A Rustic Garden Blog

Weathervanes get their names from the Old English word fane, which means flag or banner. They are one of the oldest forms of weather prediction, and their use is documented all the way back to Mesopotamian writings. They began as simple strings and flags being used to read wind direction.

The first weathervane is thought to be a bronze statue of the Greek god Triton, erected on top of the Tower of the Winds in Athens in 48 B.C. by Greek astronomer Andronicus. The tower was octagonal, with a different deity on each of the eight faces. When the wind blew, Triton would turn to point at who would control the weather that day.

When tackling a home redesign project, it’s easy to fall into a few common temptations. Foremost among them is the tendency to transform a house or room into something it’s not. This is a problem, however, because people can tell when a style appears forced or awkward. That’s why it’s usually best to emphasize the natural strengths of a space.

For example, if you own a country farmhouse there’s no use in pretending it’s a posh townhouse; the décor should reflect reality. Try playing up the comfortable country feel with a few minor touches such as a rooster wall clock, a weathervane and a checkered tablecloth. This advice is not meant to limit your options but merely as a technique to help you focus on realistic, attainable design ideas.

A house’s location should never limit its design potential. Whether you hang your hat in a bustling city, a shady suburb or at the end of an isolated country road, home is what you make of it. For homeowners looking to outfit their residence in the manner of a classic farmhouse, certain decorative hallmarks can prove handy.

The interior of the home should utilize floral patterns as much as possible – in the curtains and table cloth, for instance. Wooden floors are par for the course, and they should be covered in strategic fashion with throw rugs. Outside, key indicators such as copper weathervanes will put visitors in a laid-back country state of mind.