Our New Blog!!

Not sure what to do with the ending of Fixer Upper and Chip & Jo as we know?? No fear! Follow us at the MountainBilly Blog for all of your rustic & farmhouse decor needs & questions!!

Hey Y’all and welcome to DAY ONE of our MountainBilly Blog! I have struggled for weeks on how to begin our new blog, but the airing of the final episode of our beloved HGTV reality show has given me the inspiration I need to give this blogging thing a try! 

It all started May 23, 2013 - the day that changed home décor as we know it, the first episode of “Fixer Upper” aired. A new home decorating craze would become revolutionized by America’s new sweethearts, Chip & Joanna Gaines. To think that five years ago “shiplap” wasn’t a household word may cause disbelief for some! `

(Image courtesy of Little Red Brick House)

So what is “Fixer Upper Style”? 

It is a combination of styles which create a classic, timeless look - kind of a rustic, modern farmhouse:

Paint with crisp, cool colors like greens, blues, & grays (and when in doubt, paint it white!)

(Image courtesy of Worthing Court)

Combine metal & wood for a modern, industrial touch

Search around the house or at your local flea market to mix the old with the new

(Image courtesy of Lolly Jane)

Lived-in, comfy, cozy furniture for a welcoming look

(Image courtesy of Dandelion Patina)

Family-friendly functionality – organization leads to sanity!

(Image courtesy of Cherished Bliss)

Big, open floor plans

(Image courtesy of Re-Fabbed)

Inviting fireplaces & decorated mantels

(Image courtesy of The Design Twins)

Wreaths help add a touch of nature AND a splash of color! (We all know Joanna’s favorite is the magnolia!)

(Image courtesy of Funky Junk Interiors)

Repurposed art – half the fun is the hunting! Check out garage sales, resale stores, online freebies!

(Image courtesy of Refresh Living)

Oversized clocks – the bigger the better!

(Image courtesy of Decorating Your Small Space)

Farmhouse-style kitchen sinks

(Image courtesy of Arch City Granite)

Sentimental &/or personalized art and wall decor

(Image courtesy of One Thousand Oaks)

Open shelving to show off your treasures

(Image courtesy of Miss Mustard Seed)

Durable (yet beautiful!) rugs

(Image courtesy of Stone Gable)

Vintage mirrors, frames, & candlesticks

(Image courtesy of Twelve On Main)

Lighting – drama, drama, & more drama!

(Image courtesy of A Burst of Beautiful)

Barn doors (duh!)

(Image courtesy of Clover House)

and, last but certainly not least, JoJo’s famous subway tile!

(Image courtesy of Vintage Revivals) 

The possibilities are endless! But after 79 episodes, our favorite reality show has bid us farewell. However, our family here at the MountainBilly Mercantile has only just begun and we look forward to continuing this journey with you! Stay tuned as we continue to the explore the Farmhouse phenomenon! And don’t forget to check out MountainBillyMercantile.com to add to your own “Fixer Upper”-style, rustic farmhouse!

(Featured Image courtesy of Tania Turner Yelton of Asheville, NC)