Innholdsfortegnelse for February/March 2019 i American Farmhouse Style

It’s a new year, which means it’s time to make your house plans for the next 12 months. If you’re like me, you probably have ideas for renovations and DIY projects in every room, and unless you’re building a new house or doing a full home renovation this year (kudos to you if you are!), you’ll have to pick and choose which projects and rooms will get attention. Luckily, we’ve put together this renovation issue so you can get all the inspiration, project ideas and information you need to get started. Whether you’re planning to hire a contractor and designer to update your spaces or do the work yourself DIY style, we’ve got great examples for you to follow. Learn how to renovate a historic home to keep its original…

FOR CENTURIES, BARNS HAVE USED SLIDING DOORS because they provide stability and save space. The iconic “X” or diagonal bracing you see on barn doors is what helps make the doors strong and hold sturdy against harsh winds. Barns need large doors in order to accommodate animals and machinery, but a swinging door sometimes takes up too much surface area, and can slam in the wind. Sliding doors avoid these problems. Only in the last few years have sliding barn doors become popular as an interior feature. They’re easy to install and allow you to effortlessly incorporate farmhouse style into your home without compromising on utility. BUY OR BUILD? Consider the pros and cons of each option for acquiring your barn door. 1. KIT. You can purchase a ready-to-install unit…

Farmhouse architecture adds beautiful authenticity to your country-inspired décor. But not all of us live in a farmhouse with the right elements already in place. If you want to add this type of detail to your home, you’re in luck. Here are ten different ways you can add farmhouse architecture to your existing home on a budget, whether you choose to hire out a contractor or do it yourself. DIY OR PROFESSIONAL? DIY DIFFICULTY: Low COST: $10-$30 per pair (vintage); $30-$100 per pair (vintage inspired) VINTAGE DOORKNOBS Doorknobs are a small part of your home, but they can add a charming vintage touch that will permeate the whole building. The main question to ask is whether you want to use authentic vintage doorknobs or vintage-inspired pieces. If you can find…

1. KNOW YOUR TIME FRAME. To avoid disappointment, have conversations with your team on the time frame for the build. “We do a full conceptual phase on new builds that lasts 23 months max,” Whittney says. After the conceptual phase, you will need to deal with the actual build and final touches. You could be looking at a 2-3 year process. 2. DON’T FORGET RESEARCH. Considering the lengthy process, it’s important to find a contractor you trust. “Read as many reviews as you can online, and ask your friends and family,” she says. You’ll begin to develop a relationship with the people involved, so do your due diligence to hire people you can trust. 3. BE PREPARED. Contractors usually deal with all the red tape concerning permits, but it’s still…

1. PLAN FOR PERMITS. These pieces of paper are more than just a formality. Don’t skip this part of the process and sabotage yourself later. Permits will help ensure that the new home or renovation is to code and that you won’t need to redo your work. Also, make sure you factor in at least a few months for the permit approval process. 2. ORGANIZED CHAOS. The process of renovating will be messy and disorienting, so plan ahead for both organization and living. First, designate organization and temperature-controlled spaces for supplies to preserve them and save you money. Next, make a plan for you and your family to carry on your everyday lives while your house is under construction to help you stay sane. 3. UNUSUAL UPDATES. Today’s building codes…

1. USE THE RIGHT NEUTRALS. Even with neutrals, there are classic and trendy shades. White, black, silver and gold are timeless choices. Steer clear of trendy colors such as rose gold and gray. 2. INTRODUCE CONTRAST. This is a concept we tout often in home décor, but it’s not too complicated. White on white is beautiful, but it tends to blend together. Instead, pair your whites with darker colors to make the room pop. For example, couple white shaker-style cabinets with darker wood butcher-block countertops and black hardware. 3. DON’T FORGET TEXTURE. Think about how a material feels to the touch—is it smooth or bumpy? Soft or rough? Physical texture also creates visual texture in a room. Mix glossy tile with grainy wood furniture, and use natural materials such as…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Heavy duty cleaner, such as TSP Substitute• Painter’s rag• Painter’s tape• Primer (we recommend Zinsser)• 1” paint brush (for edges and grouts)• Foam paint rollers• Chalk paint, in two colors• Stencil of choice (Jaclyn used Royal Designs)• Artist’s brush (optional)• Protective polycrylic finish (Jaclyn used Minwax)• Bathroom caulk• Caulk gun WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Prep your tile. It needs to be immaculately clean before you start stenciling. Jaclyn recommends using TSP Substitute and a painter’s rag.2. Apply painter’s tape to the cabinets and baseboards to separate them from your work space.3. Prime the floor. Use a 1” paint brush and foam paint rollers for your primer coats. “Work in sections, painting the edges and grout lines,” Jaclyn says. Then work your roller along the tiles. “Allow…

