Innholdsfortegnelse for April/May 2022 i American Farmhouse Style

SOMETIMES EVEN MORE THAN JANUARY 1, spring feels like the time for beginnings. We emerge outside from our indoor winter hibernation and get to work on home and garden projects. I have a small kitchen garden at my home where I’ve been experimenting with vegetables, and thanks to the temperate weather in Southern California, can grow food like carrots, celery and even tomatoes year-round. Yet spring is still when I get new ideas for what to plant, and ways to spruce up my home inside and out. So we’ve pulled together some great ideas for your own home. Start outside with gardening tips (page 10), furniture picks (page 16), vintage gardening accessories (page 24) and a few tours: both garden (page 32) and she shed (page 38). Then head inside…

The decision to transplant or direct seed (plant seeds directly into the ground) can be vital to the success of your garden. While transplanting requires more work at the beginning, it provides benefits down the line, such as giving your crops an advantage against pests. Direct seeding allows you to plant large areas of the garden quickly, but requires more effort later in the growing season. Use this guide to determine whether you should transplant or direct seed your plants. TRANSPLANT… • If the crop isn’t damaged or withering. “It’s not a good use of time, space or resources to try and coddle along crops that are stressed from the outset,” write McCrate and Halm.• If your crop has a life cycle longer (or nearly as long) as your growing…

1. LIVING ROOM: Make a statement with a standout wicker armchair. Comfortable and cozy, it’s perfect for relaxing with family.2. FAMILY ROOM: Have a few extra blankets or pillows in your family room? A wicker basket is a perfect solution, as it’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.3. OUTDOOR PATIO: Wicker is a durable form of furniture, which will work in your outdoor patio set and can withstand outdoor exposure during the different seasons.4. KITCHEN: Try a fruit basket on the countertop or a wicker box in the pantry to hold onions and other root vegetables. Either option will offer a warm rural touch to your kitchen.5. BEDROOMS: Lugging laundry to the wash is always a drag. A wicker laundry basket will be attractive to the eye, but also a lightweight…

You don’t have to stop indoors with your vintage collectibles. That’s the case for Instagrammer Anna of @makinghomematter. Her outdoor spaces are full of vintage collectibles she both uses and displays regularly. “I love the authentic look of aged terracotta pots in my garden and have been collecting them for at least ten years now,” she says. “The more character the better. I always look for the ones that look like they’ve sat in a garden for a long time.” TERRACOTTA Anna’s collection of terracotta pots includes some that are over a century old. “Some terracotta pots in my collection are from Victorian times,” she says. “I love these, as they are hand thrown and have more character.” She recommends asking the seller about the history of a vintage piece…

Margie expects her plants to give back. “If it needs a lot of water, then it’s got to give me some food,” Margie says. “It’s all blended so that no matter what time of year, there’s something to eat.” Here, Margie has a few recommendations for edible container gardening. IF YOU CAN’T BUY IT, GROW IT “The things that I grow in pots are the things that you can’t get,” says Margie. On her list (and in her garden) are Armenian cucumbers, sunripe tomatoes, and freckled lettuce, which Margie says, “looks like an absolute bouquet.” KEEP THE GREENERY PERENNIAL “I plant some perennial herbs in the pots so that they’re not empty when it’s not in season," Margie says. “African Blue basil is fantastic for drought, beautiful and has a…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Cardstock paper• Scissors• Cupcake liners• Small weights (such as paper clips)• Craft or hot glue• Safety gear (gloves and a protective mask)• Spray foam for windows and doors• Craft paints: one for the cake, one for the frosting• Craft paint brush• DAP lightweight spackle• Piping bag and tip for icing• Matte varnish• Embellishments, such as fake cherries and glitter WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Cut the cardstock into circles the same size as the base of the cupcake liners.2. Place the cardstock and paperclips in the liners and glue them in place. This will help maintain the shape and prevent the cupcakes from tipping. Tip: If you have a muffin pan, place the liners inside for easier construction.3. Wearing a mask and gloves, spray the foam into…

