Feature Focus: Made in America

Tour 6 Homes:

Classics +
New Builds
with Character

See what’s spinnin’
in the Project House
Utah laundry room.

Plus, peek at our
next Project House
in Austin!

• Shop summer finds
from American makers
• Build a window greenhouse

August/September 2024
VOLUME 9, NO. 04 • Display until 09/03/2024
EG Media Entertainment Plus • $10.99 US

09
0

74820 01943

6

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CONTENTS
62

Workbench
10 Timeless Trim
Upgrade your windows with this
simple DIY by blogger Liz Fourez of
Love Grows Wild.

14 Handcrafted Home
Elevate your design with a timeless,
HYVEFPIERHPS[QEMRXIRERGIFVMGOǻRMWL
from Cherokee Brick.

Project House-Utah
100 Putting the Fun in Functional

Made in America

15 Homegrown Goods

With a luscious palette, charming details
and robust, functional design, this
laundry room provides the perfect space
for doing one of the most dreaded
household chores.

12 Keeping to Tradition

LSTWSQIJYRǻRHWJVSQ&QIVMGER
companies.

Project House-Austin

Founded to provide warm, quality
wool products for Midwestern families,
this Michigan company has expanded
its mission while utilizing traditional
methods and equipment, and
sustainably sourced American wool.

4 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

Barn Finds

Brand Ambassador
18 From Old Windows to New
Greenhouse
Stephanie Leleux will take you on a DIY
journey to a magical space.

104 Just Getting Started
Brother and sister design team Melissa
Olson and Brent Green share
the origin of their company, Cottage &
Key, and give us a glimpse into exciting
plans for our 2024-25 Project House.

24

88
36

48

74
Bookshelf
108 Where Old Meets New
)MWGSZIVXLIQEKMGSJEveryday Antiques.

62 Designing a Dream Home
How a Florida spec house became
EGS^]LSQIJSVIQTX]RIWXIVW

74 Modern + Cozy

House Tours
24 American Family
IILS[XLMWVIRSZEXMSRLEWEJVIWL
JEVQLSYWIZMFI

36 Coastal Florida Farmhouse
-S[EVIRSZEXMSRMR/EGOWSRZMPPIGVIEXIHE
VIWSVXEXLSQIJSVE]SYRKJEQMP]JVSQ8I\EW

48 Growing Roots
&JXIVPMZMRKMRIMKLXHMǺIVIRXLSQIW
EGSYTPI[SVOWXSTYXHS[RVSSXWMR
ERSVXLIVR+PSVMHEJEVQLSYWI

This Washington home is a modern
JEVQLSYWILEZIR[MXLGYWXSQ
QSHMǻGEXMSRWERHEGS^]RIYXVEPWX]PI

88 You Can Always Come Home
IILS[SRIGSYTPIWM^IHYTJSV
JYXYVIJEQMP]JYRERHGSQJSVX

Extra
Editor’s Letter 6
On the Web 8
Sources 113
Roundup 114

ON THE COVER
Photography by Muriel Silva
Cover design by Gabby Oh
Cover story pg. 62
Feature Focus: Made in America....12, 14
Tour 6 Homes: Classics + New Builds with
Character....24, 36, 48, 62, 74, 88
LSTWYQQIVǻRHWJVSQ&QIVMGERQEOIVW
build a window greenhouse....15, 18
.RWMHIFEGOGSZIV7SFIVX7EHMJIVE
'EGOGSZIVGEVPIXX0RYXL
American Farmhouse Style (ISSN 2641-5380) is published
bi-monthly (Feb/Mar, Apr/May, Jun/Jul, Aug/Sept, Oct/
Nov and Dec/Jan)—by EG Media Investments LLC,
3622 Lyckan Parkway, Suite 3003, Durham, NC 27707.
Periodical postage paid at Durham, NC, and additional
mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
American Farmhouse Style c/o EG Media Investments LLC,
ColorArt, 101 Workman Ct., Eureka, MO 63025. Canadian
Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. Return
undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES,
INC., P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada. GST
#855050365RT001 © 2024 by EG Media Investments LLC.
All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this
issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

EDITOR’S LETTER
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4

EG MEDIA INVESTMENTS LLC

Rima Dorsey: Managing Director/Publisher
EDITORIAL

Director of Content: Jickie Torres
Editorial Director: Kelly McMaster
Associate Editor: Laura Shimko
Managing Editor: Jolene Nolte
DESIGN

Design Director: Gabby Oh
Associate Designer: Elena Oh

True to the

Red, White
and Blue

Call me old fashioned, but I love seeing a Made in America
label on things I purchase. I have great admiration for American
craftsmen, makers, and builders and the lasting quality they
produce. My maternal grandfather worked for the Great Northern
Railroad on trains loaded with lumber and goods that became
part of the homes and small businesses that are the backbone
of the American economy. Doing what we can as consumers to
support our fellow citizen businesses is as important as ever for
the growth and resilience of our economy.
We’re celebrating American quality in this issue with fresh
products to shop and highlighting several businesses and their
home-grown stories. Come along as we tour six amazing homes
that integrate the farmhouse aesthetic into their family-friendly
spaces. And not only do we have a Project House Utah update,
but we peek into our next project in the Austin, Texas area! Plus,
don’t miss the gorgeous window greenhouse that our 2024
Brand Ambassador, Stephanie, built with her husband.
Enjoy these long, glorious days of summer with a cool drink
EW]SYǼMTXLVSYKLXLITEKIWSJ&QIVMGER+EVQLSYWIX]PIERH
thank you, as always, for being here!
Warmly,

CONTRIBUTORS

Alexis Anderson, Charlotte Safavi, Dana Mauer,
Laura Shimko, Lauren Hofer, Perri Tobin,
Stephanie Leleux, Victoria Van Vlear
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laura Metzler, Liz Fourez, Matthew Gallant, Muriel Silva,
Robert Radifera, Scarlett Knuth
ADVERTISING

Suzy Bailey: Account Representative
Karen White: Account Representative
Theresa McGrew: Account Representative
Jenny Van Wieren: Account Representative
Shoshana Rudski: Account Representative
Sebastian Tirkey: Advertising Traffic Coordinator
Vipin Marwaha: Advertising Traffic Manager
For advertising inquiries: Rima Dorsey
rdorsey@egmediamags.com
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Circulation Manager
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE

3622 Lyckan Parkway, Suite 3003, Durham, NC 27707
(844) 330-6373, Fax (972-920-3737)
www.americanfarmhousestyle.com
American Farmhouse Style (ISSN 2641-5380) is published
bi-monthly (Feb/Mar, Apr/May, Jun/Jul, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov
and Dec/Jan)—by EG Media Investments LLC, 3622 Lyckan
Parkway, Suite 3003, Durham, NC 27707. Periodical postage
paid at Durham, NC, and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to American
Farmhouse Style c/o EG Media Investments LLC, ColorArt,
101 Workman Ct., Eureka, MO 63025. Canadian Post:
Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. Return undeliverable
Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC., P.O. Box 25542,
London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada. GST #855050365RT001
© 2024 by EG Media Investments LLC. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in
part is strictly prohibited.
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Life’s Just
Better with

BRICK

Homes made of Cherokee Brick are built on a
foundation of incredible beauty and durability.
With hundreds of brick styles to choose from,
we’ve been an American-owned, southern
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Before you build your dreamhome,
check out our dream material.

Cherokee Brick.
Proudly Made in America.

3250 Waterville Road | Macon, GA 31206
478.781.6800 | cherokeebrick.com

ON THE WEB

Get More Online

Get more summertime inspiration from our collection of online stories.

5-484'=)&:.)+.-

PHOTO BY LINNAEA MALLETTE

americanfarmhousestyle.com

FRUGAL TURNED FANCY IN IDAHO
8[MRWMWXIVWXEOIXLIMVPMJIPSRKPSZIJSVJEVQLSYWIWX]PIXSXLI
RI\XPIZIPMRXLIMV.HELSLSQIWERHFYWMRIWW

YOUR CHANDELIER SIZE GUIDE
Chandeliers aren’t just for the dining
room. You can hang them almost
anywhere, but there are some practical
buying guidelines you’ll want to follow to
maximize your lighting and design. Here’s
your ultimate chandelier size guide.

5-484'=198&55

PHOTO BY CHAD MELLON

5-484'=/*.(&2*2*7

WHY IS THE RED BARN SO ICONIC?
)VMZMRKXLVSYKLVYVEPEVIEWSJ&QIVMGEXLI]ƶVIMQTSWWMFPIXS
QMWW8LIHMWXMRGXMZIVIHFEVRGERFIWIIRLMKLPMKLXIHEKEMRWX
XLIKVIIRFEGOHVSTSJVSPPMRKǻIPHWSVWMPLSYIXXIHEKEMRWXEGPIEV
blue sky. Learn why is it so iconic to the American countryside.

SUMMER RASPBERRY GREEN
TEA LEMONADE
It just isn’t summer without lemonade.
+VSQTMROXSGPEWWMGSVXERK]ǼEZSVW
there’s a taste to please all palates. But
LEZI]SYIZIVXVMIHVEWTFIVV]KVIIRXIE
lemonade? Now you can!

WHY BUY AMERICANMADE APPLIANCES?
On the market for new appliances?
-IVIEVIEJI[EHZERXEKIWXSWLSTTMRK
American-made, as well as our
JEZSVMXI9FEWIHFVERHWXSGSSOYT
a happy kitchen.

