Innholdsfortegnelse for February/March 2022 i American Farmhouse Style

EDITOR’S LETTER DO YOU MAKE RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR? I’m the kind of person who thrives off to do lists (and crossing items off my to do lists). So I usually make 3-5 big goals for the year, often with ways I want to grow personally. Now is the time to do that for your house. Dream big and set some concrete goals for how you’re going to move your house one step closer to that farmhouse look you love. What home improvement projects have you always wanted to do? What bugs you about the layout or function of your home? What areas always get cluttered? Write them down. I’ll wait! Great. Now sit down and get some inspiration from this issue of American Farmhouse Style. Check out page…

Patterned tile exudes farmhouse charm, whether it’s the flooring in the bathroom or mudroom, or even as a fireplace surround. But completely replacing the flooring isn’t always an option. If you have tile (or another flooring) already in place that’s in good condition, you might just want to paint it to change the look. Here’s how. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Vacuum, floor cleaner and rags• Painter’s tape• Primer (if necessary; see page 15)• Interior floor paint of choice, in two contrasting colors• Small paint roller• Paint brush• Stencil of choice (we recommend getting two)• Stencil brush• Wet rag or paper towels• Small craft brush• Clear top coat floor paint of choice WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Clean the floor. This shouldn’t be a quick wipe or mop, but a deep scrub…

Jona Hackner opened Hackner Home, a home textiles company, in 2014 out of necessity. “I started my business to help support my family while staying home with my two boys,” Jona says. “We had just relocated for my husband’s career, and I was about to have a new baby, far from family who could assist.” Jona took this pressure as an opportunity. “I researched the market to see what other moms were doing and found they were starting a business they could run from home,” Jona says. The end result is a booming online store that handmakes their pillows, throws blankets, rugs and pillow covers (their most popular items) in Shelby, North Carolina. Jona attributes her success to her customers. “My customers were so supportive and encouraged me to try…

1. KITCHEN STORAGE. If you find that mudroom items like mail and car keys end up in the kitchen, consider devoting several cabinets or drawers into dedicated storage for the items that need a specific home. 2. CONVERT A CLOSET. If you have a closet near your garage or front door, turn it into a makeshift mudroom with a bench, hooks for coats and shelves for other essential items. 3. USE THE LAUNDRY ROOM. Reconfigure your laundry room to act as a mudroom too. Bring in some organizing cubes and add a charging station for phones and tablets. 4. GARAGE FOCUS. The area just inside your garage can also be a good mudroom space. Repurpose old lockers or crates for your outerwear and hang a row of hooks for backpacks…

• KNOW YOURSELF. “Know yourself to some degree,” Kim says. “I always like to challenge my clients, and throw some out-of-the-box ideas their way, but I always encourage people to start with what they’re comfortable with.” If you know you’d absolutely hate patterned tile, then don’t do it. • BREAK YOUR OWN BARRIERS. If a bolder design scares you but you’re still drawn to it, see if you can branch out and try it. “Start with your comfort zone, and then see if you can push yourself a little outside of it,” Kim says. • SIT WITH IT. Don’t reject a design element out of hand. “Sit with it for a bit and see if you still like it,” Kim says. Test colors and patterns by mounting tile samples on…

• CONSIDER THE ROI. The ROI (return on investment) for a garage door is big for the value of your home—it can increase the value of your home by up to 4 percent, according to Raynor. If your current door isn’t functioning well, doesn’t seal your garage off from the weather (or critters), or you simply want to increase your curb appeal, this is a great purchase. • FUNDAMENTALS FIRST. Whether you’re building a new home or replacing an existing garage door, it’s important to first consider the fundamentals. What type of construction best suits the climate in which you live? For example, if you live in extreme hot or cold temperatures, Raynor recommends an insulated door (especially a polystyrene or polyurethan door) to keep the elements out and energy…

OPERABLE LOUVERS. The louvers are the levers you use to open and close the slats of the shutters. These types of shutters work well as interior window treatments, and are perfect for farmhouse style because they’re historically accurate to old farmhouses of the 1700s and 1800s too. “Shutters with panels and louvers were used by homeowners and farmers with more money,” says Ken Roginski, owner of Old House Guy and resident expert for Shuttercraft on creating their authentic interior and exterior shutters. BOARD AND BATTEN. For fixed shutters on the exterior of your home that provide decoration (or can be operable as well), board and batten shutters are a good fit for farmhouse style. Historically, “board and batten shutters were homemade and would be most likely seen on very rustic…

