Innholdsfortegnelse for Fall 2018 i American Farmhouse Style

The problem with making small updates to your home is that they almost always turn into larger ones. My husband and I have been redoing our kitchen, and we’re loving the result: white cabinets, butcher-block countertops, a farmhouse sink and black-and-white checkered floors. But now that the kitchen is looking so good, suddenly the living room looks a little shabby. Our white couch isn’t so white anymore and really needs a slipcover; we’re using a side table as a coffee table (oops); and one of our lamps has a shade that always sits off-kilter. But I didn’t notice any of this before—only when I compare it to shiny, updated kitchen do I see our furniture flaws. But that’s what this issue is all about: Getting your furniture right. They’re the…

While not quite playing with fire, the art of wood burning is a fun and absorbing skill to learn and use for home décor DIY projects. With a steady hand, careful attention to the hot tools and the following steps, even beginners can create a cute sign that welcomes the autumn season. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Wood burning pen and stand• Interchangeable wood burning pen nibs (universal point, tapered point and flow point)• Natural basswood wood slice• Printed design graphic, sized as desired• Needle-nose pliers to change hot nibs• Ramekin or other heatproof ceramic dish• Graphite transfer paper• Transfer tool• Tape WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Tape the wood burning pen’s support stand to your work surface so it can’t move under the weight of the cord. Then, attach the tapered…

WHY IT’S WRONG “I think so many people want to squeeze a sectional into a space where it doesn’t fit,” Mindy says. “In this version, it pushes the chairs too close together and makes the benches on either side of the fireplace unusable.” And not only are the chairs too close together, but there’s very little walking space to get in and out of the seating. WHY IT’S RIGHT Even if you’re trying to fit a lot of seating into one area, a sectional isn’t always the answer. “This layout provides the same amount of seating as the first one, if you include the benches,” Mindy says. There’s also enough space between the furniture here. “It’s so much looser with an easier flow to the room,” she says.…

1. FUNCTIONAL KITCHEN APPLIANCE PLACEMENT. If you find that your appliances are inconveniently located, potential buyers will, too. It’s important for kitchen appliances to be in the most user-friendly locations. If your open fridge blocks access to the kitchen, or if it’s difficult to reach your dishwasher from the sink, consider moving the appliances. 2. MODERN CABINETS. Neutral cabinets with clean-lined details are a safe choice that appeals to many buyers. Modern cabinets create an ideal backdrop that won’t clash with the furniture and dishware a new owner will bring with them. 3. LIGHT-COLORED AND DURABLE COUNTERTOPS. Light-colored countertops will make the kitchen feel light and airy, no matter the size. Lanie also recommends investing in countertops that won’t stain or scratch, because buyers are often interested in a kitchen…

Small spaces aren’t too confining when you have room to roam. Homeowner Jennifer Maxcy and her family live in a ranch house less than 1,200 square feet, but their 1-acre property more than makes up for the small interiors. Jennifer is a professional stylist and the curator of her online antiques shop, The Ranch Uncommon, so she knows how to pack lots of style into a small area. RENOVATION RESCUE Just 40 minutes outside Los Angeles, the ranch house was built in 1959, and Jennifer and her husband completely renovated it when they moved in three years ago. The main change was to remove one of the bedrooms to create a larger living room with an openfloor concept. They took out an existing wall between the kitchen and living room.…

The quintessential farmhouse is one that brings us a little respite from our hectic modern lives. Husband-and-wife duo Steve Schappacher and Rhea White, respectively architect and interior designer of Schappacher White Architecture DPC, were looking for exactly that when they discovered an old fisherman’s cottage on Shelter Island, New York. “This was one of the sweetest tiny houses on the island,” Rhea says, “only accessible by ferry.” Drawn to its rustic charm and historical locale, the couple decided to take on an extensive renovation to transform the dilapidated cottage into a dream coastal farmhouse escape. “This was one of the sweetest tiny houses on the island, only accessible by ferry.” RUSTIC REVIVAL Built in 1904, the home had no shortage of historical atmosphere, but that also meant there was a…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Flat cane reed (available at craft stores and online)• Scissors• Ruler• Laundry clips WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Prepare your reeds by soaking them in water for 20 minutes. Cut the damp reed into 10 pieces of about 20 inches, and four pieces of about 40 inches. The lengths will help determine the size of your basket, so it’s helpful to overestimate.2. Begin weaving by taking half of the 20-inch reeds and organizing them into vertical rows, smooth-side down. One by one, weave the other half in horizontally, using an alternating “over-under” basket pattern. When you finish, you should have woven a square in the center of your reeds.3. Form the sides by bending the unwoven reeds upward with a ruler. Weave three 40-inch reeds into the…

