Innholdsfortegnelse for Summer 2018 i American Farmhouse Style

There’s one piece of furniture that has traveled with me through various moves: the dresser my parents commissioned from a local craftsman for my childhood bedroom. Growing up, I used it as a surface for my coloring projects, placed our family cat in the drawers to make him a “bed” and hid candy in it to evade my sweet-toothed family. But over 20 years later, it’s still a beautiful, solid piece that I’m proud to use and display. That’s the benefit of local, American-made products—they often have a higher standard of quality and workmanship than those that are imported and mass-produced. When you buy it, you know the piece will last for years, and you have the added benefit of supporting the members of your community and country who are…

If you’re looking for an attainable DIY project to brighten your outdoor spaces this summer, look no further than your own home. Blogger Claire Armstrong of Pillar Box Blue has repurposed old jeans and food cans into farmhouse-friendly planters. Here’s how you can do the same. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Old jeans• Scissors• Cans (try soup cans, vegetable cans and paint cans)• Decoupage material, such as Mod Podge• Sponge brush• Pins• Pebbles• Activated charcoal• Soil or gravel• Succulents of your choice WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Cut the hems, seams and waistbands of the jeans into strips so they fit around the can.2. Paint your decoupage material onto the inside lining of a denim strip, as well as the exterior of the can. Wrap the denim strip around the can and…

TROUTMAN CHAIR CO. A ROCKING CHAIR exudes peace and relaxation, and that’s what Champ and Jean Land want to instill with their business. “We want to encourage the world to take a minute and sit,” Jean says. Troutman Chair Co. has been around for almost 100 years, and the Lands still keep the production process local and simple. “Our products are handcrafted in small batches, so they don’t have the look or feel of mass-produced items,” Jean says. All the wood comes from local loggers, and Troutman Chair Co. has their own mill to process it, which makes them one of the only vertically integrated furniture manufacturers in the US. The craftsmen take extra steps to ensure that each piece has a solid design and construction, too. They hand nail…

1. INVEST AND INDULGE. When it comes to financing your kitchen, Jessica recommends prioritizing your cabinet budget. Save money on other areas, such as the backsplash. “Subway tiling is super inexpensive,” Jessica says. Do the investing in your cabinets. That way, you can have them custom-designed to meet your needs. 2. PERFECT PANELS. According to Jessica, you should choose your panel types to match the room’s atmosphere. “For farmhouse kitchens, you can’t go wrong with Shaker-style cabinets,” she says. “They’re classic, modern, traditional and simple.” Jessica also recommends choosing real wood for the paneling. “Paint grade looks more rich and grounded, and you’re able to change things up,” says Jessica. (For more on Shaker style, see page 20.) 3. VISUAL VARIATION. Jessica chose white for the upper cabinets, offsetting the…

When designer Brian McCarthy first visited Ulster County, New York, he was a horse show jumper, and the landscape didn’t make much of an impression. But that changed while he was staying with friends years later. “I showed up at their 19thcentury ‘eyebrow’ Colonial home, with its commanding views of the Catskills,” Brian says. “I knew instantly this was the region for me.” Brian now resides in Ulster County, and describes his relaxed, modern home in his design book, Luminous Interiors. FRESH FOUNDATION Homeowners Brian and Danny hadn’t anticipated building their home from the ground up, but when they began searching the region’s realty, their dream home was difficult to find. “We just assumed, like optimistic house hunters, that we’d discover a place encompassing everything on the wish list,” Brian…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Empty bookcase• Wallpaper of choice• Small craft knife, such as X-Acto• Wallpaper adhesive, if necessary WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Pick a wallpaper style that will suit your room’s needs. If your walls are flat, add dimension with textured wallpaper, or for rooms with a neutral palette, consider choosing a statement color, like magenta or periwinkle, to bring life into the space.2. Remove any shelves in the bookcase, if they’re not bolted in. Make sure the inside of the case is clean and smooth to ensure easy application.3. Line your wallpaper up against the inside back of the bookcase. While in place, use the craft knife to trim the wallpaper to size.4. If your wallpaper requires paste, apply a thin, even layer and smooth your wallpaper over…