1. STAINED CABINETS. “Lighter stained cabinets are becoming popular,” Elizabeth says. The benefit to this trend is that light-colored stained cabinets are elegant and can fit a range of aesthetics, from rustic and boho farmhouse style to vintage-inspired and modern. Being on trend has never been easier. 2. STUCCO RANGE HOODS. Look for a stucco range hood in a kitchen near you. These hoods provide added texture to the kitchen without taking away from the patterns in other areas, such as a tile backsplash. 3. DARK COUNTERTOPS. Darker colors for kitchen counters are on the rise. “They are a great way to add contrast to kitchen cabinets,” Bhavana says. 4. COLORS AND PATTERNS. “We’ve noticed bolder color choices and patterns trending,” Elizabeth says. You can use this trend anywhere in…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Measuring tape and pencil• ½-inch painter’s tape• Trowel• Joint compound• Paint, in brick color of your choice• Paint roller• Gray or white paint of choice• Paint brushes WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Measure your space and mark where the bricks will be. Most standard bricks are 8” wide by 3 ½” tall. Use a pencil to lightly mark off the rows, leaving ½” in between each row and on either side of each brick. 2. Tape off the brick shapes with the painter’s tape. The tape should go into the ½” gaps between each row, which creates your grout line. For the vertical lines, stagger the brick to give the wall an authentic look. 3. With the trowel, smooth joint compound over the area until it’s about…

1. SHOWER DESIGN. To make a bathroom look larger, continue the design into the shower. In this home, the horizontal lines of the tongue and groove walls blend into the shower’s white horizontal tile, as does the floor tile. “If you do a frameless shower door, then you continue that line of sight,” Kate says. “It gives the illusion that the space is larger than it really is.”2. CEILING HEIGHT. Bring cabinets up to the ceiling. If there’s a gap, Kate suggests adding shorter cabinets at the top for infrequently-used items. Or if you have room, add a ladder to access the taller items more easily.3. HANGING CURTAINS. When mounting window treatments such as curtains or drapery, Kate splits the difference between the top of the window and the ceiling.…

1. WORN FURNITURE. You may have a new build, but you can mimic the look of a centuries-old farmhouse with aged furniture. Resist the urge to refinish that new-to-you armoire you scored at an estate sale and embrace the chips, scratches and grooves; it’ll give your home a timeless feel.2. COLOR. You don’t have to add bright accents if you prefer neutrals, but even muted colors like sage green or soft rose will add charm and cheer to your home. Try incorporating color into a room with throw pillows or an afghan for a less permanent approach than furniture or painting the walls.3. SUBTLE TABLESCAPES. When it comes to putting together a French-inspired tablescape, less is more. Avoid bulky candles and opt for slim brass candlesticks for a vintage look.…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Black craft paper• Scissors• Tape• White pen or chalk• Centerpiece, as desired WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Cut the craft paper the length of the table, with extra to hang off the edges. Tape it in place if needed.2. Set the table with other centerpiece items (Sarabeth used a potted plant and amber bottles). If you’re serving food down the middle of the table, place the dishes you’ll use so you have a general idea of where they’ll be.3. With the white pen or chalk, draw on the craft paper to suit the theme of the party. For the Super Bowl, that might be football plays, or for basketball, the outline of the basketball court. Draw around the other centerpiece items so the doodles are visible when…

• Group similar items together in categories so you can see the quantity and quality of the items you already have.• Store each category in one specific designated home, rather than multiple places around the house.• Store items you use frequently (such as coffee mugs or your toothbrush) in front-and-center shelves or drawers.• What items do you often misplace? Create a clear and designated home for each one.• Always edit and organize your space completely before shopping for storage containers.• Never shop for storage solutions without a specific list, or you’ll come home with items you don’t know what to do with.• Clear cluttered shelves and countertops for a streamlined look.• Use a consistent style and color scheme to achieve a stylized look (even for items like closet hangers and…

Follow along with Dena online: Website: fletchercreekcottage.com Instagram: @fletchercreekcottage Facebook: @fletchercreekcottageblog YouTube: youtube.com/c/fletchercreekcottage DENA BREITMEYER IS A WIFE, mom and the voice behind Fletcher Creek Cottage. She and her family live in a home they built themselves for just $70,000. Dena was also one of the top 3 finalists for our 2022 Brand Ambassador contest. American Farmhouse Style: How did you get started in the online décor community? Dena: First, I have to say how grateful I am to be a part of this community! My husband and I spent 17 years designing and renovating homes (all DIY). After moving back to our hometown and purchasing 65 acres, we built our little cottage for $70k, simply because we did all the work ourselves. A few friends suggested I share our DIYs…