Stephanie and Griffin McCabe broke down some of their design elements that made this once neutral farmhouse into one with warm character. Incorporate these tips the next time you redesign a room. • COLOR. The McCabes use blue to break up the plain white walls in the living spaces, but also used other colors like pink in smaller areas such as bedrooms. Every color works with the white paint, like in the kitchen where “the rich, warm whites contrasted with the dark wood floors.” • WOOD. Wood brings a natural, varying element to a room. Thanks to wood’s large palette of colors, it’s easy to find a shade that matches your décor and makes a space more welcoming. “There’s nothing I like more than a bright space contrasted with dark…

“From the fresh evergreen garland to the wood stump chargers, this table design feels raw in nature.” With the holidays over, there’s room to breathe, think and party plan without the pressure of the season. For a beautifully rustic winter party that’s not centered around a holiday, look no further than this cozy country get-together. DÉCOR You can easily set the mood for a dinner party with elegant décor. The key to creating this winter theme is by bringing the outdoor color palette indoors. Stick with whites, creams, wood stains and other neutral hues to create a rustic look. Event planner Michelle Leo of Michelle Leo Events suggests keeping things “simple and organic on the table. From the fresh evergreen garland to the wood stump chargers, this table design feels…

BUILT TO SAVE For more on Indow Window, visit indowwindows.com. MUDROOM MARVEL For more on Stefani, visit stefanistein.com. Tile: Tabarka Studio. (480) 968-3999 or tabark astudio.com. Wire baskets: Home Depot. (800) 466-3337 or homedepot.com. FARMHOUSE FACELIFT For more on Abigail, visit grayhawkdesign.com. Barstools: Barstools and Dinettes. (919) 787-6680 or barstoolsanddinettes.com. Counter top: White Diamond Quartz by Silestone. (786) 686-5060 or silestoneusa.com. Glass dome lights: Lowe’s. (800) 445-6937 or lowes.com. Island paint: Parakeet by Sherwin Williams. (800) 474-3794 or sherwin-williams.com. Tiles: 3x6 beveled white subway tile by MSI. Visit msistone.com. DREAM HOUSE IN THE MAKING For more on Whittney, visit whittneyparkinsondesign.com. Cutting board: Crate & Barrel. (800) 967-6696 or crateandbarrel.com. Ferdinand pillows: McGee and Co. (801) 505-9984 or mcgeeandco.com. Heirloom runner: Loloi. (972) 503-5656 or loloirugs.com. Parish floor lamp: Circa Lighting.…

THE 2019 CLUTTER PURGE Start off the year by paring down the items in your house with these helpful hints. Stick to your containers. Don’t buy more containers to fit what you have; instead, cut down the items so they fit your container. For example, if you have an overflowing bin of your kids’ stuffed animals, declutter until the all the stuffed animals fit into the single bin, rather than buying a second bin. This also works with clothes and shoes—limit yourself to one shoe rack or one drawer of t-shirts. It’s a victory when items leave the house. If you have three kids and a side business, chances are you don’t have much time to declutter. Even if you can only work in ten-minute increments, don’t get discouraged. Moving…

• FINISHED RECLAIMED WOOD. Companies such as Wall Concept USA provide prefinished reclaimed wood boards. The benefit here is that you know the quality is very good, and because of that, the wood will last a long time. You also don’t have to do any prep with the wood once you get it—you can just install it directly to the wall. The downside is that you’ll pay more, since the material has already been sourced and prepped for you. • NEW WOOD. You can go to your local lumber or home improvement store and buy new wood to use in your project. The benefit of this method is that it will be cheaper than choosing prefinished boards, but it will also require more effort. You’ll need to sand and finish…

