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Old Farmhouse Inspiration In An Unexpected Way

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I find old farmhouse inspiration in a lot of places. It’s in all my favorite television shows, my favorite magazines, my Pinterest boards and other blogs I follow. I don’t however, take the time to get inspired when I am passing an old farmhouse every day in Iowa. In 2017, I want to take more time to slow down and enjoy each moment. I want to grab every opportunity to be inspired and slow down just enough to enjoy every minute of it.

This all came to fruition when we drove to Matt’s home town for Christmas. There is so much farmhouse inspiration to be had during this drive alone. We have been making this trip for almost twenty years together. There are a couple of different routes we take, but this past week, we took our “normal” route and drove right past this little gem for the umpteenth time. This time, I told Matt to stop.

An old farmhouse is always fascinating, but when we found this old farmhouse, I had to get out, take some photos and I found some unexpected inspiration I wasn't even looking for.

All of these photos were taken with my iPhone. I am normally impressed with the images I can capture with my iPhone, but when I saw this one, it looked like it was a paint-by-number. Don’t you think? I didn’t edit this picture because when I did, it made it look unreal and because when I saw this picture, I instantly thought I could paint it.

Then, that got me thinking about maybe making this into something for our home. A poster? A framed picture? You see how my mind works? We will see if any of that comes about, but for now, it’s about all the unexpected inspiration and feelings I got when I explored this old farmhouse. 

I am calling this an old farmhouse now because when we have passed it over the years, I told Matt I would love to have that little shed in our back yard. We thought it was a shed all this time. This past week, we found out it wasn’t. I got inside it and was taken back to another world. 

An old farmhouse is always fascinating, but when we found this old farmhouse, I had to get out, take some photos and I found some unexpected inspiration I wasn't even looking for.

When we stopped, we were able to see that there was a little dirt path that we could pull into. As Matt pulled in, my heart started racing. The “shed” was bigger than a normal shed. I couldn’t get out of the car fast enough. As I got out of the car and walked up to the front of this place, I was overcome with gratitude. In those initial moments, I was so thankful for a husband who gets me. He encourages me to explore my curiosity.

He knows that a little inspiration goes a long way for me. I was also grateful for our kids who are so patient when Mom is making another pit stop. It is just part of the gig with mom and they are just happy to be along for the ride.  

An old farmhouse is always fascinating, but when we found this old farmhouse, I had to get out, take some photos and I found some unexpected inspiration I wasn't even looking for.

As I approached the “shed”, it was apparent that this wasn’t a shed, it was an original tiny home!!!

What?!

I was floored!

I could not make my way through the tall grass any faster. 

This place was more amazing up close than I ever thought from the road. I wanted to take in every inch of it.

As I got closer and could see inside, you can imagine my surprise when I saw it.

THE SINK!!! Oh, the sink! 

An old farmhouse is always fascinating, but when we found this old farmhouse, I had to get out, take some photos and I found some unexpected inspiration I wasn't even looking for.

The color of the wood on the outside of the house is too yummy, You can’t buy that color, stain that color or paint that exact color. It is what it is, where it is and it is pure perfection.

The molding around the door is perfection. The left over piece of what was an awning over the door – cute as a button. And, what is that thing hanging on the right side of the door?

Oh, did I mention the door?

An old farmhouse is always fascinating, but when we found this old farmhouse, I had to get out, take some photos and I found some unexpected inspiration I wasn't even looking for.

If you know me, you know I can’t pass up a good door. I mean, really. The patina on this door is amazing. The door knob is still in perfect condition too. 

An old farmhouse is always fascinating, but when we found this old farmhouse, I had to get out, take some photos and I found some unexpected inspiration I wasn't even looking for.

I stepped inside and was instantly hit with sadness. This was somebody’s home at one time. Had it burned? What happened to it? Then, I looked around at every detail. The wood. The colors. The electrical outlets. What stories could these walls tell? Who lived here? How was this decorated back in its day?

An old farmhouse is always fascinating, but when we found this old farmhouse, I had to get out, take some photos and I found some unexpected inspiration I wasn't even looking for.

Sorry about this grainy picture, but I had to share it. Do you see the thin ship lap behind the plaster?

What about the thick base boards. Delicious.

At this point, I was hit with excitement again. I was so excited I had taken the time to slow down and finally see this place for what it was.

An old farmhouse is always fascinating, but when we found this old farmhouse, I had to get out, take some photos and I found some unexpected inspiration I wasn't even looking for.

I was also excited to look up in this little farmhouse. Is there potential for a loft space up there?

What else lurks up in those rafters? 

Could we move this old farmhouse and rehab it? Now, I was really getting excited with all the “what-ifs”.

An old farmhouse is always fascinating, but when we found this old farmhouse, I had to get out, take some photos and I found some unexpected inspiration I wasn't even looking for.

Inspiration was also found around the only corner in this tiny place. This lonely chair was the only other thing in the place besides the sink. When I saw it, I really thought there must had been a fire at some point??? Did they move this home to this place? Has it always been here? So many questions, but yet, I had so many unexpected answers when I left it that I didn’t even know I was looking for.

One of my goals for 2017 is to be more present in every moment. Time is flying by fast and I have an issue of just wanting to get things done rather than enjoying the process and the experience. Being present will be a challenge sometimes, but I really want to make a conscious effort to do it. This farmhouse inspiration was a great starting point. I see more adventures like this in my future and I am closing with more gratitude for all the things this little, old farmhouse taught me. 

Have you ever explored an abandoned home like this? Where was it? What did you find?

PIN THIS POST!An old farmhouse is always fascinating, but when we found this old farmhouse, I had to get out, take some photos and I found some unexpected inspiration I wasn't even looking for.

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