So you like the “farmhouse” style? I like it too. I just think it’s misnamed. When someone says “farmhouse look” I instantly picture distressed whitewashed hand-me-down furniture, baskets made of chicken wire, shiplap everywhere,  some type of arrangement of natural looking cotton still in the boll, and if you’re really committed to the look you throw in a canvas with a cow painted on it. This is what I wanted when we talked about building our house on the farm. Sometimes when you make plans, life makes its own plans, and other times you get exactly what you ask for. They say you should be careful what you ask for. I got the farmhouse look for sure, and it’s nothing like what I pictured, and I still love it.

This is what a real farmhouse looks like. 

Boots everywhere and dirt everywhere else. Even with a handy tray—you can’t see it for the pile of boots—which is meant to catch the debris, dirt and grass clippings pepper my floor like an overseasoned pot of green beans.

Vegetables are anywhere I can find counter space. On the counters, in the windowsill, hanging from the cabinet handles, literally anywhere. (The counters haven’t looked this clear all summer. I cleaned them for you!)

Another must have for the real farmhouse look is a makeshift nursery indoors. Perhaps this is where some of the dirt comes from.

Purposely not pictured are the hills of laundry and dishes, and the trappings of messy children I haven’t had time or energy to clean up after. I can’t tell you how many rocks and sticks I find laying around that were brought inside on purpose. I love the adventurous (and borderline hoarding) spirit.

I do have some cow art. Guess that part is accurate. (He’s eating grass.)