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

WE'VE GOT YOUR
NUMBER.
Numbers, letters, and plaques
crafted in Tucson, AZ.

“AMERICANFARMHOUSESTYLE” FOR A 10% DISCOUNT

WORKBENCH

Timeless

By Laura Shimko

Trim

Upgrade your windows with this simple DIY
by blogger Liz Fourez of Love Grows Wild.

When looking at ways to elevate
your home design, don’t underestimate how
seemingly smaller details can truly transform a space.
Refreshing your window trim is a great way to give your home
a custom feel, and will help elevate the look and feel of your
LSQI-SQIHIWMKRERHPMJIWX]PIMRǼYIRGIVERHFPSKKIV
1M^+SYVI^SJ1SZI,VS[W;MPH %PM^PSZIKVS[W[MPHSǺIVW
the following tutorial on how to give your window a trim and
makeover without breaking the bank—or your back!

10 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• 1 x 4 boards (how much will depend
on your window measurements)
• Brad nailer
• 1 x 2 board
• 1 x 3 board
• 1 x 6 board
• Caulking
• Primer
• Paint

1

WHAT YOU’LL DO:
1. Remove the old trim.
2. Measure from the sill to the top of the
window.
3. Cut your 1 x 4 boards so that there are
two pieces—one for each side of the
window.
4. Attach your 1 x 4 pieces on either side
of the window with your brad nailer.
5. Measure the length of the sill
underneath.
6. Cut the 1 x 4.
7. Attach this piece with your brad nailer
under the sill as an apron.
8. Add 1” to the length of your apron piece
and cut your 1 x 2 board to that length
in two pieces. You will use the second
piece in step #12.
9. Nail this piece on top of the window so
that it sits just on top of the side trim.
10. Take your 1 x 6 and cut it to the same
measurement as your 1 x 4 apron piece.
11. Nail it over the 1 x 2 piece on top of the
window.
12. Take your 1 x 2 piece from Step #8 and
nail it into the 1 x 6 piece so that it sits
above it.
13. Add 2” to the apron piece length and
cut your 1 x 3 to that measurement.
14. Nail the 1 x 3 piece into the 1 x 2 piece
(or, if you’re too close to the ceiling, nail
it at an angle into the wall).
15. Measure your sill the depth and length
of your sill.
16. Cut another piece of your 1 x 4 and
secure it with your brad nailer on both
ends. It should fit over and around the
edges of your sill.
17. Nail this piece over your sill.
18. Caulk all the seams.
19. Prime and paint your trim.
20. Enjoy!

4

8

12

14

16

Follow Liz at: @lizlovegrowswild on Instagram
or her blog, lovegrowswild.com.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 11

MADE IN AMERICA

KEEPING TO

Tradition

Founded to provide warm, quality wool products for Midwestern families, this
Michigan company has expanded its mission while utilizing traditional methods
By Laura Shimko
and equipment, and sustainably sourced American wool.

Good sleep can be
hard to come by, but the right
bedding can make it more attainable.
Founded in 1894 in Frankenmuth,
Michigan, Frankenmuth Woolen
Mill began with the simple mission
of crafting locally grown wool into
warm bedding for their small farming
community. Over the next 130 years,
the company would supply socks for
soldiers during WWI, as well as expand
their reach and narrow their product
focus to natural wool bedding. Quality
and sustainability are key pillars of

the company’s mission, as all wool
is ethically sourced from American
farmers that have a negative carbon
footprint.
Wool is an excellent option for its
QER]LIEPXLERHTVEGXMGEPFIRIǻXW
It naturally regulates temperature no
matter the season, is odor resistant, is
breathable and is lightweight. For those
with allergies, wool’s natural resistance
to mildew and molds as well as its
ability to repel dust mites makes it a
great alternative to other materials.
Frankenmuth’s process also sets it
apart and is the key to its quality. After

being cleaned with biodegradable
soap and washed and rinsed with fresh
water from the Great Lakes, the wool
is dried the old-fashioned way—by air.
Using century old carding machines,
the wool is rolled into layers of soft
wool batting and then hand-tied every
RMRIMRGLIWFIX[IIRPE]IVWSJ(IVXMǻIH
Organic cotton percale. Finally, the
edges are sewn, and it is inspected
once again before shipping. Every step
of the way, Frankenmuth takes care
and consideration to ensure that their
values are upheld, while delivering a
quality product.

To learn more about Frankenmuth Woolen Mill, visit wool-bedding.com.

12 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

WE CREATE HANDCRAFTED, QUALITY WOOL BEDDING THAT
ENRICHES LIVES THROUGH BETTER SLEEP

BETTER SLEEP SINCE 1894
• Climate Beneficial Wool
• Hand Crafted in The U.S.A.
• Fast & Free Shipping

130 YEARS OF QUALITY ALL-NATURAL
WOOL BEDDING
All our products are filled with fluffy wool batting:

• Comforters/ Duvet Inserts
• Mattress Toppers
• Pillows
• Complete Bedding Sets

888-497-4534
wool-bedding.com

MADE IN AMERICA

Handcrafted
HOME

']Laura Shimko
.QEKIWGSYVXIW]SJCherokee Brick

Elevate your design with a timeless,
durable and low maintenance brick
ǻRMWLJVSQ(LIVSOII'VMGO

While home trends
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it, it’s the tried-and-true materials that have
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your home’s curb appeal, but also to elevate
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sourced in Macon, Georgia and Jackson,
Mississippi, and other materials that are
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sustainability as well as providing quality
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level, brick requires little to no maintenance
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14 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

ethical level, the locally sourced materials
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IRIVK]IǽGMIRG]JSV]SYVLSQI4RER
aesthetic level, brick provides a classic and
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brick, meaning that they are beaten up to
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SJ(LIVSOII'VMGO8LIFVMGOQEOMRK
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harder to get because we have to take each
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and place them by hand in a certain
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XVEHMXMSREPǻRMWLXLEX[MPPPEWXKIRIVEXMSRW

BARN FINDS

1/
By Laura Shimko

Homegrown

Goods

+YRǻRHWJVSQ&QIVMGERGSQTERMIW

1. Capital Outdoor Hanging Lantern
- Large, $599, Shades of Light,
shadesoflight.com.
2. Wool Comforter, $199, Frankenmuth

2/

Woolen Mill, wool-bedding.com.
3. Rutherford Bed, see website
for pricing, Charles P. Rogers,
charlesprogers.com.

3/

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 15

BARN FINDS

4. Heritage American Bed Sheets,
$199 for Queen, authenticity50,
authenticity50.com.
5. Bellême – D’Arcy, see website for
pricing, Mullican Hardwood Flooring,
mullicanflooring.com.

4/

6. Molded 2 Panel Archtop Textured Bead
& Cove, see website for pricing, Steves
Doors, stevesdoors.com.
7. The Manor, starting at $79.90, VMat,
vmathome.com.

5/

6/

7/

16 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

8/
9/

10/

12/
11/
8. Shaker Tapered X, $1980, Hoodsly,
hoodsly.com.
9. 15 Farmhouse Chair, see website for pricing,
Troutman Chairs Co., troutmanchairs.com.
10. Romantic Glasses Petite (set of four), $110,
Sprezz, sprezznyc.com.
11. AutoIgnite™ Series 545 Digital Charcoal
Grill and Smoker, $499.99, Masterbuilt,
masterbuilt.com.
12. Farmhouse Classics Copper Measuring
2.5 Cup, $56, Antique Farm House,
antiquefarmhouse.com.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 17

BRAND AMBASSADOR

From Old

Windows to
New Greenhouse
A DIY journey to a magical space.
Wr i t te n a n d p h oto g ra p h e d by Ste p h a n i e Le l e u x

18 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

Building a greenhouse has been
a long-time dream for me and my husband, Skip. Over

Gifted: It’s also a good idea to share your ideas and plans
with family and friends. We’ve been gifted so many great
pieces over the years. Once people know your passion for

the past few years, we’ve been continuously thrifting and

restoring, they will be more than happy to pass along great

collecting materials that could bring this dream to life. Our

pieces they no longer have a use for and want to see loved

goal was to not only create a space that was functional for

and enjoyed. All the beautiful solid wood French doors in our

germinating seeds and nurturing plants for our garden, but

greenhouse were gifted to us by friends after a remodel. The

also to serve as a peaceful escape for outdoor dining and

vintage enamel cast iron sink was also given to us by a family

entertaining. This year, through creativity and hard work, we

member, and it just needed some deep cleaning to bring it

turned our dream into a reality, building a greenhouse that

back to life. The most unique gifted piece for the space was

has practical functionality and nostalgic charm. We learned

the vintage galvanized metal workbench from a local busi-

so much through this DIY journey, and I’m sharing these
helpful tips to guide you through the process!
FINDING YOUR MATERIALS
Reused: Reusing old materials is an environmentally
friendly choice that adds architectural detail and personality to any garden. Our search began with the hunt for the
perfect windows. Flea markets, estate sales and salvage
yards are treasure troves for vintage windows. Look for ones
with character—peeling paint, unique patterns, or even a bit
of old hardware still attached. Remember, imperfections add
character, so don’t shy away from windows that show a bit
of history. Many of the windows we thrifted had broken glass
panes, 22 to be exact, but they were easy to repair using
glass from other thrifted windows.

