Innholdsfortegnelse for July - August 2015 i Country Living

IT STARTED WITH a Little Free Library (littlefree library.org; see bottom right). Kay and Steve, our lovely neighbors down the block, installed one in front of their home, and now my 2-year-old daughter, Emmy, lives for our semi-nightly pilgrimage to the take-abook, leave-a-book wooden depository. Board book in hand, we amble along the jagged sidewalk in our historic (read: old!) neighborhood to this charming literary landmark. I look forward to these walks because they force me to slow down and look at the world—or at least a quarter-mile stretch of pavement—through a toddler’s eyes, at a toddler’s pace. We pause to admire a neighbor’s flowers. (“Blue!” observes Emmy, who is not quite yet learning her colors.) We stop to pet Parker, a neighbor’s friendly golden retriever. We marvel over an…

PAGE 22 An indoor/outdoor rug brings a pop of color and pattern underfoot. PAGE 93 This watery blue accessory freshens up any room. Glidden® paint provides beautiful color and coverage. You’re guaranteed happy results at a low price. The Glidden Premium Paint Collection includes lowodor, no-VOC interior paint and tough yet elegant exterior house paint. PAGE 59 A simple windowpane fabric is a classic choice that will never go out of style. PAGE 38 We cherry-picked this vintage needlepoint purse for its bold, rich colors. PAGE 20 This ice-cream bowl is perfectly shaped to be held in your hands so you can slurp that last drop!…

Slanted at one end for optimal slurping! Ice Cream Bowl, $25; haand.us New York-based Phin & Phebes is our favorite new purveyor of brain freeze, thanks to all-natural ingredients. $6/pint; phin andphebes.com for stores Dress up sugar cones with fruity paper sleeves. Printable Watermelon Wrappers, $5 to download; designeatrepeat.com Add old-fashioned charm to your next ice-cream social. Mini Wood Spoons, $10/set of 20; sucreshop.etsy.com…

I’ve held on to these old sparkler boxes for years. Are they anything special? —K.C., SAN DIEGO, CA WHAT IT IS: 1950s SPARKLERS PACKAGING With their patriotic appeal, fireworks have become popular collector’s items. “Estimates are based on packaging size, age, and design. Original fireworks don’t up the value and could be a fire hazard,” explains Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions. Your boxes were made in Dayton, Ohio, by United Fireworks in the early 1950s. Though not as old as some specimens (the earliest date to the 1850s), these still pack value thanks to their retro look. WHAT IT’S WORTH: $50 “This beautiful bucket belonged to my grandfather. What was its original purpose?” —L.C., CAMDEN, ME WHAT IT IS: COPPER MINNOW BUCKET This item would have been kept by fishermen…

Monopoly Playing Piece Since the game’s 1935 debut, all house game pieces have been miniature Capes. Houses of ’Squam Light by Edward Hopper The famed 1920s artist summered in his very own Cape Cod and featured the home style in many paintings. The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton This 1942 classic children’s book chronicles a country Cape that has a gritty city grow up around it. Levittown, NY Founded in 1947, America’s first subdivision is still brimming with cookie-cutter Cape Cod homes.…

Q My Russian tortoise’s shell has become dry and flaky. Is this normal? -K.K., JOPLIN, MO A As tortoises grow, the plate-like scales that make up the outside of the shell peel away to make room for larger ones. Flaking is a natural process, and moisturizers are not necessary. (In fact, they could even prove harmful by creating an excessively moist exterior, which can hinder normal shell growth.) All that said, if you observe flaking patches that are red in color, your turtle may be suffering from shell rot, a fungal infection associated with trauma to the shell. Because treatment often begins with removing the affected tissue, you’ll want to visit a qualified veterinarian for care. HAVE A PET QUESTION? Drop Dr. Earley a line at countryvet@countryliving.com Q I’m afraid…

ENTRY A barnwood accent wall paired with old stadium seating and abstract artwork sets a modernrustic vibe. When Atlanta transplants Lauren and John Scott set out to renovate their Newport Beach, California, bungalow, they ran into a problem. The home’s foundation lacked rebar (steel reinforcement) and, therefore, would need to be rebuilt. Initially crestfallen, the couple eventually viewed the roadblock as a silver lining. “It cost us. But we realized that we could build exactly what we wanted, exactly where we wanted it,” explains Lauren, who decorated the home. What they wanted was a thoroughly modern farmhouse: a clean, rustic space with a sunny, come-as-you-are vibe. To achieve the look, Lauren and John teamed up with Eric Olsen, a local architect known for his mix of raw wood and industrial…

