Unique Finds for our Cottage Farmhouse

For the last few years, I have been keeping my eye out for some unique statement pieces that would add interest and texture to our future cottage farmhouse. If you’re not familiar with the cottage style, it starts with a light and airy space typically having white or light colored walls. Spaces are usually styled with a collection of different textures, designs and shapes making them unique, warm and inviting. The furniture is anything but cookie cutter with each piece making it’s own statement by using items from different time periods and design styles.

I have been very selective with my collection because I have a specific vision for the home design and I want to know, before I make a purchase, that the item will have a place in our home. Although some of the items will be used strictly for décor, I tried to find pieces that were functional as well. Here are a few of my favorites that I have collected so far.

1930’s L.C. Smith Super-Speed Typewriter

I am a writer. What writer doesn’t want one of these? This, obviously, will not be used for my writing, but it’s definitely a conversation piece and an item I love to look at. I plan to use this for décor in my new office. This was a flea market find with a purchase price of only $35!

Antique Photo Album

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This leather bound photo album was one of the first pieces to catch my eye. I found it at a town festival where vendors were set up and selling antiques. My sweet mother-in-law must’ve saw the sparkle in my eye because she snatched it up and bought it for me for $20 – a steal if you ask me! This will likely be used for décor only, but since it is a functional photo album, you never know.

Wicker Baskets and Dark Glass Bottles

These are not antiques, but when I saw them at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, I just had to have them. They were having a forty percent off sale that day on select items, so I only paid around $35 dollars for all four pieces. I wanted to incorporate some natural elements in our cottage farmhouse, and I thought these would go nicely in the laundry room. I’m planning to have a combination of cabinets and open shelving above the washer and dryer, and these are definitely pretty enough to display. The wicker baskets could be used to store things like microfiber clothes and dryer sheets, while the bottles could be used to hold natural cleaning agents like vinegar and baking soda.

Antique Rocker and Arm Chair Set

I lucked out and bought this set of antique chairs from my parents for the bargain price of $50! I plan to have them reupholstered for the new house, since their original upholstery had already been replaced, and I’m not fond of the current design. The wood detail and condition of these pieces are what really got my attention. I can image these sitting in our living/family room tucked beneath a large window and used for overflow seating.

1930’s Will Ross Industrial Physician Floor Lamp

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I’ve saved the very best for last! My favorite and latest find is this antique physician adjustable floor lamp. My dad, a flea marker guru and master trader, found this gem at a local sale for a mere $10! I knew I had to have it as soon as I saw it. Would this not go perfectly with my L.C. Smith typewriter in my new office?!

Now, that the construction of our cottage farmhouse is about to be underway, Nate and I look forward to finding more additions to our collection. We don’t plan to have a house full of antiques, but we do want a even mix of new and weathered pieces. The point is for our home to feel warm and inviting. A cozy place to retreat to at the end of the day. A place where family and friends can gather and not fear that they will wrinkle the couch.

Do you love cottage style homes? Maybe you live in one. What pieces in your home stand out and make a statement? I’d love to hear from you.