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EASY IDEAS FOR
Summer Style

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DIY
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CONTACT US | Call for a Catalog » 1 (800) 787-2001

Beautifying Farmhouse Style Homes Across the Nation — Inside and Out — SINCE 1990
CONTENTS

80
Workbench Flea Market Finds 66
14 PLANT PROPAGATION 26 CORBEL COLLECTION
Follow these simple tips to breed new plants. Add this fun architectural salvage collectible to
your farmhouse.
18 DIY BARN QUILT WALL ART
Tie your walls into the American quilting
tradition with this fun painted piece.
Essentials
28 FLOOR FOCUS
Made In America Learn how to choose hardwood floors from an
expert in the industry.
20 QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
An Illinois mother of two transformed her
greatest passion into an inspiring career.
Style
32 FARMHOUSE WITH A TROPICAL TWIST 36
21 LOVE IS A VINTAGE DOOR Visit the coastline with this fun, teal-colored
Quality and craftsmanship are not lost on these Hawaiian kitchen.
American-made doors.
36 WHITE ON WHITE
Farmhouse Favorites This Maryland kitchen is functional and shows
off classy white farmhouse style.
22 TICK-TOCK CLOCKS
Keep time in your home with a classic 40 SUMMERTIME SIMPLICITY
grandfather clock. This Ontario, Canada, home shows off bright,
fresh farmhouse style for summer.
Barn Finds 54 FRUGAL TURNED FANCY
24 MADE IN THE USA Twin sisters take their life-long love for
These sweet, simple pieces by American farmhouse style to the next level in their Idaho
makers bring the farmhouse into your home. homes and business.
CONTENTS
54 Do It Yourself
24 Projects
PATRIOTIC PINWHEELS .......................... 10
PLANT PROPAGATION ........................... 14
BARN QUILT WALL ART .......................... 18
BLANKET LADDER ................................... 52
FAUX SHIPLAP ........................................... 65
SCENT POTS................................................ 85
PLACE SETTING FRAMED ART ............ 115
POTTED CENTERPIECE ........................... 120

94

66 BAYSIDE RETREAT
Discover the waterfront charm of this
Maryland farmhouse.

80 THE HOUSE THAT DIY BUILT


A 65-year-old home in Phoenix, Arizona, gets
new life with DIY creations and vintage gems.

94 A LABOR OF LOVE
A new build outside Jacksonville, Florida,
elevates low-country style with farmhouse
details and upscale elements.

Project House
110 CLEAR AS A MUDROOM
The first reveals of our New Hampshire project
house are the mudroom and powder room.
40 Extra
EDITOR’S LETTER 8
ALMANAC 10
Farm to Table ON THE WEB 12
PERSONALITY PROFILE 126
114 PRETTY IN PASTEL
SOURCES 128
Celebrate someone special this summer with a
luncheon adorned in soft shades. ROUND UP 130

Bookshelf On the Cover


Photography by David Fish
118 BE-LEAF IT OR NOT
Design by Gabby Oh
Learn how you and your plants can bring a
green renovation to your home.
Made in America…18, 20, 24,
26, 28
122 FARMHOUSE LIFESTYLE
DIY Shiplap, Barn Quilts and
There’s more to farm living than shiplap and
Gardens…14, 18, 65, 118
sliding barn doors.
Country Homes with Flea
Market Charm…26, 40, 54, 80

6 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


Over 75 Stores Nationwide - Stop In And Visit With Us!!

QUALITY WOODWORKING TOOLS •


SUPPLIES • ADVICE®

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COUNT ON US FROM START TO FINISH®


For A Free Catalog Or To Find Your Local Woodcraft Store, Visit woodcraft.com/BDS Or Call 800-225-1153.
For Information On Woodcraft Retail Franchise Opportunities, Visit woodcraftfranchise.com. Follow Us: 19FH09P
EDITOR’S LETTER
to Be
American
Proud AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

EDITORIAL
Editor: Victoria Van Vlear
Assistant Editor: Kristin Dowding
Managing Editor: Anne Brink
Content Manager: Brooke Sanders
DESIGN
Design Director: Gabby Oh
CONTRIBUTORS
Amelia Carroll, Shelby Deering, Carson Dike, Kristin
Dowding, Elizabeth Falkenberg, Jin Hyun, William Levin,
Michelle Mastro, Laura Shimko, Hannah Strandberg, Leslie
Saeta, Jessie Yount
ADVERTISING
Sherrie Norris - West Coast Account Executive
snorris@engagedmediainc.com
Julie Hale - East Coast Account Executive
jhale@engagedmediainc.com

Great things are happening with American Farmhouse Style! We’ve Nadia Koepke - Midwest Account Executive
nadia.koepke@engagedmediainc.com
Eric Gomez - Advertising Traffic Coordinator
just launched our fully redesigned website at AmericanFarmhouseStyle.com—have you checked it
OPERATIONS
out yet? We’re so excited to grow our farmhouse community with tons of ideas, inspiration, house Manish Kumar Mishra: Operations Specialist
Surajpal Singh Bisht: Prepress Manager
tours and advice on renovations and DIY projects. Chandan Pandey: Production & Newsstand
Circulation Analyst
To help you get the most out of our online content, we have a new column at the beginning of Shailesh Khandelwal: Vertical Head - Subscriptions
Alex Mendoza: Administrative Assistant
the magazine with a sneak preview of some of our upcoming online stories. Also, keep an eye out for Victoria Van Vlear: Intern Program Manager
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE
teasers throughout the issue, which will tell you about expanded stories that you can view online. 17900 Sky Park Circle, Suite 220
Irvine, CA 92614
If you’re not already part of our online community, I encourage you to come follow along on social (714) 939-9991
Fax (800) 249-7761
media, from Instagram and Facebook to Pinterest. We have lots of great photos and ideas there too, www.engagedlifestyle.com
www.americanfarmhousestyle.com
and it’s an honor to be part of such a wonderful and encouraging online community. American Farmhouse Style © 2019 by Engaged Media LLC,
17900 Sky Park Circle #220, Irvine, CA 92614. Periodicals
Speaking of community, this issue is all about celebrating American-made décor and our fellow postage paid at Irvine, CA, and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: send address changes to American
countrymen and women whose products have shaped farmhouse style. Read about American Farmhouse Style c/o Engaged Media LLC, Cenveo, 101
Workman Ct., Eureka, MO 63025. © 2019 by Engaged
makers (page 20) and learn how to hunt for vintage American collectibles (page 22). Find American- Media LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material
from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
made pieces for your own farmhouse (page 24) and participate in the quilting tradition by DIYing GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post: Publications Mail
Agreement #40612608. Return undeliverable Canadian
your own barn quilt art (page 18). addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC., P.O. Box 25542, London,
ON N6C 6B2.
Then take a stroll into farmhouses all across the country: from a family home filled with flea-
CUSTOMER SERVICE
market finds in Idaho (page 54) to a new build on a heritage property in Florida (page 94). Tour a 17900 Sky Park Circle, Suite 220
Irvine, CA 92614
classy white-on-white farmhouse in Washington, D.C. (page 36), a kitchen with bohemian farmhouse SINGLE COPY SALES
(800) 764-6278
vibes in Hawaii (page 32), and check up on the progress for the farmhouse we’re building in New (239) 653-0225 Foreign Inquiries
customerservice@engagedmediainc.com
Hampshire (page 110). Back Issues
www.engagedmediamags.com
So sit down with the magazine and a cool glass of sweet tea or lemonade, and enjoy everything
Books, Merchandise, Reprints
American Farmhouse Style has to offer. (800) 764-6278
Letters to the Editor, New Products or to
Contribute a Story or Photo
Cheers, Victoria Van Vlear: vvanvlear@engagedmediainc.com
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AmericanFarmhouseStyle.com americanfarmhousestyle @americanfarmhousestyle americanfarmhousestyle Pinaki Bhattacharya: Managing Director
William Ammerman: EVP, Digital Media
John Goodpasture: Vice President Sales
Carrie Rubalcaba: HR Generalist
Jickie Torres: Director of Content

8 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


ALMANAC
Make the most of the long summer days with these ideas and DIYs.
BY V I C TO R I A VA N V L E A R

PATRIOTIC PILLOWS
Make your home seasonal with these summer throw pillows.
1. God Bless America 1776
pillow cover, $28.95. Visit
porterlanehome.com.

2. Star-spangled square pillow,


$59. (800) 765-1688 or
americancountryhomestore.com.

3. Patriotic stripes square


pillow, $59. (800) 765-1688 or
americancountryhomestore.com.
1 2 3

DIY Pinwheels
Add Americana flair to your home or garden
this summer with these fun homemade
pinwheels. This makes a great kids’ craft too!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• Double-sided scrapbook paper
PHOTOS BY ISTOCK

• Optional: paper cutter


• Scissors
• Double-sided tape
• Decorative tacks
• Skewers or straws

Did you know? WHAT YOU’LL DO:


1. Cut the scrapbook paper into a square
of your desired size.
This July 4 marks the 243rd year since the signing of the Declaration 2. Fold the square diagonally in each
of Independence. Here are a few ways the US has changed since then. direction so the open paper shows an X.
3. With the scissors, cut each fold line

1776 2019 halfway to the middle of the paper.


Don’t cut all the way to the middle.
US Population 2.5 million 328 million (estimated) 4. Fold down half of each corner so the
folds meet in the middle and create the
Cost for pinwheel shape. Use double-sided tape
1 pound of coffee 13 cents $15 and up to secure the folds in place.
5. Add a decorative tack to the middle
Average number of the pinwheel, and secure it on the
of children 8+ 1.9 (as of 2018) skewer or straw.

Important Dates: Independence Day: July 4; Labor Day: September 2

10 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


• On the Web •

Get More Online!


Check out this month’s online exclusives at
AmericanFarmhouseStyle.com

FITTING FIXES DESIGN DEBATES


Discover how to choose plumbing fixtures Should you hire a designer for your home
and fittings. renovation project? Learn how it can save
you time and money in the long run.

SHIPLAP IN STYLE AMERICAN-MADE APPLIANCES RAE DUNN SAVVY


Learn about the best wood to use for Shop US with appliances made right Become an expert on collecting these
shiplap in your farmhouse. here in America. fun ceramics.

Follow us online on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest for daily inspiration!

12 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


Iron Brackets and Metal Corbels – Custom and Handmade supports for
open shelving, fireplace mantels, countertops, bars and more!

industrialfarmco.com

americanblossomlinens.com Save 15% with code:


@americanblossomlinens FARMSTYLE15
• WORKBENCH •

P lant
Follow these simple tips to grow
new plants yourself.
BY W I L L L E V I N
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y L E S L I E F. H A L L E C K

PROPAGATION
101
Whether you have
the dreaded brown
thumb or are looking to
maximize your plant-growing
capabilities, plant propagation is
an easy way to increase your new
plants using the plants you’re
already growing. It’s an especially
great method for houseplants.
In Leslie F. Halleck’s new book,
Plant Parenting: Easy Ways to Make
More Houseplants, Vegetables
and Flowers, she shares the tips
you need to know to reap all the
benefits of plant propagation.

LEAF-PETIOLE Cuttings
“Not all plants can develop roots and buds directly from the base of a leaf,” writes Halleck. Many need a section of petiole (the
stalk that connects the leaf to a main stem) or a piece of the main stem. This is common for plants that have short stems and
are very leafy. You can still propagate plants like this from leaf-petiole cuttings. Here’s how.

1. Disinfect your snips, whether that’s a pair of scissors or 3. Dip the bare end of the petiole in a rooting hormone and stick
plant shears. the petiole in water, a rooting plug, a root-growing medium or
2. Choose a healthy leaf and cut the petiole at a 45-degree angle an automatic propagator system.
with the cut side facing up. 4. Place your cuttings near natural light or a few feet away from
neutral light fixtures. With a bit of time, bud shoots and new
roots will develop at the base of the petiole.

14 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


You can get creative with where you plant
your seeds. Here, seeds were placed in egg
shells and are beginning to sprout.
(opposite) If you want to propagate your
houseplants, leaf-petiole cuttings are going
to be your best bet. Leaf-petiole cuttings can
be water rooted or placed in soil.

COLLECTING Seeds
Growing plants from seed is the method we most often think about for plant propagation.
There are two types of seeds: wet and dry. Here’s how to collect both.

DRY SEEDS. This is the most common WET SEEDS. These seeds are found in STORE AND PLANT. Once you’ve collected your
type of seed for flowers and bushes in fleshy fruits such as squash, eggplant seeds, store them until the next growing season.
the garden. Harvest them while they’re and tomatoes. They’re a little trickier to Before storing seeds, leave them on a towel in a
still on the plant and have completely collect, as they usually remain inside a cool, dry place for a few days to ensure they are
matured and dried. You’ll know they’re large amount of flesh and aren’t easily completely dry. Once they are dried, place your
ready when they’re easy to open or visible. “To harvest wet seeds, break open seeds in a sealed container such as a jar or seed
even open by themselves. a mature fruit that has begun to shrivel; packet and store them in a cool, dry place until
then separate the seeds from the fleshy you’re ready to plant. Then you can simply plant
part of the fruit,” writes Halleck. them and start the process all over again.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 15
WATER Rooting
“Water rooting is often the gateway for those interested in making more plants,” writes Halleck. This method seems almost too
simple to work. For water rooting, you submerge stem cuttings from a plant in water and set them out in a windowsill. Here are
the elements you need for successful water rooting.