GLASS FLOATS “Nautical accents don’t have to equal anchors or lighthouses!” Floats With Rope, from $5; save-on-crafts.com PAINTED FURNITURE “Twisted legs never fail to add a dose of country style.” Nesting Tables, $299/set of three; softsurroundings.com WICKER CHAIRS “Newly purchased chairs look heaps more appealing when paired with an antique table.” QUILTS “They can feel surprisingly fresh thanks to bold colors and patterns.” Pineapple Quilt, $795; judiboisson.com BIRD MOTIF WALLPAPER “Based on a print from the 1700s, this nature-inspired design gives nods to the past.” A-Twitter by Schumacher, $89/single roll; mahones wallpapershop.com FLORAL PRINTS “Designs that feature florals keep spaces feeling soft.” Ann’s Labyrinth in China Blue, $67/yard; mainecottage.com REPURPOSED FURNITURE “Transforming a vintage dresser into a vanity is a fast way to make a brand-new powder room feel less…

Feedback “As a proud owner of an original 1925 Pyrex measuring cup, I was delighted to read your article on the brand in the May 2015 issue! This two-sided spout model [pictured above] was only made for one year. I thought you might like to see what the original looked like!” -Marsha Rochester, Oxford, ME “Your May issue is what Country Living is all about—mixing old with new and repurposing finds. As someone who works at a recycling center, I know that reusing shouldn’t be just about bottles, cans, and plastics. Hope you’ll continue this theme in future issues!“ -Kathe Warden, Hebron, NY BETTER LATE THAN NEVER! While doing some major spring cleaning, Rita Chute of Grantsburg, WI, stumbled across this December 1996 Country Living invoice. She snail-mailed the bill…

HOW TO: Cut a piece of jute twine to desired length of banner. (You’ll want to leave a foot at each end for hanging.) Fold an ironed bandanna in half and cut out a triangle. (When unfolded, it should make a diamond shape.) Trace along the edge of the diamond with hot glue. Fold fabric over jute and press down to seal. Repeat steps until twine is covered.…

Okay, I admit it: My green thumb has more to do with a proclivity for growing collections rather than the garden itself. All my life I have loved creating environments using found things. With the purchase, almost three decades ago, of Elm Glen Farm in Upstate New York, those options expanded to decorating in the great outdoors. Before I even planted the first bulb, I began the hunt for garden accessories. Here, some of the finds that have taken root in my heart! 1 Little Blue Birdhouse This handmade find featuring my favorite faded shade of blue and adorned with a garden trowel makes the perfect welcome at the door of my tiny chicken coop-turned-garden shed. TIP: Birdhouses can live indoors too! A collection displayed on a wall or shelf…

THE EXTERIOR Available in 24 colors, the customizable TUFF Shed Premier Tall Barn (shown here at 12 by 16 feet) is far from your run-ofthe-mill toolshed. To create a tranquil summery vibe, we chose “Lakefront” for the blue siding and “English Pinewood” for the green-gray trim and shutters— the latter of which we added to help the space feel less “shed” and more “retreat.” And because rainy summer days always sound better with a metal roof, we opted for a galvanized style. Prices start at $2,000 for a 6- by 8-foot Premier Tall Barn; pricing includes delivery and installation. READING NOOK & SLEEPING LOFT Summer afternoons were made for napping, right? The metal daybed (see buying info below) offers ample room for curling up without encroaching on square footage. Above,…

COZY READING NOOK “An upholstered daybed creates an inviting spot to curl up with a book—or take a nap!” New Canaan Daybed, from $799; ballarddesigns.com BATIK PRINTS “I love the texture this ancient textile design brings to a room.” Indigo Pillow, $165; www.shopskout.com RATTAN PENDANT “I’m always looking for new pieces that look like they could have had a past life. This fixture resembles a fisherman’s basket.” Santa Monica Pendant, $295; serenaandlily.com WOOD PANELING “Our oak-planked walls make the house feel much older than it is.” Reclaimed Barn Paneling, from $5.50/square foot; antique beamsandboards.com POPS OF YELLOW “The sunny hue is a country classic that’s also totally fresh.” Milk Glass Set, $135/set of 3; robertsiegelstudio.com REPURPOSED SEATING “Both storied and sturdy, old stadium seats are perfect for a house with…

