Rustic Autumnal Interior Updates
Rustic Autumnal Interior UpdatesÂ
Autumn, the season of golden leaves, and long walks in the crisp country air. Whether you’re squirrelling away, keeping cosy, or hosting dinners for friends and family, read on for our ideas on making the home warm, rustic and comfortable in time for the change in seasons.Â
Curate Comfort with Accessories
Introduce a sense a comfort to rooms with beautiful textiles. Cushions and throws will bring a sense of warmth to interiors whilst pulling in eclectic pattern and rich autumnal hues. Opt for tones of soft red and burnt orange for a truly sought-after aesthetic.Â
 Smaller textile accessories allow you to switch up the look of your home seasonally. Vintage ceramics in particular are a wonderful way to add rustic texture to the space. Style them with a few beautiful ceramic pieces in the form of vases, bowls or sculptures to incorporate a rustic finish to your autumnal interior.Â
Stylish Storage
Though autumn is considered a season for hibernation, it can also be a time for rejuvenation. It’s the perfect time to reflect and consider the items which no longer serve you, and make space for new pieces in your life before the winter festivities. If you decide to have an autumnal clear out, it could be time to treat yourself to some chic rustic storage. Â
Make sure you have room for all your favourite cookware in the kitchen as well as those extra special items. You can even choose storage which offers a display feature, like a French dresser or cupboards with open shelves.Â
Dine in
For the ultimate autumn dinner party don’t forget to invest in a beautiful dining table. Our range of reclaimed wooden dining tables offer a beautiful rustic appearance with unique aged detail. When dressed with an autumn tablescape, they will instantly give the kitchen an abundance of charm. Allowing you to enjoy entertaining. Â
Whether you’re cooking for the family or having people over, a Home Barn table will look after you for years to come. Complement it with a beautiful wooden bench - most of our tables have the option of a coordinating bench to go alongside it. Ideal for refectory style dining.Â
We hope this blog has given you all the inspiration you need to refresh your home in time for autumn, let us know how you get on. Â
How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Table
How to Choose the Perfect Rustic Kitchen Table
At Home Barn we love the warmth and welcoming appeal of a rustic kitchen table. Often the centrepiece of most rooms, it’s an addition that has many jobs; it can be a work station, a place where plans are made as well as an area to eat and drink. Â
All of our tables are handcrafted in England using characterful reclaimed timber. Each design detail has been considered to make them perfect for everyday use, as well as delivering a country chic aesthetic. For those longing to find the ideal table for their home, we have pulled together a few options below to help you find the best table to suit your lifestyle.Â
The Family Table
Full of charm, the Snowdon Table is a great rustic kitchen table for the practicalities of family life. The textural whitewash finish can easily be cleaned and maintained, and will also give complete peace of mind for years to come. Thanks to its characterful rustic appearance, this table will age beautifully over the years. Whether used for family meals, crafts evenings or homework sessions. Made from carefully hand-selected reclaimed elm, the Snowden has a perfectly imperfect appearance. A particularly wonderful solution to suit the practicalities of family life whilst maintaining a chic and welcoming aesthetic.
The Entertainers Table
For those looking for the ideal table to entertain guests and loved ones, the Modern Rustic Oak Dining Table is wonderfully suited to the host or hostess of any household. The option of 2 extension leaves is especially useful, it makes for a superior choice for organising dinner parties with friends and family. Or, equally it provides a comforting place for quieter nights when packed away.Â
The Modern Rustic Oak Dining Table is meant to be enjoyed, whilst elevating the look of a room. Handmade from solid European oak, it offers a truly timeless style and furthermore, is completely unique due to its individual knots and markings. Â
The Rustic Jewel
The Tennyson is a beautiful option for those with an eye for characterful pieces. Thoughtfully made from solid kiln-dried European oak, the Tennyson offers chic style as well as practicality. It is the focal point of any room. The naturally aged look of the timber is forgiving to the wear and tear of life. Offering a relaxed yet sleek appeal. This is the perfect rustic kitchen table for both modern and traditional style homes. Â
Pull up a Seat
Benches provide a lovely seating option for any rustic dining area. They perfectly complete the refectory look, allowing for more people to sit around the table. Additionally, our benches are made with the exact dimensions to perfectly sit alongside the chosen table. Providing an arresting and cohesive dinner setting. Â
With a beautiful selection of tables available across our portfolio, we hope this blog has inspired you to find the perfect table for you, whether it's for delightful dinner parties or quiet family nights in.Â
Introduce Vintage Homeware to Your Interior
Introduce Vintage Homeware to Your Interior
Our homes are places we hold close to our hearts, filled with love and memories. They are a reflection of our individual experiences, and personal tastes. Each room tells a story through the decorative pieces within it. Adorn your home with vintage homeware, and antique accessories to weave history into the aesthetic of the interior, and give a richer narrative to the story of the home.
