I’ll admit, I have a browsing default when it comes to shopping for our modern-day farmhouse. I can’t even count how many times I’ve filled and emptied shopping carts, doubting whether or not this is really the right element for a space.
That is, until I go to Back Porch. This little shop tucked away in a nearby town is part Antique Store, part Farmhouse Gallery. I have a hard time telling if a piece is from an estate sale or made in the rustic spirit I love. It’s perfect for mine and my husband’s industrial and rustic modern style.
Within seconds of entering the store last week, I spotted this three foot “boat” made of hand carved wood and a ton of experiences from years gone by. My favorite part about this piece is that I truly can’t tell if it’s a replica made in the spirit of what’s hot on the market today, or a piece from the early 1900’s. (Why I love Back Porch!) There is no label, no artist signature, but instead–a ton of character and it was filthy! All signs point to authentic!
Centerpiece for Our Farm Table
At first, I questioned — what in the WORLD would I do with this!? After all, table space is limited and if you’re like our busy family, any decor on the tables gets moved aside for every meal anyway. I had to ask myself, “Is this really worth it?”
I’m so happy to say that the answer is a RESOUNDING HECK YES! This sweet little wooden piece not only matches our rustic farmhouse perfectly; it’s the centerpiece at every meal, every season, every occasion. I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on it – most of which for what I do with it! Season after season, it helps to celebrate the spirit of the year, whether the cool and colorful fall months or the beachy, lazy days of summer. This “boat” can handle it all!
Check out these saw marks on the back!
Changing Seasons
For spring-turned summer, I really wanted to bring some of the outdoor world’s texture and color into the house, without getting locked into spring or summer. As a busy mom and professional, I may be guilty of letting my Christmas tree stay up a little past January 1st!
Therefore I chose this light, airy mix of faux greenery and succulent to fill the space. Of course of course – the fillings are all kid-proof! My kids play with them often, and none have ever broken or shown wear.
I added a small little touch of light with the use of tealights in small vases. You can imagine how gorgeous that looks in the late night, lit up and flickering! We have a huge farmhouse table upon which it sits; the two are a match made in heaven.
Total Price
Total price: $45 for Wood Piece, candles I had on hand, and greenery and succulents from Hobby Lobby for a great price (I used the 40% coupon, which everyone should do always!) = under $55. Now that I’ve shopped on Amazon for similar pieces, I realize I may have spent way too much! But for the amount of miles I’ve gotten out of it already…well, I’d say it was worth it!
Perhaps my favorite feature of this wonderful little piece is the versatility it offers from season to season. For fall, I love to fill it with rustic Autumn colors. As an avid flower gardener, I love to fill it with dried flowers from my garden like shasta daisies, purple coneflower and wildflowers. I have short vases that I also fill with Spring bulbs (read how I grow those here) or my favorite, dahlias.
Fall Decor
I purchased these sweet little pumpkins a few years ago from Target and they have been worth every penny! They are wrapped in rustic linen and virtually kid-proof (which is a MUST at our home!). I shop there each season to find the sweet little accents that will be perfect for this season. In the winter, I love to place flaky fun snowballs and candles in the holder; the spring, colorful pops of faux tulips and daffodils.
Truly – the possibilities are endless!
I found very similar wooden decor trays on Amazon! Check out these finds for great prices.