PLANT. Many plants can be rooted by VESSEL. Make sure your container is WATER. Don’t use tap water, as it contains
placing the stems in water. Ideally, the transparent, as you need to keep an eye various minerals that will damage the
plant you use for water rooting will have on the water. Until the plant has developed plant. Collecting rainwater is best, but if
soft, fleshy stem cuttings and leaf cuttings. adequate roots, change the water when it that’s not an option, choose spring water
“Many tropical houseplants and fleshy becomes cloudy. or well water instead. If tap water is your
garden perennials root easily in water,” only option, set it out in a clear container in
writes Halleck. It is best to avoid woody natural light for 24 hours to remove most of
plants as they will rot before they root. the chemicals.

An example of water rooting in


action. These airplane plants (also
known as “spider plants”) are easy
to propagate from the offsets they
produce at the end of the plant.
(opposite) Plant propagation comes
with a bit of a learning curve. Once
you get the ball rolling, though,
achieving that elusive green thumb is
bound to happen.

16 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


Ess ential
HAND TOOLS
Gardening is impossible without tools, and propagation gardening is no
different. One thing to keep in mind is that mini gardening tools are your
friend. “Precision is key, so look for hand tools that are small, sharp and
can squeeze into tight spaces to place tiny seeds, snip excess seedlings or
transplant them gingerly,” writes Halleck. These mini tools include:

Plant Parenting: Easy Ways to Make More


• Mini-transplanting tools, for making small planting holes and lifting seeds Houseplants, Vegetables, and Flowers by
and cuttings Leslie F. Halleck, published by Timber
• Hand seeders, for collecting seeds that are small and hard to see Press, Inc., © 2019; timberpress.com.

• Spray bottle, for properly watering seedlings and root cuttings


• Razor blade or sharp knife, for removing small root cuttings from the mother plant

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 17
• WORKBENCH •

DIY
BARN QUILT Tie your walls into
the American quilting

Wall Art
tradition with this fun
painted piece.
T E X T A N D P RO J E C T BY V I C TO R I A
VA N V L E A R
F E AT U R E D I M A G E B Y C H A D M E L L O N
I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y G A B B Y O H

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:


Quilting has a long tradition in the US, • Square piece of wood at desired size (whole inches
and there are thousands of traditional quilting block patterns work best)
that have been passed down through generations of American • Square wood frame or wood trim cut to size
• Optional: wood glue
women. The newest tradition, centered on farmhouse décor, is to • Paint of choice (used here: Dixie Belle Paint
paint a large quilt block on the side or front of a barn. Barn quilts Driftwood, Blueberry and Cobalt Blue)
have quickly become popular across the US, and now you can • Paintbrush
• Pencil and ruler
take a barn quilt into your own home with this painted wall art.
• Painter’s tape

18 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


A B
Did you know that our sister
publication, Flea Market
Décor, has launched an
exclusive paint line with
Dixie Belle Paint?
Visit dixiebellepaint.com to
see the full collection.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:


1. First, prep your piece. We started with a
framed wood square from a craft store,
but you could also use plywood and
add four pieces of wood trim around C D
the outside. Simply stain the trim in
your desired color; then use wood glue
to secure the pieces to the edges of the
plywood to create the frame.
2. Paint 1–2 coats of your base color onto
the plywood, allowing the paint to dry
in between coats. If you’re adding a
frame, you may want to add it at the
end. Otherwise, make sure you tape it
off to protect it from the paint.
3. Sketch out the eight-pointed star
pattern on the wood with a ruler and
light pencil marks. This does require
some precision, so you may want to
get out your calculator. Follow the
illustrations to the right. E

A. Divide the square into quarters with one horizontal and one vertical line. To
calculate, divide the full width of the piece in half (e.g., 10" ÷ 2 = 5").
B. Draw a mark on each of the four lines, 20% in from the outside edge. To
calculate, multiply the full width of the piece by 0.2 (e.g., 10" x 0.2 = 2" from
each outside edge).
C. Draw a large X on the piece, which should intersect in the middle and end at
the outer corners.
D. Draw diagonal lines to intersect with the four marks, taking the lines out to
the edge of the piece.
E. Draw a square in each corner, starting at the edge of the diagonal lines you
drew in step D. The square shape should meet along the diagonal lines you
drew in step C.

4. You should now be able to see the star


shape. Erase the extra lines around the
5 6
outside you don’t need.
5. Tape off every other star point,
and paint in the first of the two
accent colors.
6. Wait for the paint to dry; then
take off the tape and repeat for the
second color.
7. Once the paint is dry, remove all the
tape to reveal your eight-point star
barn quilt.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 19
QUALITY OVER
QUANTITY
An Illinois mother of two
transformed her greatest
passion into an inspiring career.
BY J I N HY U N
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOMA STUDIOS

Artist Lindsay Klix had no intention of turning


her passion for pottery into a full-time
career when she attended her first class at a
community college in 1998. But that’s exactly
what she has accomplished with her shop, Off
Your Rocker Pottery.
Lindsay’s designs are a marriage of her love
for smooth, clean lines and the organic flow
of nature. She crafts each piece of dinnerware
to perfection. “I don’t need more things in my
life. I found that I need better things,” she says.
“I look at the form because that’s the first sense
that you take in, but I also try to dive deeper
into how it makes you feel.” When working in
her studio, Lindsay considers every practical
detail too. Her pieces are dishwasher, oven and
microwave safe.
What sets this shop apart is the personal
touch Lindsay adds to her work. Her pieces often
have handwritten messages on the bottom.
“It’s the little things,” she says. “You read it and
you get that little bit of inspiration or happiness
and know it’s going to be okay.” Clay has always
been a medium of comfort for Lindsay, and she’s
hoping to provide that same healing for those
who enjoy her work.

20 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.


Love
Quality and craftsmanship are not
lost on these American-made doors.

IS A
BY K R I S T I N D OW D I N G
P H O T O G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F V I N TA G E D O O R S

VINTAGE DOOR

Your front door is the first thing that over mass production. “YesterYear’s Vintage Doors was created
welcomes guests into your home, and it can in 1990 with a vision and passion for fine woodworking and
also make or break your home’s curb appeal. That’s why Vintage craftsmanship,” says Erica. “Each solid wood door is built just like in
Doors LLC puts so much care and effort into their custom-made the olden days—one at a time—and made to endure the test of
doors. “We believe that an entrance door is much more than just time.” They handcraft their doors from 100% furniture-grade solid
an entry point into your home—it makes a tasteful statement wood, so you’re guaranteed high quality.
about the people who live inside,” says Erica Garlock, National Sales From custom screen doors and storm doors to Dutch doors and
Manager for Vintage Doors. even pet doors, “we believe that custom, solid wood doors should
Their passion for artistry and attention to detail sets them apart reflect and portray true American skill and art,” says Erica.
from other door companies, as they prefer historical accuracy
SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.
• FARMHOUSE FAVORITES •

TICK-TOCK
CLOCKS
Keep time in your home
with the grandfather clock.
BY H A N N A H S T R A N D B E RG

W
hat’s in a name? The
grandfather clock
has graced the halls
of American homes
since 1680 when it
was invented by the British clockmaker, William
Clement. American songwriter Henry Work coined
the term “grandfather clock” in 1875 when he
saw a dormant floor clock in a hotel lobby. Upon
inquiry, he was told that the clock had stopped
working after its owner, a beloved grandfather,
had passed away. Inspired, Work composed “My
Grandfather’s Clock,” and the name stuck.

Take height into consideration


when choosing a grandfather
clock. Most are 6-8 feet tall, so
make sure your chosen space can
accommodate a piece that high.

Alexandria clock, $2,938. (800) 642-0011


or emperorclock.com.

John Parry Tremadoc grandfather clock,


$2,150. Visit 1stdibs.com.

22 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


You’ll need to manually wind your
grandfather clock periodically using
a system of gears and weight s
.
Diana grandfather clock, $3,999. (714) 578-0089
or shop.theclockmanonline.com.

ANTIQUE
VS.
MODERN
CLOCKS

Floral Mora clock, $2,457.23.


(207) 060-2680 or gustavian.com.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 23
• BARN FINDS •

Made in the
These sweet and simple pieces by American makers
USA
bring the farmhouse into your home. B Y H A N N A H S T R A N D B E R G

1. Classic American-made organic cotton sheets, starting at $229. (888) 825-0110 or


americanblossomlinens.com. Use discount code FARMSTYLE15 for 15% off!
2. Origami and Playa paint colors; inquire for pricing. Visit portolapaints.com.
3. Black walnut wooden spoon set, $240. Visit blackswanhandmade.com.
4. Wooden curls basket; inquire for pricing. (603) 934-5012 or aliceogden.com.
24 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE
6

5. Walnut butcher block


cutting board, $75. Visit etsy.
com/shop/BlackFoxFurniture.
6. Rustic wooden display
ladder, $22. Visit shopjanuary.com. 8

7. Bartlett celadon cordless


7
lamp, $399. (682) 224-5351 or
modernlantern.com.
8. Gingham throw; inquire
for pricing. (207) 725-7900 or
mainewoolens.com.
9. Ludlow sofa, $2,225. (888) 513-
5754 or maidenhome.com.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 25
• flea Market finds •

Add this fun architectural salvage

Corbel
I have always been in love with chippy vintage
collectible to your farmhouse.

Collection
BY L E S L I E S A E TA

corbels. I look at them as decorative pieces that represent all the things in our
lives that give us support: our families, our homes and our closest friends.

WHAT IS A CORBEL?
A corbel is a bracket that is embedded into a wall so it supports whatever is above
it and counteracts any tendency for it to overturn or fall outward. The word corbel
comes from the Latin word corvus, which means “raven,” and also derives from a
French word meaning “crow,” because of the corbel’s beaklike shape.

Use corbels in strategic areas to


add architectural interest, such
as the ceiling transition from one
room to another. PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRET GUM
TOP, RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRET GUM; TOP, LEFT: PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALIE LACY LANGE

Most modern corbels are simple in at a flea market. I don’t want to pay more
design. However, they have a more than I did for the first ones I found, so I’ve VINTAGE vs VINTAGEINSPIRED
elaborate history. Many of the French and had to pass on over 100 other sets that There are a lot of less-expensive corbels
Italian corbels were very ornate, as you were way outside my price range. on the market. They look vintage but
can see on some of the oldest churches I have had a lot of people ask me if you are actually new. These are great as
throughout Europe. can use vintage corbels for their original decorative structural pieces, but be aware
purpose. Since corbels provide support, they’re sometimes disguised as vintage.
HUNTING CORBELS you can use them for structural support. Personally, I don’t think it matters if corbels
I found my first corbel at a small vintage Just be cautious, as some vintage pieces are vintage or new. If you find some you
sale in Southern California. I paid $25 for may not be structurally sound. I like to use like and they are within your price range,
two 18-inch corbels and decided, in that vintage corbels for “decorative support,” then buy them! You’ll be able to use them
moment, that I needed more. Little did I whether in the top of a doorway or as décor in your home for a long time.
know how popular and expensive corbels holding up a shelf. Corbels also look great
would become. I have since purchased as decorative accent pieces.
four other sets of corbels, and each I found

INSIDER’S GUIDE Leslie Saeta is a wife, mother and the


blogger behind My 100 Year Old Home.
She frequents the flea markets and
AVAILABILITY: Readily available, though there are more
reproductions than true antiques
antiques shops in Los Angeles county
BEST PLACES TO SCORE: Flea markets and uses the pieces for both decoration
AVERAGE PRICE RANGE: As low as $12 each, though most are and practicality in her home.
more expensive

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 27
• ESSENTIALS •

FLOOR Focus
Learn how to choose hardwood floors from an expert in the industry.
BY V I C TO R I A VA N V L E A R
P H O T O G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F O L D E W O O D , LT D .

W
hen it comes to choosing
hardwood floors, there are so
many options on the market
that the decision can feel
overwhelming. Luckily, there
are several considerations that will help you narrow
down your options and determine which type of
wood flooring will best suit your needs.
We’ve asked Mandy Sancic, cofounder of Olde
Wood, Ltd., about the process. Olde Wood specializes
in custom, wide-plank and reclaimed hardwood
flooring, as well as traditionally milled new wood
flooring. Here are her expert tips to choosing your own
hardwood floor.

COLOR AND TEXTURE


First, decide the general look and feel you want for
your flooring—that means color and texture. “Broadly
speaking, do you want a light or dark floor?” Mandy
says. Also decide whether you want a smooth floor or
a wood that has lots of texture. “The answers usually
come down simply to preference,” Mandy says.

As wood ages,
it changes color and
takes on a patina.
28 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 29
Make sure you inquire about
what type of finish a company
uses on their hardwood floors.
Olde Wood uses a matte finish
that helps the original color of
the wood last longer.