Luggage has evolved in shape and size over the last century. Vintage trunks have become decorative storage pieces that effortlessly add period charm to your home. Step foot inside any flea market, swap meet or antiques store, and you’re practically guaranteed to find at least a dozen. Larger trunks will come with either a flat or domed top. Domed pieces are more expensive and function better as a standalone piece, while the flatter trunks have more utility and are easy to stack. Stacking forms an eclectic statement piece of styles and textures that’ll catch the eye of anyone who walks into your home. Blogger Leslie Saeta of My 100 Year Old Home has been an avid flea market shopper for 30 years and loves vintage trunks for their versatility. “I…

WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE. Abigail achieved this look without altering major elements in the kitchen. She took down two walls after confirming neither were structural and decided to leave the plumbing as is. “We left the sink in the original location because it had a really nice view out the window,” she says. DON’T UPDATE WHAT YOU DON’T NEED. Make sure you’ve lived in the space long enough to know what functional elements you need to change. Abigail reduced the budget by eliminating unnecessary features. “There was heating and air that had to be reworked but the heating portion wasn’t being used, so we were able to take that out,” she says. LEAVE PARTS UNTOUCHED. “We also left some of the wood tones in the home just as a…

“We’ve completely kept the integrity of our home.” It’s rare that purchasing a new home also means tapping into family history. But that was the case for Leslie Saeta and her husband. “My husband grew up in this house,” Leslie says. “His parents bought in in 1969, and then we bought it from them in 1998.” After three separate renovations and raising three sons in the well-loved space, Leslie still says, “I’m so lucky to live in this house.” Built in 1915, the house inspired Leslie’s blog, My 100 Year Old Home, where she shares her many DIY projects and farmhouse finds. THE MORE THE MERRIER Even after multiple renovations, the home retains its century-old charm. “We’ve completely kept the integrity of our home,” Leslie says. “The last thing I…

In the first few months of the new year, winter makes its last run, and residents of Vancouver, Canada, look forward to the season’s last snowfall and take in the breathtaking view of snow-capped mountains. This year, husband and wife Josh and Amanda Penner and their four children are among those happy homeowners. After undergoing a redesign with trusted advisor Ben Leavitt, Creative Director of PlaidFox Design, the couple’s riverside house is in the perfect condition for the whole family to enjoy. NEW BEGINNINGS Vancouver may have one of the world’s most scenic skylines, but the city has a short history—its oldest buildings are only 100 years old. The architecture is modern and contemporary, reflecting trends that may come and go. But when Ben redesigned the Penners’ house, he sought…

Custom design can be hard to come across in a large master-planned community, where homeowners can choose between only five different floor plans. So it made sense that shop owner and instagrammer Jaclyn James of Jaclyn James Home chose to renovate her San Diego, California, home, turning her modern beige abode into a classic farmhouse. FLEXIBLE AND FARM-FRIENDLY Jaclyn’s home is a new build, located in a suburban community at the highest point in north San Diego County. Throughout the renovation process, Jaclyn balanced her personal preferences against the home’s placement in the master-planned neighborhood. “I wanted to keep with what a buyer would expect coming into the community so someone, in theory, could make it their own,” Jaclyn says. “Black and white has just always been my thing.” Versatile…

The relationship between home and land is an important one—particularly for this Rockville, Virginia, home belonging to Mary Beth and JT Grier. The couple wanted to give their 1997 colonial a modern farmhouse renovation, and they turned to designer Jennifer Radakovic of Jennifer Radakovic Design to transform their home. “They have chickens, goats, horses, cats and other animals, and were drawn to the modern farmhouse style to match their actual small farm,” Jennifer says. It’s an instance of art paralleling life, and the two meshed beautifully, resulting in a farmhouse-style renovation that accommodates the family of six and reflects their homesteading lifestyle. “We used clean lines and honest materials to achieve the family’s dreams. It flows and captures the beauty of life on a farm.” UPDATED FARMHOUSE Using the surrounding…

RENDERING “Renderings were traditionally hand-drawn sketches of a home to convey and educate the end user,” says Jeffrey. “Today, renderings are computer-generated and offer the end user the ability to see immediate tweaks and changes to plans and ideas in a 3D manner.” BLUEPRINT “Blueprints are the actual floor plans of the house, showcasing the ebb and flow of the space,” Jeffrey says. “Eventually, the finalized blueprints become the construction documents for price bidding, permitting and building.”…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Tree branches• Chop saw or miter saw• Ruler and pencil• Place cards WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Gather tree branches, about 4-6” in diameter.2. Use the chop saw or miter saw to slice the branches into disks 1-2” thick. You’ll need half the number of disks as you need place card holders.3. Use the ruler and pencil to mark the middle of each disk, then cut it in half with the saw. Make sure you cut straight down so the half disk can stand on its own.4. On the top edge of each half disk, cut a small slit into the center, about 1” deep. Make sure to stabilize your wood before cutting it with the saw.5. Slide your name cards into the slits and set them…

