Innholdsfortegnelse for October/November 2023 i American Farmhouse Style

FIRST, THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WELL WISHES while I was on maternity leave! We are besotted with our newest daughter, Lucy, and soaking up those fleeting days of baby smiles and cuddles. Time is a funny subject to think about, isn't it? At this time last year, I was pregnant and decorating for fall, with lots of faux and live pumpkins. This year, I have a new little daughter and my fall décor is packed away—along with almost every other item in my house. You see, my husband and I are in the process of purchasing my grandparents’ home, which has been in the family for 30 years and will be a welcome upsize for our growing family. But with renters still in the home and a buyer already…

Cornstalks, pumpkins and mums are quintessential elements for an outdoor fall. As some of her go-to décor pieces, Master Gardener and Instagram influencer Rhonda Kaiser of Southern Home and Farm uses them to inspire a feeling of autumnal celebration in her outdoor spaces. Rhonda likes to include classic fall elements in her vignettes. “I’m a fan of the traditional fall hues: warm browns, taupes, oranges, creams and ivories,” she says. But she’s able to make it her own, too. “I like to describe my style as Southern farmhouse style at its best with a unique Texas twist,” she says. This balance results in charming and unique outdoor spaces that her friends and family can all enjoy. EMBRACE THE SEASON Living on a farm in Southeast Texas inspires Rhonda to use…

1. USE AS CENTERPIECES. A large pumpkin (or several) in the middle of your tablescape anchors the look and provides a beautiful base for arranging the rest of your décor around the main attraction. 2. FILL BOWLS, PLATES AND BASKETS. “Find a special bucket or basket to display some pumpkins in on an entry table or coffee table,” says Emily. “It’s a fun way to use them in your home.” Miniature pumpkins are perfect for this. 3. MIX COLORS AND TEXTURES. If you’re using multiple pumpkins for a large display, use pumpkins of varying sizes, textures and colors to create an eye-catching design. Allow the pumpkins to do most of the work. 4. TIME YOUR PURCHASES STRATEGICALLY. If you want to use your pumpkins for carving, cooking or roasting seeds,…

1. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Planning any event can cause stress, but keeping the elements simple can help keep it to a minimum. “I like to keep things easy,” Emily says. “I don’t want to spend so much time and stress getting ready that I don’t get to enjoy the actual time together.” Some ideas include having the food catered, enlisting guests to bring sides, or using everyday tableware so you don’t have to dig out the fancy dishes. 2. BALANCE TASTE AND AESTHETIC. “I want it to be good and also to look good,” says Emily. One of her favorite things is to set up an apple cider bar with cute mugs and toppings: a tasty yet visually pleasing setup that helps guests stay warm and toasty outside. 3. MAKE…

CHALKBOARD. Victoria painted a sign in her front entry to look like a vintage chalkboard. To do the same, use a mixture of green and white paint for the background. Stencil letters across the board or write them freehand. Then finish it off by sprinkling on a small amount of real chalk dust for an authentic look. WOOD. Many vintage signs are on wood boards, so Victoria simply repainted an existing wood piece with a white background, and then added her own message in black lettering. Although you can always use stencils, Victoria often freehands many of her signs. CANVAS. Less crafty individuals can print a sign on canvas, like Victoria did for the “Antiques” sign in her upstairs hallway. This offers more flexibility with the final size, and you…

Ho-hum spaces can completely change with design expertise. For Cara Fox, owner of The Fox Group, dramatic transformations are all in a day’s work. “When I step into a room, I usually know exactly what needs to be changed or rearranged within the first ten minutes of being in it,” she says. “My biggest advice to homeowners is to seek professional help. It can save you so much time, money and headache. There are experienced people who can help you make the right choices and decisions keeping time, budget and safety a priority.” Today, Cara is taking us inside some of The Fox Group’s dramatic home renovations. GOING GLAM The priorities for this kitchen were to make it feel open, light, updated and glamorous. The client loved big European kitchens…

CONSIDER THE SPECIES. Some woods have better graining patterns than others. Pine, cedar and birch are some of the best woods in terms of their grain. “We chose a pine wood for our farmhouse table because of its bold graining,” Krista says. If there’s no wood species listed for the table you’re considering, ask the seller. SELECT THE STAIN. Stains can overpower a wood’s grain, whereas semi-transparent wood stains allow the grain and original wood to show through. “We used early American stain, which is my favorite to use around the house because it shows off the pine’s graining,” Krista says. “It’s light, but not orange.” THINK ABOUT SIZE. With farmhouse tables, the bigger the better. Krista’s table is made of solid pine and handmade in Indiana—and it’s heavy. If…