We’ve pulled together a selection of our most useful ideas to help you bring the allure of vintage homeware into your interior.
Introducing Vintage Homeware to the Living Room
The living room is a place often associated with comfort, a place to relax and entertain friends. When decorating this area, it’s important to bear in mind the surfaces and textures within the room, as they add depth to the space. To decorate with characterful homeware, start with a rustic or reclaimed wooden bench. The soft undulated texture of the wood feels beautiful under hand, bringing interest to the room. This can then be decorated with treasured pieces from your collection, or antique accessories that have been collected through the years, creating a laid back, layered look.
Textiles are an important aspect of the living room as they give the impression of comfort. Including vintage textiles such as, hand-woven kilim rugs give a sense of uniqueness and character to the home. To give a further sense of comfort through vintage decorating, fill a rustic trunk or woven basket with blankets or cushions.
Bring Antique Accessories and Rustic Furniture to the Kitchen
When it comes to the kitchen there are several lovely ways you can add a touch of character with decorative antiques. Put together an eclectic mix of antique ceramics, and arrange thoughtfully on open shelves. Consider varying shapes and heights, and lay them out uniformly to draw attention to their differences. Alternatively, experiment with varying lay outs for a relaxed look.
The centrepiece of any modern rustic kitchen, is the reclaimed wooden table. The beautiful timber has textures, colours, and marks that can’t be manufactured and will evolve over time. Loved ones will gather around for generations to come, and the kitchen table will become part of your homes story.
We hope you enjoyed reading ideas of how you can bring a touch of history and sophistication to your home.
Summer Entertaining Ideas: Reclaimed Outdoor Furniture and Accessories
 Summer Entertaining with Home Barn
Though admittedly speckled with the occasional shower, British summertime also provides the most delightful opportunities for entertaining. With long warm evenings, and the scent of flora and fauna passing in a gentle breeze, curate an atmospheric outdoor space with outdoor furniture, and vintage accessories, to welcome guests into the garden this summer.
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Dine Alfresco with Reclaimed Furniture
Possibly the most important aspect of summer entertaining is dining outdoors, where everything tastes a little better. To create the ultimate outdoor dining experience, make sure to select a set of outdoor dining furniture. Our option of choice is of course a reclaimed wooden table, like our Garden Dining Table which is made from solid teak. For those looking to add a hint of rustic character to their exterior, this rustic table will slowly become more beautiful over time, weathering slightly as it’s touched by sunlight. Though we recommend covering for winter, when alfresco dining is sadly not so easy.Â
Once you’ve sourced the perfect table, create a wonderful outdoor tablescape. Lay your favourite crockery and fill a selection of vases with fresh flowers and foliage, preferably from the garden. For a sweet, eclectic look, you could use vintage bottles paired with lovely long-stemmed flowers. Not only is this sustainable as you’re repurposing the glass but it will add character and texture to the spread. Finish by scattering candlesticks along the centre of the table, (opt for vintage candlestick holders for extra charm) then you can dine by candle light under the stars... how delightful! Â
Garden Party in Style
Summer is the perfect time to have a get together in the garden, and enjoy the beautiful weather and fabulous company. To prepare for hosting guests, firstly, spruce up the garden with rustic outdoor furniture and vintage accessories. Then, you can gather friends for drinks and nibbles in the sunshine! Â
We like to make sure there is always enough seating for extras, so everyone can sit outside to chat. Benches are a flexible option, and offer a laid-back casual feel. Our Bamboo Garden Sofa has a cream seat cushion for added comfort, and looks great paired with the Bamboo Garden Armchair. This matching set exudes a calm, soothing feel with its geometric profile, perfect for creating an effortlessly cosy spot to unwind.Â
Add a sprinkling of loveliness with rustic planters. Repurposed pieces such as, our Antique Victorian Bath Vegetable Planter are sure to start some interesting conversations! Planters will also make tending to flowers easy and enjoyable, giving a summery feeling to the garden. They also allow you to style your outdoor event with fresh blooms, which makes for a charming environment.Â
We hope you can fully embrace summer this year, and enjoy the outdoor air with friends, from the comfort of your garden.Â
Selecting Practical Storage with Visual Appeal
Selecting Practical Storage with Visual Appeal
Nothing beats the feeling of a tidy home. As everyone knows, it is easiest to keep tidy when everything has its own place. Though some may prefer built in storage that’s hidden away and out of sight, we prefer to use antique furniture that serves a purpose and adds visual appeal. We like our storage to be both wonderfully practical and effortlessly beautiful. Home Barn’s antique cabinets keep your treasures safe and neatly packed away, whilst bringing delightful charm into the room.
