Entryway and hallway decorating ideas are always popular as they are the first place guests see when they arrive and provide a warm, familiar welcome when you return home. But the upstairs landing may be a different story. The awkward strip at the top of the stairwell is often neglected.
However, this is not the case at the stunning farmhouse owned by actress Amanda Seyfried. The high-profile TV and film star made sure every inch of her upscale country residence in rural New York was carefully designed to resemble a minimalist farmhouse scheme, including her ultra-chic staircase and landing.
Minimalism in a farmhouse is a trending story that combines the simple, warm and homey elements of farmhouse living, but removes any fussy and unnecessary details to create a more refined and uncluttered environment that allows individual and wholesome statements to become humble champions in the room .
Laura Burnett of Feather & Black says: “In the last three months, searches for ‘farmhouse decor’ on Pinterest have increased by 63%, highlighting the growing popularity of this style. The increase in interest is due to the combination of rustic style and modern beauty that farmhouses offer.”
To completely renovate her home, Amanda turned to Sarah Zames, founder of Brooklyn-based architects and interior designers General Assembly. The couple has already prepared renovation reports for Amanda’s other homes in Los Angeles and Manhattan.
It’s clear from their other collaborations, like Amanda Seyfried’s Manhattan farmhouse-inspired home, that sophisticated farmhouse minimalism is a trend close to the actor’s heart.
Drawing on both traditional and contemporary elements, the award-winning architect and designer seized the opportunity to apply his expertise to create a bright and airy space that connects the top to the bottom.
“I always think about the overall space and light,” Zames told Elle Décor magazine, “and how materials and patterns will enhance them.”
Often dark and gloomy, with limited space, maximizing the use of natural light in the upper level stairwell and landing is key to enhancing the feeling of space.
During the renovation of the stone farmhouse, the top floor was gutted, exposing the rafters, and the walls were extended to the eaves. This reconfiguration pays homage to the farmhouse heritage and brings an understated, warm and homey feel.
The new ceiling creates interesting lines that draw attention to the source of light: the whimsical and traditional casement windows.
(Image credit: Future)
Amanda’s chic farmhouse entryway offers pure cleanliness in its simplest form. Sloped ceilings blend seamlessly with the walls, combining subtle variations of neutral tones on the walls, woodwork and ceilings to enhance the proportions of the space.
The organic beauty of wood, from light oak to rich mahogany, is a key component of most country homes, and there’s obviously a strong emphasis on natural materials here.
“Wooden accents are wonderfully elegant and attractive, and there is nothing more luxurious than rustic, weathered oak. With its subtle neutrality, aged oak is the ideal choice for understated sophistication,” says Laura Burnett.
This brings us nicely to the main character of the scene. Dark wood floors extend throughout the space and into the bedrooms. This richly colored texture creates warmth and pairs perfectly with a solid wood staircase.
It is worth noting that the simplicity of the handrail with its linear design and lack of frills is another subtle hint of understated elegance. The tone and materials used are valued here.
Farmhouse lighting is typically paired and functional. In any other space, a single monochrome globe pendant might have been lost, but Zames made careful choices and the lamp offers a sophisticated vantage point that commands attention.
As a farmhouse minimalist, Amanda Seyfried chooses eclectic and charming accessories and doesn’t like unnecessary clutter. There will be no over-the-top gallery walls, instead a single miniature portrait will create more atmosphere.