ness. We used the metal as a countertop, backsplash and
made a unique cover for the sink plumbing.
Thrifted: Get creative to source building materials! Shopping online marketplaces for building materials can be a
substantial cost-saver for your project. We found a listing for
short pieces of lumber, which led to the discovery of a local
business that builds shipping crates for commercial tools and
WIPPWXLIGYXSǺTMIGIWSJ[SSH;I[IVIEFPIXSWSYVGIEPP
XLII\XIVMSVGPEHHMRKERHǼSSVWJVSQXLMWGSQTER]JSVSRP]
$120!
DESIGNING YOUR GREENHOUSE
Once you’ve collected enough windows, the design phase
begins. Consider the size and location of your greenhouse. It
should be positioned to receive ample sunlight, ideally facing
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 19

Mastering
Outdoor Dining
With your greenhouse as a backdrop, outdoor dining takes on
a new level of enchantment! Here are a few tips to make your
outdoor meals memorable:
1. Lighting: As dusk falls, the right lighting can transform your
dining area. Solar-powered string lights draped around the
greenhouse or battery-powered fairy lights over the dining
table create a soft, inviting glow. Candles are a low-cost option
that can also add instant ambience to your outdoor dining.
2. Table Setting: Use natural materials for your table settings.
Linen and cotton napkins, ceramic dishes and simple glassware
are perfect choices.
3. Natural Decor: Decorate with elements from your yard and
garden. Fresh-cut flowers and herbs or a centerpiece featuring
seasonal produce can bring the outdoors right to your table
and make a stunning display at no cost!
Building a greenhouse from vintage windows not only gives new
life to old materials but also adds a unique feature to your home
that’s steeped in history and charm. We made so many memories
working on this project together and are looking forward to
making many more here with our friends and family! If you want
to see the process in action, head to the American Farmhouse
Style Magazine Instagram account @americanfarmhousestyle
and access all the videos in the “Stephanie” Story Highlight. You
can see more of our DIY and crafting projects on our website at
returninggrace.com. Happy growing, building and celebrating!
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 21

south. Sketch out a rough blueprint, thinking about how each

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[MRHS[[MPPǻXXSKIXLIV8LIQSWXWXVEMKLXJSV[EVHHIWMKRMWE

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GVIEXMZIHITIRHMRKSRXLIWLETIWERHWM^IWSJ]SYV[MRHS[W

STYLING YOUR GREENHOUSE
)IGSVEXMRK]SYVKVIIRLSYWIGERFIEWQYGLJYREW

CONSTRUCTION TIPS
Foundation: XEVX[MXLEWSPMHJSYRHEXMSR9WMRKGMRHIV

building it! Vintage crocks and buckets can serve as garden
WYTTP]WXSVEKI QEWSRNEVWGERFIYWIHJSVWIIHGSPPIGXMSRW 

FPSGOWSVE[SSHIRJVEQIGERIRWYVIWXEFMPMX]ERHTVIZIRX

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22 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

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“KBS Coatings products brought my vintage
metal plant stands back to life and they’ll
be protected for many years to come!”
BEFORE

1

5

2

6

3

7

8

4

9

Restoring and Protecting Vintage Metal for
Outdoor Use
Just like our vintage windows, these metal plant stands have been patiently waiting to be brought back to life.
After years of being exposed to sunlight and harsh outdoor elements, they both became significantly rusted.
When searching for a way to restore and protect them, the KBS 3-Step System was the perfect product to stop
and prevent rust. The system works by preparing metal and sealing it from rust. It even seals and stops light
surface rust. The 3-Step System is user-friendly, works and looks great, and the results are long lasting. The
application process was so straightforward, with amazing results!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• KBS 3 Step System
• KBS BlackTop Paint
(optional if the piece
will not be in direct
sunlight)
• 320 grit sandpaper
or wire brush (if the
piece has loose rust)
• Kitchen scrubbing
pad
• Spray bottle
• Warm water
• Natural bristle
paintbrush

WHAT YOU’LL DO:
1. Scrape off all loose and flaky rust with
320 grit sandpaper or a wire brush.
2. Mix KBS Klean Concentrate with
warm water in a spray bottle
and spray over the surface. (See
Manufacturer’s instructions for mixing
recommendations.)
3. Scrub the surface with a kitchen
scrubbing pad, rinse thoroughly, then
dry off with a towel.
4. Apply RustBlast and scrub with kitchen
scrubbing pad, keeping the surface
wet with RustBlast for 10-20 minutes.
Then rinse and dry.
5. Brush on RustSeal using thin, light
coats. Let dry thoroughly before
applying additional coats. Two coats
are recommended. Both RustSeal
and BlackTop have great selfleveling characteristics which avoids

brush marks and use KBS Coatings
Advanced Cross-Linked Coatings
Technology to make the coatings
durable and flexible. This allows
them to take impacts without
cracking and peeling.
6. For pieces in direct sunlight, once
RustSeal is dry to the touch, apply
BlackTop Paint for UV protection.
BlackTop is a beautiful, highly durable
protective coating specifically
formulated to withstand dulling and
fading caused by prolonged sunlight
exposure. Apply additional coats as
needed with proper drying time.
*Remember to work in a wellventilated area. See the
manufacturers’ website for more
information and instructional videos
at kbs-coatings.com.

AFTER

American
Family
This renovation has a
fresh farmhouse vibe.
Wr i t te n a n d s t y l e d by Charlotte Safavi
Photography by Robert Radifera for
Stylish Productions

Flagstone pavers cut across the front lawn, making
the front entry a smooth one. They match the ones in
the backyard, where al fresco dining is popular in the
warmer months. The newly added screened porch has a
fireplace for year-round use.

Homeowners Libby and Jason
Newman started their journey home with an all-American
Alexandria, Virginia, neighborhood.
“Before even setting eyes on the house, we fell in love with the
neighborhood for its big green yards, old trees, and quiet streets for our kids
to roam,” Libby Newman says. The couple has two children, son (age 10) and
daughter (age 8), as well as three pets.

26 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

Custom window treatments, with banding, add a layer of sophistication to the living room in the
front of the house. The palette here is largely neutrals with touches of calming blue. The double
stairs from front and back meet on a small landing, before heading up on one side to the upper level.

BUILDING AN ALL STAR RENOVATION TEAM
The Newmans purchased the 1961 Colonial red-brick
house in 2019, with the intention of renovating it to meet
the needs of their growing family. They chose to work with
architect Christine Kelly of Crafted Architecture, Justin
Olewack of BOLT Builders, and local interior designer Kristin
Try of Kristin Try Art + Interiors, who happened to be raising
her own family in the neighborhood.
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spaces, including a larger kitchen on the main level and
primary suite upstairs,” architect Christine Kelly says of taking
the house from 2,600 square-feet to 3,100 square-feet.
FUN & FUNCTIONAL ADDITIONS
Though the basic layout remains the same, a wide-cased
opening now separates the kitchen and family room, which
were formerly compartmentalized. In place of a series of
smaller windows, a large pair of French doors open from the
family room onto the new stone patio outside. The kitchen
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bar. This space further connects to an added screened porch.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 27

The indigo blue kitchen sits in the heart of the home.
Polished nickel accents add a modern vibe and nautical
touch. The lighting was sourced at Visual Comfort.

“Though this renovation was planned before Covid, we really focused on the
details of the screened porch, knowing it would be a place where the homeowners
could relax and unwind,” builder Justin Olewack adds.
The screened porch has comfortable seating arranged about a wood-burning
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28 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

“The additions and renovations allowed light and air to permeate the spaces for
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The coffee bar and breakfast nook are all abuzz in
the mornings. The rush chairs add organic warmth
and match the bar stools.

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 29

BRINGING IN WARMTH
“Our clients leaned toward a cool
palette, so part of our challenge was
adding in warmth, which we did with
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station or with the wood ceiling beam
added to the main bedroom,” Try says.
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also replaced throughout. “We were able
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that was compatible over concrete slab,”
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are new, have what Try references as
“a cozy, comfortable and classic
American style,” perfect for casual, daily,
family living.

A narrow built-in to the right of the fridge creates nooks for
cookbooks and displaying items. In the family room, a beautiful
wallpaper by Sandberg flanks both sides of the fireplace.
Custom built-ins are finished in the same hue as the kitchen’s
cabinetry for continuity.

30 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

The breakfast nook features drawer storage in its banquette.
Artisanal textiles for the Roman shade and zigzag pillows are
by Caroline Cecil and Alex Conroy respectively.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 31

The homeowners’ existing dining table and chairs were repurposed for this home. Custom window
treatments frame the large front windows and a bar cart sits in one corner, ready for parties.

“For the most part, we upholstered the larger pieces in

The overall decorating style, though more traditional, has

neutral Performance fabrics that hold up well with dogs, cats,

contemporary detailing and lines, from the kitchen’s polished

and kids, but we layered in some lovely artisanal textiles

nickel hardware to the minimalist, yet timeless, four-poster

in accent pillows and drapery embellishments. These add

FIHMRXLIQEMRFIHVSSQ8LILSQIMWHIWMKRIHXSVIǼIGX

interest, color and character,” Try continues.

the fun, young family who live in it.