DON’T OVERDO IT. “Add American farmhouse style judiciously,” Kelly says, “Not so much as to overwhelm the integrity of the architecture or style of the home.” When in doubt, stick with simplicity. BE AUTHENTIC. “Use authentic pieces: vintage or antiques with real patina,” Kelly says. “One authentic piece makes more of a statement than a collection of knock-offs.” SURPRISE YOURSELF. Look beyond the function of that vintage treasure and freshen it up by making it into something new. “This keeps it fresh,” Kelly says. “For example, I used a rusty vintage metal gate as our outdoor fireplace screen. You can also refresh an old item with a new coat of paint or by reupholstering it.”…

STRIP AND SAND. A smooth base surface is key. Strip any previous paint, varnish or stain from the door, then fill any divots or scratches and sand the whole door with 150-grit sandpaper. Depending on the condition of your door, this prep may be the most time-consuming part, so don’t get discouraged. For a long-lasting paint job, you want to prepare correctly. COATS ON COATS. Start with a good quality primer and apply 1–2 coats, sanding with 220-grit sandpaper between each coat to keep the surface as smooth as possible. Make sure you give the door plenty of time to dry between each coat as well. Then repeat this same process for your main color. LET IT DRY. If you can, leave the door off its hinges until it’s completely…

KNOW YOUR NECESSITIES. “The ideal environment to raise chickens is in a coop with an automatic door and waterer,” Sonya says. This will mean less work for you when it comes to letting them out and maintaining their water. SET A SCHEDULE. Like children, it’s best to keep them on a schedule to keep them safe. “At sunrise, the chickens can leave the coop and are free to roam and feed or return to the coop and their nesting boxes,” Sonya says. “In the evening, the birds learn to return to the coop to spend the night in their roost.” PROTECT THE BROOD. Even if you prefer hens for their eggs, roosters can come in handy. “We always recommend keeping one rooster for every 6-8 chickens, as the rooster will…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Measuring tape • Removable wallpaper in a solid color • Pencil • Level • Stencil of choice • Painter’s tape (optional) • Foam craft brushes • Paint WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Use the tape measure to determine the amount of wallpaper you’ll need.2. Wash the wall so it’s clean, and sand away any bumps. This will ensure better adhesion.3. Use the level and a pencil to mark a line down the center of the wall to make sure the wallpaper will be level when you attach it.4. Pull the wallpaper off its backing and carefully install it along your marks. Work from the center and fan your fingertips out to remove air bubbles as you go. Repeat with your next panel as needed until the whole…

THE 19TH CENTURY brought a dramatic shift of the United States’ population from rural to urban living, known as rural flight. This phenomenon and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in the late 1860s contributed to the influx of populations toward the Midwestern states and territories, as well as the commercial success of farmers in rural areas. Farms and barns during this time essentially served as “the breadbasket of America,” Hauser writes. Harsh climates, large numbers of acres and often a shortage of water and wood required innovation in design and farming techniques to survive and prosper in this part of the country. The new capital market systems favored larger farms with fewer people and more efficient technologies for farming, agriculture and raising livestock. This shift triggered the birth of…

AUTHOR KARIANNE WOOD describes lighting as “a design speed bump” because it can be a difficult part of the décor planning process. But it’s also important. “Lighting has a way of illuminating and reminding us what’s truly important in life,” Wood writes. Here are five types of lighting you can install for classic farmhouse style. CHANDELIERS. Chandeliers aren’t reserved for grand Victorian dining rooms. Add a wood and iron chandelier over your dining table or a glass and crystal chandelier over the freestanding tub in your bathroom for a chic contrast. SCONCES. These lights are attached to the wall, and they often come in pairs. They’re great for porches, nooks, bathrooms and hallways, as they don’t take up much room and don’t require a cord. Look for sconces with galvanized…

3 PRODUCTS TO KEEP COOL THIS SUMMER This fan isn’t just functional, it has plenty of farmhouse style. Cranbrook with light, 52 inch, in mint, $249. (888) 830-1326 or hunterfan.com. Bamboo sheets will keep you cool with their natural, temperature regulating properties. Resort bamboo bed sheets, $239. (800) 884-5815 or cariloha.com. Keep your backyard in style when you host your next summer barbeque. Tres hombres single cooler, $189. (800) 833-5998 or outdoorrusticcoolers.com. BEST EVER LEMONADE Recipe In a pot, heat 4 cups water with ¾ cup sugar and a vanilla bean split in half. Heat until the sugar has dissolved and the water begins to boil. Remove from the heat, put on a lid and let it cool. Remove the vanilla bean, mix in 1 cup lemon juice and 1…