Rustic Storage for the Kitchen and Dining Room
The kitchen truly is the heart of the home, full of life and stories. When selecting antique storage for this room, make sure you select pieces that are sturdy and able to withstand regular use. Â
Reclaimed furniture and vintage cabinets work particularly well in the kitchen. This is because, the natural appearance of aged wood is well suited to lived-in home environments. For a rustic kitchen, we love antique shelves because they offer both display and storage space. This makes them perfect for squirrelling away kitchen essentials, and keeping collections of crockery or glassware easily accessible. In addition, antique cabinets are usually made from quality solid wood. We often source reclaimed storage solutions made from a variety of species, like ancient elm for example which benefits from a unique weathered finish.Â
Every kitchen needs cupboard storage. A French dresser is the pièce de résistance of traditional kitchens, with neat shelves above and deep cupboards below. This aesthetic, glass-fronted piece will happily store large pots, pans or cookware whilst proudly showcasing ornaments and necessities alike. Â
 Antique Cabinets for Living Rooms and Hallways
Living rooms and hallways are the perfect places to keep more delicate items like ornaments or a fragile vase. Here they are safely away from the hustle and bustle of the kitchen and busy family life. Â
Choosing something with drawers allows you to keep special things grouped together. One of our favourite pieces, the Kasia antique chest of drawers, is visually unique and has an interesting history. Originally a grain locker, this characterful piece has been reworked into a delightful chest of six uniform drawers, using the original salvaged wood - the home is always more interesting when your furniture has its own story to tell!Â
Opting for rustic storage like cabinets with cupboard doors gives you plenty of room for larger pieces and stackable items like books. Extra points for cupboards with shelves inside, which make it much easier to keep things organised. Â
 The Matilda antique cabinet for example, is made from solid pale pine with two lovely cupboards and four slim drawers. This cabinet is a wonderful addition to any home in need of extra storage. Choosing pieces with doors means you can keep the trappings of modern life, such as electricals and wires, out of sight and mind. Putting away gadgets will give the living space an extra calming feel, allowing you to truly unwind and enjoy the evening.Â
We hope our storage tips have inspired you to dust off your cupboards and cabinets, and reorganise! Or even treat your home to a new antique cabinet that will bring effortless style and ease to your daily life.Â
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How to Maintain your Vintage and Reclaimed Furniture
     
Sourcing antique and reclaimed furniture is a truly special way to build a characterful home. One of the joys of having an antique or reclaimed piece is its weathered appearance. Which only adds to its unique charm. However, once you’ve fallen in love with a piece of vintage furniture, it’s important that you care for it, to keep it looking its best for many years to come!Â
Keeping Wooden Reclaimed Furniture Looking Lovely
A gorgeous natural material, wood brings warmth to the home. An added benefit to reclaimed or repurposed wood is its unique appeal, with its individual markings and characterful wear and tear from its previous life. When giving antique pieces a new home, it’s important to care for your wood, helping it continue to stand the test of time. For helpful advice and handy tips, keep reading...Â
 Wood Wax
The best tip for looking after your reclaimed wooden furniture is applying wood wax. This is because wax nourishes the wood and prevents water from getting into the surface, a thick coat every other month will keep your wooden furniture looking healthy all year round. Â
All you need is an old rag and some elbow grease, rub the wax gently along the grain of the wood, leave for 30 minutes and then lightly buff away any excess.Â
Daily Maintenance
For daily maintenance, simply dust over your antique furniture with a dry cloth. In the unfortunate event of a spillage, try to clean it up quickly with a cloth and water, this will help prevent staining. For a deeper clean, use a natural non-toxic cleaning solution - try not to use sprays with chemicals in as these can damage the surface of the wood and spoil its natural beauty. Â
Caring for Decorative Antiques
Vintage and antique treasures naturally age over time. Well-loved objects often have a unique look that we shouldn't try to change. Though sometimes they need a bit of extra care to keep them looking beautiful. Here are our tips on caring for decorative antiques:Â
Everyday Care
When displaying decorative antiques in your home try to keep them out of direct sunlight as exposure to light fades most materials. Water can damage antiques, so do try to keep them in a dry, ventilated place to avoid them getting damp. Vintage furniture is often made from sturdy natural materials, for example wood and therefore can withstand regular use, but for especially old and more delicate items do make sure to handle with care.Â
Keeping Clean
Generally, antique accessories and decorations can sit quite happily for a long time without causing too much fuss. For instance, when it comes to sprucing them up, dusting off with a dry cloth is the perfect pick-me-up. For build-ups of dust or grime, try gently cleaning with warm water and a damp cloth. If a serious clean is needed, use a natural cleaning solution and a light hand. We always recommend doing a little test first as it would be a shame to lose any of the beautiful aged details.Â
