Innholdsfortegnelse for June/July 2023 i American Farmhouse Style

It’s summer, and we’re all geared up for outdoor parties, longer days, late nights, and yes—home repairs and upgrades. My husband and I purchased our home a few years ago, and after the exciting whirlwind of a new baby, we are just now starting our own to-do list for home projects. Boy, can it feel a bit overwhelming at times to figure out where to start! I’ve found that it’s easier to suss out by categorizing areas in your home and building your list from there. And for us, our kitchen and baths are at the top of the list. If you, like us, are wanting to revamp these parts of your home, look no further! In these pages, you’ll find the right balance of inspiration and instruction. From gorgeous…

americanfarmhousestyle.com Scan here! WHAT IS FARMHOUSE COTTAGE STYLE? Farmhouse cottage style blends the down-to-earth farmhouse look with cozy, vintage cottage style. HOW TO REUSE AND REPURPOSE IN THE GARDEN As the gardening season heats up, check out this helpful guide to reusing and repurposing what you already have in the garden. WALLPAPER STATEMENT WALLS Wallpaper can be used to create stunning statement walls that will be the centerpiece of your space. Get some helpful tips from blogger Brooke Larsen (home tour on page 48) about how to bring bold wallpaper into your own home. COLLECTING VINTAGE TOBACCO BASKETS Learn more about the history of this flea market favorite and find out where you can get a basket for yourself! VINTAGE WINDOW COVERINGS When decorating your home, don’t forget to style…

Summertime means higher temperatures – and that means it’s time to turn on the AC! Going ductless means replacing your loud, clunky AC unit with small, sleek units that perfectly cool down your space without interrupting your home design. If you recognize this shot of our Project Home Louisiana, you’ll notice how seamlessly the wall mounted air handler from MRCOOL blends into the décor. This is the DIYTM Ductless Mini-Split option MRCOOL offers—and we loved it so much we had it installed in all eight villas at Spanish Court! With practicality and integration in mind, MRCOOL has just come out with a new air handler option for their DIY® Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump System—the DIY® Ceiling Cassette. This innovative unit comes in three sizes: a 9k BTU unit (covers around…

Kitchens are at the heart of family meal preps, holiday gatherings, and all of life’s warm celebrations. While creating a space that is functional and stylish can be a challenge, Sinkology and V-MAT offer products that help homeowners spend less time on mess and more time on what matters. Chris DeVillers from Sinkology and Jennifer Smith from V-MAT offer the following tips on key kitchen essentials. CONVENIENT COUNTERTOPS Common countertop finishes, such as stone and granite, are naturally porous and require resealing and lots of upkeep. “The more porous a surface is, the more it can absorb liquids, air, and even bacteria, making it much harder to sanitize,” says Chris. He recommends alternative finishes for a more practical option without sacrificing style. “Innovations in countertops make getting the look of natural…

1. CONSTRUCT CONVERSATIONAL SEATING. You don’t want your guests or family to feel like they’re sitting like strangers at a bar! Try seating on two sides of the island, rather than one.2. PACK A PUNCH WITH YOUR PREP SINK. Opt for an inset sink to optimize counter space, and place the sink near your fridge, trash and cooking appliances for easy food transfer and cleanup.3. GET CREATIVE WITH STORAGE. Design rollouts, cutting board slots and deep cabinets based on your most-used items to ensure your island storage meets your needs ahead of install.4. CONSIDER MATERIAL LONGEVITY. Matte quartz island countertops minimize reflection and can withstand constant use. Marble, though durable, can etch when in contact with acidity.…

1. EXPOSED BEAM CEILINGS. This is a trend that came over from Europe to America at a very early stage. The oldest homes in the US, from log cabin to colonial style, often have exposed ceiling beams. For added dimension and a rustic feel, wood beams steal the ceiling show, even in a new build.2. ALCOVES. Built-ins and alcoves add something special to a home. They’re perfect for extra storage, unexpected seating areas and displaying décor. Combined with the open floor plan of the traditional farmhouse, alcoves provide opportunities to steal away from the larger group in a cozier, smaller space.3. NATURAL WOOD TONES. Before you rush to paint over your wood window frames or ceiling beams, give the warm, natural tone of the wood a chance to shine. You…

• LOCATION. When picking where to set up your outdoor dining consider what your space has to offer. Perhaps you have a garden that would provide a beautiful backdrop to your summer lunch or maybe you have a less cluttered grassy area that will allow your guests to move about freely. Pick your setting intentionally to create the best dining experience. • SET THE MOOD. Lighting is an easy and effective way to set the mood for outdoor dining, and it can also be tailored to your specific needs. If you are doing a later gathering, string lights or a fire pit can add charm and atmosphere. If you are working with a smaller area, or don’t have a way to hang lights, consider adding candles to set the mood.…

