Innholdsfortegnelse for August - September 2021 i American Farmhouse Style

I HAVE GREAT RESPECT FOR AMERICAN CRAFTSMEN, in particular because my grandfather was one. Professionally, he was an illustrator and toy designer—if you played with Barbies in the 1980s or ’90s, you may have had a Barbie house or car he designed (he also illustrated the original See ’n Say toys in the 1960s). But on the side, he was a woodworker and all-around Renaissance man. He could make pretty much anything, and the care and attention he gave to each lamp, piece of furniture or wall art he created made the pieces irreplaceable treasures—the kind of treasures that make it onto my family’s fire evacuation list. And that’s one of the goals of curating your home, isn’t it? To invest in quality pieces that will last for years and…

Bouquets of fresh flowers and greens add so much to your home. But let’s face it: Keeping fresh flowers on hand can get expensive. Is there a way around this? Absolutely. In her new book Field, Flower, Vase: Arranging and Crafting with Seasonal Wild Blooms, Chelsea Fuss teaches how to gather and arrange the flowers and greens that grow in your area. “I prefer to think of flower arranging as taking a small sampling of nature inside,” she writes. EXPLORING Start your foraging by going on a walk in your neighborhood. Look for plants you can arrange, and try not to start with a very specific vision. “Forget everything you think a flower arrangement should look like,” Fuss says. Instead, let your findings create the bouquet as you go. “I…

The modern loveseat has come a long way. Originally, loveseats were about as unromantic as possible. They accommodated the wide skirts of noble court ladies during the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, as the standard width of a chair couldn’t fit the volumes of fabric and structured hoops that were popular. The dawning of the 19th century brought a more fitted silhouette in women’s fashion, and it is then that the truly romantic roots of the loveseat began to take hold. Decorum was everything; a courting couple rarely, if ever, were allowed to have a moment alone with each other. Enter the loveseat. It was the perfect size: wide enough not to arouse gossip, but small enough that there was no denying the intimacy of the two who sat…

A vintage silhouette’s value mostly comes from the aesthetic preference of the collector, but there are some names that are worth more monetarily. “Sometimes sellers don’t know the value of their wares,” says Karl. “I’ve seen silhouettes worth $1,000 priced at four bucks.” Here are some names to look for. Étienne de Silhouette (born in 1709). The man after whom the silhouette was named, he enjoyed creating this artform himself. Martha Ann Honeywell (born in 1786). She was born without hands and forearms, so she used her mouth and toes to produce her art. Auguste Edouart (born in 1789). He was an Englishman who specialized in silhouettes, often cutting full-length profiles. Dai Vernon (born in 1894). He was a famous magician who cut silhouettes on the side to augment his…

Spending time outdoors is good for both your body and soul, but you won’t be as inclined to step outside if your spaces aren’t in good functional order. Here are the steps to follow to make your backyard, patio, front porch or deck function for your needs. STEP 1: DETERMINE ITS USE Every family’s needs are different, so before you make any decisions about your design, you need to first determine how you want to use your outdoor spaces. Will you be entertaining, or is it just a space for you and your family? Can you make it all hardscaping, or do you need a grassy area for your kids to play? Would you like to include a garden? Make a list of how you’d like to use the area.…

CHOOSE ACCESSORIES CAREFULLY. “Every item needs to bring something to the table. For instance, adding a vase can bring in some greenery to white spaces, or books can lend interest to open shelves,” she says. PARE AND EDIT. “If there’s anything superfluous, let it go,” Joyce says. Choose instead to have one or two standout pieces, such as the vintage Turkish rugs Joyce used here. “A rug gives you a base line to start from, and you can pull colors from it to appear in other parts of the room.” COLLECT AND CURATE. Remember, vintage and antique pieces work the best as standout items, but they can also be practical. This home’s formal living room needed a place for people to set their drinks, so Joyce chose an antique brass…

1. ORGANIC MATERIALS. One of the reasons Sarah’s home seems so natural is because it is. She puts her husband Dan’s woodworking expertise to good use and adds wood accents throughout her home. The custom mantelpiece, trim on the stove hood and mudroom coat rack are a few examples.2. POPS OF GREEN. From tall potted plants to simple branches in a vase, Sarah plays with different ways to display greenery. Sometimes it’s as easy as putting a few leafy branches in a clear vase. Of course, you can never go wrong with a bright bouquet of flowers, but an arrangement of eucalyptus and myrtle or rosemary and ferns can also add a calming, woodsy element to a room.3. BASKETS. The woven baskets throughout Sarah’s home not only add to her…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Hardcover book of your choice• Paper cutter or scissors• Foam paintbrush• Multi-surface adhesive, such as Mod Podge• Ruler• Decorative paper of your choice (scrapbooking cardstock, butcher paper, wrapping paper, etc.) WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Measure the front and back covers of the book, minus the spine. (That will get its own covering). Add 1" to each side (except the side facing the spine).2. Cut the paper for the front and back covers.3. Use a foam paintbrush to cover the front cover with a multi-surface adhesive; then set the decorative paper in place. Smooth out any air bubbles with a ruler or other flat edge. Repeat for the back cover.4. At this point, there should be a 1" extension on three sides of the book.5. Next, measure…