Words are fundamental to the design of civilization. In Clare Youngs’ new book, Letter Crafts: 35 Creative Projects for Stylish Home Decorations, she provides step-by-step instructions on how to create accents using elements of typography. FIND A FONT The first step is to find the right letter size and font. This won’t be the same for every project. “It might be that the style and thickness of a particular letter work best for that specific project,” Youngs writes. Scour free font websites like 1001fonts.com and fontspace.com for scripts you can download. SIZE AND SHAPE Once you’ve chosen your font, type the letter(s) in a document on your computer and print. You can either use the template as is or use your scanner to adjust the size until it’s as large…

Some home improvement projects have an immediate wow factor, like new furniture or a backsplash. Other improvements are focused on function, such as new windows and doors. But these elements are just as important, as they’ll raise the value of your home and keep it working well for you and your family. So if you’re looking for new doors, here are the considerations to make. INTERIOR VERSUS EXTERIOR DOORS “Interior doors aren’t as thick as exterior doors,” says Erica Garlock, sales and marketing director of Vintage Doors. “Exterior doors require seals and weather stripping, while interior doors don’t have to have sealing capabilities.” Though your exterior doors have to deal with all kinds of weather and still function well, the good news is that the design can be cohesive between…

1. AMENITIES. Make sure the water, electricity and plumbing are all in working order. While you can get by without these for a weekend camping trip, they’re necessary for any long-term living situation. 2. COMFORT. While it’s nice to have a stylish trailer, you’re also going to want to inhabit an inviting and relaxed space. Soft materials for the bed and chairs, minimal décor to keep the walkway open and curtains that block out the morning sun are all aspects to consider when designing. 3. ACTIVITIES. Even if you’re taking your trailer on a trip where you’ll be spending plenty of time outside, plan what you’ll do with your down time. Bring along a small, portable television or consider books, board games and craft projects.…

WALLS THAT WHISPER Keep your walls quiet so the focus is on your décor—not the background. “I don’t want to challenge the green beyond the windows or de-emphasize the personalities of the objects and pictures with surface sumptuousness,” Brian says. ZESTY ZONES Pair similar objects together to convey specific moods throughout your home. Then transition from space to space to create what Brian calls “zones.” Zones are “a series of overlapping experiences that shift the mood from place to place and reinforce the emotional temperature of each,” he says. COMPELLING CURIOSITY If curiosity is key, then perhaps experimentation is the door that curiosity unlocks. “I’m always encouraging clients to just go and look at everything,” Brian says. “The more you’re exposed to, the more willing you’ll be to go in…

1. FURNITURE. Choose furniture that will hold up against your local climate. If your neighborhood sees lots of rainfall, you’ll want to choose pieces that dry quickly and don’t retain water. For windier regions, opt for heavier tables and chairs made of wrought iron over lighter materials, like wicker, which are more likely to blow away. 2. TEXTILES. Quality patio furniture is an investment you’ll thank yourself for later. Make sure you’re picking fabrics that aren’t going to fade after only a few summers. You can buy cushions with UV protection built in, but also consider purchasing patio furniture covers. 3. FLOORING. When Laura is decorating a space she knows will get plenty of muddy foot traffic, she stays away from carpet. In her sunroom, she built hardwood floors to…

WHO: “It was built for a Mrs. Hobbs,” Kelly says. “She came to Pasadena in the late 1800s, along with many other mid-westerners, for the climate.” WHAT: The home is 2,800 square feet, and the property also features an old barn. Kelly planned to renovate from the first time she saw the house. “When hearing about our undertaking, a friend of mine remarked, ‘You are bringing back an American beauty,’” Kelly says. “That became my mantra.” WHEN: Built in 1886, the home is now more than 130 years old, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Homes. In 2015, Kelly purchased the home from its previous owner, who “had loved the house for 50 years.” WHERE: Situated in Pasadena’s “Indiana Colony,” the home has been moved since its…

