I get asked a lot for my recommendation for the perfect “Barn Red” paint color. The simple answer is that the classic American barn red is more brown than red. I have some very simple steps to help you find your perfect shade.
- Go to the paint store and gather lots of paint chips. Any exterior line of paint will have shades of what they deem “Barn Red”. When you gather the chips, you’ll notice that they appear more brown than red, which can really make you second guess yourself with choosing the color. But trust me, you’re on the right path.
- Either take the paint chips to a barn you love and hold them up to the walls to find the best match, or do the same with pictures of barns that you love, chip by chip, until you find just the right one.
It’s as simple as that. With a little footwork, you too can find the perfect shade for you!
IT'S ME, SERENA!
I bounced through the first years of my life in a hippie gypsy wagon, hand-built by my father, wandering the back roads of the U.S., Canada and Mexico. My family eventually settled into a tiny cabin in the woods on property that was once inhabited by Native American Indians.
I spent my childhood days searching for arrowheads, teaching myself to sew on a treadle sewing machine and to bake in a wood-burning stove, with no running water, refrigeration, or electricity in our home. My family lived frugally and early on, inspired by my parent’s thriftiness and style, I gained a knack for thrifty creativity and turning ordinary objects into something useful. And I dreamed of the home I would create for my own family someday.
Now I’m married to my husband, Colin, and our children are all grown. After 24 years of producing The Farm Chicks Vintage & Handmade Fair, I'm spending time visiting other markets around the world. You can watch episodes of Serena Goes to Market here.
I share more about my life story from time to time, here on my blog. You can also find me on Instagram, and Facebook.