In the public spaces, the selections are bolder and more

“Our house has become a hub of activity for our friends

vibrant, such as the family room’s mix of pillows, which pull

and family,” the homeowner adds. “It’s what we hoped for. We

their jewel tone palette from the modern botanical wallpaper

host family gatherings for all the holidays, from 4th of July to

on the TV wall. The main bedroom, by contrast, is softer in

Super Bowl parties. There are countless sleepovers, movie

warm neutrals.

nights and cocktail hours!”

32 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

Mom or dad can prepare a meal, while kids do homework at the adjacent banquette or play a game in the family room directly across from the island.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 33

The artwork is by Kirstin Try and adds some soft color to this neutral
bedroom. The modern four-poster bed is from Serena & Lily.

34 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

Above I The new main bathroom features over-scale dark tiles, clean white walls, and a warm wood double vanity. Below, left I A wicker chest offers blanket
storage and a cozy touch to the main bedroom. Below, right I The powder room was refreshed with new lighting and botanical wallpaper.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 35

ŞŋŞ Florida

Farmhouse
How a renovation in Jacksonville created a
resort-at-home for a young family from Texas.
By Lauren Darcangelo I Photography by Muriel Silva

“This home is in a really great area of Jacksonville,” JuliAnne says. “Ponte Vedra is a
place that feels like a small beach town.”

36 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

While at first glance
this stunning Florida home looks like
a new build, it was actually a major renovation project for a family
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 37

In the living room, the mix of natural wood beams and a stone fireplace brings a touch of
Texas warmth to the coastal setting. “The built-in bookshelves with custom lime-washed
finish enhance the room’s cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings,”
JuliAnne says.
REVAMPING THE LAYOUT
The project started by completely overhauling the layout
and adding a lot of square footage. “The footprint of the
dining room is the only room where the four walls stayed
the same,” JuliAnne says. “The whole master wing was an
entire addition itself.” At the last possible moment, they even
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says. The staircase cut through the corner of a secondǼSSVFEXLVSSQ[LIVIXLIWPERXIHGIMPMRKRS[JIIPWPMOIER
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space to shower,” JuliAnne says.
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needed to stay put, so we created the large pantry,” JuliAnne
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EPPXLSWIOMXGLIRXLMRKW]SYHSRƶX[ERXXSWIIFEGOXLIVIƹ

38 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

above I The intricate details of the home start the moment you walk in the custom-made
front door. "We wanted it to have a big grand entrance into the two-story foyer, emphasizing
the size and scale," JuliAnne says. The engineered white oak flooring featured here carries
through the rest of the house.

right I While the dining room is the only room in the house where the footprint didn’t change
during the renovation, all the details, like the ceiling paneling and wallpaper, are new. “We
love this chandelier. It’s made from natural materials and gives a warm glow that’s visible
even from the street,” JuliAnne says.

MODERN FARMHOUSE MEETS COASTAL FLORIDA
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JEFVMGWERHJYVRMWLMRKWXSHERGI
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 39

The beautiful Palecek bar stools are wrapped in a custom performance fabric for durability. “They’re easy
to clean, stain resistant, and extremely comfortable,” JuliAnne says.

40 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

right I “In the kitchen we wanted
a space where people could gather
around if they were hosting a party
and where their kids could hang out,”
JuliAnne says. The large pantry helps
the kitchen to remain a beautiful
focal point while the usual countertop
appliances are tucked away.

below, left I Surrounded by floorto-ceiling windows, the breakfast
nook offers a bright and comfortable
spot for morning coffee. “This is one
of my favorite spots in the house,”
JuliAnne says. “We didn’t have space
to do a full dining area here, but the
upholstered settee makes it cozy and
conversational.’”

While creating an oversized pantry started out as a solution for having to leave the range
wall stationary, it turned out to be one of the homeowner’s favorite details. “’We created
a large pantry to hide essentials out of sight. It’s perfect for stowing everything from
wine glasses to bar supplies,” JuliAnne says.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 41

The Coastal
Modern
Farmhouse
Designer JuliAnne Kelly shares
her tips for creating this unique
combination of styles.
• Decide on focal points. “I would first of all
figure out what you want your focal pieces
to be in each room, whether you’re going
to have it be a natural element or artwork
or lighting,” JuliAnne says. Once you’ve
designated something specific to be the
center of attention, you can bring a sense
of balance with the other materials and
selections in the space.
• Use natural materials. JuliAnne suggests
elements like stone, plaster, and wood to
enhance the modern farmhouse aesthetic.
“Then, thoughtfully use them from space
to space so that the rooms all tie together,”
she says.
• Consider your use of color. It’s not just
what colors you use, it’s also about where
you use them. “With this house we wove
the blues and greens throughout,” she says.
“We were intentional to go a bit brighter in
the kids’ rooms, but a little more muted tone
in the downstairs family areas.”

Known as the homework cafe, this space features bright blues and even
a beverage center. “This was a space that they wanted to create for the
girls to do homework or play games,” JuliAnne says.

42 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

left I This cozy nook is in one of the homeowner’s daughter’s rooms. “We didn’t really have a good
spot for a dresser, so we made a bench for where she could sit and read,” JuliAnne says.

above, left and middle I The girls’ bedrooms were an opportunity to use brighter hues of the coastal blues and greens
seen throughout the home. “We wanted to create spaces for them to read, play, and relax,” JuliAnne says.

above, right I The laundry room was so large that they were able to incorporate an additional workspace for the
homeowner. “The chair was one of the few pieces they brought with them, so we used the antique rug on the floor to tie
the colors together,” JuliAnne says.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 43

“In the master, we really wanted to create a serene space that
was calming and felt like you were at a resort,” JuliAnne says.
The entire wing was new construction, which allowed them to
incorporate the vaulted ceiling. Motorized blackout curtains
and a custom bed frame continue the sense of luxury.

The crème de la crème is the outdoor living

to hang out in their backyard, enjoy the space, and

space. Within walking distance of the beach,

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stepping into the backyard really does feel like

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trees, the backyard, and the entire home, is the kind

the beach club, the homeowners wanted to be able

of place you’ll never want to leave.

SEE SOURCES, PAGE 113.

44 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

The unique lines of this
shower weren’t part of
the original plan. “It
wasn't supposed to have
that angle, but to get to
the third floor, we had to
add the staircase right
there,” JuliAnne says. “So
we ended up sloping the
ceiling and the shower,
which I think is actually
really cute.”

A playful powder room
was an opportunity to
do something a bit more
whimsical and fun in the
downstairs area. “We loved
this wallpaper because
it kind of looks like little
sea urchins and brought
that coastal element to
it,” JuliAnne says. The
Made Goods mirror adds a
dramatic flair.

above I With custom built-ins, this stunning master bathroom feels like something out of a

above I Designing this poolside bathroom was all about form and function. “With kids coming

luxury hotel. “One of the fun things was designing the paneling with the mirror cutouts on the
back wall,” JuliAnne says. “It really elevated the space and made it feel custom.”

in from the pool, the wainscoting with tile is not only practical, but also adds a touch of
sophistication,” JuliAnne says.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 45

Create a resort in your own backyard!
You don’t have to do a full renovation to elevate your yard.
Here are some simple tips to create a space you’ll never want to leave.
• Palm Trees. Big or small, adding these classy desert
palms to a backyard with a pool gives the undeniable
feeling of resort life.
• Outdoor Fire Pit. In this backyard there’s nothing quite
like the feeling of relaxing around a fire pit in a comfy
lounge chair. Maybe even make it a visual moment!
JuliAnne used Sylvester palms surrounding the fire pit to
create a stunning focal point just beyond the pool.

• Lounge Chairs & Umbrellas. The spectrum of quality
for these items is broad, which means you can invest
in the backyard without too much cost depending on
what you’re looking for! “The big in-pool loungers in this
backyard really give a resort feel,” JuliAnne says.
• Outdoor Shower. Whether your home is near a body of
water or not, an outdoor shower is a fun element to add
if you have a pool, hot tub or just want to enjoy outdoor
showers in the summer!

opposite I The homeowners originally wanted to use tall palm trees along the backyard, but JuliAnne had the idea to create
a resort-like focal point using Sylvester palms. “When you come out the back of the house, it’s really a beautiful focal point
behind the pool,” she says. “It turned out wonderfully.

A wood burning fireplace gives the outdoor living space a cozy Texas feeling. “We also had all of those custom
louvered shutters and doors made to give them privacy from the house next door,” JuliAnne says. “It allows a
breeze to come through, but it also gives them some privacy from the neighbors too.”

“The gas lanterns along the back of the house give a
really nice glow at night outside, so it has a really great
ambiance,” JuliAnne says.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 47

B y V i c t o r i a Va n V l e a r
Photography and styling by Scarlett Knuth

Growing
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a couple works to put down roots in
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The old oak tree at the front of the property is a classic for the south, with Spanish
moss dripping from its branches. “When I saw this house, the thing I loved the most
was the large oak tree that frames the house,” Scarlett says. “It’s such a romantic,
old-fashioned tree style. Our area is historic and has these trees you drive under with
the Spanish moss hanging down. We have another huge one behind the house.”