1. OVERSIZED DOORS AND WINDOWS. Nothing makes a statement like floor-to-ceiling windows. Not only do they let in natural light, they also make the surrounding views part of the interior experience. And whether it’s wood or metal, a large door sets an inviting tone. “I love a huge, welcoming front door,” says Kassie.2. LARGE PORCHES AND DECKS. Relationships are everything, so ensuring that your home has a porch or deck for gatherings is essential. Even if you don’t host parties or other events, a porch or deck can be a great hangout spot for your family, and will expand your living spaces outdoors.3. DEDICATED SPACES. “We personally love an open floor plan for our lifestyle, but we are excited to see farmhouses steering back to their roots of more dedicated…

1. YOU CAN HAVE ONE ANYWHERE. “You don’t have to buy a bunch of land and live out in the middle of nowhere,” Annette says. A hobby farm means the produce and animals aren’t for commercial use, so you can start a hobby farm anywhere. “You can be more self-sufficient and try to homestead wherever you are,” Annette says. “Start small by growing herbs on your kitchen counter or in a raised bed in your yard with tomatoes in the summer or beets and carrots in the spring.”2. IT’S GREAT FOR PEACE OF MIND. “Gardening can do wonders for your mental health,” Annette says. “It’s relaxing and therapeutic. And if you opt for chickens or some other kind of animal to take care of, you’re learning to nurture something. That’s…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Tape measure• Upper and lower cabinets• Paint or stain of choice, and paint brush• Furniture feet with screws and threaded inserts• Drill and heavy-duty screws• Stud finder• Countertop of choice (Margy used granite)• Liquid nails adhesive• Plywood• Jig saw• Beadboard• Skill saw• Trim of choice (Margy used half rounds)• Nail gun• Caulking• Door hardware of choice WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Measure your space and determine how big the hutch should be, then purchase upper and lower cabinets to fit. Alternatively, you could get old cabinets at an architectural salvage shop like Habitat for Humanity.2. If you’re painting or staining the cabinets, do that now.3. To add furniture feet to the lower cabinets, drill a pilot hole in each corner and install the threaded inserts, and then…

1. Keep the architecture of the home true to the historical time period by restoring central elements where possible, such as fireplace hearths, trim and windows.2. When replacing architectural details that can’t be saved, select elements that feel original, such as in the wood color and grain, tile patterns and color palettes.3. Source durable, practical furnishings with clean, modern lines to play up the contrast between historic and modern spaces.4. Don’t be afraid to mix time periods, like pairing Mid Century Modern pieces with Victorian antique details.5. Go with a bold wallcovering in an unexpected space.6. Find modern light fixtures that add drama to the kitchen or dining area.7. Add wood accent furniture pieces with simple, modern lines.8. Keep the look cohesive with a classic color palette like black and…

AUTHENTIC VINTAGE. You can buy true authentic vintage wallpaper for your home. Make sure the vendor you buy it from is reputable, or if you’re buying it in person, unroll it to make sure there aren’t major imperfections. To hang it, use wheat paste, which is what was used to hang wallpaper at the time. You can find it online in powder form, and then mix it yourself. REPRODUCTION. There are many companies that offer modern reproductions of vintage wallpaper. This route allows you to get the vintage pattern you like without the risk of the paper having major imperfections. Some reproduction papers are also removable, which is great for rented homes or in areas where you want to be able to change the wallpaper easily.…

1. FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS. It’s not groundbreaking to suggest decorating with florals in the spring. However, it’s easy to forget about the limitless variations of bouquets you can create. When you make your own arrangement, there are no rules. Vary colors, textures and heights to explore the combinations you can create so you never grow bored with your bouquets.2. ART. Springtime brings to mind meadows full of flowers, rolling hills of green grass and pastoral days on the farm. Most of us don’t have these views outside our bedroom windows, but you can get this vibe in your home with landscape paintings, botanical illustrations and still-life portraits. Bonus points for vintage artwork.3. LACE. If there’s one fabric that brings spring to mind, it’s lace. It’s delicate and feminine and can instantly…