1. KILL THE CLUTTER. Collecting mountains of cushions or knick-knacks could make a small space appear cluttered and even smaller. Instead, stick with small touches to fill empty spaces. “Make every square inch of space purposeful,” says featured designer Katie Rodgers. “It’s much easier to make a small space feel like home—just a few bits of character go a long way.” 2. PICK YOUR PATTERNS. Focus on patterns and colors that will help the small room feel like a cohesive whole. If a large element like wallpaper is too much of a commitment, look for smaller patterns instead. Pick art you can connect to and display the pieces on your walls. Coordinate your textiles, such as curtains, upholstered furniture and throw pillows. 3. GO BACK TO NATURE. Many designers also…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: LUMBER: • 1x4 board(s)• 1x6 board(s)• 1x2 board• 1x3 board OTHER SUPPLIES: • Measuring tape• Miter or table saw• Pencil• Sandpaper• Wood glue• Nail gun or brad nails and hammer• Primer of choice• Paint of choice• Paint brush• Caulking WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Measure the dimensions of your window frame (height and width). Your width will be measurement A, and your height (minus 1 inch) will be measurement D. Refer to Illustration 2.2. Cut your lumber to length (refer to Illustrations 1 and 2). You can cut the pieces with a saw, or see if the store where you bought the lumber will cut it for you. You’ll need two 1x4 pieces at measurement A, two 1x6 pieces at measurement B, one 1x2 piece at measurement B,…

AVAILABILITY They’re widely available at almost any flea market or antiques store. Leslie says that “back in the day, they stored everything,” so trunks were a staple. BEST PLACES TO SCORE Leslie highly recommends buying your vintage trunk in person rather than online. “The most important thing is that the trunk opens, so check for broken hinges first,” she says. Also keep an eye out for any termites. Similarly, the shipping for these pieces will cost you quite a bit, so you’ll save more by purchasing in person. AVERAGE PRICE RANGE Like all vintage items, the price point for vintage trunks can reach up to the thousands. However, Leslie typically sticks to those in the $50-$150 price range and has no problem finding great deals. She even prefers the cheaper…

1. FOLDING STATION. Install a simple countertop along any wall to provide a place to fold clothing and towels while you’re waiting for the next load to dry. You can even keep an extra towel on hand to lay down and use as aminiironing board for small creases or steaming. 2. WASHER AND DRYER PEDESTAL. If you have a front-facing washer/dryer set, raise them to your level to save your back from uncomfortable bending. You can set them atop a sturdy shelf or wooden pallet, and you can even place convenient baskets for storage underneath. 3. PET STATION. The mudroom is a perfect place to station your furry friend’s food and water. With the right design, you can create a seamless station that both you and your pet will appreciate.…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Furniture of choice• TSP or another furniture cleaner• Sand paper• Paint powder (Leslie uses Old Barn Milk Paint)• Water, as required for the paint powder• Paint stir stick• Paint brush of choice• Paint scraper WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Prepare the piece by cleaning it and following it up with a light sanding. Don’t skip this step, as the paint will last longer if you prep the surface correctly.2. Mix the paint powder with the required amount of water and mix thoroughly.3. Apply the paint to the piece for your desired appearance, waiting between coats for the paint to dry. Use one coat for a thin and rustic layer, or two to three for a solid look.4. Use a paint scraper to chip away the paint in…

PROS • NATURAL LIGHT. Open floor plans tend to have more windows than closed galley kitchens. This can be great if you live in a sunny area, or even just want to enjoy the rain and snow in a northern location. • APPEARANCE OF MORE SPACE. If your home is small, an open kitchen adds a spacious quality to the main level. It helps cultivate a family atmosphere by creating a central hub for all residents to come together. It also allows you to have more cooks in the kitchen, whether you’re having your kids help with the dishes or you’re hosting a party. Bottom line: “The pros of an open concept kitchen are in the name itself,” Ben says. “It’s open, it’s airy, it’s bright.” CONS • NOISE. In…

