A vintage bulb crate next to our front door serves as a rustic shelf for a pitcher of flowers. Fresh cut flowers are a quick & easy way to freshen up a porch.

Wood crates are also good catch-alls for toys and balls.

2. {Ticking fabric, grain sack and burlap} for cushions and pillows add that classic farmhouse feel. 

3. {Old tin buckets} as planters for a simple "just grabbed these out of the barn" ambience. ;)

A repurposed chicken waterer is right at home on the front porch. I found this one at a yard sale for just a few dollars  (I loved the rust for decorating, though it wouldn't work well for chickens ;). You can also find them at antique stores. New, you can expect to pay $20 - $25 for this size (2 gallon). 

4. {Chippy, weathered furniture} brings a comfortable feel to a covered porch. Use an old dresser for a plant stand, gardening tool storage, or simply a focal point.

5. {Vines} I'm so grateful to our home's previous owners for planting beautiful vines around the property. Here they are, growing up the side of our laundry/mud room.

And along a fence, vines, grapes and hops add old fashioned texture and greenery.



6. {Gates} are functional, but can also add farmhouse appeal. 

For an easy way to incorporate a gate or two, prop them up on a porch or entryway. The picture below is from our fall porch last year. I used an old gate and section of fencing on the porch to add more of that "pumpkin patch" feel. ;) I found the gate and fence at a yard sale, but similar pieces can be purchased at Lowe's or Home Depot. 

7. {Arbors} add architectural interest year-round. They can support beautiful vines and wisteria during the growing months. In winter, string lights up on arbors for a "happy" dose of light, when darkness comes early. 

This arbor, set off of our gravel driveway, marks the entrance to our front yard.

8. {Outdoor seating} invites you to slow down and take in the scenery. I recently moved this bench out near the chicken yard so that we could sit and watch the chickens (may sound weird, but it's peaceful :). Is there a special place on your property - maybe in the garden - where a bench might encourage you to enjoy the view awhile longer?

9. {Outbuildings} like a chicken coop or garden shed open up lots of possibilities, as well as provide you with another charming backdrop. 

10. {Farm fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers} evoke simple country living perhaps more than anything. If you don't have space to plant fruit trees or build raised garden beds, consider a container garden where strawberries, tomatoes and herbs can be tended and enjoyed.

Find ideas on decorating with farmhouse style inside here!

And now I'm wondering, where is your favorite spot at home to enjoy some time outdoors? Or, is there a view you most love, looking out your window? I'd love to hear!

So glad you stopped by...

Xo

Sharing with:
French Country Cottage
From My Front Porch

Share Your Style
Savvy Southern Style
Cozy Little House

{Vintage Nesting Boxes}

 I hope your week is off to a great start!

I spotted these vintage tin nesting boxes several weeks 

ago at one of my favorite shops - M & M Antiques - in Monroe, WA.

Yesterday, my husband picked them up for me as an early birthday gift! (Love him.) 

So kind of him, especially considering the thought of putting chicken 

nesting boxes in our home would have only occurred to him the day after never.

They add a touch of "vintage farm" to this room...

…And provide a unique display area.

So glad you stopped by!

All the best from our roost to yours…

xo

Sharing with:
Cozy Little House
Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Coastal Charm
Savvy Southern Style
City Farmhouse
Jann Olson
From My Front Porch To Yours
French Country Cottage
Thoughts From Alice

Vintage Tin Can Planters {love!}

I'm loving this little pop of vintage happy on our kitchen window sill!

I'm thinking this may be the beginning of a collection. I planted herbs in these tins, but flowers or other greenery would look great too.

I chose these two tins because of their graphics, what they once held and their colors. 

They also have a great, slightly rusty, aged appearance.

I learned one way to tell the age of tins... If they have a five digit zip code (both of mine do), they were made in or after 1963. If there is a one or two digit number following the city name, they were from 1943-1963.

Interestingly, the one or two digit numbers were started during WWII when many postal clerks had gone into the service. The new, inexperienced postal workers were having trouble sorting the mail. The new "zone system" was created to help make things easier. The 5-digit zip codes we know today went into effect in 1963. 

ZIP stands for "Zone Improvement Plan." Who knew?!

And that's a wrap for today's history lesson! ;)

Enjoy the weekend!

xo