• VARIABLES. All home industry professionals go about their process of developing a home differently. For instance, some builders work with an architect to develop the floor plan and an interior designer for the materials and finishes, while other builders make all the decisions and selections themselves. This is the method West Bay Homes uses.• CREATIVE COLLABORATION. Kelli comes to the architects with a vision for the home in question. “Together the architects, the builder and I develop the floor plan,” she says. “We go through a process of revisions until we feel it’s right.”• DESIGNER DETAILS. The interior designer is heavily involved in the floor plan concept and overall ideas for the layout and flow. “Either I or the designer is responsible for assembling the finish selections in a…

Meet Kristi Bissell, the voice behind The Pickled Rose. When she moved to the country from the city, she realized how much she loved farmhouse style, and she has become a central personality in the online farmhouse community. Here’s a bit about her. American Farmhouse Style: How did you get started with the online décor community? Kristi: Being creative, in general, has always been a passion of mine. Whether it’s decorating a room, repurposing furniture and DIYs, gardening or creating my latest “doodle art,” there’s nothing I’d rather be doing. It’s what makes me happy. And after working as a court stenographer for 20 years, I decided to turn my passions into a full-time job. AFS: How did you come up with the Pickled Rose name? Kristi: The name “The Pickled Rose”…

SUMMER DECORATING MOTIFS Use one of these farmhouse-friendly motifs to add fresh vibes to your home this summer. 1. FRUIT. Don’t use all fruit—just pick one. Lemons are the most popular farmhouse summer motif, but you can also use oranges, watermelon, cherries or peaches. These are especially fun to add in the kitchen through hand towels, bowls and glassware.2. AMERICAN FLAGS. Use a red, white and blue color palette as a starting point; then add stars and stripes wherever you can. Try an American flag throw pillow, stars-and-stripes bunting or red-and-white checkered placemats.3. SUNFLOWERS. These flowers can be a great focal point for your floral arrangements, but also add them in other ways, such as kitchen towels, a front-door wreath, throw pillows and wall art.4. HONEY BEES. A honey bee…

• Forage at waist height or above so you don’t get your hands near animal waste or den holes in the ground.• Look for blossoms that are halfway open and leaves on branches that are bright green instead of yellowing.• Take a small pair of clippers with you when you go out walking. That way you can grab flowers or branches if you see them.• Recut all stems before you place them in your vase of water. This will prolong their life.• Are your flowers wilting? Try submerging them in hot or lukewarm water; then recut the stems, change out the water and let them sit in a cool, dark place overnight.• Edit each stem as you arrange: Cut off any leaves that will be below the water line, and…

WHAT ARE MY DIMENSIONS? Although loveseats have a relatively uniform build, they can come in a variety of sizes. Note the dimensions of your space, and begin your search from there. SOFA OR SETTEE? Loveseats come in many styles, so it’s important to know your exact farmhouse aesthetic before you begin your search. A settee is typically more formal, with straight, high backing and longer, visible legs. It can also be larger and seat more than two people. A loveseat sofa typically has full upholstery, is softer and is only designed to seat two people. PUBLIC OR PRIVATE? Consider the space you’re looking to fill. Is it a cozy nook, tucked away from the high-traffic areas of the house? Or is it the center of the living room, open and…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Chair• White paper (2 sheets)• Tape• Flashlight• Pencil• Scissors• Black paper (1 sheet)• Glue• Frame (optional) WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Have your subject sit in a chair in front of a blank wall and face to the side so you can see their profile. 2. Tape a white sheet of paper onto the wall behind them at the height of their head. 3. Have someone shine the flashlight at the subject’s profile until their full shadow appears on the piece of paper, including their neck and the top of their shoulders. 4. Trace their shadow onto the paper using a pencil. 5. Remove the paper from the wall, and cut along the pencil line to create a template. 6. Place the template onto a black piece…