COTTAGE CONVERSION Rather than starting from scratch, Mark decided to build the main house from an existing structure, Lilac Cottage. “One of the cottages sat in a nice, wooded area,” Mark says. “We put the main house in that position, to make it look like the woodland had built up around it.” In addition to architectural sleight of hand, the process required forethought and expertise. READYING WITH RADAR The home’s sunroom is a mere 15 feet away from a large, mature oak tree. In order to achieve this placement, the builders had to cut through the tree’s roots to make space for the home’s foundation. “The person had a ground-penetrating radar method,” Mark says. He shot radar into the ground in order to find the tree’s major roots to make…

CREATE MULTI-USE AREAS. What do you want out of your space? Knowing the practical needs for your home can help dictate the overall design plan, and allow you to combine multiple areas to get a versatile space. For example, combining your laundry room with the mudroom, or dining area with your kitchen, can maximize space in your home and create an easy and effortless design flow. WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE. Maybe you don’t have the time or budget to create a layout from scratch, but you can work with what you have and make the most of it. For example, use an open reading nook as a sitting area in the bedroom or an ottoman for seating space in the living room. PICK THE RIGHT PIECES. Incorporating unique design…

For some parts of the country, fall entertaining will always be an indoor event because of cold weather. But if you live in the warmer areas of the US, you may want to move your fall entertaining outdoors. Blogger Rachel Paxton of Maison de Pax lives in central Texas, so her tablescape incorporates the best of both summer and fall dining. “I love the idea of outdoor fall dining,” she says. “When celebrating goodness, provision and harvest, it only seems an appropriate setting.” Here’s how you can make your fall table sizzle with a warm welcome. FOOD The fall harvest is available at this time of year, and while you can still serve traditional dishes such as sweet potato casserole and stuffing, tempt your guests with cold treats too, such…

1. CROWN MOLDING. Add crown molding and casing around the windows. The room-framing effect will also add definition and structure to your space.2. EXPOSED CEILING BEAMS. Exposed beams instantly register farmhouse style, and function as a textural contrast that provides a sense of rugged timelessness. (For instructions on how to do this yourself, see page 94).3. SHIPLAP. The rough-sawn pine paneling of shiplap is throughout historic barns and homes. Use shiplap or board and batten to evoke the simplicity and charm of farmhouse architecture. HEIRLOOM HOUSES: THE ARCHITECTURE OF WADE WEISSMAN BY STEVEN STOLMAN, PUBLISHED BY GIBBS SMITH, © 2018; GIBBS-SMITH.COM.…

1. PARTNER WITH FARMERS AND FORESTERS. To guarantee that your materials are local and sustainable, work with those who know the land the best. Local farmers and foresters can help you find wood, stone and landscaping materials that will create a seamless transition between your home and the surrounding environment.2. REUSE AND SALVAGE. Buying surplus and reclaimed materials can be kind on your wallet and incredible for your home. Check to see if there’s a company in your area that specializes in surplus and salvaged materials. This route is especially helpful for sourcing local stone, which may have been used in homes before.3. GET CREATIVE. While sourcing local materials may be daunting, don’t let that stop you from imbuing your home with the natural environment. Go online and check newspaper…

