Innholdsfortegnelse for August/September 2019 i American Farmhouse Style

Great things are happening with American Farmhouse Style! We’ve just launched our fully redesigned website at AmericanFarmhouseStyle.com—have you checked it out yet? We’re so excited to grow our farmhouse community with tons of ideas, inspiration, house tours and advice on renovations and DIY projects. To help you get the most out of our online content, we have a new column at the beginning of the magazine with a sneak preview of some of our upcoming online stories. Also, keep an eye out for teasers throughout the issue, which will tell you about expanded stories that you can view online. If you’re not already part of our online community, I encourage you to come follow along on social media, from Instagram and Facebook to Pinterest. We have lots of great photos…

I have always been in love with chippy vintage corbels. I look at them as decorative pieces that represent all the things in our lives that give us support: our families, our homes and our closest friends. WHAT IS A CORBEL? A corbel is a bracket that is embedded into a wall so it supports whatever is above it and counteracts any tendency for it to overturn or fall outward. The word corbel comes from the Latin word corvus, which means “raven,” and also derives from a French word meaning “crow,” because of the corbel’s beaklike shape. Most modern corbels are simple in design. However, they have a more elaborate history. Many of the French and Italian corbels were very ornate, as you can see on some of the oldest…

MIX SHADES In this kitchen, there are many different shades of white and off-white. They all fit together to create a kitchen that looks white overall but isn’t completely monotone. Try mixing off-white cabinets with a white backsplash, as Nadia has done, or white countertops with some marbling to add a bit of color. The trim of the room should be a different color than the walls too, even if both colors are similar. ADD ACCENTS Accents of a different color are a great way to break up big blocks of white. These can be colorful accents, like green dishes or red barstools, or neutral accents, like the wood table and cutting boards that Nadia added. Keep in mind that the less bold color you have, the more texture you’ll…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Three framing lumber boards, 2 inches x 3 inches x 8 feet• Table or hand saw• Wood clamps• Twenty 2 ½-inch wood screws• Sandpaper• Stain of choice (optional) WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Cut two of the framing lumber pieces to 7 feet for the sides of the ladder.2. Lay them down on a flat surface, with the 2-inch sides against the floor.3. Cut the third framing lumber piece into sections for the rungs. The rungs will have different lengths to create the tapering look: 18 inches, 17 inches, 16 inches, 15 inches and 14 inches. Each piece should have 4-degree angles on the ends.4. Place the 18-inch step approximately 18 inches from the bottom of the sides. Do not attach it yet.5. Lay out the subsequent…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Measuring tape• Stud finder• Plywood• Sandpaper• Saw for cutting plywood• Wood glue• Nail gun and nails• Primer and paintbrush• Top coat paint and paintbrush WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Measure the length of your wall and decide on the desired height for each plank. Elizabeth’s accent wall is at the end of a hallway, so it was only a few feet in length. For a larger wall, you can vary the plank length and create a staggered pattern. Make sure you also determine where the studs are in the walls so you can anchor your pieces.2. Purchase and cut the plywood. Elizabeth went the money-saving route by using plywood as an alternative to the more expensive original shiplap. In fact, she only spent $20 on her plywood…

WHEN TO USE CREAM TRIM: Warm colors look best with a cream trim. “A warm color mixed with a bright white makes the home feel too manufactured,” says Keira. Unsure if your color is on the warmer side of the color spectrum? Look for the underlying color. “Some greens, like navy green, have warmer tones like yellow hidden in them,” says Keira. WHEN TO USE WHITE TRIM: Save this color palette for cooler shades. For example, the green of this home’s garage has more gray in it. “This green falls on the colder side of the color spectrum, so it made sense to pair it with a white trim,” Keira says. But don’t be afraid to mix colors on the same side of the spectrum. For example, the exterior of…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Small terracotta pots and saucers• Rag or paper towels• Craft paint of choice (Maryal used Martha Stewart Porcelain Doll and Poodle Skirt)• Cup or bowl for mixing paint• Paint stir stick or plastic utensil• Filbert brush, size 4• Coffee beans• Tea lights• Cinnamon sticks WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Clean off your pots with a damp rag or paper towel.2. Create a vintage-inspired patina by whipping up your own whitewash. In a cup or bowl, mix a quarter-sized dollop of paint with 1 tablespoon water. “This doesn’t have to be an exact science,” Maryal says. “More paint to less water will make for an opaquer wash, and more water to less paint will make the wash more transparent.” However thick you want your wash, make sure you…