• FOR THE BACKYARD ENTERTAINER: Invest in an outdoor movie screen or a projector you can shine onto the side of your house; then cover the ground with picnic blankets and pillows for an outdoor movie night.• FOR THE MOM WITH KIDS TO WATCH: Make sure you have rocking chairs in both the front yard and backyard where you can sit and watch the kids. Bonus points for adding enough rocking chairs for the other neighborhood moms to join you for a chat.• FOR THE BOOKWORM: Install a pergola swing or hammock so you have a place to enjoy your next read. If you’re in an apartment, place a chair on your patio with cozy outdoor throw pillows for a similar effect.• FOR THE FAMILY WHO LOVES SWIMMING: Get a…

• OPENNESS. Ranch homes are known for their open floor plan. Unlike many other styles that wall off rooms to keep them separate, this style includes minimal interior walls and large, open spaces.• SINGLE LEVEL. All rooms in a ranch house are on the first floor—at least, that’s what is typical. Some ranch homes, called “raised ranch,” are split level. The single-level ranch home reflects the sprawling land lots that were available post war, especially out west, where it was more common to build out rather than up.• OUTDOOR CONNECTION. Large windows and glass patio doors create a connection between interior and exterior spaces and allow for views of the landscape.• CUES FROM NATURE. When it comes to décor, ranch style emphasizes natural elements and textures such as wood flooring…

1. PRETTY PAPERS. Wallpaper has made a huge comeback, and designers are using it in creative ways. For example, in this rear prep kitchen, floral wallpaper covers the top half of the wall above the wainscoting.2. TILE IN STYLE. Consider mixing your tiles. In the kitchen, hexagonal tiles are on the hood, while smaller arabesque tiles cover the wall behind the open shelves. “The dialog between the layers of elements keeps the eye interested,” Kelli says.3. SHIP(LAP) AHOY. Shiplap is a wonderful farmhouse wall detail. Often shiplap is painted white or ivory, but Kelli shows how chic it can be in other colors. In the basement lounge area, the shiplap above the fireplace is a rich gray that gives the room a moody coziness.…

1. LIGHTING. The most cost-effective option is to incorporate chandeliers throughout your home. Whether they’re simple and modern or lavish and intricate, a chandelier is an art piece that’s functional and visually appealing.2. DARK WOOD FLOORS. There’s something about a darker stain that denotes luxury. If you already have wood flooring, you can sand it down and restain it instead of purchasing new flooring.3. NATURAL MATERIALS. Stone, marble and wood are earthy, beautiful and rich in texture. Use them throughout your home in elements such as a fireplace surround, countertops, beams or a backsplash for a high-end look that’s one with nature.…

FACES IN PROFILE, PAGE 34 For more on Karl, visit cutarts.com. For more on Christina, visit etsy.com/shop/thewhitepepper. For more on Chrystal, follow her on Instagram @1728cedarhedge. For more on Pam, visit junktales.com. For more on Renee, visit havenberry.com. HISTORIC VICTORIAN REVIVAL, PAGE 38 For more on Courtney, visit thevettelfarm.com. Lighting: Golden Lighting. Visit goldenlighting.com. VERY VINTAGE, PAGE 44 For more on Courtney, visit goldenboysandme.com. For more on April, follow her on Instagram @barnhomeliving. For more on Melanie, follow her on Instagram @vintagecharmhouse. For more on Christina, follow her on Instagram @thewhitepeppervintage. For more on Brigid, visit whattheseoldthings.com. For more on Sarah, follow her on Instagram @ourlittlebluefarmhouse. For more on Jen, follow her on Instagram @jensfreshvintage. RANCH REMODEL, PAGE 48 For more on Kristine and Deborah, visit designalchemyltd.com. Kids’ bedroom fan:…

You get back from camping, or come inside from an evening enjoying a backyard fireplace with s’mores, and you smell like smoke. We can all relate, right? Here’s a fun DIY to add fragrance to your beach bonfire or backyard barbeque. “[It’s] sitting around a campfire, throwing plant materials in, and experiencing the scent they give off,” writes author Thomas Neuberger in the new book, At Home with Fragrance: Creating Modern Scents for Your Space. “You don’t have to stop at a campfire. If you have a fireplace in your home that is used to burn logs, you can burn fragrance materials as well.” “The wood itself can be a fragrance when you’re setting a campfire, but you can also throw in these little bundles,” he writes. “They burn up…

1. BOTTLENECK. Use a vessel with a smaller opening, such as a jug or literal bottle. “The shape will hold the stems in place naturally,” writes Fuss.2. PEBBLES. Use small stones and rocks in the bottom of the vase to help support the stems. Another alternative is to use a flower frog.3. TIE IT OFF. Use twine or string to tie the bouquet together before you place it in the vase. This is a good method if you like to arrange flowers in your hand. “If you know the arrangement needs more, now that it is stable, you can begin to add stems to the bouquet that is bound with twine,” Fuss writes.4. NATURAL PIN HOLDERS. In this natural version of metal pin holders, use shorter stems to fill the…

