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I Spy: Barn Stars
This Popular Rural Ornament Was Designed for Good Forturne
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Have you noticed metal three-dimensional stars popping up here and there around Houzz? I've always wondered about them and assumed they were some sort of Texas tradition (they kind of are, but more on that later).
As it turns out, their origins are more Amish than Aggie. I've been poking around to find out more about them for you and here's what I've found.
As it turns out, their origins are more Amish than Aggie. I've been poking around to find out more about them for you and here's what I've found.
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Today these stars are usually crafted of metal, but originally they were painted onto the barns. According to legend, they were a hex sign used by German immigrants in America, which included the Amish/Mennonite communities as well as the Pennsylvania Dutch folks. Different colors had different meanings. Green barn stars symbolize growth, fertility, success in things and ideas that grow.
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| Here is a typical barn star. They are available in a wide range of shapes, colors and finishes. This one's rustic patina adds to its appeal. Tip: Some stars are rust-proof, and some are not. For those that are not, you may want to add a coat of polyurethane to prevent rusting. |
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| While the stars gained popularity outdoors, they have been brought inside as well. Barn stars were supposed to bring good fortune, offer protection against fires, hope, love, fertility, energy and harmony. Seems like a good symbol to put next to the bed!
White barn stars also specifically represent purity, the power of the moon, and allowing energy to flow freely. |
by ABCD Design LLC
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This medium-sized star is a fun accent in this mostly white kitchen. Black symbolized protection, also used to blend or bind elements together.
Tip: You can use stencils or wall decals to jazz up your cabinets as well. In my last house, my cabinets were crudola, so I stenciled words like GLASSES, PLATES, SNACKS on the corresponding cabinets in a cool font. Inevitably, people would come over and say "why the heck did you write on your cabinets you dope?!" Then, two minutes later, they'd say, "Hey Becky, where do you keep the plates?" and I'd just stare at them, raise my eyebrows in a way that said "whose the dope now?" and laugh.
Tip: You can use stencils or wall decals to jazz up your cabinets as well. In my last house, my cabinets were crudola, so I stenciled words like GLASSES, PLATES, SNACKS on the corresponding cabinets in a cool font. Inevitably, people would come over and say "why the heck did you write on your cabinets you dope?!" Then, two minutes later, they'd say, "Hey Becky, where do you keep the plates?" and I'd just stare at them, raise my eyebrows in a way that said "whose the dope now?" and laugh.
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| A small turquoise star adds country charm to this wonderful potting shed outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. Back in the day, some barn builders used a signature star to claimed credit for their buildings.
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by Restyled Home
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| A pediment's peak is a perfect spot for a star to attract good fortune and protect the family who lives here. And it adds farmhouse flair to the house.
I'm not sure whether to call classify this star as gold/yellow or gold/brown. A yellow star brings health in body and mind, love of man and the sun, connection to the God. Brown symbolizes Mother Earth, and can mean friendship and strength. |
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| This star lends a burst of color to the otherwise neutral palette. A blue star was said to bring protection, peace, calmness and spirituality. |
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This larger star is the perfect fit for this nursery's commode; its points hit the molding in just the right spots.
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by The Shabby Nest
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| When painted blue or gold, a barn star can take on a nautical quality. It provides a focal point in this bedroom; that white stripe would look downright naked without it. |
by Teri Turan
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The number of points on these stars has varied over the years. A metallic six-pointed star adds some good-luck glam to this wet bar.
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Another metallic star works well in this sophisticated country living room, which balances luxury and comfort.
by Restyled Home
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The star is a sweet accent on this dreamy playhouse.
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by Dresser Homes
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| Pennsylvania Dutch or not, there is something about these metal stars that reminds me of the American West. Maybe it's because it's like an enlarged boot spur. Maybe it's because Texas is The Lone Star State. Maybe it's because it makes me think of Pee Wee Herman calling out "the stars at night...are big and bright..." so that the crowd would respond (clap clap clap clap) "deep in the heart of Texas!"
Red barn stars symbolize emotions, passion, charisma, lust and creativity. |
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A Texas barn star typically has five points and a ring around it. This one's ring looks like a cowboy's rope lasso.
by Screaming Meme
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A barn star inspired a relief design on this cabinet door, lending it an extra dose of country style.
A special thanks to Claudia of The Artistic Garden for all of the great information about barn stars she posted on her site.
More:
Cowboy Chic
American Pastoral: Inspiring Farmhouse Style
Get the Look: Sophisticated Country
A special thanks to Claudia of The Artistic Garden for all of the great information about barn stars she posted on her site.
More:
Cowboy Chic
American Pastoral: Inspiring Farmhouse Style
Get the Look: Sophisticated Country
Ideabook published on July 4, 2011.
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Killy, if you google "barn star" or "amish barn star" or "texas barn star" there are SCADS of them in a large range of prices, and with 5 and 6 points. I was overwhelmed by how many were out there when trying to pick a few for our readers to link to for purchase!