WOOD TYPE PATINAS AND FINISHES


The next consideration is how hardy the floor needs to be. “Some As wood ages, it changes color and takes on a patina. This is
softer woods won’t hold up well to matchbox cars and puppies, normal, but you’ll want to be aware of how your flooring might
so while you may love white pine, a nice hard oak floor is probably change before you choose it. “Variables such as finish, exposure
more suitable for your lifestyle,” Mandy says. to sunlight, cleaners and species will determine the changes,”
Take your color and texture choices and match them with Mandy says. “At Olde Wood, we have developed a line of
the types of wood that will work best for your lifestyle. “In our cleaning products that work with our finishes to ensure the color
farmhouse, we have four dogs, lots of kids, muddy boots and even lasts a lifetime.”
a mini pony that has stopped in once or twice,” Mandy says. “We’ve
SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.
had our Antique Reclaimed Oak floor now for 11 years, and it still
looks just as fabulous today as it did the day it was installed.”

30 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


SHOULD YOU CHOOSE
RECLAIMED WOOD FLOORING?
Reclaimed wood is a hot commodity for farmhouse style, but before you fill your home with reclaimed wood flooring,
take these elements into consideration.
PROS: Reclaimed wood floors have a lot of texture and history. CONS: The downside of reclaimed wood floors is the price.
They add a personal touch to the home that contributes to its “Reclaimed hardwood floors do carry a higher up-front cost, as the
overall character. “They are warm and inviting and remind us cost of manufacturing them is very high,” Mandy says. In general,
of days gone by,” Mandy says. They’ll also last longer than other you’ll pay 20% to 80% more for reclaimed wood flooring than you
types of hardwood floors. “They truly are a lifetime product, so will for new flooring. “The price also depends on the availability
you won’t be paying to replace them like their cheap, knock-off of the wood,” Mandy says. If the wood you want is extinct and no
counterparts,” Mandy says. longer growing, you’ll pay significantly more.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 31
Farmhouse

Tropical Twist
with a

32 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


Visit the tropics with this fun,
teal-colored Hawaiian kitchen.
BY M I C H E L L E M A S T RO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELANA JADALLAH

W
hen you’re
considering
how to
craft your
farmhouse
kitchen, Hawaiian and bohemian
vibes aren’t likely to spring to mind.
But for photographer, marketing
consultant and environmental
advocate Elana Jadallah of Elanaloo
and her partner, Aaron, drawing
on the natural bounty around their
home in Hawaii made perfect sense.
“Some people think rustic when they
think of a farmhouse aesthetic, but
it’s also about pulling from nature,”
Elana says.

(left) Originally Elana had wanted an all-white


kitchen. Now her cabinets and countertops are
still neutral, while the uniquely gorgeous aqua
tile offers a fresh, bright perspective on a classic
country look.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 33
“Some people think rustic when they think of a farmhouse
aesthetic, but it’s also about .” pulling from nature
BACK TO NATURE shape,” she says. But soon she realized the unique tiles would
Natural elements like exposed wood and dried flowers “inject personality and originality” into her kitchen and create
suggest farmhouse sophistication. For her kitchen, Elana the look she sought. “We wanted a subtle island without
chose a Hawaiian wood not usually found on the mainland: obvious allusions,” she says. “Wicker baskets communicate
jacaranda wood. Other elements, such as a large farmhouse island without being overstated.”
sink and practical items like wood cutting boards and wicker The perfect farmhouse style should look like it has evolved
bowls, adorn this kitchen in farmhouse comfort. over time. “We sourced locally, pulling from secondhand
“We really wanted to reflect the environment around us,” stores sometimes,” she says. The goal was to make the
Elana says. So they sourced local stone and as much local kitchen look spontaneous and unrehearsed, with all the
hardwood as possible. Yet she wanted a modern twist on a elements coming together naturally.
typical Hawaiian style, with no overt references like tikis or Elana feels that farmhouse kitchens shouldn’t be matchy-
surfboards. Instead, dusty golds mirror Hawaiian sunsets, matchy. “We used to have wood everything, but we changed
while dazzling aqua tiles pay homage to the island’s crystal- our minds,” she says. “We wanted to be different.” After all,
clear waters. part of farmhouse style’s charm is drawing from many
diverse sources. So go ahead, mix and match. “Don’t be afraid
OCEAN HUES to step outside your comfort zone,” Elana says.
Originally Elana had wanted white tile for the backsplash.
SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.
“I thought it was a risk to use the aqua color and hexagon
(above, left) Jacaranda wood shelves, actual palm leaves and a few potted succulents boost the impact of the kitchen’s
tile. (above, right) Farmhouse-style kitchens are known for their practicality. Setting out plates and bowls and other
items adds to the ambience of a classic country vibe. (opposite) Subtle hints throughout the kitchen gesture to the
Hawaiian tropics. Wicker baskets and cute palm tree figures are island chic without the kitsch.

OVERMOUNT vs. UNDERMOUNT


FARMHOUSE SINKS
Looking to upgrade your farmhouse sink, but not sure whether to go with an overmount or undermount?
Here are the pros and cons.
OVERMOUNT SINK: A traditional type UNDERMOUNT SINK: An undermount
of sink, an overmount has edges that sink, because it’s smaller, allows for ample
rest on top of the kitchen countertop. kitchen counter space. Without edges like
The benefits of overmount sinks are that those of the overmount, the undermount
they’re easy and affordable to install, is easier to clean as well—no nooks or
and they’ll protect the edges of softer If you’re redoing your own crannies hiding dust, and you can brush
countertop materials like marble. kitchen, we’d recommend an crumbs and scraps directly into the sink.
overmount sink because it’s
THE CONS? An overmount might easier to install yourself. THE CONS? Classic country kitchens
cover too much of the countertop. Also, often feature a larger sink, and it might
overmounts tend to be the less popular be difficult to recreate the look with the
choice for farmhouse design. smaller undermount.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 35
The warm wood accents of the table, mantel and cutting boards For a kitchen that can change with the
add neutral accents that break up large blocks of white. seasons, add colorful accents that
(opposite) The kitchen as a whole reads as white, but the details correspond to the time of year, such
and subtleties of the design are not lost. as blues in summer, warm tones for
fall and the classic red-and-green
combination for Christmas.

36 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


White ON WHITE
This Maryland kitchen is functional and shows off
classy white farmhouse style.
BY A M E L I A C A R RO L L
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT RADIFERA

FUNCTION

Y
ou shouldn’t have to sacrifice style to have a “The first thing I tackle in a new project is always the layout,”
functional kitchen. This kitchen in Bethesda, says Nadia. “Figuring out a design that works functionally and
Maryland, was designed by Nadia Subaran architecturally is first and foremost.” In this home, function
of Aidan Design and is both functional and needed to be foremost, as the homeowner needed appliances
stylish. The 5,000-square-foot home was in specific places for accessibility reasons. Nadia took the
originally built in 1981. With this update, Nadia wanted to time to get the kitchen’s proportions to match the rest of the
open up the space to make it feel more welcoming, yet still home by opening the doorways to make the kitchen more
fit with the home’s overall architectural style. connected to the other downstairs living areas. She wanted to
make sure it had flow to fit the rest of the house.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 37
Nadia mixed different shades
of white and off-white to add
dimension to the space.

(top) The cabinets are a cream color, which pairs nicely with the crisp white of the backsplash. The subtle marbling on
the countertops also adds color. (above) Large French doors let in plenty of light, adding to the welcoming space.

STYLE
The country style is classy and simple, with a neutral color palette. Nadia wanted to create
a space that was light, bright and inviting. “We chose a linen paint for the cabinetry, which
gives a more layered look with the bright white trim and other details,” she says. Warm wood
accents add texture and comfort, and the color palette is limited, which adds to the focused
simplicity. The more traditional style of the table and chairs ties in with that simplicity, but
also adds a touch of rustic nostalgia. “We wanted a space that was crisp and light,” says Nadia.
The light colors and mix of shades make for a bright and welcoming space.

SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.

38 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


The homeowner likes whites and off-whites, so Nadia made sure to
choose a color palette that would match the rest of the home.

White
HOW TO
DECORATE
WITH
This classy color palette is simple and refined,
and doesn’t have to look sterile or cold. Here are
Nadia’s tips for designing all-white interiors.
MIX SHADES
In this kitchen, there are many different shades of
white and off-white. They all fit together to create a
kitchen that looks white overall but isn’t completely
monotone. Try mixing off-white cabinets with
a white backsplash, as Nadia has done, or white
countertops with some marbling to add a bit of color.
The trim of the room should be a different color than
the walls too, even if both colors are similar.
Try mixing linen-hued
colors with a crisp white ADD ACCENTS
for a fresh look that Accents of a different color are a great way to break
up big blocks of white. These can be colorful accents,
adds dimension.
like green dishes or red barstools, or neutral accents,
like the wood table and cutting boards that Nadia
added. Keep in mind that the less bold color you
have, the more texture you’ll want to incorporate.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 39
Simple, classic striped pillows and wicker chairs provide a
comfortable place to sit by the fire, while string lights add a
fun ambience for outdoor summer relaxation.

40 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


Summert
BY L AU R A S H I M KO

ime
P H O TO G R A P H Y A N D S T Y L I N G B Y A L I C I A G AVA R I S

Simplicity
This Ontario, Canada,
home shows off bright,
fresh farmhouse style
this summer.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 41
S
ummer is here, and with the longer, warmer days come the familiar cleaning sprees
and home improvement projects. Creating beautiful, comforting spaces that evoke
a deep sense of home doesn’t have to be complicated. For husband-and-wife duo
Alicia and Nick Gavaris of A Burst of Beautiful, it’s simplicity that makes a home.
Combining their talents, they brought together modern and classic farmhouse
elements to renovate several spaces in their home with the bright, relaxed feeling of summer.

42 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


THE DESIGN PROCESS (opposite) Soft blue pillows tie in with the
Alicia and Nick share a passion for design and a desire to create beautiful framed paintings depicting water and
spaces for their family. Growing up, Alicia was influenced by her mother’s sailing boats. (above) Matching lamps
love for design and décor. “I would spend hours rearranging my furniture and contrast with the mismatched side tables,
bringing together two of the main colors of
redecorating my bedroom,” she says. Nick likewise has had a lifelong love of
this room: one white, the other light wood.
home. In recent years, he’s taken up woodworking and carpentry and has
The colors and patterns all tie together
contributed several handmade pieces to their home. They share their spaces seamlessly to create a restful, inviting room.
and projects on their blog, A Burst of Beautiful. “It’s been so wonderful to
combine our passions and work together,” Alicia says.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 43
“It’s important to be realistic
and keep only the things that
you actually use and love."
An elegant chandelier adds to the sophisticated
feel of the dining room, while a beautifully stained
table and wooden chairs continue the farmhouse
theme. (opposite, top) Textures and patterns add
interest and layers to this cozy family room.
Before renovating a new room, Nick and Alicia find and
collect little bits of inspiration. “I try to stay away from anything
too trendy,” Alicia says. Instead, they opt for more traditional,
classic pieces. Once they come up with a design, they work
together on a plan. “We do a lot of planning before any of the
work actually begins, to avoid any costly or time-consuming
mistakes,” Alicia says.
The two have worked together on many projects, including a
complete renovation of their kitchen, as well as converting their
basement into a family room, playroom and office area where
they spend most of their time. During this process, they bring
their unique skill sets to achieve their goals. “Nick does all the
heavy lifting,” Alicia says, while she comes in afterwards to focus
on decorating. “With each project, his skill set grows and he feels
more comfortable taking on bigger and bigger projects.”

BEAUTY AND FUNCTIONALITY


In addition to creating beautiful spaces, Alicia and Nick also
focus on functionality. As a young family with a preschooler and
a baby, they’re realistic about the need for spaces to be useful
and understand the importance of each room being livable
and purposeful.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 45
White cabinets and light wood details
add to the brightness of this beautiful
kitchen. (opposite, top left) This cute
kitchen nook showcases farmhouse
elements—a chalkboard and wooden
boards—while providing a space for
additional storage and organization.
(opposite, top right) A pop of greenery
gives life to a bright, fresh hallway.

46 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


DECLUTTERING
Take a few ideas from Alicia for maintaining a clutter-free home.
1. FIND PIECES THAT COMBINE STYLE AND FUNCTION. Do
you need a hutch and a sideboard in your dining room? Limit
Tips
4. USE ORGANIZED STORAGE. Keep items out of sight that
aren’t display worthy, and use the right boxes and organizational
the number of furniture pieces in a space to help it look clean storage options to keep them from feeling cluttered. It may take
and uncluttered. a few trips to the store to find the right storage boxes that will fit
2. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. Rather than going out to buy a new set your spaces, but it will be worth it in the end.
of throw pillows or vases, look around to see if you have items 5. DECLUTTER OFTEN. Especially if you plan to be in your
you could use. Don’t be afraid to move them into new rooms— home for several more years, items will pile up. Make it a goal to
this will only increase your creativity and fuel different looks. annually go through your home and donate or throw away items
3. ADD NEW PIECES OVER TIME. If you just moved into a new you no longer need or use. Focus on the places in your house
home or renovated a new space, it’s easy to think that you have where you squirrel items away, such as closets and the garage.
to fill it all up immediately. But give yourself (and your style) time
to mature.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 47
If you’re trying to open up a space
but it has structural columns
you cannot remove, simply turn
them into a decorative feature.