W hen homeowner Layla George told designer Emily Fisher she wanted a crowd-pleasing kitchen, she meant it. With eight (yes, eight!) kids in her blended family, she needed smart storage and easy, help-yourself access. Here’s how the two collaborated to create a colorful, classic-meetscurrent space befitting Layla’s energetic brood. 1 BOLD TILE The vibrant, quilt-like backsplash creates a focal point. Made from cement, it also lends subtle texture. 2 FLOATING SHELVES The streamlined look provides all the country charm of open shelving without detracting from the graphic tile. 3 COLORFUL ISLAND Equipped with ample storage (cabinets, drawers, and even a bookcase for cookbooks), the 8-foot-long island, painted a crisp shade of yellowy green, resembles an antique sideboard. Hearty butcher block tops off the furniture effect. 4 A SINGLE BARSTOOL A…

Set the Scene Virginia pretties up plain old picnic tables with flowers from the garden and simple, no-fuss centerpieces of heirloom tomatoes. THE MENU COCKTAIL Raspberry-Mint Lemonade APPETIZER Bruschetta Bar with Pecan-Basil Pesto & Lemon Aïoli MAIN DISH Coffee and Brown Sugar-Crusted Skirt Steak SIDES Corn on the Cob with Cilantro, Cumin, and Lime Butter Grilled Okra and Jalapeños Crunchy Celery Salad with Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing Grilled Potato Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette SWEET TREATS Sweet Corn Ice Cream Blueberry Cobbler Serve crusty bread, sliced tomatoes, and seasoned salts alongside homemade spreads for a do-it-yourself bruschetta bar. Because this salad has no soft leafy greens, it will stay crunchy and fresh for hours. A potato salad dressed with vinegar and oil keeps better outside than one tossed with mayo. Raspberry-Mint Lemonade…

Turn the page to see how we used this image from the countryside to inspire a breezy blue bedroom. DUVET COVER This gathered green bedding reinforces the room’s earthy palette. King-Size Rosette Duvet, $329; lazybonesusa.com (10% off with code countryliving10) LIGHTING The see-through base of this teardrop-shaped mercury glass lamp keeps even a small space feeling airy. Teardrop Lamp, $79; pier1.com RUG Braided from recycled fabrics, this 5-footwide rug lays the groundwork for a textured space. Rug, $119; landofnod.com BED Bring on the summertime blues with this sophisticated arched pick. Queen Bed, $799; crateandbarrel.com COASTERS Plant a bedside drink on a handcrafted, copperand-glass accent. Coasters, $42/set of four; bensgarden.com PAINT This subtle shade of green acts as a neutral. Forest Light by Glidden; homedepot.com SIDE TABLE This 2-foot-wide rattan piece…

CRATES In the early 1900s, the burgeoning soda industry was made up of local drugstores who mixed and bottled smallbatch recipes and delivered them in handstenciled crates. Today those rare boxes fetch up to $200. More recent specimens (like the 1950s and 1960s ones shown) go for $20. SYRUP DISPENSERS Before multi-brand soda fountains emerged, manufacturers would send individual syrup dispensers to malt shops to use and display on their counters. The heavy 1915 stoneware model from the now-defunct Ginger-Mint Julep (A) can cost up to $4,000. More abundant and, therefore, less coveted glass ones, like the small Schroeder’s jug (B), go for closer to $150 DOOR PUSHERS “Put your logo everywhere,” was the unspoken mantra of 20th-century soda companies. The novel door pusher is a prime example of that…