PATTERN PLAY PROS The easiest way to add interest to a kitchen or bathroom, without overwhelming the space, is by using patterned tile. You can use multiple soft patterns to create a unique, one-of-a-kind aesthetic in your home. Plus, patterned tile will hide small cracks or stains in the design. CONS The caveats to patterned tile are that it can be more trendy than classic and can sometimes overwhelm a space. Use it sparingly and in good taste. When picking out patterned tile, think carefully about the overall design style you hope to achieve. MONOTONE MAGIC PROS Solid-colored tile is a classic design choice. The texture adds visual interest, but the monotone color can lend itself to a softer background color or a standout pop of color—the choice is yours.…

1. WALLPAPER. With peel-and-stick and two-step paste options, hanging wallpaper is easier than ever. Pick a pattern with texture or a large pattern that will complement the space, or go for something subtle and smooth. Either way, you’re getting interest from flat paper that won’t interfere as you move around. 2. WOOD PANELS. When you have a tight space, every square inch counts, so rather than installing a wood wall that will stick out an inch or two, opt for thin peel-and-stick wood panels that will add texture without the depth. The finish options are endless. 3. BRICK PANELS. The same wood panel idea can be applied to brick, too. Most walls can’t handle the weight of a full brick, but companies like Cherokee Brick offer panels called brick veneer…

What can make a space livelier than life itself? Plants are among the simplest and most primal forms of decoration, yet they can turn your farmhouse into a stunning masterpiece. In her new book, Decorating with Plants: What to Choose, Ways to Style, and How to Make Them Thrive, Baylor Chapman brings to life the idea of a “green renovation” and shares how easy it can be to incorporate foliage into your farmhouse. From choosing your leafy houseguests to styling them, here are a few ways to take your home from “can’t” to “plant” in a matter of days. Tip TO PROTECT PLANTS ON THE WAY HOME, WRAP THEM IN PAPER AND BUBBLE WRAP. THESE MATERIALS INSULATE THEM FROM THE OUTSIDE ENVIRONMENT, KEEPING THEIR LEAVES HAPPY AND HEALTHY FOR TRAVEL.…

PATRIOTIC PILLOWS Make your home seasonal with these summer throw pillows. Did you know? This July 4 marks the 243rd year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Here are a few ways the US has changed since then. DIY Pinwheels Add Americana flair to your home or garden this summer with these fun homemade pinwheels. This makes a great kids’ craft too! WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Double-sided scrapbook paper• Optional: paper cutter• Scissors• Double-sided tape• Decorative tacks• Skewers or straws WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Cut the scrapbook paper into a square of your desired size.2. Fold the square diagonally in each direction so the open paper shows an X.3. With the scissors, cut each fold line halfway to the middle of the paper. Don’t cut all the way…

What’s in a name? The grandfather clock has graced the halls of American homes since 1680 when it was invented by the British clockmaker, William Clement. American songwriter Henry Work coined the term “grandfather clock” in 1875 when he saw a dormant floor clock in a hotel lobby. Upon inquiry, he was told that the clock had stopped working after its owner, a beloved grandfather, had passed away. Inspired, Work composed “My Grandfather’s Clock,” and the name stuck. Tip TAKE HEIGHT INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN CHOOSING A GRANDFATHER CLOCK. MOST ARE 6-8 FEET TALL, SO MAKE SURE YOUR CHOSEN SPACE CAN ACCOMMODATE A PIECE THAT HIGH.…