Pumpkins. Wait until they ripen, not just when they reach the size you want. The skin should have its full color and feel hard to the touch. The pumpkin should sound hollow when you tap on it. Carrots. Most importantly, look at the seed packet to determine the number of days between planting and harvest, as this can differ greatly with each variety. You can also pull a few test carrots, which should be at least ¾” in diameter. Brussels Sprouts. Sprouts will form all the way up the plant, starting at the bottom. Harvest as they mature, in that order. Each sprout should be at least 1” in diameter before you pick it. Beets. You can usually harvest beets anywhere between 50-70 days after planting. The smaller the beet,…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Wood board or scrap wood• Sandpaper• Paint or stain and brush (optional)• Black paint• Alphabet stickers WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. If you want to treat the wood by sanding and painting or priming, do that first.2. Come up with a short phrase to put on the sign, and use the alphabet stickers to spell it out onto your piece of wood. Try to keep the letters in the center of the sign, but a little imperfection will add to the rustic look.3. Paint over the letters with black paint, covering the entire face of your wood board.4. Remove the stickers to reveal the letters of the sign. Place it anywhere or hang it up as a unique focal point.…

1. Use every inch of space in a practical way (think niches).2. Know the room’s measurements before picking the furniture.3. Place the largest piece of furniture first.4. Create conversation areas with multiple pieces for seating.5. Choose a focal point for the room.6. Anchor the conversation grouping with a rug.7. Frame the space with additional seating.8. Divide large spaces with seating.9. Use chairs instead of sofas.10. Put side tables and coffee tables within arm’s reach (around 18”).11. Leave enough space between furniture (at least 18”).12. Chairs should be less than 8’ apart to facilitate conversation.13. Consider walkways and leave room for foot traffic.14. Don’t use artwork that’s too small for the space.15. One larger piece of artwork makes a statement better than multiple small pieces.…

“Thema ntel got a little bit of mascara and the whole room has been elevated.” Fall is a time of great natural beauty, but it’s also a busy season. The kids are back at school with all their various activities, sports teams and book clubs have started back up, and it’s hard to find time to decorate for the season. But you don’t have to decorate every nook and cranny of your home to have fall-ready décor. Blogger Marian Parsons of Miss Mustard Seed decorated two strategic areas of her home: her living room mantel and her dining room table. With just these two areas, she gave her home a cozy feel that didn’t take up too much of her time or money. “It’s simple,” she says. “It didn’t take…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Wood boards, 2” thick• Saw (optional)• Sandpaper• Stain or paint, if desired• Drill• Pocket jig• Level• Screws (4” screws or pocket screws) WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Choose your boards. Make sure they’re straight so your décor won’t wobble.2. Cut them to the length and width needed for your space, then sand and paint or stain as desired.3. Find and mark the studs on your wall. Please note that for this floating shelf method, you’ll need to screw each shelf into at least one stud. If there aren’t any studs on the wall you want to use, don’t put floating shelves there.4. Align your shelves with the studs, mark the shelves where they’ll screw into the wall, and use the pocket jig to predrill angled holes into…

STRIPES AND SOLIDS. Textiles set the tone of a space, and floral linens and shams, while beautiful, can be less appealing to men. If you’re decorating a room for someone who doesn’t favor the feminine pattern, go with stripes or plaid as a more neutral substitute. WOOD. To create the barn-style Stephen and his sons enjoy, experiment with different types of wood. Sometimes, too much wood can become overwhelmingly masculine, but if you mix up the finishes and shades with white, you can get away with plenty of wood in your design. BOY TOYS. If the young boys of your household have grown into young men, save the toys of their youth, such as metal trucks and Lincoln logs, and use them as sentimental accessories on your bookshelf or mantel.…

• STAIR STORAGE. Make the most of the space under your stairs by adding closed built-ins, a small closet or even a set of bookshelves.• FOLD-UP DESK. If you or your kids need a place to work, add a desk that’s mounted to the wall and can fold up when you’re not using it. This will help prevent desk clutter too.• SLIDE-OUT PANTRY. If you have a few inches next to your refrigerator, build a thin set of shelves on wheels that will hold pantry items such as canned good and spices.• DOOR JAM SHELVES. That 4-6 inches above your door is perfect for storage. Mount a simple shelf on the top of the door for your extra linens, towels or rolls of toilet paper.• CLOSET ROOM. If you can…