One project they undertook specifically focused on


function was to convert a messy coat closet into a small
mudroom. They began by clearing out the closet and
removing the door. This opened up the space and allowed
for more room for storage. The addition of a bench, hooks
and baskets brings together elements of traditional
farmhouse style with helpful organization.
“We’ve put a lot of thought into each room and how to
make it function the best for our family,” Alicia says. “You have
to really think about how each room functions for you and
your family and then make the most of that space.”

SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.

48 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


Creat i n g beaut i f u l, comforting spaces that
evoke a deep sense of home doesn’t have to be
complicated.

Calm blues and sophisticated lines create a


relaxed and modern feel to the downstairs
family room Alicia and Nick converted from
a basement.

(opposite, top left) A small tepee adds an


element of fun, while the baskets add
function and organization for this play area.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 49
"Movi n g pi
from room to
e ces
room really
breathes new life
into a space.”

This mudroom was once


a cluttered closet; now
it serves as a charming,
clutter-free open area for
extra storage.

For more on Alicia’s simple style


and how to achieve this in your
own home, visit our website at
AmericanFarmhouseStyle.com.

50 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


(above, left) Stripes and bold blue contrast against the neutral background of this bedroom to create a cozy, welcoming place to rest at
the end of a long day. (above, right) A clean white sideboard adds that classic farmhouse feel, while the white palette gives a minimalist,
classic touch to this dining area. (bottom, right) Soft pastels reflect the sweetness of childhood in this toddler’s bedroom.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 51
DIY
BLANKET
LADDER
Make your own blanket ladder
to keep throws neat and tidy,
and show off your rustic
farmhouse style.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:


• Three framing lumber boards,
2 inches x 3 inches x 8 feet
• Table or hand saw
• Wood clamps
• Twenty 2 ½-inch wood screws
• Sandpaper
• Stain of choice (optional)

WHAT YOU’LL DO:


1. Cut two of the framing lumber pieces
to 7 feet for the sides of the ladder.
2. Lay them down on a flat surface, with
the 2-inch sides against the floor.
3. Cut the third framing lumber piece
into sections for the rungs. The
rungs will have different lengths to
create the tapering look: 18 inches,
17 inches, 16 inches, 15 inches and
14 inches. Each piece should have
4-degree angles on the ends.
4. Place the 18-inch step approximately
18 inches from the bottom of the
sides. Do not attach it yet.
5. Lay out the subsequent pieces
approximately 12 inches apart, going
up the ladder. Make sure each step
fits snugly. You may need to use
wood clamps to help hold the steps
in place while you work.
6. Drill the wood screws into the side
pieces from the outside directly into
each step.
7. Sand and stain if desired; then hang
your blankets.
Add a pop of color against a
neutral background to draw
interest and add depth. Alicia
(above) Bringing elements of the indoors outside, plush cushions, a patterned rug and a
does this with colors and
small coffee table create a fun living space for a summertime drink of lemonade with
patterns of pillows.
family and friends. (opposite) A DIY angled blanket ladder adds dimension and a rustic
farmhouse feel to the living room while providing functionality.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 53
Frugal
Turned
Twin sisters take their life-long love
for farmhouse style to the next level
in their Idaho homes and business.
Fancy
“Out here in Idaho, the East Coast-style influences stand out,” says
homeowner Elizabeth Olsen. Since she couldn’t find her ideal home
design in Idaho, she had this home custom built, but she and her family
are completely happy with the results.

54 AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


BY E L I Z A B E T H FA L K E N B E R G
P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y DAV I D F I S H
ST YLING BY ELIZABETH OLSEN AND MARGARET NASH

W
hat’s better than a twin sister? A twin sister who shares your love for
farmhouse style, of course. Idaho natives Elizabeth Olsen and Margaret Nash
have made a business out of transforming secondhand finds int o treasured
.
pieces. Having grown up as two of nine children on their family dairy farm,
Elizabeth and Margaret learned the value of resourceful home décor habits
when they were children. Now as adults, they find inspiration in their mother’s money-saving habit
of furnishing their childhood home with thrifted finds. The sisters blog about upcycling furniture on
their blog, Fancy Farmgirls, and host a biannual barn sale out of Elizabeth’s home, where they sell used
furniture pieces they’ve personally transformed.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 55
As twin sisters and business partners, Margaret (left) BACK TO BASICS
and Elizabeth (right) have made a career out of their Elizabeth’s home is in the city of Meridian, which neighbors her hometown
creative passions of “making homes beautiful with of Boise. When Elizabeth couldn’t find her dream style available in Idaho
secondhand items.” They host their biannual barn sale
houses on the market, she and her husband, Nathan, decided to design the
out of the barn attached to Elizabeth’s home. With
home themselves. They were able to customize a farmhouse to perfectly suit
their Idaho-based and farmhouse-inspired work, they
keep their interests happily close to home. their needs.
For home design, Elizabeth recommends going back to basics for furnishing
and decorations. This attitude has resulted in her avoiding passing trends in

56 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


From their front porch, Elizabeth and
her family are able to look out on their
4 acres of land. On the porch, Elizabeth
was mindful of keeping a consistent
color palette that would introduce
guests to her home’s style.

favor of timeless looks. It’s easy to get caught up in trends, but the Elizabeth believes that when it comes to lights, “bigger is
elements that are most important to you are probably timeless. better,” so she mainly uses oversized, lantern-like lights. She also
The backbone of Elizabeth’s home comes from her beloved adds an industrial edge with her metal, open-look chandeliers
farmhouse style. The hardwood floors, shiplap accent wall and that “complement the traditional farmhouse elements.” As for
open floor plan in the kitchen imbue her home with farmhouse color, Elizabeth accents the white interior with grays and blues.
charm. Elizabeth, who says she “brought some colonial style home Most notably, she shows off a dark-blue accent wall in several
to Idaho,” mixes an East Coast-inspired look through the spaces rooms to weave a consistent color palette throughout the home.
with her use of bright whites and a clutter-free style.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 57
Look in your own home for
furniture to upcycle. Salvage
it with a new coat of paint, and
switch out the hardware.

FAMILYFRIENDLY DESIGN
Margaret considers herself lucky that
the style she and her sister naturally
gravitate toward is kid-friendly and
allows them to “not feel like tip-toeing
is necessary” in their homes. The twin
sisters have 11 children between
them, so family-friendly and durable
design has always been of utmost
importance to them. With their big
families, they insist on simple décor,
which is often easier to maintain.
Additionally, they find that their
affinity for inexpensive, used furniture
also translates to kid-friendly. “A rustic
piece that is designed with some
nicks and scratches can easily take
more from kids,” Elizabeth says.

58 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


Elizabeth and her family have lived in this custom home for about two-and-a-half
years, but before this, they lived in their over 30-year-old family home, which she
inherited. To keep her home looking as clean and organized as the day they moved
in, Elizabeth implements washable slipcovers on her living room furniture.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 59
In her dining room, Elizabeth uses washable slipcovers to protect chairs from
unavoidable spills and dining mishaps. As a mother of five kids, she values slipcovers,
which let her light and bright furniture keep looking clean and presentable.

Elizabeth recommends going back to


basics when furnishing and decorating a home.
This attitude has resulted in her avoiding

60 AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


passing trends in favor of timeless looks.
(above, left) While Margaret
and Elizabeth run a successful
business together, Margaret

THE POWER OF COLOR loves that “being able to put


our creative skills to use means
it never really feels like work.”
One of their custom projects
Elizabeth shares her take on how to develop and maintain a cohesive color scheme. is this cabinet that they
transformed with some love
• FOUNDATION COLORS. Elizabeth found that the perfect balance for her home hinges on a
and bold blue paint.
neutral color palette. She painted the foundation in whites and creams before making bolder
color choices. She says that “grays and blues add pops of drama” and work well in combination
(above, right) While Elizabeth’s
with the pre-existing neutrals.
style is most easily aligned with
• DOMINANT COLORS. When establishing a color palette for your home, start with deciding on farmhouse and colonial décor,
your dominants. Elizabeth recommends sticking with a specific paint color for multiple areas of she doesn’t shy away from
your home. “I painted in neutral colors first to keep things light and bright,” she says. After living borrowing elements from other
in the home for a year and getting to know it, she was able to pick her accent colors. styles as well. The simple brass
hardware on this entryway
• ACCENT COLORS. For your accent colors, you can find inspiration in items you already own, dresser is a good example of her
such as a colorful rug or an antique piece of furniture. Throughout her home, Elizabeth uses weaving in of industrial metals.
dark accent walls for an exciting change to her bright whites. Keeping the main theme of your
home in neutral territory will make these bolder choices less intimidating.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 61
For Margaret and
Elizabeth’s top tips for
flea-market shopping, visit
AmericanFarmhouseStyle.com.

SECOND CHANCES FOR SECONDHAND


When the two sisters were ready to delve deeper into the farmhouse community, they
were inspired by a friend. “My sister Margaret and I were inspired to start a blog after seeing
our friend start one,” Elizabeth says. “Since then, we keep finding ourselves inspired by
other creatives.” Once they discovered the lively virtual community, they felt energized to
start their own blog. Seven years later, Fancy Farmgirls has grown into a forum in which
they can document their furniture projects.

62 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


(opposite) When Elizabeth and Nathan built this custom home, they knew they wanted to
downsize in certain ways. To make the most of their kitchen space, however, they painted the
kitchen cabinets and ceiling white to enlarge the feeling of the space.
(this page) Elizabeth’s kitchen and dining area are designed as an open floor plan, which
maximizes the natural light provided by the wall of windows. Above her kitchen island and
dining table, she likes that her hanging chandelier lights “add a touch of industrial style.”

“My sister Margaret


and I were inspired
to start a blog after seeing
our friend start one.
Since then, we keep
finding ourselves
inspired by other creatives.”
—Elizabeth Olsen
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 63
In her office space, Elizabeth uses a blue
accent wall that sets a cozy scene for her
work. The darkness of her accent wall is
balanced by the brightness of the light
window curtains, large houseplant and
cream-colored chairs.

In collaboration, the two sisters decided to join forces and become


If you’re in a new living situation,
live in the space for a few months vendors of their refurbished furniture. For their barn sale and their own
before making décor and paint homes, they believe in buying used furniture with potential. Margaret
choices. Elizabeth lived in her home loves that they can “transform items and discover what that piece can
for a year before settling on the be in a new way.” Their habit of giving secondhand furniture new life
accent of dark blue.
has grown into a love that characterizes their business, blog, home and
sibling relationship. Elizabeth believes that nothing is more gratifying
than taking something plain and “turning it into something beautiful
(opposite, left) Even in the master bedroom, Elizabeth weaves in the cohesive and custom.”
elements of color. Here she also uses grays and stripes, which add a fun While the core of their shared style has its roots in the farmhouse
twist on the very clean design of the other rooms in the home. look of their childhood, they both admire mixing diverse styles in their
(opposite, right) Elizabeth keeps a cohesive color scheme throughout her
furniture projects and home design.
home by repeating “pops of blue” in varied ways. By matching the blue
paint of this DIY faux shiplap wall with the blue paint of the cabinet SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.
outside the kitchen, she keeps her home’s look unified.

64 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


DIY FAUX SHIPLAP
Make your own money-saving DIY shiplap accent wall.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: WHAT YOU’LL DO: 3. Once you’ve cut the plywood, take the time
• Measuring tape 1. Measure the length of your wall and decide to sand the fronts and sides to make them
• Stud finder on the desired height for each plank. look smooth and professional.
• Plywood Elizabeth’s accent wall is at the end of a 4. Apply a strong wood glue to the back of the
• Sandpaper hallway, so it was only a few feet in length. For wood before placing it on the wall.
• Saw for cutting plywood a larger wall, you can vary the plank length 5. Use a nail gun to nail the top and bottom of
• Wood glue and create a staggered pattern. Make sure each board along the stud that the board is
• Nail gun and nails you also determine where the studs are in the over. These nails will securely attach each
• Primer and paintbrush walls so you can anchor your pieces. plywood plank to the wall, so make sure
• Top coat paint and paintbrush 2. Purchase and cut the plywood. Elizabeth went your placement is final before this step.
the money-saving route by using plywood as 6. Paint your panels with primer, and then
an alternative to the more expensive original finish your faux shiplap wall with an accent
shiplap. In fact, she only spent $20 on her paint color of your choice.
plywood materials and used leftover paint
from a previous project. When choosing your
plywood, look for pieces that are straight and
have very few knots in the wood.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 65
Bayside
Retreat
Discover the waterfront charm of
this farmhouse in Maryland.
BY M I C H E L L E M A S T RO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN COLE

66 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


F
inding a farmhouse-style home set against The home incorporates cooler shades for
an inlet of Chesapeake Bay, rather than in its exterior. The barn-inspired garage has
a greenish-gray hue, while the home itself
the middle of a country town, might seem
features a light French gray. Inside the
unusual. But for interior designer Keira St.
home, visitors are greeted with warmer
Claire at Anthony Wilder Design/Build, shades in the living room.
farmhouses can fit any landscape.

SEASIDE FARMHOUSE
“The client wanted a farmhouse with a clean aesthetic,
so for this project she wanted to go a little more
modern,” Keira says. “It was all about subduing the
interior to give the exterior a voice.” The home is
located in St. Michaels, Maryland, a town rooted in the
easygoing atmosphere of the bay, and Keira’s client
wanted the home to reflect the bay’s laidback appeal.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 67
Make a room feel cozy by using
warmer colors such as yellow
or gold. This especially helps the
room feel welcoming during the
winter months.