DIY PATTERNED FLOORS, PAGE 12 For more on Cutting Edge Stencils, visit cuttingedgestencils.com. HOW TO HANG A BARN DOOR, PAGE 16 For more on Delaney Hardware, visit delaneyhardware.com. PILLOW PERFECTION, PAGE 18 For more on Jona, visit hacknerhome.com. MUDROOM MAKEOVER, PAGE 26 For more on Allie, Elle and Scott (page 28), visit Case Architects & Remodelers at casedesign.com. For more on Danielle (page 27), visit Marks-Woods Construction Services. (571) 470-7467 or markswoods.com. For more on Josh (page 26), visit Josh Hildreth Interiors at joshhildrethinteriors.com. For more on Mark (page 29), visit GTM Architects at gtmarchitects.com. Cabinets (page 27): Braemar Cabinetry. (571) 290-0645 or braemarcabinetry.com. Cabinets (page 28): Crystal Cabinets. Visit crystalcabinets.com. Custom Alderwood mill work (page 26): Aidan Design. (301) 320-8735 or aidandesign.com. Decorative surface light (top image page 28):…

The upside of old homes is their historic charm. The downside is that they’re old, with all the problems that come with aging materials—rusting, rotting, cracking and chipping. That was the case for this 1923 farm cottage in Maryland. “Since it’s an older home, there were some structural issues to address,” says Anthony Wilder, founder of Anthony Wilder Design/Build. Those structural changes were first up to fix. “There was a basement below the porch, so we needed to reinforce the porch’s foundation to allow the owners to use the basement,” Anthony says. “We also had to waterproof the porch’s foundation so that water flowed away from the house and didn’t enter it.” Alongside the structural changes, Anthony and his team modified the porch’s aesthetics. “The stairs weren’t centered on the…

• DURABILITY. Since flooring is a high-traffic area, the paint you use should be durable. Opt for an epoxy-based paint, rather than a latex or water base. • FLOORING MATERIAL. Are you painting over tile, concrete, vinyl or even wood? There are many companies that offer paint specifically for floors—just make sure the paint you get works for your flooring. It should say on the label. • BASE COAT AND TOP COAT. You’ll want not only a base coat (with two colors for your pattern), but a clear top coat as well. This will help protect your paint job from chipping. Some companies offer kits that come with both, so you know you have all the paint you need. • PRIMER. Depending on the paint you get, you may need…

The popularity of open shelving has waxed and waned, but it’s always been a design option. Originally, open shelving was used in the kitchen for ease and cost. As design trends evolved, cabinetry gained popularity due to its uniform look. In modern farmhouse style, partly because of shows like Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Fixer Upper, open shelving has exploded in popularity and versatility. Incorporating metal hardware, vintage elements like old corbels and rustic wood have added different spins. The trend has also expanded beyond the kitchen to include open shelving in the bathroom, bedrooms, living room and even playrooms. The options are endless. Tip Can’t decide between open shelves or closed cabinets? Try a little of each, so you can hide your everyday items and display the pretty sets.…

Amber or brown glass was very practical and purposeful between the 16th and 19th centuries. It was often used by chemists and pharmacists to store liquids that were sensitive to light. Sometimes you can tell the history by any raised designs or seams, which could indicate production during the Great Depression era. Even if you discover a piece that’s newer, like vintage Clorox bottles, these are so much fun to collect. HUNTING I have brown bottles in all different sizes and purchase them based on their appeal, not necessarily their history. I’ve found them at garage sales, thrift stores, antiques stores, flea markets and even a small one buried in a dirt pile. One of my favorites is a gallon jug with the old cork inside the neck, which I…

• VERSATILITY. Gas grill, charcoal grill, smoker…the list of potential outdoor cookers goes on and on. The Big Green Egg is an all-in-one grill. “If you can cook it in an oven, a smoker, or on a grill or stovetop you can cook it in an Egg,” says Big Green Egg’s Bob Atkinson. • CROWD-PLEASING RESULTS. The technical term for the Big Green Egg is a kamado-style grill, which has an oval shape. This isn’t just for looks, but for cooking advantage. “It has the added benefit of precise control of your cooking temperature,” says the Big Green Egg team. • ALL-SEASON COOKING. This is a ceramic grill—different from most of the steel charcoal grills on the market. The ceramic traps heat, so the grill stays at the exact right…

