Innholdsfortegnelse for February - March 2020 i American Farmhouse Style

Remodeling your home is never as simple as it sounds. When my husband and I started our DIY bathroom remodel a few months ago, we planned to replace the dark flagstone floor tiles (think late ‘90s) with fresh white hexagonal tiles, reminiscent of the penny tiles popular in the 1920s. As we demoed the floor, we realized that the flagstone tile was twice the height of the new tile we’d bought. We had to set our renovation schedule back almost two weeks to install a layer of subflooring, so the level of the floor would match the hallway outside. But in the end, all those small setbacks and moments when you think “Oh, I didn’t think about that,” are worth it. Seeing your farmhouse vision come to life makes your…

INGREDIENTS: • 1 bottle red wine (an inexpensive kind is best)• Optional: ½ cup liquor of choice• 1 orange, sliced• 1 apple, sliced• 1 cup orange juice• 4 whole cloves• 2 anise stars• 2 cinnamon sticks• ¼ cup honey DIRECTIONS: In a slow cooker, combine the ingredients and set the pot to low. Don’t boil it; keep it to a low simmer so the flavors meld but you don’t cook away the alcohol. Let it cook at least 1 hour. When you serve, leave the spices in the pot; don’t serve them in the drinks.…

It can be tricky to add architectural features to your home without doing a major renovation. But don’t worry—there are small changes you can make to help get that custom farmhouse look. One of those ideas is to add paneling to your interior doors. This will make your basic, flat doors look textured and custom. NOTE: We haven’t included specific dimensions for the cut panel pieces. There are many different sizes for interior doors, so you’ll need to measure and decide on those dimensions yourself. SIX TRIM PANELS TWO TRIM PANELS CONCENTRIC PANELS FLAT PANELS Tip TO ADD EVEN MORE CHARACTER TO YOUR DOORS, PAINT THEM A COLOR THAT CONTRASTS WITH THE WALLS, AND CHANGE OUT THE DOORKNOBS. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Graph paper and pencil• TSP or another surface…

GIVEAWAY! WANT TO WIN 250 SQUARE FEET OF FLOORING FROM MULLICAN? ENTER AT AMERICANFARMHOUSESTYLE.COM/MULLICAN-GIVEAWAY/ Hardwood flooring is the classic and classy flooring option for farmhouse style. But where do you start in choosing the hardwood flooring that’s best for your farmhouse? Here’s what you need to know to get started. SOLID VERSUS ENGINEERED First, you’ll need to decide on the type of hardwood flooring for your home. There are two main types to choose from: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. “Solid hardwood is a solid piece of wood all the way through,” says Pat Oakley, VP of Marketing at Mullican Flooring. “Engineered hardwood has a plywood core, with five to seven layers of hardwood and a hardwood veneer on the face.” To determine which type is better for your home,…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Vintage sugar mold• Small terra cotta pots• White chalk paint• Paintbrush• Small house plants (ivy, ferns, African violets or succulents) WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. First, make sure all the pieces will fit together. The terra cotta pots should fit inside the slots of the sugar mold, and your house plants should fit inside the pots. Also make sure you have enough of both for all the slots in your sugar mold.2. Mix the chalk paint with a little water so it becomes thinner (but not too runny); then use the paintbrush to paint a thin layer of paint onto the rims of the terra cotta pots. Let them dry.3. Place your plants inside the pots, and the pots inside the sugar mold.4. If you want to…

1. CHOOSE A ROOM. Decide on a single space or element you want to renovate or upgrade. If you’re new to renovation, it might be best to start small, or even stick with a single element, like flooring. 2. GET INSPIRED. Gather inspiration in the form of pictures, fabrics and other components to create a mood board for the vision of your room. 3. SET A BUDGET. While this may not be the most fun step, it’s vital so you can renovate responsibly. Decide on a budget for the room; then list out costs, starting with major elements like any plumbing, electricity and contractor costs. Then you can see how much budget you’ll have for furniture and décor. 4. DECIDE ON LAYOUT. Once you’ve developed the style, draw up a…

EXPOSED RAW WOOD Show off the beauty of natural grain by stripping the surface of the wood, then sanding lightly. Finish it off by brushing the raw wood with environmentally-friendly Tung or linseed oil. BARN BOARDS. Wood is wood. It can be recut and transformed into accent walls, coffee tables and more. Simply sand the edges and power wash the boards to re-expose the wood’s earthy rusticity, leaving the original nail holes and imperfections intact. When it’s dry, treat the wood with a matte, satin or semi-gloss sealer. PAINTED PIECES To preserve a chippy, distressed or weathered patina, use a soft feather duster or a gentle hand rub to remove dirt and loose debris. Then apply a spray-on sealer to preserve the finish’s unique character.…