When you can’t dedicate your entire day to decorating your home for fall, start with one step. Or in this case, one project. In her new book, 10-Minute Decorating Ideas, author KariAnne Wood of Thistlewood Farms provides simple decorating ideas for every season that you can tackle in your spare time. “Successful decorating is truly about making small, consistent, clever changes over time to transform your house into a home,” she writes. Here are a few of KariAnne’s favorite fall projects that create a big impact in a short amount of time. Fall Island Tribute Every kitchen island needs a touch of fall that won’t take up all the working counter space. Author KariAnne Wood suggests starting with a basket or tray to contain your display. Then, add a vintage…

Ready to bring fall to your front door? Amy Cowley of The Happy Scraps has added fall flair to her porch and “couldn’t be more excited with how it turned out.” With a fun “Hello Pumpkin” greeting, this décor will have all who enter your farmhouse feeling warmer already. Here’s how you can re-create it yourself. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Wood plank circle• Craft paint of your choice (Amy used Magnolia White and Terra Cotta)• Paint brush• Wood bead garland of your choice• Hello Pumpkin SVG file (see QR code, courtesy of The Happy Scraps)• Cricut Maker or another cutting machine, with a cutting mat• Vinyl sheet, any color• Weeding tool• Transfer tape• Sanding block (optional)• Hot glue gun and glue• Faux greenery and fall berries• Faux pumpkin WHAT YOU’LL…

Few advertisements are as charming and nostalgic as those on English advertising pots. Made from ironstone, the pots were used in Victorian England and France during the 1800s for packaged perishable food items such as marmalade and potted meats. When the purchaser used up the contents, they usually threw the pots away—much like we do with modern-day spaghetti sauce or salsa jars. But a century later, these jars remain intact, and enthusiasts are digging them up as collectibles. COLLECTING Shop owner Amy Melin of The Vintage Bread Box got lucky when she found her first pots from a local seller on Instagram. She suggests starting your search on eBay and Etsy. Because these pots are being unearthed from Victorian-era landfills in England, they can be tough to find in the…

START BIG, END SMALL. “I typically start with a focal point, and then build out from there,” says Rhonda. “I use the same principle when creating tablescapes, too. Add the details and smaller objects last.” MIX REAL WITH FAUX. “Whenever I have a large amount of a certain décor item, like pumpkins, I always mix faux with real,” says Rhonda. “This can save money, and it tricks the eye into thinking they all are genuine.” This idea also applies to plants, vegetables and flowers. VARY THE HEIGHT. “A pro tip is to use risers to elevate décor,” says Rhonda. “Creating variety with the height of your pieces encourages the eye to keep moving, as it offers a flow of visual interest.” CREATE GROUPINGS. “If you love to add a lot…

If you never received that owl-delivered letter in the mail inviting you to study at Hogwarts (like most of us), then the next best thing is to take matters into your own hands and create a fall soirée bursting with charming details from the beloved children’s series. Take inspiration from Emily’s party to celebrate the returning school year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. TABLESCAPE To design a tablescape fit for aspiring young wizards, use glimmering goblets and elegant dishes to recreate the cozy feel of dining in the Grand Hall. Emily designed a centerpiece with the base of old-fashioned luggage trunks and then layered in accents, such as a stuffed owl, Gryffindor-themed scarf, wizard wands and paper memorabilia. You can source antique-looking dishware and suitcases at thrift stores…

