Jessica Paster The Future is Green
Pop culture often portrays a stereotypical setup of homesteading life. Popular depictions of homesteading either involve living in a self-constructed, primitive hut in the middle of the woods or a high-tech, dystopian fortress surrounded by an expansive plot of land.
Most representations show a life completely off the grid and separate from the rest of the community. The truth is, homesteading is different if you choose it to be.
Homesteading is a way of life that promotes self-sufficient and environment-friendly practices such as growing your food and harvesting your energy. Homesteading can be modern and sophisticated.
You can incorporate the comforts and aesthetics of today’s society in your homesteading. This article introduces fashion and décor tips to embrace a rustic lifestyle.
Starting a Homestead
How do you start a homestead in the first place? Follow these steps to begin your journey.
Step #1: Do Your Research
Before anything else, research homesteading, how it can fit into the lifestyle you want to achieve, and which skills you may need to acquire before starting. Great resources you can check out include homesteading books, home and farming magazines, and the Internet.
If you know someone leading the homesteading life, you can reach out to them. Schedule a visit to interview about their transition process and a typical week in their homestead. If they allow, shadowing them for a day will be a great learning experience for an aspiring homesteader.
Step #2: Set Your Goals
Homesteading encompasses several aspects of daily life, so jumping in without setting goals can be overwhelming. Which areas of homesteading do you want to focus on?
If you wish to focus on food production, your first projects should include growing vegetables or raising livestock. If you want to reduce dependency on the electrical grid, consider installing solar panels or biodiesel generators.
Step #3: Assess Your Area
Before planning any project, consider the extent you will go for your homesteading lifestyle. Do you prefer to stay in your current home and start homesteading, suitable to its size and layout, or are you willing to move to a sizable property that can accommodate more homesteading projects?
If you plan to move, scout potential properties you can transfer to. When choosing a property, balance your goals and your budget. Additionally, consider if the weather and topographical features of the area suit your desired projects.
Step #4: Plan Ahead
Create a timeline of the projects you wish to complete within your first year of homesteading. Identify the materials and equipment you will need to procure for each.
For example, you can start by sourcing seeds and preparing your garden beds for vegetable growing. You can also design and install an irrigation system for easier upkeep of your plants.
If you want to raise poultry, look for suppliers who can provide your first batch of poultry. Set up the poultry coop, chicken feeder, and waterers, and determine the type of feed beforehand.
Décor Tips for Your Home
Now that you have your homestead, here are some tips to decorate your home for a more comfortable and aesthetic vibe.
Tip #1: Add a Splash of Color
Most modern homesteads feature a farmhouse-style design, usually with dominantly white walls. White, along with other neutral colors like beige, are great for homes since they expand the look of the space.
If you want to enrich the vibrancy of your space, you can add a splash of color to your interiors. Colors such as emerald green, rusty red, and navy blue pair well with wooden furniture typically found in farmhouse interiors. Perform a patch test beforehand to determine the suitability of your chosen color to the rest of the room.
Tip #2: Maximize Natural Lighting
Natural light is an excellent way to make your home appear more spacious and airy. It also helps warm your space during the colder months, improving the coziness of your interiors.
Invest in oversized windows and doors or install skylights to maximize natural light. Orient them in the direction that brings in the most sunlight while giving you a view of the outdoors. You can also use reflective surfaces, such as mirrors and light-colored floors, to amplify the sunlight streaming into the room.
Tip #3: Pay Attention to the Accents
You can create cozier spaces in your homestead by adding rustic accents to your home. These accents can be small-scale, easy to install, or something that can overhaul some areas of your home.
Examples of small-scale projects include installing farmhouse sinks and decorating with textured rugs or wooden baskets.
Large-scale projects include the addition of wooden beams to the ceiling and installing hardwood flooring or accent walls. The choice of accent will depend on your budget and the overall style you’re going for.
Fashion Tips for Homesteading
Once you’ve set up your homestead, it’s time to take care of it in style. Below are some tips for incorporating fashion into your lifestyle.
Tip #1: Consider Functionality and Durability
Homesteading entails a lot of manual labor and hard work. Wear comfortable, long-lasting clothing that will not impede your movement and protect you while working outdoors.
Go for those made with natural fabric, such as organic cotton and linen. These fabrics are durable, easy to care for, and comfortable.
Prioritize quality over quantity. If you have a limited budget, you can scour thrift stores since these shops can offer high-quality items that give you great value for your money.
Tip #2: Layer Clothes
Layering is one of the keys to staying comfortable and stylish while working on your homestead. Layering with the right clothes can also help you adapt to the weather changes in your area. In the winter, you can choose wool tops as a base for your clothing.
Add a warm sweater or hoodie over your base clothing and top your look with a sturdy jacket or winter coat. In the summer, you can layer a breathable, lightweight long-sleeved shirt over your top and overalls to protect your skin from the sun.
Tip #3: Accessorize with Practical Items
Simple accessories can go a long way in elevating your overall look. Select practical accessories, such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. You can also accessorize with stylish belt bags to store your tools while working.
Final Thoughts
Contrary to depictions in mainstream media, homesteading can be a stylish and sophisticated lifestyle that incorporates the comforts of modern society. You’ll enjoy an enriching and fulfilling homesteading journey by defining your vision, goals, and plans and balancing functionality with comfort and style.