Farmhouse Fab - The Bend Magazine

Farmhouse Fab

French Country Glam meets summer Farmhouse to create a warm and inviting atmosphere

By: Jacqueline Gonzalez  Photos by: Jason Page

Chriselda and Rudy Garza purchased their spacious one-story home in the Graford Place subdivision in 2007. Now empty nesters, they considered purchasing a new home; however, this meant starting over, which was not a cost-effective decision. Their house’s potential was not lost on Chriselda, so she and Rudy decided that instead of purchasing a new home, they would renovate their current house, and turn it into their dream home.
 
With a desire to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, Chriselda used her home decorating talents to add a unique twist to her already existing farmhouse design scheme. She chose her décor based on “being inviting and comfortable, with a touch of glam that’s not too formal.” The subtle elegance of the French country glam textures, juxtaposed with the warmth of the farmhouse décor, highlights her living space while showcasing her personality.
 
From the driveway, the curb appeal of the elevated brick home is worthy of more than just a brief glance. The long entryway, flanked by a perfectly manicured lawn, offers an inviting and approachable feel. The inside of the home is imbued with warm, subtle colors in shades of almond, taupe, beige, and gray, with the occasional pop of a bright, summer yellow.
 
Farmhouse décor is known for its soothing natural materials and visual interest. Greenery peppered throughout the home brings ambient life, while statement pieces such as the signage bearing popular home décor phrases along with inspirational messages satisfy the visual appeal requirement. No glam farmhouse is complete without floral accents; wall pockets with a diverse array of summer florals adorn the neutral wall space, providing personality-filled interest. The luxury vinyl flooring with platinum underlay throughout the home is the perfect addition.
 
The formal living area, once covered in dark, elegant Mediterranean vibes, now showcases a healthy marriage of farmhouse glam. From the traditional farmhouse ladder draped with a buffalo check throw and farmhouse beads to the throw pillows emblazoned with paisley print, the style of the room is unified, bringing Chriselda’s vision to fruition. The plantation shutters on each window optimize privacy, while letting enough light come through to bask in the lovely Corpus Christi sunshine.
 
The kitchen, a prominent feature in the home, complete with a large, custom-designed granite island, is in no way lacking room to gather around, cook, and converse with family and friends. The granite countertops add a French country vibe, while the pendant lights suspended over the island complement the farmhouse style. The plush seating of the barstools, upholstered in vintage linen, complete with nail head trim, elevate the space in an understated, eye-catching appeal. White kitchen cabinets add a timeless and classic element, while the Whitehaus farmhouse sink, along with the subway tile backsplash in taupe with beautiful focal point tile in white between the stove and custom range hood, offers an appropriate amount of subtle elegance
to the farmhouse appeal of the kitchen.
Bright pops of sunny yellow permeate the home, optimizing the friendly atmosphere Chriselda strives to achieve. Lemon décor blends with any style, but it shines with personality when combined with farmhouse and French décor. The sunny yellow adds a summer mood to the muted neutral shades of the kitchen. Since farmhouse kitchens tend to have a collected look, grouping small items together for easy access adds the right touch of eye candy to a neutral backdrop. A strategically placed 3-tier tray, sitting atop the island, serves as a perfect color combination when styled with summer favorites like lemons, watermelons, and bright neon
shades.
 
Steps away from the kitchen sits a casual and welcoming family room. As the popular family gathering area, optimizing the comfort of the area was necessary. An old fireplace was torn out and replaced with a solid maple fireplace with shiplap. The neutral tones and stack stone tile are more visually appealing, adding a stylish and elevated look to the room. Florals, buffalo check print, candles, lemons, and lanterns peppered through the room, along with the aesthetically pleasing industrial style ceiling fan, provide earthy glam.
 
The bathrooms offer a more masculine, yet dazzling touch to the home. The master bathroom was a complete redo; the tub was replaced with a tile and granite walk-in shower, complete with jets. The master bathroom also features ample closet space and shelving, tucked away behind beautiful maple cabinetry, which is also found in the front and guest bathrooms.
 
The combination of Chriselda’s decorating prowess and love of family makes the Garza house a glam, yet comfortable home.