• CHECK SOCIAL MEDIA to look for local flea markets. Social media is a great place to see what’s happening closest to you, as well as to find any special sales or even local garage sales.• MAKE A LIST of what you’re hoping to find. There’s usually a wide variety of items, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed or lose track of time. If you want to walk away with a lot of great finds, go in with a plan.• GET THERE early on the first day if you want to have the best and widest selection of goods. For the biggest discounts, the end of the last day is the best time.• MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE VENDORS. “If you want to shop on a budget,” Susan says, “you can…

EXPOSED BEAMS hearken back to traditional timber frame buildings, which have been a global architectural staple for centuries. Timber frame buildings feature thick planks, which lend structural stability. Nowadays, exposed beams have become fashionable, especially for farmhouse style. The key to adding faux exposed beams is choosing a wood that works with the existing décor. Reclaimed wood is a terrific option, but you can also purchase newer wood and stain it. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Wood for the exposed beams• Stud finder• Counter boring drill bit• Lag bolts• Drywall compound or plaster WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Use the stud finder to locate the home’s floor joists or block in the area where you plan to install the beams. “Joists are strong construction framing components found behind the ceiling wall board…

For some of us, the décor journey is never over. Interior designer and blogger Liz Fourez of Love Grows Wild has always had a passion for decorating. “I watched design shows on TV a lot when I was younger, but even before that I can remember as a kid locking my door and rearranging my bedroom to surprise my mom,” she says. “I loved how I could make a room feel brand new just by moving the things I already had in that small space.” Now a mother herself, Liz lives in a beautiful Indiana farmhouse where she’s put her decorating skills to good use. “Our 1940s home sits in the middle of farm country, so it was a natural choice to embrace the farmhouse style mixed with soft, bright,…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: •Apples•Candles (taper or votive)•Permanent marker•Knife•Spoon•Lemon or lime•Lighter or matches WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Place the candle on the top of the apple, and use the permanent marker to mark the area. Set the candle aside.2. Use your knife to cut around the marks, then the spoon to scoop out the flesh of the apple. Hollow out enough of the apple for the candle to stand steady inside the fruit.3. Squeeze lemon or lime juice inside the cavity, or wipe it with a paper towel soaked in lemon or lime juice, to prevent the flesh from turning brown.4. Place the candle inside the cavity. If you want to make it more secure, light another taper candle and drip the hot wax along the crevice of the candle to…

“The best compliment I can ever receive is that a house we designed looked as if it had grown out of the site.” Trends come and go, but timeless design endures. When designing your forever home, “hold fast to certain eternal truths like simplicity, elegance, and comfort.” In his book The Nature of Home: Creating Timeless Houses, architect Jeffrey Dungan shares the importance of rich textures and clean lines when building homes that last. FIRST IMPRESSIONS “They say you only get one chance at a first impression,” Dungan writes. The same goes for your home’s architecture. Your home should be “deserving of its environment,” whether the land is steep, flat, heavily forested or wide open. Dungan begins all his projects by imagining how the house would lay itself out on…

WORDS OF WISDOM PAGE 12 For more on Rooted and Grounded, visit etsy.com/shop/rootedngroundedhome. Adventure Sign, starting at $50. Market Fresh Produce Sign, starting at $50. The Real Things Laura Ingalls, starting at $51. Thankful Sign, starting at $37. FRONT PORCH FASHION PAGE 22 For more on Janna, visit yellowprairieinteriors.com. Green chairs: Ikea. (888) 888-4532 or ikea.com. Pillows: Wayfair. (844) 576-9529 or wayfair.com. LAYOUT LOGISTICS PAGE 26 For more on Mindy, visit mindylaven.com. IRRESISTIBLE ARCHITECTURE PAGE 34 For more on Michael and Nicole, visit tricklecreekhomes.ca. MODERN MEETS FARMHOUSE PAGE 36 For more on Lanie and Brent, visit rootedkc.com. Bar stools: Wayfair. (844)-220-1084 or wayfair.com. Ceramic wall tiles: The Home Depot. (800)-466-3337 or homedepot.com. Dining room chandelier: Restoration Hardware. (800)-762-1005 or restorationhardware.com. Dining room metal chairs: Target. Visit target.com. Dining room table:…