EXPERTISE For 65 years, Woodgrain has made wood moldings, doors and windows. They oversee the product from ideation to realization, from owning their forests to cutting the timber in their sawmills and milling it in their factories. CAN THE VILLAS’ WOOD BE SAVED? Based on the condition of the villas, the Woodgrain team says some items can be saved. “For molding, if it hasn’t been exposed to water or has cracked or damaged pieces, a fresh coat of paint will make it good as new,” says Lauren Persichetti, marketing brand manager. “For doors, a light sanding on imperfections and a fresh coat of paint should suffice.” WHEN A PIECE IS TOO FAR GONE In the event that a piece cannot be salvaged, Woodgrain will help create replicas. “We offer thousands…

IDEA Begin with a theme—this should coordinate your decorations, flowers, color palette and destination. TABLE Decorate your table in luxury, so ditch the paper and plastic and pack up your pretty china, gold flatware and fine linens…carefully, of course. After all, this is no ordinary picnic—we’re aiming for dazzling. Top the table off with plenty of candles. FLOWERS For that just-picked casual style, gather blooms from a surrounding field, your own backyard or your local supermarket. Use casual blooms like daisies, chamomile, grass stalks, blue thistle and sweet peas. NIBBLES Prepare light, simple dishes that require minimal effort. Include sandwiches, a cheese board, French baguette with specialty meats and spreads, a savory salad and a fruit pie. Place the bubbly and your favorite beverages on ice. To help keep sandwiches…

Jordyn Smith is a wife, mom and the voice behind Our PNW Home. When she and her husband started building their custom home in Spokane, Washington, she decided to start an Instagram account to chronicle the journey. Many followers later, she’s central to the online farmhouse community. American Farmhouse Style: How did you get started with your account? Jordyn: I started my account 3 years ago when we began our home build. I figured it would be a fun hobby to have an account to show the progress of our home build for those who wanted to follow along. I really didn’t know much about Instagram at the time. AFS: How would you describe your home’s style? Jordyn: I call it a modern farmhouse. I have touches of modern, rustic…

THE SWEET HOUSE, PAGE 38 For more on Dawn, visit her on YouTube at youtube.com/channel/UCLqawWp-GkYJ-DQdMVpp8SZQ or follow her on Instagram @dawnpinktree. Paint: Shimmering Lime by Benjamin Moore. (888) 236-6667 or benjaminmoore.com. CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION, PAGE 44 For more on Kevin and Kassie, visit shadylaneconstruction.com or follow them on Instagram @shadylaneconstruction. Landscape architecture: McHale Landscape Design. (301) 599-8300 or mchalelandscape.com. Photography: Peak Visuals. (443) 386-7692 or peakvisualsus.com. Appliances: GE Appliances. Visit geappliances.com. Bathroom light: Serena & Lily. (866) 597-2742 or serenaandlily.com. Bathroom towel rack: CB2. (800) 606-6252 or cb2.com. Bathtub: Vintage Tub & Bath. (877) 868-1369 or vintagetub.com. Bathtub hardware: Delta. (800) 345-3358 or deltafaucet.com. Cabinetry: Cord’s Cabinetry. (301) 884-4909 or cordscabinetry.com. Countertops: Cambria. (866) 226-2742 or cambriausa.com. Dining chairs, mudroom bench: Wayfair. (844) 927-0342 or wayfair.com. Dining light: Birch Lane. (844)…

It’s frustrating when hard work doesn’t pay off, especially when it comes to gardening. In their new book, Grow More Food: A Vegetable Gardener’s Guide to Getting the Biggest Harvest Possible from a Space of Any Size, authors Colin McCrate and Brad Halm, professional and experienced farmers, share their knowledge about how to increase your garden’s productivity. And if you don’t have a garden yet, this can help you get started. STEP 1: PREPARE A THOUGHTFUL PLAN Before altering your yard, take time to write down your growing priorities. “It’s no exaggeration to say that a detailed garden plan alone can double or triple the productivity of a garden,” the authors write. For instance, think about how big you want your garden to be and how many people you want…