48 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 49

What kind of home makes
you want to grow roots instead of
move on? For Instagrammer Scarlett Knuth of White Florida
Farmhouse, the answer is a farmhouse with lots of land
and lots of opportunity for improvement. By the time she
and her husband Stephen found this farmhouse in northern
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1992, the original homeowners were selling this home.
“They were retirement age and ready to move to a condo
on the beach,” Scarlett says. Attracted to the acre of land
and the gorgeous oak tree out front dripping with Spanish
moss, they pulled the trigger and have worked to make the
house a place to stay, instead of a place to leave.

top I When they first saw the house, the exterior was dark brown. “The only way I could get
my husband on board was tell him that I wanted to paint it white,” Scarlett says. “It was our
first big investment.”

left I Above the sofa is an art gallery Scarlett created. “The living room is a small room, so
the oversized frames help the walls feel bigger than it really is,” she says. “But it was hard
to find the oversized frames. I ended up going to a bunch of different Targets to get six that
were all the same.”
50 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

below, left I The fireplace was brick when the family moved in, which Scarlett decided to

FINDING HOME
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update without completely redoing the fireplace and hearth. “The mantel and fireplace are
both original, and we painted them white,” she says.

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below, right I Scarlett’s design aesthetic has changed over the years, and she decided to

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pull in some bohemian farmhouse touches into this home. “It’s modern farmhouse mixed with
boho,” she says. “My word for this house is ‘cozy.’ I wanted people to feel like they could come
in and hang out for a while.” The egg chair has become a focal point for the boho farmhouse
theme in the living room. “I wanted a unique piece in there that would make [the room] look
cozy,” Scarlett says. “That’s become my coffee chair.”

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 51

The dining area is open to the kitchen. “The room is small,
but it has an oversized window, and having that huge
window makes it so much bigger,” Scarlett says. The farm
table is a custom piece that Scarlett and Stephen have
taken with them to several homes. “It has natural quirks
about it, and now scratches from when the kids were
younger,” Scarlett says. “It’s become a memory table.”

52 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

The kitchen was the first place Scarlett wanted to start renovating—before they found mold in the primary bathroom. Suddenly the kitchen became secondary in importance. “The bathroom
took so much of our budget that we had to refinish the cabinets instead of replacing them,” she says. They also replaced all the cabinet hardware and installed a new farmhouse sink, quartz
countertops and a garbage disposal, since the house didn’t have one.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 53

After living in so many different places, Scarlett has found ways of reusing pieces
she’s brought with her from other homes. In the office, those include the desk and
mirror. “The mirror originally went with the [primary] bed,” she says. She worked
to pull everything together into a new modern farmhouse aesthetic with wall art
and décor. “The art pieces were a beautiful romantic farmhouse next to a country
farmhouse, and that pulled it all together,” Scarlett says. “I also used the chicken
statue to bring in a different design aesthetic.”

54 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

Scarlett’s daughter’s bedroom is a vision in pink and white. “I designed it, but with her approval on things. Pink is her favorite color,” Scarlett says.
The glass chandelier in this room matches one in the primary bedroom closet and is a miniature version of the chandelier in the primary bedroom.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 55

The primary bedroom is Scarlett’s favorite space in the house. “The bed frame is my favorite piece of furniture because it’s hand carved. I love being able to retreat to my bed, curl up and watch
something,” she says. The bed frame is a piece the family has brought with them across multiple houses, as is the glass chandelier above it. “That’s the one big piece in my first house that I
invested in,” she says. “I always refuse to include it in the sale. I love sparkly, glittery things and that chandelier represents that side of my personality.”
Scarlett was immediately drawn to the old tree out front,

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she says. “This was the kind of house where we could see

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56 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

The couple has updated the kitchen and bathrooms, and
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SEE SOURCES, PAGE 113.

right I The downstairs powder bathroom has received an update too. “It was very
dated,” Scarlett says. “I didn’t gut it, but I painted over the tile, installed a new vanity,
added trim with board and batten and peel and stick wallpaper.” Now it’s a perfect
place to show off her style when guests arrive.

below, left I Sometimes, DIYing means being creative after a mistake. “When we
were measuring for the tub, it was supposed to be a 60-inch space, so I ordered a
59-inch tub,” Scarlett says. “When we got it upstairs, we hadn’t accounted for the
new tile on the outside of the shower, so it was too big. We decided to angle it, and I
put a big plant behind there to make it look like it was intentional. Sometimes even
mistakes in DIY can be a cool little opportunity for creativity. It forces you to think
outside the box.”

below, right I The primary bathroom is the first space Scarlett and Stephen
renovated when they moved in—though not by choice. “During the inspection, we
found mold behind the shower, so we had to gut it and redo it,” she says. “I had wanted
to do the kitchen.” But it was worth it, because the space is Scarlett’s favorite project
in this house so far. “I love how it turned out,” she says. They contracted out for
elements such as the demo, plumbing and tiling, but then installed the new vanity,
hardware, faucet, lighting, and ceiling shiplap themselves.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 57

3 Steps to Start
Homesteading
An ongoing project for Instagrammer Scarlett Knuth
of White Florida Farmhouse is to become more selfWYǽGMIRXXLVSYKLLSQIWXIEHMRK-IVIƶWLIVEHZMGI
JSVER]SRIPSSOMRKXSWXEVX
1. Start with baby steps. Learning to homestead doesn’t
mean you have to become a fully self-sufficient farm
overnight. “Each step leads to another,” Scarlett says. Start
with one or two steps you can take toward growing your
own food or raising animals and learn that before moving
on to anything else. “Start with learning to grow herbs, and
try hydroponic gardening,” Scarlett says. “That’s gardening
for beginners.”
2. Have realistic goals. Whether you want to grow food, raise
animals or both, set realistic goals you can manage and
work toward. “Make them realistic of what you’re capable of
taking on,” Scarlett says. “There’s always a learning curve.”
For example, start with a manageable number of animals
to care for. “I started with three chickens, and it eventually
grew to more,” she says. “But it was a good starting point
for learning how to care for a flock.”
3. Embrace your mistakes. Don’t get discouraged when you
fail; after all, practice makes perfect. “We went to a you-pick
garden with cabbages,” Scarlett says. “I spent hours slicing
up the cabbage to make my own sauerkraut. But within a
couple of days, it all molded. I took it as a learning lesson,
and it’s been a good lesson in letting go of perfection.”

above I Scarlett and Stephen spruced up the front porch with hanging begonia plants, new lighting, hardware, and front door paint. “The front door was green,” Scarlett says. “I still want to
get a new front door with glass, but it’s another investment we’re saving up for.” below, left I This charming corner was already partially in place when the Knuth family moved in. “The swing
was already here,” Scarlett says. “I wanted a new one, but then realized this one had a cool vintage feel to it. We think we want the newest and latest of something, but then you can stop and
appreciate the history of the item.” She set up a vinyl mat from V-Mat underneath, to look like an outdoor rug but without the upkeep. “With Florida weather, it’s hard to keep a rug nice,” she says.
“This is really easy to clean.”

58 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

above I The charming chicken coop was a partial DIY project. The couple bought a kit to build, then

below I The Knuth family’s backyard has become an oasis, especially as a

customized it with white paint, old-fashioned hinges, more secure fixtures, and a cute Fresh Eggs sign.
Then as their flock expanded, they knew they needed more space. “I let my chickens free range when they’re
supervised, so I call them part-time free rangers,” Scarlett says. “But we needed more space for everybody
to run around. So we took 2x2s and pieced them together with hard wire cloth and found plastic roof material
that matched.” Now the customized coop is perfect for their flock of 10+ hens.

homeschooling family. “I wanted my kids to have nature be a big part of our
journey in homeschooling,” Scarlett says. They just finished installing a raised
bed garden and meandering cobble pathway. “I wanted it to feel like I was in an
old English garden going down my cobblestone pathway,” she says.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 59

60 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

Best Beginner
Groceries
to Grow
Scarlett has recently started
growing her own groceries, and
you can too, even with minimal
space and experience. Here are
the easiest plants to start your
gardening journey.

Scarlett is continually striving to make her family
and home more self-sufficient. “I’m not an expert
homesteader; it takes baby steps,” she says. “I’m
trying to encourage people that you don’t have
to have so much expertise, it can evolve year
over year.” She recently bought her first pair of
overalls to work in the garden—but “they had to
be pink, of course,” she laughs.

• Herbs. “Start with learning to grow
herbs,” Scarlett says. Basil, parsley,
mint, oregano and cilantro are good
candidates for indoors. If you have a
sunny kitchen window, simply place
several pots along the windowsill. You
can also grow these plants outside for a
constant source of fresh cooking herbs.
• Tomatoes. Tomatoes are notoriously
easy to grow, but remember that you
need a sunny spot for them. Smaller
varieties such as cherry tomatoes are
often easier than the larger-fruited
tomatoes—plus, they’re so much
sweeter than the cherry tomatoes you
can buy in the store.
• Greens. If you have a shaded bed or
patio, greens are a wonderful way to
start growing your groceries. Try kale,
lettuce, cabbage and arugula for easy
vegetables that you can grow and turn
into delicious salads. “I’ve been able to
grow a lot of great salad ingredients,”
Scarlett says.
• Bulb and root vegetables. Some
bulb and root vegetables can be easy
over-winter vegetables to grow. Try
carrots, spring onions, garlic and beets.
Remember that some of these need
to go into the ground in the late fall or
early winter if you live in snowy regions.
For warmer regions, you can plant them
year-round.

