When it comes to home renovations, most people aim to modernize their spaces, especially in rooms like the kitchen. However, some homeowners take a different design approach, opting for styles that evoke a sense of history and nostalgia. These unique transformations often leave a lasting impression.
As the Associate Home Editor at Apartment Therapy, I spend a lot of time exploring beautifully designed homes and writing about them. Occasionally, a space is so distinctive that I can’t stop thinking about it even after the story is published. One such instance was the kitchen remodel by Danielle Herrett and her husband in their Ohio home.
What stood out to me was how Danielle gave her kitchen a timeless, vintage feel by adding decorative beams to create a historic farmhouse atmosphere. For inspiration, she looked at old homes and farmhouses that exude rustic, lived-in charm. Despite modern appliances and practical storage solutions, the kitchen doesn’t feel like a typical suburban space; it feels like a tranquil escape to a slower-paced, simpler time.
In my view, the beams were the perfect touch. They give the impression of having supported the roof for decades, with a sense of history and character. Yet, in reality, they are light and modern additions from the remodel.
“They are Fypon beams — faux, very light, made of polyurethane material,” Danielle explained. “They come pre-made. You can pick the style — ours is hand-hewn — and we stained them ourselves. Then, we just attached them to wood blocks secured into our ceiling. The stain was a combination between the Minwax colors Walnut and Light Oak.”
The beams blend seamlessly with the shiplap ceiling, and together, these elements make the room feel like it belongs to a different era, in the best way possible. This remodel remains memorable not just because of how drastically the kitchen changed but also due to the creativity and resourcefulness of Danielle and her husband.
Instead of moving to an old farmhouse, Danielle decided to recreate that design aesthetic in her home. “I love that it feels old, charming, and lived-in — even though it isn’t that old,” Danielle shared. “It’s a dream of ours to live in and fix up an actual old home, but in the meantime, we have found that you can still live in and enjoy a ‘newer’ cookie-cutter-style home by taking the time to find ways to make it feel more your own style.”
This approach to design shows that sometimes, choosing the right elements, like paint colors and décor, can completely transform a space, making it not only more appealing but also more reflective of personal style. Whether preparing to sell or simply aiming to enjoy your home, the right choices can make a significant difference.