• PURPOSEFUL PLANNING. “Beyond focusing on individual elements to upgrade, we would say it’s important to choose the right rooms for renovation,” Bhavana says. Bathrooms and the kitchens always have a great ROI (return on investment). • TEXTURE AND PATTERN. Pay attention to materials in your home that add texture and pattern to the space. “It can be challenging to pick specific elements, as you oftentimes end up touching more than one thing,” Elizabeth says. “However, items to pay attention to are tiles, counters, and wall colors.” • DETAIL WORK. Don’t forget the details. Elements like hardware (doorknobs and handles), trim around your windows, wall paneling, and lighting make your home feel upgraded, which is a huge plus for your home’s value.…

• USE BASKETS. Whether tucked away or out in the open, baskets of all shapes, sizes and colors can help you get more storage into your house. “I hide toys in the three under my TV in the living room,” Chrissy says. Plus, they’re a great way to add texture to your décor. • FUNCTIONAL FURNITURE. Getting a balance between style and function is a must, especially if you’re dealing with limited space. Select furniture that serves both by providing practical storage. “Refinished dressers make great storage pieces,” Chrissy says. Look for ottomans that have room inside to stash away blankets, bathroom vanities that have room under the sink for toiletries and hutches you can use for linens, serveware and anything else you need. • GET CREATIVE. Think outside the…

• SPLURGE: UPHOLSTERY. A piece of furniture with good bones can be reupholstered many times. “Comfortable upholstery is key,” Kate says. “Buy something off the rack (from a catalog or online), then reupholster or paint it so it’s a completely new piece.”• SAVE: ARTWORK. A gallery wall with small pieces is often less expensive than one large piece. Instead of purchasing mass-produced artwork, frame unique items like children’s art, art you can download from Etsy and print yourself, or flea market treasures.• SPLURGE: LIGHTING. “Your light fixtures are almost like your jewelry,” Kate says. Anything that’s attached to the home is worth the long-term investment (this includes material upgrades like flooring and countertops). Higher quality, more interesting materials can make or break a space.• SAVE: TILE. Pick a focal point.…

1. RECLAIMED WOOD. It’s no secret that wood is one of the most durable and classic materials for both home construction and design. The best part of having a farmhouse is that you can forgo the impossible battle of obtaining perfection and instead opt for character. Reclaimed wood comes with its own history.2. STONE. Nothing says country comfort like a glowing fire burning in a stone fireplace. Although brick fireplaces are often cheaper, stone will save you time and energy in the long run, as it’s easier to clean than brick.3. CLAY. Whether it’s a finishing material like bathroom tile or a décor accessory like a ceramic vase on a bookshelf, clay is a beautiful and simple natural material to highlight in your home. Clay is timeless, beautifully imperfect and…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • ¾ pound chicken breast, cubed• Salt and black pepper, to taste• 16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese• 8 ounces (1 package) shredded cheddar cheese, divided• 7 ounces Frank’s Hot Sauce• ¾ cup (2-3 stalks) diced celery• 1 bag tortilla chips WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F (175˚ C).2. In a 10-inch pan, add the chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat until fully cooked. Set aside.3. In a small pot, melt together the cream cheese and hot sauce. Once melted, add in 5 ounces of the shredded cheese.4. Add the chicken and celery to the sauce and mix well. Pour the dip into a glass dish (11×7 or similar) and top with the remaining shredded cheese.5. Bake…

There’s something about a barn door that brings a smile to my heart. I just renovated my en-suite bathroom, and I knew the final touch had to be a great barn door. Let’s talk hardware and hanging a barn door. WHAT YOU’LL NEED First, you need a door. You can build one yourself or purchase one. I built this one myself. Make sure the door is wide enough to cover the entire door frame. You will also need to have enough wall space for the door to slide out of the frame when it’s open. Once you have your barn door, it’s time to pick mounting hardware. I decided to go with the 6-foot powder-coated black barn door hardware in Wagon Wheel from Delaney Hardware. It’s a bit rustic, and…

OPEN SHELVING PROS • CREATES MORE SPACE. Have a smaller kitchen? Open shelving adds a bright and airy feel and is an inexpensive way to create an illusion of more space. • SHOWS OFF PRETTY DISHES. Do you have a favorite set of dishes you want to display? Open shelving makes statement dishware a focal point in your kitchen. CONS • CLEANING AND ORGANIZATION. Open shelving can be more difficult to maintain. If keeping your shelves clean and organized would be a challenge for you, opt for closed cabinetry. • SHOWS OFF YOUR DISHES. This is a pro if you have pretty dishes, but many of us use dishware that’s kid-friendly or lacks a certain—ahem—class. Open shelving doesn’t allow the option of hiding dishware. CLOSED CABINETS PROS • HIDES MISMATCHED…