SAMPLE YOUR SPACE. “If possible, live in the space first,” Jaclyn says. “Understand how the kitchen sits already before you make any decisions. Look at the functionality and try to put your money and higher ticket items on things you’re really going to use.” BRAINSTORM WITH A BOARD. “I actually created a really simple style board [for textures] and laid them out together to see how they worked on paper,” Jaclyn says. “Even if you’re someone that doesn’t have any designer experience, open a Word document. Take a screenshot and lay the items over each other. See if the color combinations and patterns work right.” ASK QUESTIONS. Don’t get deterred from a project for fear of the cost. Do your research and ask for estimates, because you may learn that…

Trying to decide on a color scheme? When you come face-to-face with the almost endless selections of paint swatches and fabric samples, it’s hard to know where to start. First ask yourself, “What mood do I want my family and guests to feel when they first step into my home?” • CALMING: Blues, greens and lavenders. These shades are known to be relaxing, and can even lower your heart rate. Consider painting specific rooms like your bathroom, bedroom or mudroom these colors to invoke a peaceful setting. • ENERGIZING: Reds and oranges. These are the perfect colors for spaces with high activity, like a kids’ play room. Red hues are also known to stimulate appetite. Paint or accent your dining room or kitchen with these shades. • UPLIFTING: Yellow, cream…

• DEPTH. Shadow lines, light reflection and the inherent beauty of natural materials are the elements Jennifer uses to create texture and depth. • COLOR KEY. Jennifer likes to keep materials in the same color family. “It keeps the space from looking too busy,” she says. “For example, there are four different tiles in this project’s master bathroom, but it works because they are all muted neutrals.” • FINISHERS. Another aspect of using renovation materials to create texture is the finish. Jennifer says, “We decided to whitewash the interior shiplap in this project, which lets some of the wood grain through, thereby creating depth.” • A HANDSPUN TOUCH. Handmade tiles (or machine-made with a handmade look) have uneven surfaces that capture and reflect light. “They can give a flat wall…

1. LOCATION. “As site often dictates style, size and exterior/interior massing of the home, we typically recommend our clients buy land first before taking any next steps,” says Jeffrey. This is also essential so you know what kind of landscape you’re working with. 2. INSPIRATION BOARD. Next, you’ll share any ideas you may have on the layout and style of your dream home so the build team can create a sketch. Include elements like the number of rooms, furniture ideas and window options. “Windows are an essential part of both the look and cost of the home,” Jeffrey says. We’re teaming up with Marvin Windows and Doors for this project home to ensure quality windows that will stand the test of time. “Integrity windows and doors were a great fit…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • 2 cups cream• 2 cups milk• 1 cup bourbon of choice• ¾ cup powdered sugar• ½ vanilla bean• Grated nutmeg• Cinnamon sticks WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. In a large punch bowl, mix the cream, milk, powdered sugar and bourbon. Use a whisk to bring the mixture to a thick and creamy consistency.2. Add the vanilla bean and use a strainer to pour your punch into a serving bowl or pitcher.3. Let the pitcher sit in the freezer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Before serving your guests, garnish the drink with nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.…

• QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. Artist Stephanie Housley explains, “I like having very few things and having those things mean something—objects that have a history or story and exude some feeling of being intentionally made.” Rather than stacking up piles of objects for the sake of decorating, choose to display a few meaningful pieces. Minimalism doesn’t have to involve stark white walls and monochromatic themes; it can be as simple as cutting down on clutter. • ADD WARMTH. Scandinavian style is known for its neutral color schemes. No matter your chosen palette, keep things light and airy while also inserting texture for a bit of warmth. Farmhouse style is great at this—from burlap and lace to reclaimed wood and whitewashed shiplap, make sure you add texture to your interiors so the…

IN THE KITCHEN: 1. An easy, yet stylish, addition is a backsplash. It’s often a type of tilework, but instead, you can opt for varnished wood paneling for a rustic, warm addition to your home’s busiest location. 2. If you often find yourself washing cutting board after cutting board, consider a butcher-block island. Wood kitchen counters are popular for farmhouse style, and are an ingenious solution for busy cooks and diverse design lovers. IN THE BEDROOM: 1. Install wood paneling, such as shiplap or clapboard, across a single bedroom wall to add texture and warmth. Play around with colors of wood that complement your design scheme. (For more on wood paneling, see page 12.) 2. Add vintage wood furniture to your bedroom to highlight the comfy vibes. Adopt pieces like…