The raised bed garden is a new addition to the property,
in Scarlett’s continued mission to become more selfsufficient. “I started going down the rabbit hole of the food
industry and toxins, and it inspired me to grow what I can,”
she says. She hired a local company called Man in Overalls
that helps residents grow their own groceries. “I’ve always
joked that I have a black thumb, but I now have friends
who are knowledgeable,” Scarlett says. “They helped us
build out this whole garden. They teach as they go. They’re
helping me turn my black thumb into green.”
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 61

Designing a

Dream Home

How a Florida spec house became a cozy home for empty nesters.
By Alexis Anderson I Photography by Muriel Silva
Designed by Coleen Norris of Nesting Place Interiors
Architectural Design by Cronk Dutch Architecture

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 63

above I A cedar shake roof with cedar glaze and the stain on the upper body sets this house apart from its neighbors. The charming
cupola is the icing on top. above right I The herringbone handmade Carolina brick makes quite a dramatic statement in the firepit area.
lower right I The use of retractable screens help keep bugs away at dusk. Restoration Hardware furnishings make for a cozy and
comfortable retreat, topped off with a reclaimed wood beam as the mantle.

Designing a home
often starts with taking note of one’s surroundings.
That’s what helped set the stage for Coleen Norris as she designed a
beautiful home within walking distance to the beaches of Ponte Vedra,
Florida. The home that began as a high-end custom spec project
turned into a personalized dream home for two empty nesters.
A PLAN OF ACTION
At the start of the project, Coleen Norris and her team at Nesting
Place Interiors, along with the help of Heritage Homes Construction
set out to create a classy and eye-catching project that would grab
the attention of any new buyers. Due to it starting out as a spec home,
this meant that the team could add some unique features, such as
the entrance lined with greenery. “As with every project, the goal was
to create a beautiful and welcoming home for our clients to enjoy for
many years to come,” Coleen explains. With that philosophy in mind,
this home brought together a high-end atmosphere that was intended
at the start of the project, with personalized touches that the family
could love and enjoy.

64 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 65

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
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that she wanted a dramatic back wall for the bar, so after

interiors from early in her career, Coleen takes the time to

searching for the perfect stone, she found that the quartzite

focus on the details of any home she designs. “Details are so

FEGOWTPEWL[EWXLITIVJIGXǻX.RǻKYVMRKSYX[LIVIXLIWI

important in adding drama to spaces,” she notes. This home

backsplashes and accent walls could go, she says she

mixes a contemporary design with a touch of the dramatic

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choose a space there.”

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layered in multiple textures such as the reclaimed beams,

BIG, BOLD, AND BEAUTIFUL

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niture from the rest of the house, creating the perfect oppor-

perfect for a home right by the beach!

tunity for serious study. Coleen urges those designing their

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zellige backsplash in the kitchen had just the right amount

66 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

own homes that if they are considering the darker approach,
to just go for it!

above right I The mudroom is a perfect stop-n-drop for all items especially beach bags, flip flops and purses.
above left I Restoration Hardware armoires flank the cast stone fireplace and the reclaimed wood headers
above thre doorways add warmth and interest. The crisp white slipcovers make for easy, breezy Florida living.

left I Zellige tile adds the ideal amount of warmth with its imperfect edges and handmade feel.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 67

The open floor plan, combined with the white and wood tones, creates an inviting space. The gorgeous French antique armoire
holds its own and stands firm to make a presence and pairs well with the Serena and Lily chandelier.
68 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 69

70 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

The iron ore black walls in the office add a bit of moody and dramatic to the otherwise
light toned home. Currey and Co. scones and a rawhide rug complete the space.

This home has many wide, open spaces, which can
seem like a daunting task to design. Yet Coleen advises
[LIRHIGSVEXMRKVSSQWWYGLEWXLIWIXSǻRHEJSGEP
point within the room and build around it. She noted that
some rooms may need multiple groupings. In this home,
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space in rooms while also giving it some area to breathe
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hanging overhead or set atop a side table. They add a
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“Lighting today is the jewelry of the home.”
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 71

This bathroom sparkles with gold metal finishes and a marble design on the
floor and shower wall. Details such as the sconce lighting and the shower
hardware are elegant additions to the space.

This home, while mixing the right amount of
elegance and boldness, became the perfect
place for the owners’ friends and family to visit
frequently. With every detail, from the large entryway to the backyard with a view, Coleen and
her team accomplished their goal of creating a
home to enjoy for years to come.
For more on Nesting Place Interios,
visit nestingplaceinteriors.com.

“Details are so
important in
adding drama
to spaces.”
72 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 73

Modern +Cozy
This Washington home is a modern
farmhouse haven with custom
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' ] V i c t o r i a Va n V l e a r
5LSXSKVETL]F]Matthew Gallant

Fresh, neutral and
welcoming. Those are
the words that describe the modern
farmhouse aesthetic, and are true of
this Washington home, which belongs
to homeowner and online personality
Jannine Alexander of Moxie and
Mint. “My style is modern and cozy,
with a neutral palette,” she says. She
and her husband customized their
5,100-square-foot house when they
found it mid-build and have made it
into a welcoming farmhouse haven
for them and their children.

76 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

above, left I When the Alexanders bought the house, there were existing plans for a
staircase, which Jannine modified. “They were going to put in wood spindles,” she says. “I
wanted to bring in a modern aspect, and that was the metal spindles. But I didn’t want it to
feel too cold, so we kept the wood railing.” Since the stair treads match the wood flooring,
Jannine wanted the railing to match as well, which proved a challenge. “[The build team]
mixed a bunch of stains to match the flooring,” she says. “So it’s very custom in that sense.
Everything else, I wanted to keep white and clean.”
above, right I Two of the main focal points in the living room are the tall fireplace, and the
faux timber beams on the ceiling. Jannine’s previous house had true wood ceiling beams,
a feature she loved and wanted to replicate here. “We could have gotten lumber for real
wood beams, but they’re so heavy that the cost of shipping them was more than the beams
themselves,” she says. “We found an alternative, and they’re really light. You could pick one
up, it feels like Styrofoam, but they look just like wood. Especially when you have them up on
the ceiling, you can’t tell the difference.”
right I The patio is a covered area that pushes off the back of the house. The unique feature
here is a set of four skylights, which makes the covered patio light and airy while keeping the
Washington weather at bay. “The TV doesn’t get rained on,” Jannine says. “We do have a cover
for it, but a lot of times we’ll be out there anyway in the rain. The boys will be in the hot tub,
and we use that room all year round.”
opposite I The home’s exterior features several different sidings in shades of gray for a
muted farmhouse feel, perfect for the Pacific Northwest. On the front porch area, Jannine
gives guests a glimpse at the décor style inside. “It’s a wide area, so I do the focal point on the
doors and archway,” she says. “I like to keep it simple but reflective of the season.”
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 77

opposite, bottom I Across from the staircase is the entryway table vignette Jannine set up, with a hefty side table and mirror to
match in scale. “[That mirror] is one of the most-asked about the pieces in my house,” she says. “Most people get one that’s sized to
fit the consul, but ours is more substantial, so we wanted to get an oversized one. I also like that it reflects the staircase.”

78 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

Fashion Forward
Blogger and Instagrammer Jannine Alexander of Moxie and Mint
shares the up-and-coming décor trends she’s seeing right now.
• Scallops. From furniture and lighting to mirrors, shelves and
curtains, scalloped edges are trending. “Scalloped details have
come back,” Jannine says. “It’s very ’70s, in the same way wide-leg
jeans are coming back.” If you want to try the trend, go for a piece
such as a mirror or set of floating shelves that you can change out
easily if you don’t like it.
• Rattan. This type of woven material has been in many different
décor eras and styles, including early 1900s coastal cottages
and the 1960s bohemian movement. It’s coming back now as a
combination of boho-modern and cottagecore. You can try it on a
pendant light shade or a sideboard to bring some more naturalmodern or cozy cottage influence to your farmhouse.
• Modern accents. From coffee table books and terra cotta vases to
geometric black-and-white patterns, modern accents are on trend.
This works well for the modern farmhouse look, like Jannine’s.
And one of her favorite modern accents? Vases. “A lot of the vases
are more neutral and textured, with fluted necks,” she says. “That’s
been attractive for me. I have to watch it because I can buy way
too many vases.”
• Brass. The metals that are on-trend in the 2020s are black matte
and brass—both lacquered and antiqued. “A lot of dark brass is in,”
Jannine says. You can find brass on everything from lighting and
tableware to fixtures, fittings, and door hardware. You can even
mix metals within a single room for a fresh—and yes, trendy—look.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 79

The main focal point in the kitchen is the large island. “We knew
we wanted the kitchen big,” Jannine says. “In our old house,
anytime we entertained, everyone would stay in the kitchen, no
matter what else we had going on outside or in other rooms. For
this home, we knew we were going to continue entertaining, so
we doubled down on the kitchen space. We went with a big island
because everything smaller looked kind of funny.”
80 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

above, right I For the lighting in both the dining area and kitchen, Jannine has played around
with different looks to refresh the spaces. “We originally had caged pendant lighting above
the island and over the dining room, which I switched out,” she says. “They’re not necessarily
outdated, but I was ready for something new. Lighting is such an easy place to swap out and
change the feel of the room.”

below, right I One of the changes Jannine wanted to make to the half-built house was to
expand the far wall on the kitchen by six feet. “It originally cut inward from the living room,”
she says. “I also expanded that wall to allow for a bigger island.” But because the outside
structure was already in place, they had to remove the existing wall to push it out. “They’d
already put in concrete paving outside,” Jannine says. “I had them push out to the paved area.”