Our Project House 2023 is following a dreamy speculative build that’s being brought to life by The Fox Group, an upscale design firm out of Holladay, Utah. We’ve seen the structure go up, but now the build is truly becoming a home with all the fun items getting added. “This is the exciting part,” says Cara, owner of The Fox Group. “It’s where the home really shows itself.” Windows have been installed and next comes the chimney installation, followed by the roofing material and exterior stone. Inside, the drywall process is underway, preceding moldings and paint. There have been some challenges—this has been one of the heaviest snowfall years in Utah, so the timeline has been impacted—but, overall, the build as gone beautifully.…

Hosting gatherings outside is the best on the Fourth of July, when outdoor sports, grilling and playing with sparklers rank high on the list of activities. For social media influencer, master gardener and designer Rhonda Kaiser of Southern Home and Farm, creating an inviting space outside is as important as attending to those inside her farmhouse. “My main goal with my outdoor spaces,” she says, “is to extend my indoors, creating an outdoor sanctuary of sorts. I think of these spaces as an extension of my home.” CREATING COHESION Rhonda wanted all her outdoor structures to match her charming white farmhouse. Her greenhouse, along with provincial style chairs, benches and a hanging bed swing are all white. It’s better still when her pieces are all chippy white, which she loves…

Summertime Favorites Add these warm-weather-loving fruits and veggies to your garden for an even more colorful harvest plate! 1. Tomatoes • Zones: 10 to 11• Exposure: Full sun• Temperatures: 55°F – 90°F• Note: avoid planting near corn or plants belonging to the Brassica and Solanum families 2. Corn • Zones: 4 to 8• Exposure: Bright, indirect sunlight• Temperatures: 65°F – 85°F• Note: corn can be picky about soil, so it’s best to use established, aged soil or composted soil 3. Strawberries • Zones: 3 to 10• Exposure: Full sun• Temperatures: 60°F – 80°F• Note: be sure to research the different kinds of strawberries to determine which is the best for your area 4. Okra • Zones: 3 to 9• Exposure: Full sun• Temperatures: 60°F – 95°F• Note: best to harvest…

Summertime means longer days, opportunities to spend time outside, and gatherings with loved ones around the table. What better way to spruce up your dining room, whether indoors or outdoors, than with a handmade centerpiece? Laura Nickelson created her blog, The Turquoise Home, to share her DIY projects and home-décor ideas. This simple project is perfect for tabletop floral arrangements or to use anywhere in your home to display treasures. To see more of Laura’s projects, visit theturquoisehome.com or find her on Instagram @theturquoisehome WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Wood pieces (Laura had a 1 x 6 x 8 cut into 3 boards 26 in long, and 2 boards cut to 7 in long)• Kreg® Jig• Kreg® Pocket Hole Screws (Laura used 1¼ in)• Clamp• Screwdriver• Stain (Laura used Dark Walnut…

SIZE & STYLE After you measure your space to determine the size you need, take time to determine what design style works best. Chris gives the following descriptions for each style Sinkology offers: • “Single-bowl layouts allow for large pots and pans to soak without taking up the entire sink,” he says. “For families who love to cook and entertain, this is a great option.”• “Double-bowl layouts provide dedicated space for cleaning and for drying, so homes that generate a lot of dishes might love to have separate spaces for different functions,” he says.• “Workstations often include a built-in cutting board for easy food prep, which is an added bonus for modern kitchens,” he says. MATERIAL & DURABILITY Choosing the right material can help you in the pursuit of a…

DEFINE YOUR BUDGET. First, she helps clients nail down what changes or additions will impact their budget: Are they open to moving walls? How many large and/or built-in appliances will they need for weekly meals? How will those appliances fit into their space? GET CREATIVE. If you’re designing on a budget, Tanya says to opt for a closet or built-in pantry instead of a walk-in with a door, which requires extra walls—and quickly hikes up the project price. CUT DOWN CABINETS. One of the biggest design mistakes Tanya has seen homeowners make in their kitchen storage is including too many cabinets. She prefers to play around with drawers, which also allows for easy maneuvering around the kitchen when popping in and out of your storage. “When you include so many…