OVERMOUNT SINK: A traditional type of sink, an overmount has edges that rest on top of the kitchen countertop. The benefits of overmount sinks are that they’re easy and affordable to install, and they’ll protect the edges of softer countertop materials like marble. THE CONS? An overmount might cover too much of the countertop. Also, overmounts tend to be the less popular choice for farmhouse design. UNDERMOUNT SINK: An undermount sink, because it’s smaller, allows for ample kitchen counter space. Without edges like those of the overmount, the undermount is easier to clean as well—no nooks or crannies hiding dust, and you can brush crumbs and scraps directly into the sink. THE CONS? Classic country kitchens often feature a larger sink, and it might be difficult to recreate the look…

Summer is here, and with the longer, warmer days come the familiar cleaning sprees and home improvement projects. Creating beautiful, comforting spaces that evoke a deep sense of home doesn’t have to be complicated. For husband-and-wife duo Alicia and Nick Gavaris of A Burst of Beautiful, it’s simplicity that makes a home. Combining their talents, they brought together modern and classic farmhouse elements to renovate several spaces in their home with the bright, relaxed feeling of summer. THE DESIGN PROCESS Alicia and Nick share a passion for design and a desire to create beautiful spaces for their family. Growing up, Alicia was influenced by her mother’s love for design and décor. “I would spend hours rearranging my furniture and redecorating my bedroom,” she says. Nick likewise has had a lifelong…

A BIG FRONT PORCH. “This is a very specific look, an iconic American look,” Keira says. Large porches, patios and especially spacious, wraparound verandas are crucial structural elements of farmhouse style. A porch swing and colorful throw pillows add a comfy feel to the space and give passersby a glimpse into your interior style. COLUMNS. “The classic farmhouse has these,” Keira says. Of course, if your home doesn’t have columns, you can still incorporate farmhouse style into the look of your home’s exterior. Keira suggests adding trim for a farmhouse vibe and to make your home’s paint job pop. SHUTTERS OR A GABLED ROOF. These elements provide texture to the exterior and create depth. “Subtle choices can create a farmhouse look,” Keira says. “Without texture, the home might lack depth…

1. SHOP FOR QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY. Maryal says that her first rule of thumb for making her home feel contemporary and vintage simultaneously is to keep it simple and be intentional when she shops. Maryal prefers to purchase a few exceptional pieces over amassing vintage collections. “I can still love antiquing and yet not feel like I live in a mausoleum with all of this dust-collecting stuff piling up everywhere,” she says. 2. WATCH FOR ART. Maryal also notes that when she’s vintage hunting, her eyes are always peeled for art. “Art never feels dusty or cluttered to me, so even if it is a really old piece, I think it can always feel current if you’re mixing it into a room update,” she says. 3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO…

1. CEILING COFFERS. What are ceiling coffers anyway? A coffer is a sunken panel in a ceiling, which can be intricately detailed or plain (like in the bedroom on the next page). Whether extravagant or simple, ceiling coffers create an illusion of depth and add unique interest to the fifth wall. 2. SHIPLAP. Just about everyone and their mother has heard about shiplap. It’s a tried-and-true architectural element for the farmhouse. But unlike other types of wood paneling, like board and batten or beadboard, the overlapping grooves in shiplap create unique spacing between each panel. 3. SLIDING BARN DOORS. Pocket doors are out; sliding barn doors are in. Whether it’s natural wood or painted, the sliding barn door adds rusticity and texture to any space. Use it to maximize space,…

Pastels aren’t just for Easter. With summer in full swing, skip the routine July color palette and craft a gorgeous pastel summer luncheon around floral centerpieces. “In a world where we all have too many things, one of my favorite ways to celebrate someone special is spending time with them over delicious food and a gorgeous tablescape,” says blogger and author Courtney Whitmore of Pizzazzerie.com. Here’s her take on a celebratory meal this season. COHESIVE COLORS Remember to keep the color palette cohesive. Choose two to three colors to guide you as you decide on decorations. For her table, Courtney chose yellows, peaches and complementary whites. “To keep colors pastel, opt for soft-toned florals such as peaches and baby pinks,” she says. If you want to pick cooler shades, go…