Working from home full time means I need an office space that’s fully functional. I’ve been less than thrilled with my current desk: an L shape that sits in the middle of my office floor, with cords hanging from the back. It was time to build a new desk, using the storage drawers from my current desk. Here’s how you can build one, too. WHAT YOU’LL NEED This desk is very easy to build. First, figure out measurements. If you’re using existing desk drawers, you just need the length and width of the tabletop. I used a 16” x 8’ piece of unfinished spruce pine fir board. This means my new desk was less than $25. You don’t always have to buy a brand new piece. Sometimes modifying what you…

1. CREATE A VISION. “It starts with that story,” says Margie. She always asks her clients to close their eyes and “look five years down the road and tell a story.” That tells Margie how her clients want to feel in their landscape. “Once you paint it with words, then you paint it with landscape materials,” she says.2. PICK YOUR PLANTS. Achieving a less-manicured garden means picking plants that don’t need as much maintenance. “I like using ecosystem services,” says Margie. “Rather than doing all the weeding, I’d rather plant something that covers the ground and outcompetes the weeds.” Think about this with size, too. “I’d rather pick a plant that grows the size I want than pick something else and keep cutting it in half,” Margie says.3. LOOK AROUND.…

For everything there is a season. Blogger Annette Thurmon of Azure Farm has found herself in a season of life where she’s stepping away from the hustle and bustle of city dwelling. “My husband Jared and I had been living closer to Atlanta and had a lifestyle with a faster pace, but we wanted to slow down a bit,” she says. “We wanted to go back to the basics, try to grow our own food, take care of animals, and be more self-sufficient by living more off the land.” She also designed a great farmhouse to go with it. “I try to decorate with natural pieces like pastel-colored flowers. I let nature become my pops of color.” MODERN HOMESTEAD For the couple, homesteading held certain attractions they couldn’t find anywhere…

• FAUX FOLIAGE. What says spring more than fresh greenery? When selecting florals or greenery for your home, go with faux for a long lasting and easy-to-arrange option. “I use faux greenery everywhere, because it can be used year after year,” Margy says.• POPPING PASTELS. Want to add some color? Margy recommends keeping your usual palette while also bringing in pastels. “When changing out your winter decor to spring, just use the same neutrals and add pops of pastels—soft pinks and greens or blues,” she says.• FUN FLOWERS. Don’t forget to bring in the hallmark of the season: flowers. Like the greenery, opting for faux is a great way to keep the look fresh and long lasting. “Adding the faux flowers and greenery makes your space spring ready,” Margy says.•…

1. Install large windows with garden views to emphasize the outdoors from inside, and opt for glass doors that open easily to your outdoor living spaces.2. Select timeless materials that coordinate between indoors and outdoors, like using the same or similar flooring in both areas.3. Incorporate finishes outside that are more typical for indoors, and vice versa. This effectively blurs the boundaries between the two areas.4. Maximize the space by creating zones with built-in dining benches or grilling areas that function as outdoor rooms.5. Create privacy by giving your outdoor space walls. Install a lattice panel, hedge, cedar fencing or use an existing building to create a private courtyard.6. Visually tie indoors with the outdoors by repeating colors and maintaining a simplified color palette.7. Create an extended outdoor living room…

Where you grow up has an impact on the type of décor style you love. This was the case for blogger Amanda Campbell of Ginger Home, who spent six years of her childhood in England. The time she spent in Europe has influenced her home décor style. “I describe it as modern country meets English farmhouse, because I have influences from growing up in England,” she says. Now, Amanda lives in Alberta, Canada with her family. Their 1,500-square-foot home sits on four acres of land, and with chickens, bunnies and a pond on the property, it’s not hard to imagine you’ve been transported to the English countryside. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Although the home is now a chic modern farmhouse, that wasn’t the case when Amanda and her husband purchased it. “We…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Floating shelf of choice• Brass rod• 2 brass rod brackets• Pencil and tape measure• Drill and screws• Brass S hooks• Nails WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. First, make sure you have the right measurements. Your brass rod shouldn’t be any longer than the shelf, and the width of the brackets should be smaller than the width of the shelf. Also make sure that the rod fits into the brackets, and that the brackets will hold the rod in place when it’s upside down.2. Place your shelf on a stable surface where you can easily see and work with the bottom. With a pencil and tape measure, place and mark the brackets on the bottom of the shelf 2 inches from the edges.3. Using the drill, install one…