• DOUBLE DUTY. Brooke adds interest to her neutral home by building design elements into each furnishing or fixture. “I try to make every aspect I can [part of the] décor,” she says. “For example, I had the pantry doors custom designed to fit the farmhouse style, so they add warmth against the neutral color palette.” • SIZE STATEMENT. Big design pieces equal big impact against a neutral palette. “Our fireplace accent wall is a big focal point that enlivens the neutral room,” Brooke says. • TANTALIZING TEXTILES. Other details Brooke uses to soften her spaces include curtains, fabric furniture, throw pillows and other textiles. It balances the statement pieces against the neutral palette and helps maximize the serenity of the softer hues.…

• THINK PRACTICALLY. As you design your kitchen, it’s important to think realistically about the ways in which you’ll use it. For example, if there are appliances you use often, like an electric tea kettle or toaster, consider purchasing stylish versions of those appliances since they’ll likely be sitting out on your countertop most of the time.• ORGANIZATION IS KEY. Intentionally organizing your drawers and cabinets will not only make your life easier as you utilize your kitchen but will also encourage you to put everything away, keeping your kitchen looking tidy and put together.• KEEP IT SIMPLE. When deciding what décor to put on display, less is more in the kitchen. You don’t want to overwhelm the space, so a few strategically chosen statement pieces, like a large vase,…

ART FOCUS. When Emily is designing a space, she always focuses on the art. “I’m a creative, so my space needs to speak to me,” she says. Try shopping for pieces by local artists. Art is something that will never go out of style, particularly if you’re picking quality pieces that have meaning for you. SIMPLE STYLING. In spaces that require a lot of productivity, like a home office, Emily recommends simple and minimal styling that keeps things natural and breezy. “I have plants, soothing paint colors and warm oak floors,” she says. Plants are an excellent, affordable way to bring color and texture into an area without overwhelming it or creating a design that’s too busy. This is especially important for a space that requires calm, like a desk…

1. ANTIQUING. Antique stores are a great place to look for vintage signs. These stores will often carry these, and the best part is, if you don’t find a sign that suits you, you are sure to find another vintage gem that does!2. FLEA MARKET FINDS. Flea markets are another option for searching for vintage signs. Cynthia suggests negotiating with sellers. “People are often willing to negotiate, so don’t be afraid to haggle if the price seems too high,” she advises.3. GOING ONLINE. Recently, Cynthia has been finding vintage sign art online, which she prints and frames. This gives her a lot of freedom in her décor and is a perfect option for seasonal pieces. “Antique downloads are a really affordable way to change seasonal art,” she says.…

• ART GALLERY. When you first walk into The Fox Shop, you’re greeted by walls full of art. “It’s almost an overwhelming of the senses to see all the different types and styles of art we carry,” Cara says. They feature local artists along with artists from all over the world. Each piece is hand-selected for the store.• MAKING THE MOST OF THE SPACE. The staff must be selective with what is put on the floor due to square-footage limits. Because of that, items are intentionally curated and must reflect the heart and the soul of The Fox Shop. Despite the cozy quarters, the shop has a full bedroom display and living room tableau that customers see upon walking in. In the back is a dining room and kitchen presentation.•…

Whether it’s charming red and white throw pillows or dried hydrangeas, there are plenty of ways to evoke a classic Fourth of July color scheme. • MIX PATTERNS AND TEXTURES. Rhonda chose red and white polka dot patterns for her faux cupcakes; she then picked red and blue checkered patterns for some throw pillows. She also made sure to combine rough edges—like throws made from farm feed sacks—with softer textures, including cozy white pillows on the bed swing. “Mixing and matching different patterns and textures can also create a vintage feel,” she says.• PICK UNIQUE SOLIDS. The American flag is made of blue jay blue and scarlet red, but Rhonda pairs these more traditional shades with some unusual tints like turquoise candles on a table or the reddish-pink of the…

Farmhouse style often goes together with other home-décor styles to create a fresh, fun and individualized design. Stephanie Martin loves to combine styles in her home for a cohesive, unique look and feel full of trademark farmhouse simplicity and coziness. She started her Instagram account as a creative outlet to share her love of décor with others. Here she shares a bit more about this. American Farmhouse Style: What got you interested in farmhouse style? Stephanie: I’ve always been drawn to things that are old, rusted and have a story to tell. I love things that have belonged to others, were loved by them—and now I get to love the same thing. When I think of farmhouse, I think of simple yet cozy, and that’s exactly the feeling I want…