What do you get when you mix the elegance of Downton Abbey with the functionality of farmhouse style? A unique home that’s as welcoming and casual as it is classy. “I always like to name my projects, and this one is the Downton Farmhouse,” says designer Brigetta Dawes Lamsback, owner of The Design Studio. “It’s a farmhouse, but we wanted to add a little sophistication to it.” After four years of careful renovations, homeowners Sonya and Ambassador John Rood are happily residing in their family-friendly farmhouse. LIVE-IN RENOVATION Located in St. Augustine, Florida, the Roods purchased this home in 2012 and were interested in the land more than the home itself. “It appeared to be a tract home, so there wasn’t anything special about it,” says Brigetta, but they needed…

In 2014, wife, mother and interior designer Janna Allbritton of the blog Yellow Prairie Interiors sought to create a new home base with her family. “Our vision was to build a brand new home, because it's nice to have modern conveniences and be able to infuse it with farmhouse style,” Janna says. Born and raised on a farm, Janna’s country upbringing inspired her to build a home that would reflect her style and meet the demands of her family of four. The location they settled on was perfect: a large plot of land in Salem, Oregon, that allowed space for a roomy 3,140 square foot farmhouse. PURPOSEFUL & LAID-BACK LIVING It was a priority for Janna that every space in the farmhouse be functional, as well as design-friendly. Custom storage,…

Sometimes it can be difficult to move from inspiration to the practical details of decorating a room. KariAnne Wood’s book The DIY Home Planner: Practical Tips and Inspiring Ideas to Decorate it Yourself explains the ethos behind creating a more functional, beautiful home that accurately reflects your tastes and design style. Perfection in home projects is not the goal, but rather having fun and creating a home you’ll love. “Your home is one of a kind. Your home is loved,” Wood writes. “Your home is a reflection of who you are. And you, my friend, are perfect… just the way you are.” “Your home is one of a kind. Your home is loved. Your home is a reflection of who you are. And you, my friend, are perfect… just the…

DIY UPCYCLED PLANTERS PAGE 10 For more on Claire, visit pillarboxblue.com. DOOR DISCUSSION PAGE 30 For more on Vintage Doors, visit vintagedoors.com. SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING BLUE PAGE 38 For more on Jessica, visit glamournest.com. Cabinet paint: upper: Oceanic Peal; lower: Super White. Benjamin Moore. (855) 724-6802 or benjaminmoore.com. Cabinet knobs: Polished Chrome Hopewell 5’’ Center to Center Bar Cabinet Pull. Build. (800) 375-3403 or build.com. Counters: Caesarstone London Fog. (818) 779-0999 or caesarstoneus.com. Dishwasher: Bosch SHX3AR72UC 24” Built-In Dishwasher White. Sears. Visit sears.com. Faucet: Kohler. (800) 456-4537 or kohler.com. Refrigerator: Frigidaire Model #FFHT1814lw4. (800) 374-4432 or frigidaire.com. Rug: Vintage. Sink: Whitehaus WH3018 Duet Series Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink. Vintage Tub & Bath. (570) 474-1203 or vintagetub.com. Subway Tile: H-Line Cotton Glossy 3x6. Floor tile. Metalwood Argento 12x24. Arizona Tile. Visit…

Use these ideas to add literary flair to your home. 1. PRINTS. Set the standard for what you want your home to say—whether a family motto, Bible verse or quote. 2. ENTRYWAY STATEMENTS. Spell out the word “Welcome,” or your family’s initial and hang it in the foyer. 3. BEDROOM INITIALS. Hang an initial over a headboard or rest it on an open shelf. This can be particularly cute in kids’ rooms. 4. FAMILY NAME GALLERY WALL. Add a few handmade letters of your family’s initial to your gallery wall for personalized charm. 5. ROOM LABELS. Designate bedrooms with a hanging letter on the door. It will make the room feel personal to the occupant and act as an indoor wreath. 6. PERSONALIZED GIFT TAGS. Attach a hand-painted letter to…

"How many times are you really going to order doors in your lifetime? We hope you only do it once, and that’s why we’re here.” 1. DESIGN. Start here. “Determine what you like the look of. That’s always a critical step,” Erica says. Deciding what type of design you like will help you choose the type of wood. If you have a historic farmhouse, look around at other homes in the area to see if there are any key features to include. 2. WOOD. Interior or exterior? Painted or stained? Once you answer those two questions, you can narrow down your wood options to the appropriate type. 3. HARDWARE. The hardware will complement your door’s style and add a little bling. “I recommend selecting the door first, then talking about…