Customization will make even a basic building special. That was the case for this greenhouse, built by blogger Rhonda Kaiser of Southern Home and Farm. Or rather, “It was constructed by all the most important men in my life: my father, husband, father-in-law and uncle,” Rhonda says. They bought a greenhouse kit, which they then customized to suite Rhonda’s love of farmhouse style. “We added electrical, plumbing and a slab foundation,” she says. “I then painted, stenciled and sealed the floor.” Further customization included custom paint inside and out, shelving and a vintage mercantile table, vintage shutters on the windows, and even a chandelier inside. But the greenhouse isn’t just for looks. Rhonda is a certified Texas Master Gardener, so she uses the greenhouse to its full potential. “The greenhouse…

5 OF THE EASIEST VEGETABLES TO GROW EXCERPT FROM REWILD YOUR LIFE BY SARAH STIRLING, PUBLISHED BY HARDIE GRANT BOOKS, © 2021; HARDIEGRANT.COM. 1. ZUCCHINI These are straightforward to grow and renowned for their abundant crop. In mid-spring, plant seeds in small pots of compost and sit them on sunny windowsills or in a greenhouse. Alternatively, buy plants from a garden center. Transfer them outside after the last frost. 2. TOMATOES Follow the same guidelines as for zucchini. Some varieties, such as Tumbling Tom, grow well in hanging baskets, trailing down fresh, juicy tomatoes. Tip: basil and tomatoes make great companion plants in pots as well as on plates, as basil repels insects. 3. SALAD LEAVES These are rapid-growing, and many varieties can be harvested on a cut-and-come-again basis (trim the…

If you have soap and water on hand, you have everything you need to make this home gardening spray. “Just a simple mixture of soap and water can help eliminate or control hordes of insects,” McCrate and Halm write. “The soap coats the insects and breaks down their cell membranes, drying them out and killing them relatively quickly.” The best part? This spray is non-toxic, so it’s safe around children and pets. HOW TO MAKE IT: 1. Add 1 tablespoon of soap (liquid dish soap, castile soap or a specialized insecticidal soap) with a quart of water to a spray bottle.2. Shake vigorously. HOW TO USE IT: • Spray the soap on insect populations every 2-3 days for 1-2 weeks.• Use it carefully on crops to prevent harming them. To…

Wicker refers to a specific weaving process that uses different types of pliant materials to make a wide range of furniture and décor pieces, from baskets to patio furniture…and even cat trees. Before it became a staple decor piece, wicker was used as far back as 3,000 B.C. by the ancient Egyptians to make furniture by weaving weeds and swamp grass gathered from the Nile River. Since then, wicker has come a long way. It’s often associated with cottage or beach style because of its light and often whitewashed look, but recently it made an incursion into farmhouse style, particularly in outdoor furniture. The woven material makes a perfect addition as a warm and rustic, nature-inspired look that also provides a good neutral base for decor.…

STEP 1: INITIAL CONSULT Every new project starts with an in-person meeting to discuss ideas, budget and a timeline for building a home. For Shady Lane Construction, you’ll meet with Kevin and Kassie to address questions and determine if they’re the right fit for you. STEP 2: DESIGN DISCUSSION Next is the fun part: design. Shady Lane Construction will work with you to turn your ideas into drawings and 3D renderings. “Kassie is our designer, and she helps our clients through the whole process, whether that’s furniture selections or design boards,” says Kevin. This is also where they secure permits for the approved designs. STEP 3: UPDATES AND INSPECTIONS While your home is built, you’ll receive status updates to keep you involved in the process. “You can schedule an on-site…