A plant isn’t just aesthetically beautiful, but each one has its own personality that can breathe life into a room. Chapman finds the best way to style a plant is to “take some time to really look it over and get to know it.” When selecting a plant, observe the following: 1. SIZE. Houseplants come in a range of differing sizes, but two general categories are floor plants (plants that make a statement) and tabletop plants (plants that accent a room). 2. FORM. Each layer of a plant can communicate a particular mood. Try choosing a plant shape that best fits your home, as well as one that puts a smile on your face. 3. COLOR. Plants are predominantly green, but there are so many unique variations and hues that…

If owning sheep and goats isn’t a realistic option for you, chickens might be a great place to start. Not only are they easy to feed and relatively inexpensive to own, but they don’t need a lot of space. Chickens were the first farm animals Brooke and Steve owned, and they kept them in their Santa Monica home’s side yard. The huge benefit of keeping chickens is the fresh eggs they lay, as well as their appetite for your kitchen scraps. There are a few things to keep in mind for owning chickens. It is a good idea to skip getting a rooster. You don’t need them for the eggs, and they will likely do more harm than good. “Not only are they loud at all times of day and…

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Artist Lindsay Klix had no intention of turning her passion for pottery into a full-time career when she attended her first class at a community college in 1998. But that’s exactly what she has accomplished with her shop, Off Your Rocker Pottery. Lindsay’s designs are a marriage of her love for smooth, clean lines and the organic flow of nature. She crafts each piece of dinnerware to perfection. “I don’t need more things in my life. I found that I need better things,” she says. “I look at the form because that’s the first sense that you take in, but I also try to dive deeper into how it makes you feel.” When working in her studio, Lindsay considers every practical detail too. Her pieces are dishwasher, oven and microwave…

You’ll need to manually wind your grandfather clock periodically using a system of gears and weights. Antique or modern—which do you choose? Both offer style and grace, but there are more details to consider before you make your pick. You’ll need to manually wind your grandfather clock periodically using a system of gears and weights. As these weights reach the end of their cycle, they begin to drop. When you wind the clock, you raise the weights to begin a new cycle. ANTIQUE CLOCKS Antique wind-up grandfather clocks have two sets of weights—the right weight keeps time and the left weight sounds the hour. Some antique clocks include a moon dial feature, which shows you the phases of the moon over a 29 ½ day period. MODERN CLOCKS Modern chain-weight…

PROS: Reclaimed wood floors have a lot of texture and history. They add a personal touch to the home that contributes to its overall character. “They are warm and inviting and remind us of days gone by,” Mandy says. They’ll also last longer than other types of hardwood floors. “They truly are a lifetime product, so you won’t be paying to replace them like their cheap, knock-off counterparts,” Mandy says. CONS: The downside of reclaimed wood floors is the price. “Reclaimed hardwood floors do carry a higher up-front cost, as the cost of manufacturing them is very high,” Mandy says. In general, you’ll pay 20% to 80% more for reclaimed wood flooring than you will for new flooring. “The price also depends on the availability of the wood,” Mandy says.…

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice style to have a functional kitchen. This kitchen in Bethesda, Maryland, was designed by Nadia Subaran of Aidan Design and is both functional and stylish. The 5,000-square-foot home was originally built in 1981. With this update, Nadia wanted to open up the space to make it feel more welcoming, yet still fit with the home’s overall architectural style. FUNCTION “The first thing I tackle in a new project is always the layout,” says Nadia. “Figuring out a design that works functionally and architecturally is first and foremost.” In this home, function needed to be foremost, as the homeowner needed appliances in specific places for accessibility reasons. Nadia took the time to get the kitchen’s proportions to match the rest of the home by opening the…

1. FIND PIECES THAT COMBINE STYLE AND FUNCTION. Do you need a hutch and a sideboard in your dining room? Limit the number of furniture pieces in a space to help it look clean and uncluttered. 2. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. Rather than going out to buy a new set of throw pillows or vases, look around to see if you have items you could use. Don’t be afraid to move them into new rooms—this will only increase your creativity and fuel different looks. 3. ADD NEW PIECES OVER TIME. If you just moved into a new home or renovated a new space, it’s easy to think that you have to fill it all up immediately. But give yourself (and your style) time to mature. 4. USE ORGANIZED STORAGE. Keep…

