Back in September, we organized The Found Cottage Mercantile Market right here in Michigan. Vendors traveled from across the country to offer incredible goods over Labor Day weekend—everything from vintage finds to handmade treasures. They joked that I likely put the market together just so I could shop, and honestly, they had a point. I do love a great market! Of course, there were far more important reasons behind it, but that small perk is undeniable. All kidding aside, I truly enjoy supporting our local vendors, and the items we acquire from them feel extra meaningful because each one is special to me. Over the past few months, I’ve shared some of the pieces I picked up at the market, and I’ve even shown this bench once or twice on Instagram. But now that we’ve placed it in our entryway, I wanted to give it a proper introduction before we dress the space up for Christmas. I bought this stunning bench from one of our wonderful vendors, Jordan of HoneyHomb Market, and every time I walk past it, I feel a thrill. It seems as if it was meant for our home.
Now you can see why I wanted to showcase it before adding any extra styling. Honestly, I didn’t even sweep or tidy up before taking these photos—that’s just how we do things here. Casual, relaxed, and true to the moment. This is our front entryway in the farmhouse! The drawer piece that used to sit here (see it [HERE]) has been moved into our studio, and I’m excited to share that space soon. In its place, I put this long farmhouse bench, and I truly believe it was made for this spot. The bench is crafted from gorgeous antique wood and measures nearly 10 feet long—I’ve never come across anything like it. I kept the gallery wall on the staircase above exactly the same, and simply added a collection of brooms I’ve had for a while at the bottom to complete the look. That’s the only change; the gallery wall remains unchanged, which works perfectly for this little farmhouse entryway. The bench itself is an antique, but the cushions come from Pier 1 [HERE]. I use the same cushions on all our benches—they’re fantastic! Ever since we installed the three new front doors in this entryway, I’ve wanted something lighter in this area that wouldn’t block as much light or obscure the doors. The drawer piece was taller and deeper, so it cut off more light. This narrower, shorter bench lets the front doors shine. Don’t worry—that drawer piece is headed to a spot we’ve finally started working on in the house. More details later! Oh, and that lovely topiary tree? I’ve always wanted one like it. When I explored Balsam Hill’s offerings, I discovered they have topiary trees, so I grabbed this olive topiary. It might become a Christmas tree for a few weeks, but the topiary will return afterward.
The gallery wall above the bench is a spot where I’ve placed some of my most cherished items—pieces that capture the essence of our farmhouse and farm. As you know, I frequently swap things out and add new touches, but this eclectic, cozy cottage vibe will always hold a special place in my heart. You’ll often find our dogs napping on this bench, or underneath it like Winnie does, which perfectly reflects our farm life: lots of furry companions, plenty of antiques, and a deep love for comfort. I’m looking forward to adding some holiday cheer to this area, but I wanted to share it as-is first so you can appreciate the space before the seasonal decorations go up. I hope this entryway inspires you and gives you ideas for your own space or for styling your antique finds. Thank you so much for visiting the blog today and every day to see what we’re creating!