When it’s time to repaint your kitchen cabinets, chances are, bright blue wouldn’t be your first choice. But this farmhouse-style bungalow in Los Angeles, California, wouldn’t be complete without its dazzling blue cabinets. The homeowners, who love expressive colors, hired interior decorator Jessica McClendon of Glamour Nest to design the kitchen. “Not many people paint with such a bright color,” she says. “It adds a lot of personality.” Plus, the bold color melds with the 1920s bungalow. “We wanted to work with the architecture while infusing the room with style,” Jessica says. INDUSTRIAL CHROME The classic kitchen evokes farmhouse tradition with a modern twist. While elements like the kitchen sink and Shaker-style cabinets are distinct farmhouse features, chrome accessories introduce an element of contrast. For example, the classic subway tile…

THIS WORKING FARM was a unique opportunity for John DaSilva of PSD. A self-proclaimed architectural history buff, John is passionate about spaces that have been in the same family for generations. John had the opportunity with Maple Mount to tap into his love for architectural history and create a space inspired by the tradition of connected farm buildings. “Understanding what we do today, there’s no way that it cannot be connected to what came before,” John says. Having intimate knowledge of the home’s history can add a lot to the renovation process. John describes Maple Mount’s owner as “intimately woven into that history.” This invaluable historical connection helped make the renovation of Maple Mount Farm an unforgettable and successful project. The combined passion and history from John DaSilva and Maple…

How do you bring farmhouse style to a historic Victorian structure? Blogger Kelly Wilkniss of My Soulful Home and author of the book My Soulful Home: A Year in Flowers, has completed several home projects, including a build-from-scratch home. As soon as she saw the Victorian house in Los Angeles county, Kelly knew it had to be hers, and she wasn’t intimidated by the work that would need to be done. Upon acquiring the home, she began the renovation and restoration project that would turn the 1886 antique into a chic farmhouse treasure. LIVE-IN RENOVATION The renovation process was just that—a process. Kelly and her family moved in during the fall of 2015, after ten months in escrow. “With all those months to plan the renovation, we hit the ground…

1. HARDWARE. It’s amazing what a fancy door knob or drawer pull can do to change the look of your home. Hardware is like the jewelry of a room, and this simple upgrade can turn your rooms from country to chic. 2. PATTERN WALLPAPER. A simple accent wall in a classic pattern will do wonders for your living spaces. Pick a pattern with some shimmer or a floral design for a sophisticated look that won’t interfere with your furnishings or practical décor. (For DIY wall pattern ideas, see pages 112.) 3. COLLECTIONS. Save your precious heirloom china from the dark confines of a hutch and display your pieces with pride on a shelf or in cupboards with glass doors. This will keep your dining room sophisticated, and your china will…

TIME TO INVEST. Janna used board and batten wainscoting in the master bedroom, powder room and office. “Adding trim always increases the budget, but it’s worth it,” Janna says. Texture adds a high-end appeal and provides a contrast to the gray and tan walls in the home. Having a professional builder install the material comes with the benefit of not having to worry about preserving or staining the material. SAVING SECRETS. Even though Janna used board and batten, she didn’t cover entire rooms in it. Instead, she used it as an accent. If you’re considering using board and batten, wallpaper or another siding in your home, select one wall rather than four to stay within your budget. DIY DOS. Upcycling salvaged materials is a great way to stay on budget.…

PROPERLY DRESSING your farmhouse-style windows will bring class to your home. “Window treatments are a lot like jewelry,” Wood writes. “Windows frame the view to the world outside. Let the sunshine in.” Here are five creative design ideas to help frame each room of your farmhouse. KITCHEN: WOOD PLANK SIGN. Hang a rustic wood plank sign above your kitchen window to invite creativity and invoke whimsy. By not covering the kitchen window with curtains, this will also allow the natural light to illuminate your space. BEDROOM: ROMAN SHADES. Roman shades hang from the top of the window frame and roll down over the window to create privacy, which is perfect for the bedroom. These shades have a romantic element to them by scrunching up when you open them. LIVING ROOM:…