With warm tones and soft fabrics, the living So Keira created a coastal farmhouse retreat where blue-and-white wallpaper patterns
room is full of life. The space utilizes unstained mimic the ebb and flow of the shoreline, pendant lights “look like they came off the bottom
wooden shelves to give a natural feel to the of the ocean” and unique chandeliers dangle on high beams resembling driftwood. “No
home. “The subtle fabric of the chairs gives a
clutter, no overpowering elements,” Keira says. “I focused a lot on texture and using natural
focus to the outside view,” Keira says.
materials to provide depth to the rooms, while keeping a clean look.”

LAIDBACK FAMILY RETREAT


Originally the homeowner hired a builder to make the blueprints, but Keira stepped in to
support the design of the home, making a few changes to the plans here and there. The
decision to build a farmhouse-style home on the shore was a “spontaneous choice,” Keira
says. “They were visiting St. Michaels, and they thought about having a retreat home.”

68 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


3 EASY WAYS TO ADD
FARMHOUSE STYLE INSIDE
1. NATURAL MATERIALS. Add natural 2. ANTIQUES. Keira wanted to avoid 3. FARM ANIMALS. An easy way to
materials like rustic wooden pieces, adding clutter to her client’s home. But invoke farmhouse style is to use artwork
wicker baskets or quilted cotton throws. selecting a few key items like special featuring farm animals. Country-style
Part of the appeal of being immersed antique finds adds history to the space. kitchens can use a porcelain chicken
in farmhouse style is feeling closer to Many of the antiques in the home, Keira figurine or two and a basket of faux eggs
nature, so don’t be afraid to bring the says, were actually found around the to give that farm fresh foodie appeal.
outdoors inside. local area, giving the newly built home a With this design, the look of the home
link to the town and its history. was about gesturing to the beauty of
the sea.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 69
A farmhouse sink gets a modern makeover However, plenty of thought went into the house. Rooms lay in preparation for future
with bright polished nickel faucets and grandchildren, and the massive area above the garage—made to resemble a barn—
hardware on the cabinets. The island’s provides wonderful additional space for visiting friends and family. “It might not seem like
tabletops are poured concrete, while the
it, but the custom French beds in the loft could easily sleep two in each,” Keira says.
pendant lights give a nautical look.

COASTAL LIVEIN SPA


With its crisp grays, robin’s-egg blues and luminous whites, the guest room with
coordinating twin beds feels like a stylish resort. “I wanted to create a calming space to give
focus to the beauty of the outdoors,” says Keira. In the living room, earthy colors and a few

70 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


Use a mix of antiques and new items
to avoid overspending, as Keira did
here with the rustic pendant lights
in the kitchen.

(top, right) The kitchen stove was imported from


key pieces on the bookshelves provide a cozy farmhouse appeal, while reclaimed wood France and was selected for its sweet robin’s-egg
and metal details root the space in a simple yet elegant country sensibility. blue. The backsplash catches the light bouncing
A few details also echo classic farmhouse style. “The large porch and front columns off the water outside the windows.

create a traditional farmhouse-style exterior to the home,” Keira says. “The screened-in patio
(above, right) The home’s screened patio serves as
has brick, a classic detail of many farmhouse-style homes.” But she also wanted to make a breezeway for the kitchen. Brick—a staple
sure the home reflected its Chesapeake location. “I didn’t want to use anything too bold of farmhouse aesthetic—is used as flooring
to distract from the landscape. Everything in the home gave a nod to the bay,” says Keira. under a distressed table, hammered to appear
From the blue of the front door to the kitchen backsplash—hand-cut and hand-dyed to older than it is and set with several open-weave
mimic the bay’s water—the home is full of allusions to the bay’s splendor. wicker chairs.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 71
Rooms lay in preparation for future
grandchildren, and the massive area above
the garage—made to resemble a barn—
provides wonderful additional space for
visiting friends and family.

This space can be found above the family’s


garage. A loft, it can sleep several guests with
its custom French beds, each deep enough to
hold a couple of adults. The room’s high beam,
Keira says, references driftwood.
(opposite, top left) Many of the antiques, such as
these trunks, were found in nearby St. Michaels,
giving the newly built home a sense of history.
(opposite, top right) This wallpaper, the most
concentrated area of color in the whole home,
was meant to represent the ebb and flow of the
water against the shoreline.

72 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


Less is more, but don’t be afraid
to play with patterns. Keira used
several patterned elements
throughout the home to balance
out the mostly white rooms.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 73
“I focused a lot on
texture and using If the bay is so close to the house, why have

natural materials a pool as well? “The pool is full of saltwater,”


Keira says. “We made the bottom of the pool

to provide depth darker to make it seem like a natural body of


water.” It’s great to have the variety of options,

to the rooms, and “besides there are lots of jellyfish in the


bay during the summer months,” says Keira. A

while keeping a saltwater pool sounds like a great alternative


to jellyfish stings.

clean look." SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.

Many of the rooms have low ceilings


to provide a cozy feel. Sage-green
wallpaper adds a hint of calm
tranquility to make slumber easy.
(opposite, top, left) An array of windows
lets natural light into this bedroom,
along with a cozy window seat and
subtle texture in the floral valances
and wood bed frame.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 75
The deep windows allow guests spending the night
amazing views looking out onto the bay.
(top, right) The pool house bathroom includes several nautical pieces.
Oars lean against the wall and a caged light hints at a captain’s
quarters. (bottom, left) Swinging doors can suggest a farmhouse-style
stable instead of a traditional poolside shower space.
(bottom, right) With fewer items, the decluttered bathrooms showcase
a few central pieces, like unique nautical items.

“I didn’t want to use anything


too bold to distract from the
landscape. Everything in the
home gave a
nod to the bay
.”

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 77
CREAM OR
White Trim?
There are pros and cons to each option, but the best choice
will always be to make sure the trim complements the rest
of your home before you start applying new paint.
WHEN TO USE CREAM TRIM: Warm colors look best with a
cream trim. “A warm color mixed with a bright white makes the
home feel too manufactured,” says Keira. Unsure if your color is on
the warmer side of the color spectrum? Look for the underlying
color. “Some greens, like navy green, have warmer tones like yellow
hidden in them,” says Keira.

WHEN TO USE WHITE TRIM: Save this color palette for cooler
shades. For example, the green of this home’s garage has more
gray in it. “This green falls on the colder side of the color spectrum,
so it made sense to pair it with a white trim,” Keira says. But don’t be
afraid to mix colors on the same side of the spectrum. For example,
the exterior of this farmhouse is painted a light, French gray, while
the garage has a unique greenish gray, drawing the eye to the
garage and its classic barn aesthetic.

78 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


The pool in back is full of
saltwater for when the
family wants to escape
the stinging jellyfish
that clog the bay in the
summer months.

KEY EXTERIOR ELEMENTS FOR


Farmhouse Style
Learn from Keira about which architectural elements will help your home give off a distinct farmhouse look.
A BIG FRONT PORCH. “This is a very COLUMNS. “The classic farmhouse SHUTTERS OR A GABLED ROOF.
specific look, an iconic American has these,” Keira says. Of course, if your These elements provide texture to the
look,” Keira says. Large porches, patios home doesn’t have columns, you can still exterior and create depth. “Subtle choices
and especially spacious, wraparound incorporate farmhouse style into the look can create a farmhouse look,” Keira says.
verandas are crucial structural elements of your home’s exterior. Keira suggests “Without texture, the home might lack
of farmhouse style. A porch swing and adding trim for a farmhouse vibe and to depth and feeling.” For the Chesapeake
colorful throw pillows add a comfy feel to make your home’s paint job pop. home, Keira opted for cooler colors
the space and give passersby a glimpse inside, but incorporated a lot of texture to
into your interior style. add interest.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 79
Classic patterns and farmhouse pieces overflow in the cozy living room. Homeowner Maryal Miller
Carter spotted the wallpaper on an episode of Fixer Upper. “My mom had seen the episode,
hunted the wallpaper down and sent it to me. It was just the ticket!” she says. The white end table
completes the farmhouse aesthetic with cottage appeal.
A 65-year-old home
in Phoenix, Arizona,
gets new life with
DIY creations and
vintage gems.
BY S H E L BY D E E R I N G
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LANDON WIGGS
S T Y L I N G B Y M A R YA L M I L L E R C A R T E R

House
The

DIY Built
That
“This house hasn’t just been the
backdrop of it all—it has truly been at
the forefront of it all.”
82 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE
Maryal Miller Carter doesn’t look at her house and simply
see a house. According to the Phoenix, Arizona-based blogger of Love + Specs, the 1954 home she
shares with her husband, Chris, is a central character in their love story.
Five years ago, Maryal was living in a Phoenix neighborhood that she describes as “pretty brown and unvaried,
and it was a little bit uninspiring.” Then her sister moved to the Arcadia neighborhood. After spending time there,
Maryal began to adore the area’s charm and beauty—the friendliness, the fragrant citrus trees and scores of
people walking their dogs. When she decided to look for a house there, she toured around 50 homes. As soon as
she walked into the house she now lives in, she says she was a “goner.”

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 83
Maryal met her now-husband Chris nine months after she moved into the
1,700-square-foot home. They fell in love with the house together, and in the process,
with each other. “From late nights spent talking for hours in the backyard under the
twinkle lights to making dinner in the kitchen together for the first time to bringing
home our first Christmas tree to tackling our very first DIY project, this house hasn’t
You can just feel the slow, relaxed pace in Maryal
just been the backdrop of it all—it has truly been at the forefront of it all,” Maryal says.
and Chris’ home, right down to the breezy
green rocking chairs sitting out front. The chairs
were found on a curb, and after receiving the HANDMADE WITH LOVE
neighbors’ permission to take them (for free!), The couple has nicknamed their abode “The House That DIY Built” because they’ve
the couple renewed them using an airless sprayer rolled up their sleeves and worked magic on several rooms. From hanging fresh
and Behr’s “Mossy Bench” paint. wallpaper to updating kitchen countertops, nearly every space has received a
makeover. Maryal’s parents have helped the couple complete many projects, getting
into the nitty-gritty details like plumbing and electrical updates.

84 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


DIY SCENT POTS
Maryal’s DIY “scent pots” have proven to be the most popular project on her blog and for good reason:
They’re creative and guaranteed to make your home smell amazing. Here’s how to make them.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: WHAT YOU’LL DO: 3. Brush the wash onto the pot and
• Small terracotta pots and saucers 1. Clean off your pots with a damp rag or allow it to dry.
• Rag or paper towels paper towel. 4. Create a subtle polka-dot pattern
• Craft paint of choice (Maryal used 2. Create a vintage-inspired patina by under the lip of the pot by using the
Martha Stewart Porcelain Doll and whipping up your own whitewash. same craft paint used for the wash,
Poodle Skirt) In a cup or bowl, mix a quarter-sized but without the water mix-in.
• Cup or bowl for mixing paint dollop of paint with 1 tablespoon 5. Once the pot is dry, pour in the coffee
• Paint stir stick or plastic utensil water. “This doesn’t have to be an exact beans to the top and add a small tea
• Filbert brush, size 4 science,” Maryal says. “More paint to light and cinnamon stick.
• Coffee beans less water will make for an opaquer 6. Light the candle, wait for it to warm
• Tea lights wash, and more water to less paint and then breathe in the fragrance.
• Cinnamon sticks will make the wash more transparent.”
However thick you want your wash,
make sure you mix it thoroughly.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 85
Pleasant pops of sea green and pink lend a feminine Despite the work they’ve done so far, there are still some spaces in the home that
feel to the kitchen. The rug matches up perfectly could use attention. “We’re intentional when we update and like to take it slow, have a
with the pink vintage Lincoln BeautyWare tins that plan and make sure it’s done right,” Maryal says. “That means some spaces stay eyesores
Maryal found on Etsy.
for longer than we’d like.” Chris and Maryal have made peace with the imperfect rooms
so they can save themselves headaches and heartbreak down the road.

HEARTFELT & ECLECTIC


Through her DIY décor projects, Maryal has achieved an imaginative and well-balanced
mix of décor styles, wrapping in cottage, farmhouse, vintage and Southwestern motifs.

86 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


You can achieve a farmhouse
look on a budget by mingling
big-box scores with vintage
treasures found online or at
local shops.

“I realized that my home was one of the few domains in my life where I could
make my own rules,” she says.
Maryal had an interest in DIY even before she met her husband, and now the A mix of local and big-box finds punctuate the delightful
bar area next to the kitchen, featuring Target barstools, an
two take on projects side by side. Handmade accents throughout the home,
IKEA clock and a bakery sign from one of Maryal’s favorite
which include the pennant wall art in the dining room and the pink barn light in
local shops, Scottsdale Marketplace. “Chris is an incredible
the bathroom, make the spaces unique. “Our skill sets complement each other cook, and I absolutely love sitting on those stools and
well,” Maryal says. “I’m design-focused, and Chris is much more technical and recapping both of our days and talking about life, dreams
comfortable with tools of all kinds. When I have some crazy idea that I can’t get and everything in between while he cooks,” Maryal says.
out of my head, he helps me figure out how to execute it.” “It’s our happy place.”