In Case of EmergencyÂ
Always be careful when using high-street cleaning products on your vintage furniture and decorative accessories. Because products designed specifically for modern furniture may be too harsh, and damage the beautiful effect created over time. Make sure to read the label and check if the product is suitable for your item before applying. It's also important to start with a small area as a trial. In addition, if your furniture needs emergency care, it’s best to consult a professional. Â
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Adding Character to Outside Spaces with Home Barn
As the weather slowly but surely starts to warm up, many more of us will be heading outdoors to make the most of our outside areas. An extension of our homes, these spaces provide us with an opportunity to be creative, to show our personality through carefully placed pots, reclaimed pieces and characterful vintage accessories.Â
No matter the size or shape, there are a number of ways to add character or to create a rustic ambience. To make sure the outside area looks just as good as the inside, whilst also encouraging us to spend more of our down time outdoors breathing in the fresh air. Â
To inspire you to accessorise, we’ve popped our top tips below to help you create an outside space the Home Barn way. Â
Embrace outdoor accessories
  
 
Sometimes the smallest of things can have the biggest impact. By simply adding a few vintage planters, you can add interesting texture to your outside space, to create a feeling of depth experiment with plants of varying heights and species.Â
Our Terracotta Ridged Planters will add a hint of countryside charm with their muted orange hues, subtle ridged detailing and modern rustic appeal. For something slightly more industrial that will make an eye-catching statement, opt for square steel planters. Constructed from Corten Steel, these unusual pots will weather over time to produce an organic yet unique rust patina.Â
For those looking to grow their own vegetables we have just the thing – our Antique Galvanised Bath is the perfect base for all your vegetable-growing wishes. A vintage treasure sourced in Hungary; these stunning salvaged bath tubs complete with oxidised rust markings will look at home within any courtyard garden.Â
Characterful alfresco dining
Make alfresco dining a regular event in your home with one of our newest additions. Only just launched on site, we’re now offering a reclaimed dining table and matching chairs, specially made for external use. Â
Crafted from solid reclaimed teak, this Reclaimed Wood Garden Dining Table boasts a weathered appearance and is sustainably made from rustic timbers sourced in Indonesia. A characterful piece of outdoor furniture, no two outdoor tables are the same, as each piece benefits from individual markings and natural woodgrain. When exposed to the elements, the wood will become more and more beautiful, as the colour and patina alters in the sunlight.Â
Displaying a weathered yet antique appearance, these rustic dining chairs are a seamless pairing for our reclaimed dining table. Also constructed from reclaimed teak, these charming wooden chairs are pre-finished for enhanced longevity – adding an organic yet raw look to exterior spaces ideal for entertaining.Â
Swing into spring
For large country-side gardens or those benefitting from a sturdy tree our beautiful swing seats are the perfect accessory. Made from reclaimed wine barrels, these playful pieces have been recycled to provide a spot to sit back and relax. With both a standard size and double swing seat available, there is something for every outdoor space, whether placed on the patio, in the courtyard or under an old oak tree.Â
With an array of hand-picked antique and vintage finds. Home Barn is full to the brim with characterful pieces to inspire your exterior. Â
How to shop for vintage
Top tips for Easter Entertaining
How to style your coffee table
Welcome to our blog post - How to style your coffee table.
Aside from the sofa, the coffee table is probably our favourite piece of furniture for the living room. It's the ultimate finishing touch and can be used in so many different ways. When it comes to styling a coffee table, the table can be placed either centrally amongst seating or up against a wall. The most important thing to consider, is what you're going to put on it! From your most treasured coffee table books, to candles and of course, cups of tea and coffee! Read more
Our favourite places to shop for vintage and antique furniture
We always get asked for our top recommendations for places to shop vintage so we’ve pulled together our top six favourites. They’re all absolute gems, packed full of personality and well worth the visit to shop for vintage furniture and accessories. They also all have beautiful Instagram accounts to swoon over so make sure you give them a follow and share the love!
Home Barn's 2019 vintage interior trends
We hope you enjoy home-barns-2019-vintage-interior-trends.
Hot off the heels from our trip to Maison&Objet Paris, one of the world's biggest interior design fairs, we’re full of fresh ideas after spotting some exciting trends. There were some definite themes to the things that caught both of our attention, and they will be popping up in some of the vintage furniture and accessories we’ll be stocking at Home Barn this year.