CHANGING PLANS
The family’s move to the country was planned, but the
house wasn’t. “We had a home in [Seattle], but my kids were
getting school-aged, and we wanted land so they could play
outside,” Jannine says. They wanted to go the route of a new
build, so they brought an architect on board to start designing a custom home. “When it was time to sign the contract,
we found out the land had hazardous waste, so we didn’t
want to build there,” she says. The discovery was a disappointment, especially since they’d already started to design
the build.
So it came as a happy surprise when they discovered another house, half-built, only a half mile away from the original
property. “Online, the listing just showed a rendering, so we
came out in person to look at it,” Jannine says. “The structure
was up, but everything inside was still studs. And coincidenXEPP]XLIǼSSVTPER[EWWMQMPEVXS[LEX[IƶHPEMHSYXMRSYV
ǻVWXTPERWƹ

SEMI-CUSTOM
The couple was sold on the house but wanted to make it
their own. Luckily, the builder was open to making changes.
“We were able to talk to the builder and make customizations on the structure,” Jannine says. Some of those customizations included expanding an exterior wall in the kitchen,
EHHMRK[MRHS[WERHTMGOMRKSYXEPPRI[ǻRMWLMRKWƸ8LI]
had already put in the mirrors, a lot of the outlet placements,
and the doors,” Jannine says. But she was able to choose
MXIQWWYGLEWǼSSVMRKGSYRXIVXSTWPMKLXMRKERHXLIǻVITPEGI
ǻRMWLIW8LI]EPWSEHHIHEJI[RI[[MRHS[WFYXOITXQER]
of the existing windows in place.
ACCESSORIZING
For the furniture and décor, Jannine has a high/low approach, preferring high-end brands for furniture and larger
TMIGIWEPSRKWMHIQSVIEǺSVHEFPIEGGIWWSVMIWERHH³GSV
“My style is very Pottery Barn-ish, organic with rustic hints,”
she says. “I do have a lot of big furniture pieces from Pottery
Barn or Restoration Hardware.”
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 81

Home Hack
/ERRMRIƶWJEZSVMXILSQILEGO$&PQSRHWSRXLIǼSSV
The Problem: You get scratches on your wood floors.
The Solution: Almonds. “We have engineered hardwood, and
sometimes it gets scratched up by the kids or dog,” Jannine says.
“Some people say almonds, but I use different types of nuts too.
You rub the nut into the scratch, and it’ll take it away. The oils from
the nuts fill in the scratch and match exactly to the wood tone.”

82 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

The living room has an open concept, with vaulted ceilings in this part of the
house. “The house we had in Seattle had two-story vaulted ceilings,” Jannine
says. “We loved the vaulted ceilings in there, and when we had our own architect,
it was our plan to have a two-story living space. Then we saw they already had
it in this home.” Jannine wanted the room to feel as light as possible, so one of
the modifications they made after purchasing the half-built home was to add
more windows to this space. “It’s so gray here all the time,” she says. “I wanted to
maximize the light in there, then have the focal point of the fireplace.”

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 83

The sitting room is Jannine’s favorite room in the house. “The more obvious place would be
the kitchen because everyone gathers there,” she says. “But the sitting room is cozier and
gets great light. When I’m there, I’m surrounded by décor and books.” The smaller space was
originally intended to be the dining room, but Jannine decided to use it as a sitting room instead.
“At our old house, we created a sitting room for sitting and reading, or talking on the phone, and
we wanted a space for that in this house too. I spend the most time in there.”

84 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

The bookshelves in the sitting room didn’t originally have the beautiful arches at the tops. “What I really wanted was an archway into that sitting room,” Jannine says. “But my husband
didn’t want to add it because it would have destroyed the drywall. One of the contractors we worked with became a friend of ours, and he cut some MDF to match what was already on
the bookshelves. We put it up, primed and painted, and caulked. It made such a difference in that room. It makes the room so much more attractive.”
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 85

above I The walls in the farmhouse are a pale gray, and Jannine decided to do a darker version of that color in the primary bedroom. The darker walls allowed her to go with
white bedding and a white headboard, which pop out from the paint alongside the casing on the window. opposite, bottom I The upstairs hallway is home to a custom art
gallery. “We wanted something that was on that wall as a feature, but I didn’t want a huge piece of art,” Jannine says. “This felt like the best area to put our family pictures,
so I got some frames that were oversized and made it work with the hallway.” The couple chose carpet for the flooring upstairs, in part to act as a sound barrier. “Having a
two-story open concept, you can hear everything,” Jannine says. “Hearing clacking if it was hardwood would have been too much. The carpet is a nice layer of insulation.”
86 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

above, left I One of the future changes Jannine wants to make is the mirrors. The builder had
already installed builder-grade mirrors by the time the couple bought the house, and Jannine
wants them to look more custom than they currently do. In the interim, she’s used strategies
like the frame in this guest bathroom. “The frame makes it look more custom,” she says.

above, right I The downstairs powder room is bold, with a black accent wall and brass mirror
and lighting. “That room was a collaboration with Wayfair,” Jannine says.

When it comes to décor accents, Jannine’s style leans
toward modern classic. “I tend to gravitate toward things that
are classic,” she says. “I get some accents that are trendy, but
I don’t like switching things out all the time. Mostly I like to
stick with classic things I can use year after year.” Styling is
Jannine’s sweet spot, and she shares her friendly, welcoming
décor online with her followers at Moxie and Mint.
+VSQHMWGSZIVMRKXLILSQILEPJFYMPXXSQEOMRKQSHMǻGEtions and customizing the structure, it’s been a whirlwind six
years. But Jannine has built a calm and welcoming place to
live and created a backdrop for her creative passion through
her online décor brand and blog.
SEE SOURCES, PAGE 113.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 87

You Can

Always

By Dana Mauer
Photography by Laura Metzler
Designed by Gruver Cooley Design

Come Home

See how one couple sized up for future family fun and comfort.

88 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

While most empty
nesters opt to downsize
From the front, gray stone, black shutters, white
siding, and a formal portico all contribute to the
facade's newly created historic charm. “For the
exterior, we aimed for a look that fits well with the
Virginia countryside,” Cathleen says.

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 89

above I An expansive outdoor pavilion built for entertaining
and watching Auburn football games features a stone
fireplace, TV, kitchen, living area, and an infinity edge pool
that overlooks a stream. On summer nights, Eric and Penny
love inviting friends over for a barbecue and to soak in the
scenery. below I Connecting wings give the impression
that extra spaces had been added on to the house over time.
Stone on the walls blends into the landscape from the walls
of glass along the back of the house.

90 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

COMFORT INSIDE AND OUT
“We host Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, as well as large Christmas
parties and smaller costume parties for Halloween,” Penny says. Focusing on
frequently used spaces and avoiding decorative rooms, the Schmitz decided on
a single Great Room to maximize practicality. “We knew we didn’t want a formal
dining room, but we did want a space capable of hosting large family gatherMRKWERHQIEPW[LMGLXLIFYQTSYXSǺXLIOMXGLIREPPS[WJSVƹ5IRR]WE]W8S
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“During summer days, the zero-edge pool offers a perfect vantage point of the yard, while the floor-to-ceiling glass windows
in the dining area allow us to observe the thriving wildlife in the woods behind the house,” Eric says.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 91

FUNCTIONAL HUB
While designing the Great Room,
it was important to ensure there was
space for a tall Christmas tree. “In
the short time we’ve lived here, it has
already become a tradition to put up
a fresh-cut 16 to 18-foot tree the day
after Thanksgiving,” Eric explains. “The
tree, with all the ornaments Penny has
collected over the years truly becomes
the centerpiece of the house during
the holidays,” he says. Upstairs, you can
look down into the Great Room from
cut-out balconies in the hallway. “We
wanted to make sure the eyes moved
around the room to enjoy all of the interior spaces and features, as well as the
outdoor views,” Cathleen says.

left I “We found a rug for the living room and the rest of that
space evolved around it,” Cathleen says. Plenty of natural
light enters the room through a wall of windows, highlighting
the beam design above.

below, middle and right I This show the view upstairs
looking down into the Great Room. “Our goal was to achieve
an elegant yet laid-back style throughout the home,
blending family heirlooms and antiques with contemporary,
relaxed pieces,” Penny says. Three bedrooms are for the
Schmitz children who are in college or recently graduated,
and there is a dedicated guest bedroom on the first floor and
in the basement.

92 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

“Our goal was to create a space
where our children would want to
return for holidays and special family
gatherings, accommodating them and
their future families comfortably
for years to come.”—Eric Schmitz

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 93

Subtle Storage
Planning for storage is often the last thing to be considered but goes
a long way towards keeping a house neat. “Although not immediately
visible, we’ve incorporated hidden storage all throughout the house,”
Eric says. Put the clutter away and focus on the views with a few of
the subtle storage tricks used in this home design:
• The sides of the custom millwork fireplace in the Great Room feature
secret compartments that push to open, perfect for storing blankets and
board games. “Having storage there allowed us to maximize the space for
seating,” Cathleen says.
• In the kitchen, the appliance garage and mixer stand seamlessly blend
into the cabinetry and the legs that give the kitchen counter a furniture-like
appearance conceal spice racks.
• Beneath the stairs, there’s a four-foot-wide shelved storage closet that
house all of Penny’s tableware for hosting parties. “Concealed storage
solutions contribute to the eye enjoying the room’s architecture and interior
design, rather than being distracted by miscellaneous clutter,” Eric explains.