1. VERSATILE SHIPLAP. “Shiplap is my favorite wall treatment,” Stacey says. The clean lines show off modern farmhouse style, but it adds lots of character to a room too. “I also love that you can switch it up and install it vertically for an alternative to the popular horizontal style,” she says. 2. BOARD & BATTEN IS KEY. Board and batten is simple, yet brings in visual interest. “Shiplap and board and batten really complement each other,” Stacey says. Board and batten is also a classic farmhouse style wall paneling option that has been used for over a century. 3. BRICK TRICK. Bricks immediately lend warmth to a room. You can also mix up the look by doing different arrangements or patterns. “There are so many ways you can use…

“Spend time assembling your team. While we have evolved from a barn style, post-and-beam, prefabricated home manufacturing company into a company that can design and manufacture any style home today, having the entire team lined up ahead of time really helps the process.” “Have your building site identified, your contractor in place and your budget/financing aligned. The upfront time spent on these pieces ensures a smooth and rewarding build, and ultimately the home of your dreams.”…

Throwing a warm and inviting party can feel like a challenge when frost freckles your window panes, but the natural joy of winter is all around you. It just needs a little nudge from the backyard to your table. From her cozy home in Connecticut, blogger Lauren McBride dishes out expert advice on how to prepare for a glowing winter soiree. WARMTH OF WINTER Lauren’s natural accents are wintry yet radiate a welcoming warmth. “I think having natural elements really makes the table because it brings the freshness of the outdoors inside,” Lauren says. Use fresh or faux greenery as the table centerpiece to harvest the beauty of winter without chilling the party atmosphere. She also recommends that you use “fresh stems, florals, berries or even other organic items like…

AmericanFarmhouseStyle.com HOW TO CHALK PAINT ALMOST ANYTHING The best tips and tricks to give a facelift to almost any piece of furniture in your home. QUESTION YOUR CLUTTER As you declutter in the new year, ask these 4 questions to know what items you should give away. SHOP YOUR OWN HOUSE Learn how to decorate without spending a dime, by using what you already have. WOOD RULES Discover the best tactics for choosing the color of your wood floors. SHOWER, BATHTUB OR BOTH? Ready for a bathroom remodel? Decide whether you should install a bathtub, shower or both. Follow us online on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest for daily inspiration!…

Fireplaces and chimneys have kept humans warm for thousands of years, and over time they’ve become beautiful as well as functional. Mantelpieces are among the clearest examples. They began as simple hoods for catching smoke from indoor fires but have turned into elaborate ornamental frameworks. Did you know that the terms “fireplace” and “hearth” aren’t interchangeable? Knowing how to talk about the architecture of your fireplace and mantel can help you get the look you want. Here are the terms you should know: • Fireplace or firebox: The area at the base of the chimney that contains the fire • Hearth: The stone or brick floor of the firebox, where the logs sit • Mantel or mantelpiece: The decorative shelf or piece on the outside of the fireplace • Surround:…

Unique and durable, succulents inspire gardens across the country. These botanical starbursts add modern glow to farmhouse style and can also make for fun craft projects. In a twist on traditional gardening, author of Stylish Succulent Designs and Other Botanical Crafts and founder of In Succulent Love, Jessica Cain, shares her one-of-a-kind USA flag tutorial. “Combining red, white and blue naturally colored succulents, this flag is a festive way to celebrate the USA,” she says. Prepare to refresh and reconnect with your patriotic spirit. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Rust-Oleum clear glossy spray• Large metal planter (20" [51 cm] long x 14" [35.5 cm] wide x 4" [10 cm] tall)• Cactus soil• Chopsticks or small garden shovel• 12 (2" [5-cm]) pots Echeveria ‘Blue Hybrid’• 1 (6" [15-cm]) pot Sedum ‘Cape Blanco’•…

A year ago I was at the Rose Bowl Flea market, and I bought my first English advertising pot. At the time, I didn’t even know what they were. I just liked how they looked. I did a little research and found that these pots are made out of ironstone. Most antique advertising ironstone pieces are from Great Britain or France and date back to the late 1800s. Some of the most popular advertising pots were used to hold marmalade, potted meats, anchovy paste and French mustard. Once these pots were used, they were discarded as trash. What is most interesting about English ironstone pots is where they are found. Many of them have been dug out of the ground. In fact, most English advertising pots have been buried in…