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 87
(opposite) In the dining area, vintage, farmhouse, cottage and Southwestern styles all come together flawlessly. The adorable pennant wall art
completes the scene, a DIY project that incorporates some of Maryal’s favorite fabrics from a company called Calico.

FRESH UPDATES WITH


VINTAGE FLAIR
Maryal enjoys revitalizing bygone pieces, making them look on-trend and current in her home.
Here are her top three tips for fresh yet vintage style.

1. SHOP FOR QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY. 2. WATCH FOR ART. Maryal also notes 3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO DIY. Maryal
Maryal says that her first rule of thumb for that when she’s vintage hunting, her says that she’s always game to
making her home feel contemporary and eyes are always peeled for art. “Art make over a vintage piece to give
vintage simultaneously is to keep it simple never feels dusty or cluttered to me, it a modern look. “That was kind of
and be intentional when she shops. Maryal so even if it is a really old piece, I think the genesis of our blog and where
prefers to purchase a few exceptional pieces it can always feel current if you’re so much of our passion lies,” she
over amassing vintage collections. “I can still mixing it into a room update,” she says. says. “We always say that the most
love antiquing and yet not feel like I live in a important thing for a piece is to have
mausoleum with all of this dust-collecting potential for us and to be realistic
stuff piling up everywhere,” she says. about what that potential is.”

88 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


For vintage-inspired wall art,
frame vintage fabric in your
room’s color scheme.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 89
Vintage pieces also permeate the home. “The thing I love most about
Light colors and antique motifs can be seen in the vintage is the ability to breathe new life into a piece and give it a second
master bedroom. The DIY floral artwork is pretty and .
act,” Maryal says. “It has a new purpose. There’s this endless supply of
traditional alongside a patterned throw pillow and a furniture and home décor pieces out there in the world that people have
black-and-white plaid cotton rug. Maryal has had the
poured their hearts and souls into crafting, and it’s such a beautiful thing.”
ornate headboard for several years, and it’s undergone
The blogger turns to apps and online shopping destinations to uncover
many updates and transformations.
her vintage finds. Currently, she’s questing after cane furniture and Jenny
Lind-style pieces.

90 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


(top left) Simple, beautiful tile, used in the master bath, is a nod to a bygone time.
“We wanted to stay true to a somewhat modern take on a 1950s-era look, so it felt
like it fit the style of the house,” Maryal says. (top right) A pink barn-style light takes
center stage in this bathroom, and it has a notable history. “The now-infamous pink
barn light in our master bath was a DIY project inspired by my inexplicable desire to
find an affordable blush-pink barn light for this space, which at the time was very
difficult,” Maryal says. “Just a few years ago, if you wanted a colored barn light, it was
an investment. This project was one of our very first posts on the blog and remains
one of my favorite things about this bathroom.” (bottom) Endearing decorative objects
fill this little corner of the master bedroom, like beloved framed photos and the green
dresser Maryal bought for her condo right after graduating from college. But the real
star of this scene is the couple’s pup Hamlet.

Maryal sums up her multifaceted décor approach, saying, “Even


though our home may seem like a random mashup of design
styles, to us, combining and really embracing all of the things that
make this little slice of Phoenix so charming and special—the
Southwest flair, the cottage coziness, the farmhouse functionality
and the 1950s-era treasures—it all feels really right.”

SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.


Maryal preps the fun and fanciful firepit area for a get-together. The firepit came with the house, one of the elements that convinced her to purchase the home.
Maryal says, “Our firepit is one of our favorite areas of our home to entertain and hang with friends and family. Chris and I also love to light a fire out here when
it’s just the two of us. A lot of our best life decisions have been made while sipping wine together by that fire.”

92 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


For Maryal’s tips on how to
throw an outdoor dinner
party, visit our website at
AmericanFarmhouseStyle.com!

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 93
94 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE
A Labor BY J E S S I E YO U N T
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSIE PREZA
ST YLING BY LAUREN LEONARD INTERIORS
INTERIOR DESIGN BY LAUREN LEONARD

Love
& S H E R Y L PA R R A M O R E

of
A new build outside
Jacksonville, Florida, elevates
low-country style with
farmhouse details and
upscale elements.
96 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE
If you want to go bold with
color while still keeping a
neutral foundation, add an
armchair or two with a bright,
patterned fabric.

H
ow do you create a farmhouse that
exudes coastal charm, farmhouse
flair and airy elegance? It’s all about
balance, according to John Unkefer,
owner of Legacy Builders of North
Florida, Inc. John and his team worked hand in hand
with the homeowners of this Florida home to achieve
stunning farmhouse results.

(opposite) Landscaping is key to this farmhouse’s elegant aesthetic. The


brick walkway and fire pit perfectly match the exterior siding.
(top) The foyer features high ceilings, which create an open and airy
feel—perfect for welcoming guests into the home. Shiplap and
wainscoting add high-end appeal to the welcoming atmosphere.
(right) The home is filled with hints of greenery, whether it be potted
plants or framed pictures. These hints of green complement the dark
cherry sideboard, which is both functional and decorative.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 97
98 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE
Throughout the process, the
homeowners worked to create
a space where they could share
their life with loved ones, such
as family and close friends.
White wainscoting and ceiling coffers add an element
of traditional style to the farmhouse. The navy-blue
display case shows off family photos and trinkets.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 99
PATTERNED vs. SOLID-COLORED TILE
PATTERN PLAY MONOTONE MAGIC

PROS PROS
The easiest way to add interest to a kitchen or Solid-colored tile is a classic design choice. The texture
bathroom, without overwhelming the space, is by using adds visual interest, but the monotone color can lend
patterned tile. You can use multiple soft patterns to itself to a softer background color or a standout pop of
create a unique, one-of-a-kind aesthetic in your home. color—the choice is yours.
Plus, patterned tile will hide small cracks or stains in
the design. CONS
When choosing solid-colored tile, consider color
CONS options carefully. Use bright colors in small amounts
The caveats to patterned tile are that it can be more and softer, neutral colors in abundance. Unlike
trendy than classic and can sometimes overwhelm a patterned tile, solid-colored tile shows imperfections
space. Use it sparingly and in good taste. When picking easily, so make sure to select a material that can
out patterned tile, think carefully about the overall withstand normal wear and tear.
design style you hope to achieve.

100 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


(opposite, top) The dining room evokes classic farmhouse style with a wooden
table, spindle-back dining chairs and hardwood floors. Tan-colored walls
and creamy white wainscoting lighten the space. (top, left) The homeowners
wanted classic elements, such as an indoor fireplace, in the dining room.
But Legacy Builders cleverly masked the fireplace in white trim to maintain
the color palette in the home. (top, right) The butler’s pantry combines a
traditional look with farmhouse style. The patterned backsplash adds
eye-catching appeal to an otherwise monotone, yet elegant, small space.
(bottom, right) In addition to the neutral color palette, the homeowners added
pops of blue and green color throughout the house. While the foyer displays
chairs with a traditional pattern, the kitchen features chairs with a more
down-to-earth, checkered pattern.

FOR LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS


When the homeowners purchased the property, which spans
several acres, they decided to demolish the existing house and get
rid of the pool out back to accomplish their goals. They wanted
to take advantage of the property’s amazing riverside views and
make use of the space, both indoors and outdoors.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 101


Legacy Builders added small touches of wood to create
a seamless transition between the exterior and interior.
While the wood creates a sense of rusticity, the white
window trim adds a touch of elegance.

102 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


“We made sure
that everything
we did was in line
with the feel of
the house and the
overall design
and vision.”
Legacy Builders worked to create a
new 4,000-square-foot home with a
detached garage and a full efficiency
apartment above it. To make use of
the landscape, the team put a shower
underneath the stairs to the garage
apartment, as well as a brick path and a
fire pit, creating a space that’s dedicated
to casual outdoor entertaining.
The team matched the brick path
to the detailing on the exterior of the
house, which also features upgraded
fiber cement siding and exposed beams.
John’s team worked with Allison Ramsey
Architects to match the style of the
architecture to the interior woodwork
and trim. “We made sure that everything
we did was in line with the feel of the
house and the overall design and vision,”
John says.

FOR LOVE OF THE COAST


The homeowners have lived in
Florida for many years, but they love
the refreshing atmosphere of the
East Coast, and often vacation on the
beaches of South Carolina. Going into
the construction and design process,
they knew a coastal vibe was essential to
their overall vision.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 103


Going into the construction and design process,
the homeowners knew a coastal vibe was essential to
their overall vision . This vision came to life with a neutral color palette, which features soft
touches of blue and green. There are blue gingham and floral patterns on
the furnishings, and plentiful potted plants and wreaths of green around
the house. Woodwork adds rusticity, while white wainscoting and ceiling
coffers bring about a hint of elegance.

104 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


The couple worked with designer Sheryl and close friends. “They see their family, their (top, left) John used black hardware to
accentuate the white cabinetry, which
Parramore of Parramore Interiors during their children and grandchildren quite often,” John
reaches the top of the kitchen ceiling.
original design concept, and designer Lauren says. “They love taking them kayaking or skiing.”
Meanwhile, a glossy backsplash,
Leonard of Lauren Leonard Interiors once the In addition to the garage apartment, the copper lanterns and metal hardware
construction phase of the project was complete. home features several guest bedrooms and high add a dash of glamour.
ceilings to create a spacious and welcoming (top, right) Light streams into the dining
FOR LOVE OF FAMILY atmosphere. The entire first floor has 11-foot room past the sliding barn door.
The barn door is not only a staple of
Throughout the process, the homeowners ceilings, and the foyer spans two stories in
farmhouse style, but also a functional
worked to create a space where they could height. Meanwhile, the rooms on the second
fit for outdoor lovers.
share their life with loved ones, such as family story have 9-foot ceilings.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 105


In keeping with the theme of the home, this neutral-colored bedroom
features just the right number of floral and feminine patterns. Fresh
flowers and sunlight bring life to the bedroom.
(opposite) A touch of color can make a world of difference, and this
bedroom is proof. Light-pink bedding, a baby-blue patterned rug and
colorful wall paintings create whimsical appeal.

You don’t have to cover every wall


in your home with shiplap to get
the benefit of the texture. try a
single accent wall.

106 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


The 5 Best
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
FOR YOUR FARMHOUSE
1. CEILING COFFERS. What are ceiling coffers anyway? A coffer is a sunken panel in a ceiling, which can be
intricately detailed or plain (like in the bedroom on the next page). Whether extravagant or simple, ceiling
coffers create an illusion of depth and add unique interest to the fifth wall.
2. SHIPLAP. Just about everyone and their mother has heard about shiplap. It’s a tried-and-true architectural
element for the farmhouse. But unlike other types of wood paneling, like board and batten or beadboard, the
overlapping grooves in shiplap create unique spacing between each panel.
3. SLIDING BARN DOORS. Pocket doors are out; sliding barn doors are in. Whether it’s natural wood or
painted, the sliding barn door adds rusticity and texture to any space. Use it to maximize space, but keep the
option of having a door when you need it.
4. VAULTED CEILINGS. A classic farmhouse is anything but small, and vaulted ceilings can enhance an open
and spacious quality. Pair a high ceiling with large glass windows to let the light in.
5. WAINSCOTING. The wall accent you’ve been missing is wainscoting. It’s a simple architectural detail,
comprised of detailing on the lower half of a wall. But it comes in many different forms, including raised and
flat panels and board and batten. It could be the perfect touch of elegance your farmhouse needs.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 107


Woodwork adds rusticity,
while white wainscoting and
ceiling coffers bring about
a hint of elegance .
The master bedroom takes on a classic, coastal design with a
white-and-blue color palette. The bedroom opens to a private,
covered balcony on the second story.

For tips on how to choose a


builder for your home, visit
AmericanFarmhouseStyle.com.

108 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


The project took about two-and-a-half years to complete, and
that doesn’t include the final design steps with Lauren. Nevertheless,
the couple was able to take a step back and look at all the time and
effort that was put into the property––and, most important, share it
with others.
“There was nothing overly challenging about the project,” John says.
“The homeowners are dear friends, and they were great to work with.
They spent a lot of time picking out the details, and they were happy
with everything we achieved.”

SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.

(bottom, left) Here, the homeowners opted for tall cabinets to accommodate the small space
in the bathroom. The white cabinets, nearly white countertops and softly patterned floor
tile maintain the soothing vibe.
(bottom, right) This bathroom truly achieves a coastal vibe. Baby-blue colored walls are
enhanced by clear blue skies and sunshine, which streams in through the sheer curtains.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 109


• Project House •

Clear as a

Mudroom The first room reveals of our New


Hampshire project house are the
mudroom and powder room.
BY K R I S T I N D OW D I N G
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y K E L LY M c C A S K I L L
S T Y L I N G B Y M O L LY F E R R A N T E

110 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


Should you use full or
veneer brick for your
home project? Visit
americanfarmhousestyle.com
for the full details.

I
f you’ve been following along
with our project house this year,
you’ve seen a set of plans develop
for a beautiful structure as we’ve
partnered with our sister magazine,
Cottages and Bungalows, and builder
Yankee Barn Homes. Now we get to reveal
the finished spaces, starting with the
mudroom and powder room.
Made to incorporate both farmhouse
and cottage style, the mudroom has
a homey feel that’s both bright and
charming. “It has clean and fresh lines,
mixed with cozy cottage vibes and a hint
of rustic farmhouse style,” says Victoria Van
Vlear, editor of American Farmhouse Style.
A few accessories are all it needs to bring
farmhouse style to the room.