1. Use them in your fall tablescape by writing the name of a guest on each one with a metallic marker. Tie twine around the napkin and tuck the leaf in the knot for a dual napkin ring and place card. 2. Press them like you would do with flowers, then use them on notecards, bookmarks or even cardstock for botanical-inspired wall art. 3. Paint the backs and use them as stamps to make a pattern on paper or fabric. You can make your own wrapping paper, accent pillows or linens.…

One aspect of home décor that’s challenging and yet essential is room and furniture layout. You can look at inspiring homes all you want, but if you don’t have the fundamentals of layout, you can end up with awkward spaces that don’t work functionally and don’t look quite right. Designer Mindy Laven of Mindy Laven Home has a load of tips and tricks to help you get your rooms on track. FIRST THINGS FIRST Before you start shopping for furniture or picking your textiles, measure the room. “I use a laser measure or electronic measuring tape,” Mindy says. “That’s a great tool to use at home.” Once you have the room’s measurements, get out a sheet of graph paper and mark out the dimensions so each square is equal to…

MAKE YOUR OWN MAGNETIC KNIFE HOLDER BY STAINING A SMALL WOOD BOARD, AT LEAST 3/4” THICK. USE AN ELECTRIC DRILL WITH A FORSTNER BIT TO DRILL WIDE HOLES INTO THE BACK OF THE WOOD AND GLUE A ROUND MAGNET INTO EACH HOLE. THEN MOUNT THE BOARD ON YOUR KITCHEN WALL (MAGNETS TOWARD THE WALL), AND IT’S READY TO USE.…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Eucalyptus branches• Baby’s breath• Wheat stalks• Miniature pine cones• Fruits (apples and pears)• Small pumpkins and squash, in various sizes• Two serving tureens or jugs• Two small shrubs (live or faux) WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Start with the two jugs or tureens. Place the small shrubs inside and situate them on the ends of the mantel.2. Space the pumpkins and squash along the mantel inside the tureens. Keep the largest ones toward the outside, with the smaller ones toward the inside. Leave some space in between a few of them.3. Add the fruit, filling in any large gaps and adding a piece where there’s a lack of color.4. Fill in with the eucalyptus branches, baby’s breath and wheat stalks. You may need to shift the pumpkins…

WHY AM I KEEPING THIS? Are you keeping this item because it’s pretty, or because it’s functional? If it falls into the “I might need it someday” category, be ruthless and get rid of it. Those “maybes” translate over time into clutter. HAVE I USED THIS IN THE LAST YEAR? This applies more to clothes and kitchen utensils than décor pieces, but it’s still a useful question to ask. If you haven’t used it in the last year, evaluate whether you’re likely to use it in the next six months (for example, maybe you haven’t used it because you forgot you owned it). If the answer to both questions is no, give it away. DO I STILL LIKE THIS ITEM? Our styles often change and evolve over the years. But…

“95% of my home comes from either flea markets, thrift stores or garage sales.” What’s the secret to achieving the quintessential rustic farmhouse look? Antiques dealer Susan Taggart sought to find the answer when designing her home in Canton, Ohio. Susan, who co-owns a brick-and-mortar shop with her mother, discovered that she could use her knowledge of flea market décor to create her dream farmhouse—warm, affordable and rustic. LOVING HISTORY Susan and her husband bought their home when they moved to the area 13 years ago, and it was love at first sight. “Right when I walked in, I just knew,” Susan says. The couple wanted the character of an older home without needing to undergo extensive renovations. This four-bedroom 1929 colonial came already updated and with plenty of historic…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Drop cloth• Sandpaper (220 or higher)• Rags• White water-based paint• Paintbrush• Scrap wood WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Ready your space. Lay out the drop cloth underneath and surrounding the furniture you’re whitewashing.2. Prepare your piece. Use a fine-grain sandpaper (220 or higher) and lightly sand the piece. This will help the paint stick better over time. Once you’ve sanded, wipe away any dust with a damp rag.3. Prepare the paint. Combine equal parts paint and water to create your whitewash. This will create a runny mixture. If the paint gets too thick, you can also add extra water during Step4. 4. Start with a sample. Test out your paint on a sliver of wood, or on part of the furniture that won’t be noticeable. “Whitewashing is…