CALCULATE PERCENTAGES. Black is stunning in modern farmhouse style, but how do you add it to your color palette without overwhelming the room? For Richard, that’s where percentages come in. “In a room, it would probably be around 25–30% maximum where you would want to use black or it would be overpowering,” he says. “That’s a good percentage to use as a rule of thumb.” ADD AN ACCENT. One way to do this is to focus on a single accent piece for the black. In this North Carolina kitchen, Richard turned the island into a black focal point. When adding black or any other dark accent color, it’s always a good idea to pick a central location. A kitchen island is perfect because it grounds the room without creating a…

LAYOUT. First, focus on the arrangement of the buildings in the compound. Think of the buildings’ layout from the start of the design process so you can align them in a way that creates natural courtyards and open spaces. “The idea was to arrange the structures in a certain relationship so that they appear and respond with visual and functional axes,” Jim says. INDOOR-OUTDOOR. Next, add terraces, porches and gardens to magnify this effect and make the property feel limitless. Utilize as much outdoor space as possible and integrate it into your design process. These spaces are ideal for entertaining and will transform the way you view your space. PLENTY OF WINDOWS. Finally, take advantage of high ceilings and expansions of glass to create an illusion of enclosed porches. Rooms…

DO IT YOURSELF. DIY projects are not only an economical choice, but they also ensure that whatever you’re making is 100 percent one of a kind. When you’re decorating a new home, custom pieces like these will help set your style apart from all the other new builds in your neighborhood. MIX, DON’T MATCH. Mismatched furniture is a great way to give the illusion of a home being an older farmhouse where furniture has been accumulated over a long period of time. If you’re worried about your design looking disjointed, use paint or slipcovers in the same color or tone to pull the pieces together. RECYCLE AND REUSE. Use old vessels to display fresh flowers and house plants. Wildflowers in Mason jars or pop bottles add a nice touch of…

MINIMALIZE Like the simplicity and practicality of farmhouse style? Simplify your home by decluttering areas where you spend most of your time. Look for ways to get the most out of every space in your home, such as using out-of-the-way places like under beds and sofas for storage. REPURPOSE Shop your own home for items you already love and can use in a different space. For example, buy multifunctional furniture that you might use in a different room later, and don’t be afraid to mix and match sets for a more eclectic look. SHOP VINTAGE Enjoy the handcrafted, homegrown feel of farmhouse spaces? Go to antiques shops or estate sales, and find vintage pieces you can feature. You can even repaint old furniture to update your look and to match…

Before you begin your tablescape, pick out a color palette that says “winter” to you. Your décor will revolve around this palette, but if you’re not sure what to choose, don’t worry! Lauren has shared a few of her favorite color schemes for a winter party. NEUTRALS WITH METALLICS. You can never go wrong with neutral colors and metallic accents. When you decorate with natural tones, you create a look that can travel through every season with minimal changes. Since shiny metal is already eye-catching by itself, make the majority of your décor neutral with a few metallic accents to balance the textures. SHADES OF BLUE Blue is a breath-taking option for homes with minimalistic white and gray color palettes. Stack your place settings with different shades of blue, from…

BURLEY TOBACCO BARNS These were once pervasive across all of Kentucky. These barns utilize their open and airy layout, including openings on each end of the barn, to air dry the hanging tobacco. FIRE-CURED TOBACCO BARNS Barns for fire-cured tobacco, sometimes called dark tobacco, were typically only found in the far western region of Kentucky. “The measurements of a tobacco barn are designed around the tobacco sticks, which are typically four to four and a half feet long,” Janie-Rice Brother writes. Although both types of barn function to farm tobacco, the treatment processes vary. Fire-cured tobacco is heated under a fire on the barn floor. To accomplish this, these barns are usually twice as tall as their counterparts.…

How to Start Your Garden Indoors Itching to get started on your 2020 vegetable garden? Learn how to start seeds indoors while it’s still snowy outside. When? Each species will have different timing for starting seeds indoors. Check online or in a farmer’s Almanac to find out when is best to start each type of plant in your region. Planting. Sow the seeds in a container large enough for the seedlings you’ll transplant into the garden weeks later. Cover the container with plastic to keep the seeds from drying out until they germinate. Once the seeds start to sprout, remove the plastic covering and move the container to an area that will get plenty of sunlight. You could also use a plant lamp. Hardening off Before you transplant the seedlings…