TULIPS AND DAFFODILS “These are super easy,” Annette says. These are bulb flowers, so they’re best planted in the fall, or if you live in a warm region, refridgerate them over the winter. “You can even put them in a pot and grow them on the porch. You don’t have to do a lot to the soil,” Annette says. When they’re blooming, bring your potted flowers inside to create a tablescape or vignette. SWEET PEAS In warmer regions, you can plant sweet peas in the fall. If your region is colder, plant your seeds in late winter/early spring. By spring, the sweet peas will climb their trellises. They need more work than the tulips and daffodils, but their blooms are gorgeous and can do well in glass vases with ample…

1. CHECK HOME FIRST. Sometimes, the greatest finds are right under our noses. “I’ve been lucky, my mother-in-law was an artist and we inherited a lot of her paintings, along with some we commissioned her to do,” Margy says. Take time to look through your attic, dive into your storage unit, or ask relatives to see if there are any hidden gems they might not want anymore.2. GO THRIFTING. A well-known resource for many farmhouse enthusiasts, thrift shops can be some of the best places to find unique and fun pieces for your home. “I would look at all the prints, frames or artwork when I was out thrift shopping, and those that I loved I would buy,” Margy says.3. EXPLORE ANTIQUES. Going to antiques stores can save you time…

Can a new house learn old tricks? That’s what café owners Bruno and Diantha Lima have learned in the last five years as they’ve fixed up their home. The 1,700-square foot structure was a rundown rental the couple has livened up with plenty of vintage collectibles—all while running their café By Lima and raising their two children. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS When they bought the house in 2017, the interior was an eye sore. The first owners, who had built the house in 2000, never lived in it. Instead, they had rented it out for 17 years. That meant that, apart from the structure and utilities, it had received very little TLC. “I love second-hand items, pieces that have stood the test of time.” Both the house and the garden were pretty…

1. MIX AND MATCH. “I like to mix store-bought and foraged to keep the cost down,” Amanda says. There’s no need for an all-or-nothing mindset when decorating with florals. Some types of faux florals are more realistic-looking than others, so take advantage of faux flowers or greens when you find them. Then add fresh flowers for the texture and scent.2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. “Once things start blooming, I clip greens from the yard,” Amanda says. You might not have a rose garden outside, but leafy branches from your backyard trees or shrubs in a large glass vase can make a statement.3. MAKE YOUR OWN BOUQUET. “I like to buy a couple of bouquets from the grocery store and make my own arrangements,” Amanda says. Bouquets from a florist…

This year’s Project House isn’t a house at all. Rather, it’s a series of historic 1930s villas that were abandoned and overtaken by the slow crawl of nature. Enter Sara McDaniel, an entrepreneur, real estate developer and social media influencer at Simply Southern Cottage. But the golden thread stitching all these titles together is visionary. Sara stumbled upon the villas in her hometown of Minden, Louisiana, and immediately saw beyond the crumbling structures and overgrowth to an opportunity to preserve Minden’s 1930s history while also serving the area by transforming them into a boutique hotel. TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE But the pathway to the endeavor seemed closed before Sara even set foot on it. “I knew the villas at Spanish Court were something special,” she says. “However, there was no way I…

Picnics are the new look for outdoor soirées, and you can host them anywhere, from garden parks and sandy beaches to forests or your own backyard. This elegant maternity picnic took place among wild-flower fields and golden sun-lit hills of Mount Diablo, California. It was the vision of event planner Meghan Murray, owner of Parker Grace Events and beautifully modeled by expectant mom Michelle Carroll. CASUAL ELEGANCE Most people identify picnics as a casual, carefree way to gather with family and friends. While this summertime staple remains, luxurious customized picnics are an intimate way to enjoy unforgettable moments with loved ones. Meghan partnered with Jennifer Varsanyi, owner of Busy Bee’s Floral Design and Stella Yang of Cali Picnics, who also photographed the event. Every detail was thoughtful, from the soft…