FORM AND FUNCTION


Mudrooms are becoming more common,
and we can attribute the trend to the
modern home layout. “With the popularity
of open concept floor plans, mudrooms
have become indispensable,” says Jeffrey
Rosen, Creative Director at Yankee Barn
Homes. “They have become the location
that allows for things to be out of sight
from open concept public spaces, yet
conveniently located for entry and exit.
They are the unspoken boundary for
household overflow.”

(opposite) Though space can be tight in a smaller mudroom, a few decorative pieces like (above) Brick flooring by Cherokee Brick ties the mudroom to the powder room, and
these pillows, blanket and milk can from Country Door can go a long way to make it also gives these spaces a unique vibe. “In our project house, the entryway and most
cozy. “In a space like this, the items you put into the room will do just as much as the of the main spaces have hardwood floors,” says Victoria. “So the brick delineates the
wall and flooring materials to direct the style you want,” says Victoria. This way, the powder room and mudroom as a separate space right off the front of the house.”
bench serves as a practical place to take off shoes and as a surface to display décor.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 111


While they’re practical for areas with harsh weather, they can be spaces, but it also adds a level of charm. “We chose Cherokee Brick’s
used no matter the climate. “Even if you live in a temperate area, line of flooring material as a perfect foil to the home’s post-and-
you can use a mudroom as your go-to space for items that would beam timber structure,” says Jeffrey. “Its timeless quality adds a sense
otherwise end up in the entryway or on the kitchen table, like of history and place, and it’s extremely practical, as it shows no dirt
shoes and gym bags, purses and diaper bags, school flyers and and is a material that only improves as it ages.”
incoming bills,” says Victoria. Other materials, such as the barn siding wall in the powder room,
add a rustic touch and dimension. The Signature Hardware faucet is
BRICK HOUSE fitted into the perfectly petite sink to match the room’s size, and the
To tie the mudroom to the adjoining powder room, the team country décor brings in the farmhouse charm we know and love.
installed Cherokee Brick flooring in both spaces. “Brick is a practical
flooring choice because it’s durable and easy to clean,” says
Victoria. “It also gives you options for the finish, whether you want TO SEE THE FINISHED KITCHEN, CHECK OUT THE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
ISSUE OF COTTAGES AND BUNGALOWS.
a cleaner, whitewashed look or a more rustic, exposed brick look.”
Not only does brick create a seamless transition between the two SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.

112 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


(opposite, far left) No mudroom is
complete without a space to hang
jackets and bags. “Mudrooms are
super practical for regions where
you get all four seasons—especially
during the winter and spring, it’s
helpful to have a space to hang coats
and drop muddy shoes,” says Victoria.
This sign from Rooted and Grounded
Signs adds a homey touch.

(left) An accent wall is an effective


way to bring texture and interest
to smaller spaces. “The accent wall
offsets the bright white of the
vertical shiplap in the mudroom,”
says Victoria. “It gives a lot of texture
to the small space, which works well
with the texture of the Cherokee
Brick flooring.” The faucet and
fittings from Signature Hardware
work perfectly in the space alongside
charming accessories like the hand
towel and clawfoot tub soap dish by
Marmalade Mercantile.

Having a hard time choosing


fixtures and fittings?
Signature Hardware can
help, so check out our
exclusive web article at
americanfarmhousestyle.com.

5 ACCENT WALL IDEAS


FOR TIGHT SPACES
1. WALLPAPER. With peel-and-stick and two-step paste options, 4. STENCILS. If wallpaper isn’t your thing, grab some paint,
hanging wallpaper is easier than ever. Pick a pattern with texture a brush and the stencil of your choice and create your own
or a large pattern that will complement the space, or go for pattern. You can stencil script across the wall or pick a pattern
something subtle and smooth. Either way, you’re getting interest that will mimic wallpaper. Plus, you have more control over the
from flat paper that won’t interfere as you move around. color since you’ll choose the paint.

2. WOOD PANELS. When you have a tight space, every square 5. PAINT. Not into patterns? A pop of color can do wonders in a
inch counts, so rather than installing a wood wall that will stick small room, and painting one wall a soothing color like blue or
out an inch or two, opt for thin peel-and-stick wood panels that light pink can completely change the vibe of the space.
will add texture without the depth. The finish options are endless.

3. BRICK PANELS. The same wood panel idea can be applied to


brick, too. Most walls can’t handle the weight of a full brick, but
companies like Cherokee Brick offer panels called brick veneer
that are thin, yet appear full-sized.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 113


• FARM TO TABLE •

Pretty IN PASTEL
Celebrate someone special this summer
with a luncheon adorned in soft shades.
BY M I C H E L L E M A S T RO
PHOTOGRAPHY AND ST YLING BY COURTNEY WHITMORE

P
astels aren’t just for Easter. With summer in full swing, skip the routine July color palette and
craft a gorgeous pastel summer luncheon around floral centerpieces. “In a world where we
all have too many things, one of my favorite ways to celebrate someone special is spending
time with them over delicious food and a gorgeous tablescape,” says blogger and author
Courtney Whitmore of Pizzazzerie.com. Here’s her take on a celebratory meal this season.

114 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


(opposite, left) .
,

(below) .

To DIY these framed place


setting favors, simply add
photos to miniature frames
and set them at each
place. You can even write
a personalized note on the
back to each guest.
COHESIVE COLORS KEEP IT SIMPLE
Remember to keep the color palette cohesive. Choose two to three The best part about using florals is that your other decorations
colors to guide you as you decide on decorations. For her table, don’t have to change depending on the occasion. “If you have
Courtney chose yellows, peaches and complementary whites. “To beautiful floral centerpieces and place settings, you’ll only need a
keep colors pastel, opt for soft-toned florals such as peaches and few touches to personalize the event for the occasion,” Courtney
baby pinks,” she says. If you want to pick cooler shades, go with says. If you’re preparing for a summer bridal shower, Courtney
violet florals or robin-eggshell blooms. “Blue and white is another suggests framing baby pictures of the bride-to-be and her guests
favorite combination that’s always beautiful,” Courtney says. at each place setting. “Framed prints are one of my favorite
ways to personalize a tablescape,” she says. “They also make for a
FLOWER FOCUS darling party favor.” Don’t forget dainty flowers to complement
Center your tablescape around the flowers. Courtney likes to use the settings, or go big with a floral-topped cake on the sideboard.
a variety of flowers to add interest to the space. Here she used Spring might have already sprung, but summer has its blooms too.
ranunculus, tulips, David Austen roses, Solomon’s Seal, floral branch
SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.
stems and berries. Don’t be afraid to mix a range of plants.

116 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


(left) The tasty granola bowls are always a hit with guests,
says Courtney, who adds a range of flavors and colors to
the simple yet stylish snack.
(below) Since her floral palette features so much color,
Courtney opted for a white tablecloth to keep attention
fixed on the flowery glory at the table’s center.

Taste it! For Courtney’s yogurt


granola bowl recipe, visit
AmericanFarmhouseStyle.com.

Picture Perfect PLACE SETTINGS


Use Courtney’s 3 tips to create a masterpiece with your place settings.
1. ADD LAYERS. “I usually layer two to 2. PICK A PALETTE. If your 3. FIND A FUN FAVOR. You can
three dinnerware plates—dinner size, pastels revolve around warmer personalize your place settings
salad size and sometimes an appetizer shades, make sure your napkins into fantastic keepsakes. Courtney
plate—depending on the menus,” complete the look in a similar hue. added a touch of whimsy and personal
Courtney says. “One of my favorite tips Courtney chose coral napkins for flare by folding the napkins and tucking
is investing in a gorgeous set of white her table settings. a framed picture inside, along with
dinnerware because it will fit with any dainty bouquets. These details make a
theme or occasion.” Courtney’s tableware party unforgettable.
is rimmed in gold, a touch of elegance
perfect year-round.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 117


• Bookshelf •

Be-Leaf
or Not
It
W
hat can make a space
livelier than life itself?
Plants are among the
Learn how you and your simplest and most primal
forms of decoration, yet
plants can bring a green they can turn your farmhouse into a stunning
renovation to your home. masterpiece. In her new book, Decorating with
Plants: What to Choose, Ways to Style, and How to
BY C A R S O N D I K E Make Them Thrive, Baylor Chapman brings to life
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUBRIE PICK
the idea of a “green renovation” and shares how
easy it can be to incorporate foliage into your
farmhouse. From choosing your leafy houseguests
to styling them, here are a few ways to take your
home from “can’t” to “plant” in a matter of days.

To make great use of small


spaces, line up plants of
varying heights next to
each other to boost the
dimensions of your foliage.

118 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


Placing a palette of plant styles next to a sunny alcove is the
perfect way to balance a room. This leafy family moves your
eyes upward to complement the freestanding bathtub.

To protect plants on the way home,


wrap them in paper and bubble wrap.
These materials insulate them from
the outside environment, keeping their
leaves happy and healthy for travel.

BECOMING A
PLANT AFICIONADO
A plant isn’t just aesthetically beautiful, but each one has its own personality that can breathe life into a room. Chapman finds the
best way to style a plant is to “take some time to really look it over and get to know it.” When selecting a plant, observe the following:

1. SIZE. Houseplants come in a range 3. COLOR. Plants are predominantly 4. TEXTURE & PATTERN. Balanced
of differing sizes, but two general green, but there are so many unique imprints and rhythmic shapes
categories are floor plants (plants that variations and hues that give you the distinguish plants from one another.
make a statement) and tabletop plants freedom to experiment with diverse According to Chapman, position your
(plants that accent a room). color combinations. Especially inside, photosynthesizing friends to best
2. FORM. Each layer of a plant can you can choose plants with variant- “show off your plant’s full outfit.” You
communicate a particular mood. Try colored leaves, such as the purple can also complement the texture and
choosing a plant shape that best fits leaf of the purple shamrock or the pattern of your room with your plants,
your home, as well as one that puts a multicolored leaf of the African violet. and vice versa.
smile on your face.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 119
DIY POTTED CENTERPIECE
Combining plants into a single pot is a perfect way to add a pop of color to any room. To give your home an exotic twist, Chapman
suggests placing a fanciful orchid as your centerpiece and filling the surrounding area with a slew of succulents, ferns and bromeliads.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: WHAT YOU’LL DO: segments of bubble wrap in the gaps. This
• Colorful orchid of your choosing 1. Make sure all your plants, pots included, fit will help fill the surrounding area while
• Tricolor fern into a large planter. Once you’re sure of this, keeping the composition balanced.
• Nerve plant find a home for your centerpiece where it 3. Lastly, cover the plastic pots and bubble
• Perle von Nurnberg echeveria will be seen from all angles, to capture the wrap with a thin layer of moss. Water each
• Vriesea bromeliad beauty of the diverse plant types. pot individually, and as soon as “the orchid
• Large vessel/bowl 2. Now it’s time to get creative. Place your blooms fade,” simply disassemble the
• Bubble wrap orchid in the planter and position the lagging pieces and install a new orchid to
• Moss of choice (sheet moss, mood other plants (fern, nerve plant, echeveria, rekindle your bouquet.
moss, etc.) bromeliad, etc.) around it, tucking small

120 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


(top) Orchids, ferns and bromeliads, oh my! This exotic combination planter is booming with character and shows off a
wild side. All you need is a lively center orchid, a variety of filler plants and the will to create.
(left) Creating a space that seems larger without the added square footage is a lot easier than it may seem. Simply stack
your beloved leafy plants, letting them grow to the floor or training them to reach for the ceiling.

A DIP INTO DESIGN SMALL SPACES? NO PROBLEM


It’s essential to find the perfect place to If it seems there’s not enough room for
display that bundle of leafy goodness. When all the plants you would like, never fear;
styling your plant, consider the vessel that with a little ingenuity, the greenery you’ve
might best fit its personality. Do the color always dreamt of is yours for the taking. To
and material make your plant “sing” with “squeeze in more plants without taking up
the rest of your home? Do you and your valuable real estate,” Chapman advises that
newfound accomplice complement each you pack a “smorgasbord” of plants into
other’s personality? In order to answer these one vase, giving your room an explosion
questions, consider the architecture of the of verdant green you won’t regret. Other
plant and the style you are intending to ways you might incorporate greenery into
draw from it. For example, Chapman finds your home are by elevating plants to grow
that “if your home has a natural, rustic feel, downward toward the floor or training
Decorating with Plants: What to Choose, you might want to stick your fern in a log vines by tying them in a shape that fits the
Ways to Style, and How to Make Them vase.” But however you go about it, have surrounding furniture. Make these quick
Thrive by Baylor Chapman, published
fun with positioning and styling, because alterations, and your room is bound to look
by Artisan Publishing, © 2019;
you’re conveying your personality and mood more balanced and composed.
artisanbooks.com.
through the space around you.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 121


• Bookshelf •

122 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


FARMHOUSE
LIFESTYLE
There’s more to farm living than shiplap and
sliding barn doors.
BY W I L L L E V I N
PHOTOGRAPHY BY VIC TORIA PEARSON

Located about an hour and a half outside Los


Angeles, Patina Farm is in a perfect location
for breathtaking views of the surrounding
Southern California landscape.