1. DON’T SKIP THE DEMO. It’s almost impossible with a historic restoration to avoid doing significant demo. “With the mess you make trying to put modern wiring and plumbing into a historic house, this is usually necessary,” Seth says. Remove the modern plaster and carpet to see what you find underneath. 2. PREPARE TO WORK WITH UNEVEN SURFACES. “With a historic house, nothing is level,” Seth says. Instead of trying to fix uneven surfaces, work around them. For this restoration, the team used custom carpentry to make everything fit correctly. 3. GET CREATIVE WITH ELECTRICAL AND WIRING. There will always be obstacles when it comes to hiding wiring and plumbing in a house that wasn’t built for it. So instead, look for creative solutions. In the kitchen, for example, the…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Hot glue gun and glue• Wire and wire cutters• 10-15 small faux pumpkins• Faux eucalyptus wreath• 2 contrasting ribbons (2 ft) in a color of your choice WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Hot glue a 6-9-inch length of wire onto the bottom of each pumpkin. 2. Use the wire to secure each pumpkin onto the bottom half of the wreath. If you plan to put your wreath on a door, secure the pumpkins enough to withstand the force of the door opening and closing. 3. Choose your favorite ribbons and tie them together in a bow. For a romantic farm-cottage look, use wire-free ribbons. 4. Use another length of wire to attach the bow to the bottom middle of the wreath. Hang and enjoy!…

1. TABLE RUNNER. Start with a table runner as your base. Victoria used a chunky option in a neutral color, evoking cool autumn weather. Alternately, if you need to cover the whole table, use a contrasting tablecloth underneath the runner. 2. LEAF LAYER. Add seasonal stems and flowers as a flat layer on top of the table runner. Because natural options are limited in Florida, Victoria selected faux fig leaves and branches. 3. PUMPKIN CENTRAL. Arrange pumpkins in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Aim for at least 10, but you can add more, depending on your table size. Fill open spots with seasonal fruits, like apples and pears. The combination of textures adds interest. 4. CANDLES. Victoria thinks that every tablescape needs candlelight. “I love that cozy glow,”…

• GO THRIFTING. Check out your local thrift stores, garage sales and other similar places for secondhand and vintage pieces. This is a great way to completely change any space without construction work. “It allows me to switch up my décor regularly, which allows me to always keep my home interesting and unique,” Christina says. • CHANGE UP THE DETAILS. Little changes can make a big impact. “Switching out light fixtures is something I stand by, and have done several times living in military housing,” Christina says. She recommends looking at Facebook Marketplace for discounted fixtures. • USE PEEL AND STICK WALLPAPER. For an easy upgrade that’s a step above a coat of paint, try adding removable wallpaper. “It’s affordable and can really transform a space without changing the bones…

CREATE BALANCE. The most common fear with a moody palette is making the home feel too dark and claustrophobic. The key here is balance. “You can have moody spaces in your home without having the entire home be dark,” Michelle says. Each space in her cabin features a mix of both dark and light. ADD CONTRAST. As with an all-white space, adding contrast through textures and patterns helps break up the dark palette. Michelle used vintage and locally made pieces to layer texture into Thunderbird Cabin. “In general, the space doesn’t feel dark when you add in contrasts and texture,” she says. “Don’t feel confined and have fun. As long as you have contrast, it will work.” INCLUDE THE EXTERIOR. When designing with a darker color scheme, don’t forget the…

SMOKED PAPRIKA TORTILLA SOUP This simplified Mexican soup is served with crispy tortilla strips. It’s traditionally made with corn tortillas, but you can use flour tortillas if that’s what you have on hand. SERVES 4-6 WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • 4 tablespoons [60 ml] olive oil, divided• 1 red onion, diced• 1 red bell pepper, diced• 1 jalapeño, minced• 4 garlic cloves, minced• 1 tablespoon chili powder• 1¼ teaspoons salt• 1 teaspoon ground cumin• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper• 4 cups [960 ml] low-sodium vegetable broth• Two 15-ounce [430 g] cans black beans, rinsed• One 28-ounce [800 g] can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes• 1 cup [140 g] frozen corn• ¼ cup [10 g] chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice• 5 corn tortillas, cut…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Scissors• Paper bags• Double-sided tape WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Cut out about 50 leaves from the paper bags, each about 8 inches long. You can use a leaf template or approximate the leaf shape. If your bags have writing on them, simply flip the writing to the back. 2. Lightly crinkle the leaves to give the appearance of dried leaves from the yard. 3. Use double-sided tape to attach them to the edge of a bookcase or hutch until you have the size and shape you want for your garland.…