For many years I have dreamt of restoring a historic home, and this year we struck gold when we found a historic 1885 Folk Victorian house in the heart of Deadwood, South Dakota. It was the home we had been searching for—one with history, good bones and the charming characteristics that make old houses so captivating. INTERIOR In the renovation of this historic beauty, we held onto its historic gems while also updating amenities. Miraculously, the home had original hardware, maple flooring, trim and fretwork. The kitchen and bathrooms needed full renovations, but we incorporated the original claw-foot tub and marble sinks we uncovered in the attic. For lighting, we used a mix of vintage-style fixtures from Golden Lighting, as well as authentic antique fixtures. The Golden Lighting fixtures add…

Ready to hunt down some gorgeous vintage collectibles? We asked a few bloggers and Instagrammers about the flea-market items they’re excited about this summer. Here’s what they’re finding and their tips on how to track them down yourself. SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128. CRATES Melanie Butcher, @vintagecharmhouse “It’s hard to resist a good crate. For me, a crate must have amazing graphics or subject matter. I love them because they’re versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. From storage and organizing to adorning the coffee table with sunflowers, crates can be practical and fun. Always be on the lookout at estate sales, antiques stores and auction sites. Crates range anywhere from $20 to $100.” PYREX DISHWARE Courtney Affrunti, Golden Boys and Me “One of my favorite finds is…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Old rug• Tape measure• Pencil• Utility knife• 2 picture frames of your choice• Double-sided tape or hot glue gun and glue• Optional: picture frame hanger WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Decide which portions of the rug you want to use, keeping in mind how the two sections will look when you frame them side by side.2. With the tape measure and pencil, measure the dimensions of the art pieces, according to the size of your frames. Outline them on the rug so you know where to cut.3. Carefully use the utility knife to cut out your two sections. If you’re using picture frames with mats, cut the pieces slightly larger than the opening of the mats so gaps won’t show.4. Take the backing off your frames. Use…

Vintage suitcases play an important part in Karen’s décor. “It’s kind of a theme throughout the house,” she says. Whether part of a vignette or used as a table, Karen’s suitcases are versatile. “I love them because they can add height, open and fill with things and are just very functional for decorating,” she says. In addition to their variety of uses, their colors and textures add warmth and interest, as well as vintage charm. “I’ve always loved looking at the inside of these suitcases—they have a story because they’ve traveled places,” she says. In finding her vintage treasures, Karen has found great success in thrift shops and small antiques stores, though she doesn’t recommend high-end boutiques. “I love shops that have collections from different vendors because I always find…

PANDEMIC PRIORITIES. “Because of the pandemic, we predict a resurgence in large estate-style homes in various architectural styles with rooms for specific activities,” Kelli says. This might include separate home offices for video calls, a family study for online learning and workout and yoga rooms. CREATIVE LICENSE. Due to a shortage of homes and lots on the market, Kelli believes people are going to move away from city centers toward the country and become more creative about how they use their homes. For example, we may see more repurposing of commercial buildings for housing and creating homes out of structures like barns and industrial garages. “With so many of us able to work from home, the possibilities for change in the housing industry are endless,” she says.…

Every renovation project comes with a unique set of challenges. While most of the rooms in our Tennessee Project House are part of the renovation, the laundry room is new. So designer-and-builder team Kara and Matt Christensen of Garden Gate Homes were required to call on classic features that would make this space flow with the rest of the farmhouse. “The back part of the house had a new addition put on it,” says Kara. “We’re not sure what year, but the foundation was poorly done, so Matt took it down and redid it.” With the right materials and a few antiques, they were able to infuse the space with Tennessee charm. LAUNDRY ROOM LAYOUT Because they had a fresh start with this room, they were able to choose their…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Leaf stencil or cutting machine• Pencil and scissors• Green paper• Calligraphy pen in contrasting color of your choice• Oranges, one per guest• Kitchen knife WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. If you don’t have a leaf stencil: You can make your own. Use a pencil to sketch the shape of a leaf on a piece of scratch paper. For better uniformity of shape, fold the paper in half to form a straight crease; then draw an arc on one side. Or download a leaf shape online and cut it out to use as your template.2. With a pencil, trace the template or stencil onto the green paper for as many place cards as you need; then cut them out. Alternately, if you have a cutting machine such as…