There are many aspects of design that fit farmhouse style—perhaps none more than the beloved mudroom. Not only is this an aesthetically important area, but it highlights organization and function in your home. The mudroom takes an area prone to clutter and turns it into a functional and organized eye-pleaser. LOCATION If you’re designing and building your home, you have a say in the room’s location. “Location of the mudroom is critical,” says architect Mark Kaufman from GTM Architects. “It should be located right off your secondary entry to the house, such as off the garage or an outside door.” The mudroom is your buffer between your home and the outside. Careful location selection is essential for creating a functional, well-intentioned space. ORGANIZATION The mudroom is often a drop zone…

As a farmhouse lover, you want the furniture in your home to be both classic and durable. Fred Prescott, president and CEO of handmade furniture company Thos. Moser, shares his advice on how to shop for quality furniture. “There are three primary elements to consider when assessing furniture quality,” Fred says. Here’s a breakdown of each key component. 1. MATERIALS. It all begins with choosing the best woods. Plywood and particle board are generally not the highest quality. “At Thos. Moser, we exclusively use super prime lumber and are very selective about board matching,” Fred says. The best craftsmen select their boards based on color, tone and grain pattern so the pieces have a unified appearance. “For example, if you’re buying a cherry dining set, make sure the maker paid…

BRICK BY BRICK. The first step is choosing the brick color. “In the past, brick was limited mostly to red, orange and black,” says Sonja Tillman, director of marketing at Cherokee Brick. The company has been making brick since 1877, so they would know. Your color options are much wider now. “Cherokee Brick makes over 150 different colors,” Sonja says. “You can pick a brick to use as the main color and then choose a second option for a highlight or accent brick that can be used around doors in windows and other areas.” MORE TO MORTAR. Another thing to keep in mind is the mortar color. Mortar will take up 20-30% of a wall, depending on the size of the mortar joints. Mortar can also change the appearance of…

1. WALLPAPER. Whether bold and playful or whimsical and delicate, wallpaper on the ceiling is fun and unexpected. 2. LIGHTING. Light fixtures are natural ways to enhance your ceiling—and do double duty as they add both style and light. Try chandeliers, especially in spaces that have higher ceilings. 3. EXPOSED BEAMS. Exposed wood beams add a touch of rustic romance to any room. This is a project you can add to your ceilings after the home is built, and you can even do them yourself as a DIY.…

Whether or not you love sports, big games like the Super Bowl are an opportunity to get together and watch (or chat) over a casual meal. For blogger Sarabeth McElhaney of The February Fox, it was the Super Bowl that led her to create this casual, yet still style-savvy, tablescape. “I love that this feels like a game room or a library,” she says. “It’s a Super Bowl party design that works well for both my husband and me.” SKIP THE FANCY One common element of sports-related parties is that they’re almost always casual. Even the attire—sports jerseys and baseball caps—are laid-back. So you’ll want your party elements to be casual too. Yet paper plates might not go with your home. “I see the same Super Bowl decorations kicking around…

Whether or not you love organization, you can take tips from a pro. Shira Gill is a passionate organizer and professional life coach. Her new book, Minimalista: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Life, helps anyone achieve their decluttering goals. In Minimalista, Shira outlines five essential steps to organize your home and achieve that perfect balance of less clutter with more personality. 1. CLARIFY “This work is much less about organizing a space and much more about clarifying your life values, priorities and goals,” Shira writes. This first step spells out specific questions to help you achieve clarity, such as what you want to be able to do in your home. Once you have clear goals, you’ll have a strong framework as you go through the rest…

• USE WOOD. Want to have an organic feel to your space? Add elements of oak, redwood, cedar or walnut. Wood brings nature in without the fuss of breaking down walls. Woodwork, oak doors or a farmhouse table can take your home from basic to timeless.• CREATE SPACE. Make your home feel more spacious by pairing back on the amount of furniture and other items to only keep what you actually need. Move your existing furniture around to create the best flow from one space to the next. You will bring in more light and nature.• STUCCO. Stucco is a California classic. While not automatically intrinsic to farmhouse style, this material can bring a sense of California wine country to your home through texture. You can use this in a…