PERFECT SYMMETRY Classic “Full Capes” have a central door flanked by two windows on each side CENTRAL CHIMNEY Traditionally, this placement was the most efficient way to heat all rooms evenly. ONE-AND-A-HALF STORIES To maximize space, many Cape Cod owners carved out a half-story up top. Roofs were pitched to withstand heavy snowfalls. CLAPBOARD SIDING Abundant New England woodlands led to siding crafted from long, thin strips of oak and poplar. HISTORICCOLORS Many Capes still feature period-appropriate shades. Clementine Exterior Paint; historic newengland.org IRON HARDWARE In keeping with the straightforward design, Cape hard-ware was made from no-nonsense forged iron. $41; houseofantique hardware.com DORMERS Mirror image dormers were a practical way to add light and air flow to the upper floor. CEDAR SHINGLE ROOF Ample forests also gave rise to hand-split,…

VINTAGE SIGNAGE “The metal M reminded me of a cattle brand; we marked the house to make it ours!” Metal Letter, from $49; elsiegreen.com LAVENDER “The fragrant floral brings a fresh pop of color to our largely neutral home.” Lavender-in-a-Pail, $25; pottingshed creations.com WOVEN BASKETS “The perfect place to stash shoes after a long hike on the property.” Moroccan Baskets, from $19; elsiegreen.com WOODEN ACCENTS “Little wooden stools and benches offer rustic details—and lots of spots to sit.” Teak Stool, $195; jaysonhome.com BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOS “Our vintage photos feel reminiscent of the era in which the house was built.” Barn Photo; sandjproject.com for more information INDIGO BEDDING “Vivid blue block prints are a subtle, organic way to bring pattern into a home.” Euro Shams, from $66; lesindiennes.com HANDMADE TOWELS “These quick-drying…

1. CUSTOM CABINETRY The entryway’s red builtin contains locker-style storage above and pullout drawers below—ideal for stashing everything from beach towels to board games. Designed to look like a piece of furniture, it’s more charming than a standard hall closet. IF THE CABIN next to your parent’s lake house goes on the market, there’s really only one thing to do: Buy it! At least that’s the approach one couple took when they had the opportunity to purchase a weekend getaway adjacent to where the husband had experienced idyllic childhood summers filled with lapping waves, chirping birds, and hours of outdoor play. But with four children, the small, existing residence proved cramped. Instead of a renovation or addition, the couple decided to tear down the current structure and start fresh with…

Burgers! TEX-MEX DOUBLE BEEF MAKES 4 servings WORKING TIME 25 minutes TOTAL TIME 25 minutes Shape 2 pounds ground chuck into 8 (4-inch) patties. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Grill, covered, over medium-high heat until desired degree of doneness, 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium. Top patties with 8 slices extra-sharp Cheddar and grill, covered, until melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Stack 2 burgers. Serve on 4 grilled Kaiser buns with pickled jalapeños, pico de gallo, and guacamole. TZATZIKI SALMON MAKES 4 servings WORKING TIME 25 minutes TOTAL TIME 25 minutes Combine 1 1/2 pounds finely chopped skinless salmon, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons each chopped capers, chopped fresh dill, and Dijon mustard; shape into 4 (4-inch) patties. Season with kosher salt and…

COVER Le Creuset oval Dutch oven, $295; lecreuset.com. Stainless steel canisters, $180/set of 6; food52.com. THE CHECK LIST page 20 Mateo Home vintage wash linen napkins; table-matters.com. Sew Classic denim fabric blue stretch stovepipe; joann.com. Red cotton ticking; bandjfabrics.com. Yarn, Daisy Weekend DK; shopinthemaking.com. page 23 Linen blanket, $425; brahms mount.com. THE COLLECTOR’S GUIDE TO SODA POP page 29 7Up and Vernor Coolers; revivalcle.etsy.com. page 35 Bottles; homewoodantiques.com. WHAT IS IT? WHAT IS IT WORTH? page 38 Minnow bucket; themadison picker.rubylane.com. Needlepoint purse; ungabungaartvintage.etsy.com. page 39 Ice-cream maker; antique dreamer.etsy.com. INTRODUCING THE SHE-SHED! page 50 Tin planter, $219/set of three, and unfinished Adirondack patio chair; both from homedepot.com. page 53 Plaid cotton throw, $148; shopterrain.com. Striped linen shams, $249 for duvet and shams; parachutehome.com. Coral pillows; serenaandlily.com. A READER-VOTED REDO! page 59 Oxford pop-up…