After living in the city, being a rapid-response nurse and even designing wedding dresses, Annette Thurmon and her husband decided they wanted to live a country lifestyle. Along with their daughter, they now take care of farm animals and grow their own food. Here’s a bit more about Annette’s story. American Farmhouse Style: Did you grow up on a farm? Annette: I did not. My dad gardened when I was a child, but country living was very unfamiliar to me when we moved. After years of city living, my husband and I felt a calling to get back to the basics of life and connect with nature. I found joy in growing my own food and caring for animals. AFS: How has your home style evolved over the years? Annette:…

STYLISH SILVER PAGE 18 For more on Nicole, visit vintage-keepers.com/shops/vintagehaven or follow her on Instagram @vintagehavenshoppe. ANTIQUE ADVERTISEMENTS PAGE 20 For more on Amy, visit etsy.com/shop/TheVintageBreadBox or follow her on Instagram @thevintagebreadbox. SOUTHERN FALL CHARM PAGE 24 For more on Rhonda, visit southernhomeandfarm.com or follow her on Instagram @southernhomeandfarm. THE MAGIC OF FALL PAGE 30 For more on Emily, visit handmadefarmhouse.com. Console table: Grandin Road. (866) 668-5962 or grandinroad.com. Dining chairs: Wayfair. (844) 245-7805 or wayfair.com. Hutch paint: Agreeable Gray (lightened 50 percent) Sherwin-Williams. (800) 474-3794 or sherwin-williams.com. HISTORIC HOMECOMING PAGE 42 For more on Seth Ballard, visit ballardmensua.com. Carpentry: Black Creek Workshop LLC. Visit blackcreekworkshop.com. Entry chandelier: Hubbardton Forge. Visit hubbardtonforge.com. Family room chandelier: Ralph Lauren. Visit ralphlauren.com. Porch boards: TimberTech. Visit timbertech.com. Range hood: Raw Urth. Visit rawurth.com.…

Butterbeer is a combination of buttery cream soda with a whipped topping. Here’s an easy way to make it. SERVES 4 WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • 4 cups cream soda• ¼ cup butterscotch syrup, plus more for serving• 1 cup heavy whipping cream• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted• 2-4 tablespoons powdered sugar• 1 teaspoon vanilla WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. For the butterbeer: Combine the cream soda and butterscotch syrup. Set aside. 2. For the topping: In an electric mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream until peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. 3. Add the melted butter and powdered sugar. Mix until incorporated (do not overmix). 4. Pour the butterbeer into mugs and top with a dollop of the whipped cream mixture. Top with butterscotch syrup, if desired.…

For tips on creating beautiful fall flower arrangements, head to our website, americanfarmhousestyle.com. Every home can be a farmhouse haven—even if you don’t live on a working farm. That’s the case for Emily Traxler, homeowner and blogger at Le Cultivateur. Emily has spent years transforming her suburban home into the space of her dreams. “It was so fun to envision what this house could one day be,” she says. The home is a new build, so Emily knew she needed to add her own style to the builder-grade space. She had a lot of room to add her own flair and make the ambience feel homey. To keep from feeling overwhelmed, Emily has worked at a slow and steady space, transforming each room with DIY projects and her signature aesthetic…

SET THE MOOD. Watch fall-centric episodes of TV shows, bake cool-weather foods, and light a fall-themed scented candle. Putting herself in the mindset of the season gets Victoria in the perfect frame of mind for decorating. GO ALL IN. It’s easy to skate by and add only a few fall touches when the weather is warm. Instead, fill your home with touches of fall in every room. Victoria adds chunky blankets, thick pillows and cozy layers in orange and amber shades throughout her home. By seeing hints of fall, Victoria says it’s easier to remember that the season is changing even when the thermometer may not agree. INCORPORATE NATURE. Even in warm climates, it’s possible to find dried plants and flowers to add to your fall décor. Victoria uses dried…

When it comes to fall décor, you can fill your home with either colorful warm hues or a more muted palette. Blogger Krista Kelley of Faith and Farmhouse strikes a balance between the two with a fall tablescape that underscores classic white ghost pumpkins with honeyed wood tones. “Woods and whites are my favorite combination, especially for this season,” she says. “Fall is the time you want to bring the warmth inside with wood tones.” A FARMHOUSE FAVORITE Besides heralding in a feeling of warmth, wood offers the perfect contrast to neutral tones. With Krista’s walls awash in warm white, the wood base of the pine wood dining table creates immediate visual interest. This showstopper table becomes the main feature of Krista’s fall tablescape. “I prefer not to use a…