What is the farmhouse


lifestyle? In simple terms, it
embraces a relaxed sense of simplicity,
centers around the family and
appreciates and cares for the natural
world. In Brooke and Steve Giannetti’s
new book, Patina Living, they share
how their transition from city life to
a farmhouse lifestyle on their farm in
Ojai, California, has made their lives so
much better.

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK


“Over the past five years on Patina
Farm, we’ve come to realize that it is
the living things that bring deeper
meaning to our days,” the Giannettis
write. With lush gardens and numerous
breeds of animals, Patina Farm has a
lot to offer. If you think having farm
animals and gardens to tend to would
be a lot of work, you would be right.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 123


But the work brings a certain After a long day, everyone,
including the animals, looks for
satisfaction that you can’t get
ways to relax. Steve and Sophie
anywhere else. “Because we are living the dog sit comfortably by the
in the moment during those times of window, enjoying the natural
day, it actually feels like we’ve been breeze wafting into the home.
given more time, and the quality of
those moments is higher than any
other time of day,” the Giannettis write.

A PLACE TO START
If you live in a home that doesn’t fit
your idea of a farmhouse, you can
still add farmhouse lifestyle elements
into your daily routine. For Brooke
and Steve, the beginnings of their
farmhouse lifestyle started in Santa
Monica, an upscale coastal city outside
Los Angeles. They built a potager
garden in front of their house, and the
euphoria they felt in tending it was a
game changer. “This connection to the Patina Living by Brooke
earth energized my body and soul, and and Steve Giannetti,
the ability to grow food for our family published by Gibbs
Smith, © 2019;
to eat fed my innate desire to nurture
gibbs-smith.com.
the ones I loved,” Brooke writes.

YOUR FIRST FARM


ANIMALS
Chickens are a great introduction to owning farm animals.

If owning sheep and goats isn’t a realistic option for you, chickens
might be a great place to start. Not only are they easy to feed and
relatively inexpensive to own, but they don’t need a lot of space.
Chickens were the first farm animals Brooke and Steve owned, and
they kept them in their Santa Monica home’s side yard. The huge
benefit of keeping chickens is the fresh eggs they lay, as well as
their appetite for your kitchen scraps.

There are a few things to keep in mind for owning chickens. It is


a good idea to skip getting a rooster. You don’t need them for the
eggs, and they will likely do more harm than good. “Not only are
they loud at all times of day and night, but they can also be mean,”
says Brooke. You should also do research on the various breeds, to
choose the one that best fits your needs.

You never know what kind of friendships will develop among your animals. Paisley,
one of the sheep, has formed a special bond with one of the hens and can often be
spotted with the hen on her back.

124 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


“This connection to
the earth energized
my body and
“ soul.
Sundance is a rescued barn cat in charge of keeping the
rodent population down. He luxuriates in the shade provided
by the rose trellis just outside the farmhouse.
• Personality Profile •

SarahBlog
Joy
BY V I C TO R I A VA N V L E A R
P H O TO G R A P H Y B Y S A R A H VA N D I V E R

Meet the Instagram and blog personality


behind Sarah Joy Blog.

W
ith so many kind-hearted and talented people in the farmhouse
style community, we want to highlight some of the personalities
that turned this interior design group into a supportive family.
Meet Sarah Vandiver, a wife, mother of three kids and the face
behind the blog and Instagram account Sarah Joy Blog.

American Farmhouse Style: How did you get involved in the farmhouse community?
Sarah: It kind of happened by accident a few years ago when I first started sharing our
home on Instagram. I was sharing photos of our renovation projects and my design
ideas when I realized there are a whole lot of people who love the same thing I do. So I
kept sharing and it’s been so much fun!
AFS: How would you describe your home style?
Sarah: My style is always changing little by little, but lately I would say my style is cozy
boho farmhouse. I’m a huge fan of things like neutral décor, shiplap and white walls. But
I also love adding in more pops of color, patterns and textures into our home, and this
past year I’ve found myself reaching for those things more. I also love vintage décor, and
one of my favorite things to do is mix old and new pieces together.
AFS: What’s your favorite room in your house and why?
Sarah: Oh goodness, that’s a hard question! I would say our living room because it’s so
cozy, and it’s where we spend so much time as a family. Plus the reading nook, which is
in the living room, is also one of my favorite projects we’ve ever done. It also gets a lot of
sunshine, so it’s just a bright and happy space!
AFS: What are you doing when you’re not working on home décor?
Sarah: Chasing my three kiddos around and drinking copious amounts of coffee.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SARAH ONLINE: AFS: What are you working on now?
Sarah: We are preparing to start on a little kitchen makeover! Specifically we are
BLOG: SARAHJOYBLOG.COM replacing our old floor tile, which is very outdated. I’m also dreaming about painting
INSTAGRAM: SARAHJOYBLOG our cabinets. Hopefully we can get both of those projects done this summer. I’m also
working on something super exciting that will be launching in the fall!

126 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


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Visit Us Online!
Rooted & Grounded For more of your favorite farmhouse style, with
rootedandgrounded.com.................................................................................. 11 ideas, inspiration and DIYs to help create your
farmhouse dream home.
Signature Hardware
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signaturehardware.com...................................................................................4-5
• SOURCES •

DIY BARN QUILT WALL ART Page 18 Wicker basket set: Joss and Main, (844) 829-5705 or Kitchen table: Wayfair. Visit wayfair.com.
For more on the Flea Market Décor paint line with jossandmain.com. Kitchen stools: Wayfair. Visit wayfair.com.
Dixie Belle Paint, visit dixiebellepaint.com. Dough-rising bread basket: Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Living room chair: Ikea. Visit ikea.com.
(800) 462-3966 or bedbathandbeyond.com. Living room sofa: Pottery Barn. Visit potterybarn.com.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY Page 20 Old Havana soup bowl: Anthropologie, (800) 309- Cabinet and shiplap wall paint color: Benjamin
For more on Lindsay, visit offyourrockerpottery.com. 2500 or anthropologie.com. Moore “Newburg Green.” Visit benjaminmoore.com.
Hex brushed brass 5" handle: CB2, cb2.com. Office paint color: Benjamin Moore “Blue Note.” Visit
LOVE IS A VINTAGE DOOR Page 21 benjaminmoore.com.
For more on Vintage Doors, visit vintagedoors.com. WHITE ON WHITE Page 36 Bedroom bench: Brand Tommy Hilfiger. Visit
For more on Nadia, visit aidandesign.com. homegoods.com.
FLOOR FOCUS Page 28 Scalloped light fixture: Horchow. Visit horchow.com.
For more on Olde Wood Ltd., visit oldewoodltd.com. BAYSIDE RETREAT Page 66
SUMMERTIME SIMPLICITY Page 40 For more on Keira, visit anthonywilder.com.
FARMHOUSE WITH A TROPICAL TWIST Page 32 For more on Alicia and Nick, visit aburstofbeautiful.com. Open-weave wicker chairs: Phillip Scott, (866) 724-
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL HUNTER

For more on Elana and Aaron, visit elanaloo.com. 9681 or phillipsscott.com.


Aqua 4" hexagon tile: Fireclay Tile, (800) 773-2226 or FRUGAL TURNED FANCY Page 54 Iron pendants: Currey & Co., (877) 768-6428 or
fireclaytile.com. For more on Elizabeth and Margaret, visit curreyandcompany.com.
ALFI farmhouse kitchen sink: Amazon, amazon.com. fancyfarmgirls.com. Chandelier: France & Son, (631) 270-4560 or
Textured utensil holder: West Elm, (888) 922-4119 or Hanging light fixtures: Wayfair. Visit wayfair.com. franceandson.com.
westelm.com. Entryway pendant: The Home Depot. Visit Sofa: Lee Industries, (828) 464-8318 or
Old Havana stoneware mug: Nordstrom, homedepot.com. leeindustries.com.
nordstrom.com. Master bedroom pendant: The Home Depot. Visit Coffee table: Hickory Chair, (828) 324-1801 or
homedepot.com. hickorychair.com.
128 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE
Floor lamp: Visual Comfort, (866) 344-3875 or visualcomfortlightinglights.com.
Wallpaper: Farrow & Ball, (888) 511-1121 or farrow-ball.com.
Lantern: Visual Comfort, (866) 344-3875 or visualcomfortlightinglights.com.
Dining furniture: Williams Sonoma Home, (877) 812-6235 or williams-sonoma.com.

THE HOUSE THAT DIY BUILT Page 80


For more on Maryal, visit loveandspecs.com.
Bakery sign: Scottsdale Marketplace. (480) 368-5720 or scottsdalemarketplace.com.
Green barstools: Target. (800) 440-0680 or target.com.
Green clock: IKEA. (888) 888-4532 or ikea.com.
Runner in kitchen: Lulu & Georgia. (888) 271-9280 or luluandgeorgia.com.
Farmhouse sink: IKEA. (888) 888-4532 or ikea.com.
Green pendant light: Barn Light Electric Company. (800) 407-8784 or barnlight.com.
Cow artwork: Scottsdale Marketplace. (480) 368-5720 or scottsdalemarketplace.com.
Glass vase: Terrain. (800) 732-2306 or shopterrain.com.
Living room couch: Pottery Barn. (888) 779-5176 or potterybarn.com.
Gray armchair: Pottery Barn. (888) 779-5176 or potterybarn.com.
Farm animal artwork: Etsy. Visit etsy.com.
Green lamp: At Home. (888) 621-3814 or athome.com.
White end table: Wayfair. (844) 262-1799 or wayfair.com.
Southwestern pillow on bed: Lulu & Georgia. (888) 271-9280 or luluandgeorgia.com.
Woven basket: Target. (800) 440-0680 or target.com.
Green dresser: Pottery Barn. (888) 779-5176 or potterybarn.com.
Outdoor table and chairs: IKEA. (888) 888-4532 or ikea.com.

A LABOR OF LOVE Page 94


For more on John, visit legacybldrs.com.
For more on Allison Ramsey Architects, visit allisonramseyarchitect.com.
For more on Sheryl, visit parramoreinteriors.com.
For more on Lauren, visit laurenleonardinteriors.com.
Barstools: Universal Furniture. Visit universalfurniture.com.
Bedding: Pottery Barn. (888) 779-5176 or potterybarn.com.
Bedroom rug by Dash and Albert: Wayfair. (844) 770-7083 or wayfair.com.
Custom trim, daybed swing: Legacy Builders of North Florida Inc. (904) 880-0648 or
legacybldrs.com.
Chairs in foyer, kitchen: Ethan Allen. (888) 324-3571 or ethanallen.com.
Dining room chairs: Hooker Furniture. (276) 656-3335 or www.hookerfurniture.com.
Dining room table: Oasis Rug & Home. (904) 470-4032 or oasispearlhome.com.
“Houndslow” chandelier: Currey & Company. (877) 768-6428 or
curreyandcompany.com.

CLEAR AS A MUDROOM Page 110


For more on Yankee Barn Homes, visit yankeebarnhomes.com.
Brick flooring: Cherokee Brick. (800) 277-2745 or cherokeebrick.com.
Home Sweet Home sign: Rooted and Grounded Signs. Visit
rootedandgrounded.com.
Pillows, milk can, blanket: Country Door. (800) 242-2029 or countrydoor.com.
Sink and faucet: Signature Hardware. (859) 431-4012 or signaturehardware.com.
Soap dish, bee hand towel: Marmalade Mercantile. (888) 682-4402 or
marmalademercantile.com.

PRETTY IN PASTEL Page 114


For more on Courtney, visit pizzazzerie.com.

THE GREAT INDOORS Page 130


For more on James, visit rillarchitects.com.
• ROUND UP •

The
This home outside
Washington, D.C.,
integrates nature
into its design with
Great Indoors
When you love nature, being inside shouldn’t restrict your access to
the great outdoors. Architect James Rill of Rill Architects helped a family renovate
their home outside Washington, D.C., and nature was at the forefront of the design. “The
clients wanted to make the home fit into its natural setting, allowing them to experience
the nature surrounding it,” James says. “It provides more of a presence and elegant
design, but not so much that it overpowers nature.”
outdoor spaces and With mature trees just outside the house, it’s easy to see why the owners wanted to
have plenty of views. To do this, James integrated “lots of glass for views and natural
plenty of windows. light,” he says. “This lets nature in and pushes the interior into the exterior.” He also
updated the home to include plenty of outdoor spaces, including terraces, porches and
BY V I C TO R I A VA N V L E A R pergolas. The house has an L-shape, which contributes to the overall design. “L shapes
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGIE SECKINGER
and U shapes accentuate and define exterior rooms, which are often the best and most
exciting rooms in a house,” James says. “The ceiling is the stars, and the walls are defined
by the house materials and trees.”
In addition to the nature-centered design, the farmhouse style details update the
exterior and make the home both modern and classic. “It was a complete transformation
from the existing house, giving it a new, more elegant and prominent presence from all
elevations,” James says. With the navy-blue clapboard siding and white trim, the home
now shows off elegant farmhouse style that’s also perfect for the nature enthusiast.

130 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE


www.oldewoodltd.com
1-866-208-9663
7557 willowdale st
FLOORS FOR
magnolia, oh. 44643
EVERY style

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