• FOUNDATION COLORS. Elizabeth found that the perfect balance for her home hinges on a neutral color palette. She painted the foundation in whites and creams before making bolder color choices. She says that “grays and blues add pops of drama” and work well in combination with the pre-existing neutrals. • DOMINANT COLORS. When establishing a color palette for your home, start with deciding on your dominants. Elizabeth recommends sticking with a specific paint color for multiple areas of your home. “I painted in neutral colors first to keep things light and bright,” she says. After living in the home for a year and getting to know it, she was able to pick her accent colors. • ACCENT COLORS. For your accent colors, you can find inspiration in items you…

1. NATURAL MATERIALS. Add natural materials like rustic wooden pieces, wicker baskets or quilted cotton throws. Part of the appeal of being immersed in farmhouse style is feeling closer to nature, so don’t be afraid to bring the outdoors inside. 2. ANTIQUES. Keira wanted to avoid adding clutter to her client’s home. But selecting a few key items like special antique finds adds history to the space. Many of the antiques in the home, Keira says, were actually found around the local area, giving the newly built home a link to the town and its history. 3. FARM ANIMALS. An easy way to invoke farmhouse style is to use artwork featuring farm animals. Country-style kitchens can use a porcelain chicken figurine or two and a basket of faux eggs to…

If you’ve been following along with our project house this year, you’ve seen a set of plans develop for a beautiful structure as we’ve partnered with our sister magazine, Cottages and Bungalows, and builder Yankee Barn Homes. Now we get to reveal the finished spaces, starting with the mudroom and powder room. Made to incorporate both farmhouse and cottage style, the mudroom has a homey feel that’s both bright and charming. “It has clean and fresh lines, mixed with cozy cottage vibes and a hint of rustic farmhouse style,” says Victoria Van Vlear, editor of American Farmhouse Style. A few accessories are all it needs to bring farmhouse style to the room. FORM AND FUNCTION Mudrooms are becoming more common, and we can attribute the trend to the modern home…

1. ADD LAYERS. “I usually layer two to three dinnerware plates—dinner size, salad size and sometimes an appetizer plate—depending on the menus,” Courtney says. “One of my favorite tips is investing in a gorgeous set of white dinnerware because it will fit with any theme or occasion.” Courtney’s tableware is rimmed in gold, a touch of elegance perfect year-round. 2. PICK A PALETTE. If your pastels revolve around warmer shades, make sure your napkins complete the look in a similar hue. Courtney chose coral napkins for her table settings. 3. FIND A FUN FAVOR. You can personalize your place settings into fantastic keepsakes. Courtney added a touch of whimsy and personal flare by folding the napkins and tucking a framed picture inside, along with dainty bouquets. These details make a…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Colorful orchid of your choosing• Tricolor fern• Nerve plant• Perle von Nurnberg echeveria• Vriesea bromeliad• Large vessel/bowl• Bubble wrap• Moss of choice (sheet moss, mood moss, etc.) WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Make sure all your plants, pots included, fit into a large planter. Once you’re sure of this, find a home for your centerpiece where it will be seen from all angles, to capture the beauty of the diverse plant types.2. Now it’s time to get creative. Place your orchid in the planter and position the other plants (fern, nerve plant, echeveria, bromeliad, etc.) around it, tucking small segments of bubble wrap in the gaps. This will help fill the surrounding area while keeping the composition balanced.3. Lastly, cover the plastic pots and bubble wrap with…

With so many kind-hearted and talented people in the farmhouse style community, we want to highlight some of the personalities that turned this interior design group into a supportive family. Meet Sarah Vandiver, a wife, mother of three kids and the face behind the blog and Instagram account Sarah Joy Blog. American Farmhouse Style: How did you get involved in the farmhouse community? Sarah: It kind of happened by accident a few years ago when I first started sharing our home on Instagram. I was sharing photos of our renovation projects and my design ideas when I realized there are a whole lot of people who love the same thing I do. So I kept sharing and it’s been so much fun! AFS: How would you describe your home style? Sarah: My…