TILE Tile is perhaps the most versatile material you can use to build your surround. It comes in many different styles, and it’s an easy material to redo later if you decide you don’t like the look. Especially if you decide on a simple shelf mantel that doesn’t have columns coming down to the floor, tile will act as a good complement for the surround. BRICK One of the more traditional materials, brick adds a warmth and richness to farmhouse design without breaking the bank. While not as versatile in terms of different styles, brick will still add plenty of texture on its own. STONE A classic surround material, stone adds rustic charm to the room. The different types of stones available allow for a wide variety of possible designs.…

Tip MAKE SURE YOU PRESS THE LETTERS FIRMLY ONTO THE WALL SO THEY DON’T FALL OFF LATER. Looking for a way to create visual interest in a room without a lot of space? Add a recipe wall. This project is a fun way to memorialize a family recipe, favorite side dish or even your grandmother’s special dessert. You can create this recipe wall with a vinyl maker or even by simply applying stickers. The entire project costs about $40 and takes an afternoon to finish. Here are the steps to create your very own recipe wall. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Recipe• Font of choice• Vinyl die-cutting machine, or letter stickers• Tape measure• Pencil• 1-inch painter’s tape WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Decide on your recipe. Find a recipe that means something…

It’s not only a new year, but a new decade. We’re ready to share our favorite farmhouse trends from the 2010s, along with predictions for what we’ll see in the coming years. 2020s Trend: MIXING STYLES Beyond the traditional look of farmhouse style, we’re looking forward to mixing it up with other aesthetics. “Here’s the deal: I think the whole labeling of doing one style is definitely on the way out,” says Instagrammer Jo Shetley of @the_simple_farmhouse. “We all have a mix of styles, and I’m so glad to see more mixed styles come into our homes. Incorporating more styles into the farmhouse look: modern, eclectic, boho, chic. I love how it all comes together!” 2010s Trend: SHIPLAP One of the biggest 2010s farmhouse trends was shiplap. Thanks to Joanna…

1. DON’T MIX TOO MANY FINISHES. Lindsey recommends that you don’t mix more than three different finishes. “We love to mix metals,” she says, “but there is a balance to how many you can mix.” Sticking with two or three will still add depth while keeping the overall look of the room cohesive. 2. PAIR WELL. Make sure all your chosen finishes go with one another. For example, if you’re using brass, which is a warm metal, you’ll want to complement it with another material that has warm tones. While chrome and polished nickel are both silver in color, polished nickel is warmer, so use that instead of chrome. Black accents can go either way. The most important element to strive for is balance, with no one finish overpowering the…

1. NEEDS. Before he begins to remodel, Richard looks around to find what needs to be fixed. Is the space too choppy? Is there enough natural light? “A lot of times I’ll walk in and see the problem right away,” Richard says. For example, “There’s a layout problem and everything’s dated.” Then you can figure out how to fix the problem. 2. STYLE. “You have to determine the style of the client,” Richard says. “That takes some finagling and some time.” Richard gives his clients “homework” before the construction process begins. For example, he’ll give a husband and wife several inspiration pictures. They have to find three projects they both agree on. “You’ll find that’s quite a process sometimes,” Richard says. 3. SPOT CONSISTENCIES. Once the clients finish their homework,…

With the New Year comes the old adage, “Out with the old, in with the new.” While this might be helpful in crafting your New Year’s resolutions, for farmhouse enthusiasts, the charm and simplicity of the old is essential to creating warm and inviting spaces for all the new to come. For Florida homeowners Andy and Cindy Norgart, creating a fusion of classic low country style with modern vibes and touches of farmhouse simplicity was key to creating their dream home. With two children and a love for entertaining, finding a meeting point between functionality and style was a must. Tip EVEN IF YOU LIKE LIGHT AND BRIGHT SPACES, ADD A BIT OF CONTRAST TO THE ROOM’S DESIGN TO BRING DEPTH TO THE SPACE. They began their journey by purchasing…