INGREDIENTS: • 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice • Lemon peels (no pith) from 2 lemons • 2 cups sugar • 2 cups water + more to taste • Ice • Berries, ginger, and/or mint for garnish DIRECTIONS: • Cut lemon peel into small slices, place in a small bowl, and pour sugar over them to let sit for 20 minutes.○ If you’re adding ginger, grate one piece and add to the lemon rinds. • Combine lemon peels, sugar and water into a pot and bring to a boil, letting simmer for 5 minutes. • Let it cool for at least 30 minutes. • Pour into beverage dispenser and add cold water to taste.○ If you’re adding berries, puree and strain if needed before adding. • Add in ice, mint,…

While every part that goes into Urban Billy’s handcrafted furniture is sourced from family owned American businesses, for owners Nathan and Emily Hazlerig, being “American-made” goes beyond that. “It’s about the people behind every part of the product that we make,” Nathan says. “We’re supporting and creating American jobs.” That perspective of caring for community starts with their own talented craftsmen, many of whom have been family members. Urban Billy’s product line began with the bedroom furniture and now extends to dressers, tables, shelves and sofas. The woodgrain and unique character in every piece showcase its organic, nature-inspired feel. “We try to make pieces that stand alone,” Emily says. “We let the character of the wood speak for itself.” Nathan’s own craftsman journey follows in the footsteps of his dad…

• DETERMINE THE SIZE. Jennifer recommends measuring or using tape to outline the size of the desired kitchen mat, whether it is a small circle mat by the kitchen sink, a large rectangle runner or a custom size or shape, like the popular L-shaped mat for kitchen islands.• MAKE A STATEMENT. A kitchen mat is an easy way to add elegance and style to your space. With the wide selection of designs and colors from V-MAT, it’s easy to add your own personal flair to your farmhouse kitchen.• EASY-TO-CLEAN. Another practical factor to consider is how you will clean your kitchen mat. Many floor covering manufacturers keep this in mind in their design process, but it can still be a hassle to keep them clean. V-MATs, on the other hand,…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Pin nailer (or brad nailer)• Miter saw• Tape measure• Caulk• FrogTape®• Large shadow box molding• Small shadow box molding• Level• Wood filler• Sandpaper• Urbane Bronze paint by Sherwin-Williams• Paint brush• Paint roller,3 / 16 or ¼ inch• Gold spray paint• Drop cloth WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Sketch it out on the wall. Use a tape measure, leveler, and pencil to outline where you will place your molding. This helps with spacing and making sure you put the molding in the right place. Make sure to put the bigger molding on the outside and the smaller molding on the inside.2. Measure and cut the shadow box molding. Cut the molding with 45-degree cuts.3. Attach the shadow box molding. To attach the moldings to the wall, you can…

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: • Homax Tough as Tile Refinishing Kit: spray-on option in the color of your choice• Magic Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit: roll-on option in the color of your choice• Mask: for protection from paint fumes• Gloves• Safety glasses• Painters tape• Abrasive cleaner• A fine-bristle paint brush• Paint tray• Grout and tile sealer (Cynthia used 24 fluid ounces) WHAT YOU WILL DO: 1. Clean and prep your surface so that you have a nice smooth starting point.2. Sand away any peeling or chipped paint and fill any imperfections in the surface of the tub.3. Scrub the surface of your bath and tile with your abrasive cleaner; wipe clean.4. Remove all caulking and rinse; allow surface to dry.5. Tape off the bathtub and tile to help keep any…

• FIND THE FINISH. There are two primary options for door finishes: stain or paint. Stain celebrates the natural, classic beauty of the wood, whereas paint creates an artistic statement with lots of personality.• AESTHETICALLY SPEAKING. Another decision is aesthetic. There are a variety of styles, such as rustic, traditional and Scandinavian. “Most of our doors fall into these categories and suit most home styles,” Tyler says.• LONG LIVE THE… DOOR! Longevity is an important aspect, as front doors are exposed to the elements. “We only use hardwoods or heart-of softwoods to create stable, durable doors that last for decades,” Tyler says. It’s recommended to choose one of these options for a long-lasting front door.• THE REAL DEAL. The Ceolas always suggest investing in a solid door versus a veneer.…

If failure is the best teacher, experience is the second best. And thankfully, it’s possible to learn from someone else’s experiences. Noell and Daniel Jett, authors of Create Your Dream Home on a Budget, built their dream home from the ground up. Now that they’ve made it to the other side, they’ve shared their wisdom, including how to create a budget and find the right contractors. They’ve also included a room-by-room guide and numerous DIY projects to help save other homeowners time and money—and prevent avoidable mistakes. “It’s meant to be used as a guide throughout your home-building or renovating journey that you can come back to again and again whenever needed,” Noell and Daniel write in their book. “Even if you aren’t building from the ground up, there is…