“Traditional, French country and modern elements mix well with the clean lines of farmhouse style.” Talented decorators count on nature to provide the inspiration to give cookie-cutter construction a unique sense of style. For designer and blogger Kayla Miller of Plum Pretty Décor and Design, the mountains of North Carolina, where she grew up, provided the spark she needed to transform her home’s undistinguished interiors into a tranquil haven with a relaxed, organic feeling. UPGRADING BUILDER-GRADE The home Kayla shares with her husband, Austin, and their two great Danes, Bella and Charlotte, was built in the 1990s. “It was very builder-grade,” Kayla says. “But I saw the potential right away. It had a great layout with an open floor plan, and it was in good condition. It had been well…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Plywood• Sand paper• Level• Stud finder• Nail gun and nails• Liquid nails• Spacers or nickels• White paint of choice WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. First, measure your wall to determine how much plywood you need. Once you have the plywood, rip it down into 6-inch strips, and sand the edges for a more finished look.2. Lay the first piece on top of your baseboard. If you don’t have a baseboard, start at the floor. Make sure it’s level.3. Once the piece is level, place liquid nails on the back, and nail them into the studs with a nail gun.4. Space your next board on top of the first one by using ¼-inch spacers. Alternatively, you can use nickels.5. Repeat all the way up to the ceiling.6. Once…

1. STYLE. The large variety of cabinet styles can be overwhelming, but a good way to narrow it down is to think about what time period you’re trying to emulate. Different design eras, such as Arts & Crafts, Early American and Victorian will each bring a different vibe to your space. With 18 wood species to choose from and a custom Face Frame Construction option, Crown Point Cabinetry can help you find the right fit for your home. And don’t forget function. “Select cabinetry that offers interior storage options that work for your personal kitchen items,” says Tamara Herrmann in Design and Sales with Crown Point Cabinetry. 2. PAINT. White cabinets are trending, and their classic appeal is a great choice for period-style cabinets. But it’s not the only choice.…

COMFORTING VIBE: You know that feeling when you walk into a home and you just feel at home? Understated yet quality materials can achieve your goal of creating a warm atmosphere perfect for a busy family. DURABLE DETAILS: From flooring choices to upholstery fabric, be sure every selection is stainproof, easy to clean and can hold up to plenty of wear and tear. STORAGE, STORAGE AND MORE STORAGE: Every family needs lots and lots of storage. Build in as many closets and drop-off areas as make sense for your daily routine. ROOM TO ROAM: With kids in the house, ample square footage and an open plan are key. Bonus points if you have easy access to hiking trails and a walkable restaurant district in town.…

“Once you open yourself up to the possibilities, you start seeing options for your home everywhere.” Designing your farmhouse but feeling stuck? Fortunately for you, Melissa Michaels and KariAnne Wood’s new book But Where Do I Put The Couch? is all about how to start decorating without knowing where to start. Here are a few frequently asked design questions to which their new book brings timely answers. How do I choose and set priorities on big projects? It’s easy to obsess over the elements you want to change while not actually going about the changes. The key is to figure out what bothers you the most. “Begin with something that really bugs you and move on from there,” the authors write. They suggest three main steps. 1. Make a plan.…

We’re excited to spotlight Instagrammer Bethany Arriola of Blessed on Blue Finch. She has beautiful farmhouse style (plus the cutest little puppy!). American Farmhouse Style: Tell us a little about you. Bethany: I’m a wife and mother to two grown-up daughters and to a junior high school son. I’m a homebody for the most part, love to decorate, try my best to show love to everyone, and spend time with my family. AFS: How did you get involved in the farmhouse community? Bethany: I’ve always had a love for decorating. I was born and raised in the city (Houston, Texas). My mother would always tell me stories of her working and living on a farm. She had so many vintage and antique pieces that I would love to clean and redecorate for…

MADE IN AMERICA, Page 16 For more on Lesley, visit farmfindscandles.com. Vintage candles, starting at $19.99. Recycled glass candles, $24.95. 12 oz. repour kit, $15.95. GOODBYE 2010s, HELLO 2020s, Page 22 For more on Holly, visit hollythompsonhomes.com. For more on Mindy, visit mindylaven.com. For more on Jo, visit Instagram.com/the_simple_farmhouse. CALIFORNIA COTTAGE KITCHEN, Page 30 For more about Lindsey, visit lindseybrookedesign.com. Accessories: Lindsey Brooke Design. Visit lindseybrookedesign.com. Hardware: Top Knobs. (800) 499-9095 or topknobs.com. Plumbing: Kohler. (800) 456-4537 or us.kohler.com. “Simply White” paint color: Benjamin Moore. Visit benjaminmoore.com. MODERN KITCHEN MAKEOVER, Page 34 For more on Richard, visit clearcutandco.com. Backsplash; brushed stone Asian Statuary 2x8 marble: Tilebar. (888) 541-3840 or tilebar.com. Barstools: Target. (800) 440-0680 or target.com. Geo pendant lights: West Elm. (888) 922-4119 or westelm.com. Pulls: Forge Hardware. hello@forgehardwarestudio.com or…