Hidden appliances keep counters clutter free, allowing the backsplash tile pattern and countertops to stand out.
94 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

above I “My favorite visual feature is how we mimicked the shape of the fireplace mantel and the hood over the range, as well as the dining
room light, to create connection between the spaces,” Cathleen says. The Great Room features a custom two-story stone fireplace and a
timber frame. “Through the gorgeous wooden beams, you see the curved mantel and stone fireplace matching the exterior stone,” Eric says.

opposite, top I The traditional white kitchen boasts an alder wood island, butcher block countertops, quartz kitchen island and a
hammered copper range hood with bronze and nailhead details.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 95

“The client really wanted the master bathroom to feel like a relaxing space and loved the idea of using honed marble
for its aesthetic and soft feel,” Cathleen explains. “The wood-look tile in the shower added dimension while warming
up the space, and we were able to create more interest by mixing different patterns of the marble tile,” she says.

96 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

top, left I Each bathroom has a unique design. Windows, mirrors, and light colors help to brighten them. “Penny loves the pool bathroom and the faded denim blue tile as
well as the Moroccan tile, the copper details, custom built vanity and the 5 ½ foot tall, reclaimed wood mirror,” Eric says. top, right I “At the beginning of the project, the
client was going to keep all secondary bathrooms the same, but over time the vision grew, and we got to have fun creating spaces that were each unique,” Cathleen says.
above, left I In the master suite, an oceanside print above the fireplace flips over to conceal the TV.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 97

FUN AT THE FARM
Also located on the Schmitz farm is a timber-framed car
barn where Eric collects and works on vintage cars. The barn
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back home to.

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98 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

SEE SOURCES, PAGE 113.

“The property allows us the space to
have a bee apiary with a few hives that
we take care of together. Last summer
we had our first batch of honey!”

Eric’s love of vintage cars is reflected in his
6,000 square foot timber car barn on the
property. Here, he houses collectibles and
automobile memorabilia.

—Penny Schmitz
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 99

PROJECT HOUSE

*Ŏ  the Fun

in Functional

With a luscious palette, charming details and robust, functional design,
this laundry room provides the perfect space for doing one of the most
dreaded household chores.
Wr i t te n by L a u ra S h i m ko
Design by The Fox Group I Photographs courtesy of The Fox Group

Sometimes we can
overlook certain rooms, especially those that serve a primarily
practical purpose, when considering a renovation or redesign of our homes. The laundry
room is a classic example, often shoved into the back of the home or tucked away out
of sight. For the team at The Fox Group, hard at work on our Project House in Utah, the
laundry room was not a mere afterthought in the design process. “Laundry can be a lot
of long and hard work, but we like to make doing the laundry fun by creating playful, yet
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create spaces that inspire and motivate.”

100 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

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CUSTOM & COLORFUL
Taking center stage, charming cabinetry by CS Cabinetry
& Design is full of charm, fun and also practical features.
“The cabinets were created with functionality and beauty

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above l From Board to Beautiful. Each room goes from a vision in Cara’s
imagination to a well-crafted design board noting every necessary element, then
on to the final execution.

in mind,” Cara says. “There is space for hanging laundry,
lots of storage for supplies and linens, cutouts for the

opposite l This sketch of the cabinetry demonstrates the highly functional design

washer and dryer as well as space for three laundry

the team at The Fox Group crafted. Details like the brass rod for hanging laundry
elevate the space visually while also providing practical usage. As in the kitchen,
the custom cabinetry allows for an abundance of storage options, as well as
providing a lovely focal point.

LEQTIVWƹ8LIFPYIGYWXSQǻRMWLMRGPYHMRKXLIFEWIGEWI
and crown by Woodgrain, evokes the look and feel of a
soft blue sky, connecting to the nature-inspired theme
throughout the rest of the home. “We love to incorporate
custom details into our cabinetry to bring visual detail and
create a focal point by drawing the eye,” Cara says.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 101

DARLING DETAILS
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SEE SOURCES, PAGE 113.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FOX GROUP,
VISIT THEFOXGROUP.COM.

left l The key to a cohesive home design is using the same or similar elements in
different rooms. Here, the scalloped detailing on the custom cabinetry is echoed
throughout the rest of the home, including the cabinetry in the kitchen.

102 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

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Outside U.S., add $21 per year for postage. Payment in U.S. funds only.

PROJECT HOUSE

$ŋ

Getting Started
Brother and sister design team Melissa Olson and Brent Green share
the origin of their company, Cottage & Key, and give us a glimpse into
exciting plans for our 2024-25 Project House.
Wr i t te n by L a u ra S h i m ko
P h o t o g r a p h y by M a d e l i n e H a r p e r P h o t o g r a p h y, C o t t a g e & Ke y a n d P l a n k a n d P i l l ow

Dream team Melissa Olson and
Brent bring their skills in design
and construction together to create
Cottage & Key. “Envisioning the
space—from function to layout and
materials to final touches—and then
seeing it all transform from dream to
reality during construction is the best
feeling ever,” Melissa says.

PHOTO BY MADELINE HARPER PHOTOGRAPHY

There is something
special about the ability to look at
an empty lot and envision a beautiful home full of
character and charm. For brother and sister Brent
Green and Melissa Olson, casting a vision and bringing
it to life is the passion that fuels their Austin, Texasbased home design and construction business,
Cottage & Key. The duo has signed on to spearhead
our next Project House: a cute and cozy cottage
nestled in the fast-growing suburban community
of Taylor, Texas. As they prepare to get started on
constructing this new build, they share what brought
them to this point and the vision they have for this
exciting project.

104 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

Originally a dark and dated cave-like atmosphere, this kitchen received Melissa’s total makeover,
transforming into a light and bright space full of simplicity and charm. “The dark cabinets were
refinished in a creamy white color, yellow walls painted white, and concrete floors got upgraded to
a white oak engineered hardwood,” she says. Champagne bronze hardware and handmade zellige
tiles bring warmth. “The concrete pendant lights add a touch of texture, and their rounded shape
softens all the straight lines,” she says.

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

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work as a general contractor.

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combined love of their crafts stems from their father’s

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business, Melissa handles all the design elements. Their

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right l Melissa and Brent carefully crafted a floorplan that serves both form and
function. The shared living areas of the living room, kitchen and breakfast nook all flow
together in an open plan. They decided to tuck the mudroom and laundry room near the
back entrance for functionality. Two guest bedrooms with a shared bath sit at the front
of the home, while the spacious primary suite resides in the back for added privacy. The
garage is thoughtfully hidden and accessible through the back alley.

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

PHOTO COURTESY OF PLANK AND PILLOW

collaboration between them and Plank and Pillow. “We aimed for a cottage feel that
seamlessly integrates with the surrounding 1950s neighborhood,” Melissa says. “The
white brick façade and arched doorway add a touch of timeless character, creating a
space that feels both cozy and elevated.”

 

 

above l This rendering of Melissa and Brent’s vision for our Project House was a

 

 

 

 

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 105

above, left l This cozy kitchen from a past project is brimming with calm, neutral vibes,
but the process of renovation posed several challenges to Melissa and Brent. “It needed
a lot of love, with a hole in the floor and a disconnected feel,” Melissa says. “We saw its
potential and chose to remove a few walls. The kitchen became a beautiful, open space
that flows into the living room.”

bottom, left l This shower was part of a whole bathroom renovation for a family with
teens. Melissa and Brent totally revamped the basic builder-grade style of the original
to give the family a space that fit their aesthetic and functional needs. “Warm tones and
natural textures create a space that’s both stylish and adaptable, growing alongside a
teenager’s evolving needs and personal style,” Melissa says.

The creation of Cottage & Key was the result of
successful collaborations between Brent and Melissa on
several design and construction projects in the Austin
area. “It grew organically,” Melissa says. “Friends would
PHOTO COURTESY OF COTTAGE & KEY

reach out for help updating their spaces and Brent, with his
construction expertise, would travel from Missouri to bring
those designs to life.” As word spread of their work, demand
continued to grow and the pair realized that they had the
opportunity to bring their skillsets together to help even
more homeowners realize their dreams. “It felt like a natural
RI\XWXITXSXYVRSYVTEWWMSRMRXSEJYPPǼIHKIHFYWMRIWWƴ
and Cottage & Key was born,” Melissa says.
8LIMVFVERHMWGLEVEGXIVM^IHF]EVIǻRIH]IXGS^]
aesthetic, full of character and timeless charm.
GETTING STARTED
Although it’s only an empty lot right now, Melissa and
Brent have big plans for our future Project House. At 1,600
square feet, the single-story home will be for a small
family or couple. While the house is a completely new
build, Melissa plans to bring in timeless elements to meld
together old and new.
8SGVIEXIXLIǼSSVTPERXLI]GSPPEFSVEXIH[MXL-IRV]
and Kelly Jones at Plank and Pillow (@plankandpillow).
“We knew we wanted the classic English cottage charm,”
2IPMWWEWE]WƸ8LIMVǼSSVTPERHIWMKRWEPMKRIH[MXLSYV
vision and together we crafted the ideal layout: cozy and
JYPPSJGLEVEGXIVFYX[MXLEQSHIVRJYRGXMSREPǼS[ƹ
When asked about any anticipated challenges for this

PHOTO BY MADELINE HARPER PHOTOGRAPHY

project, Brent said they believe translating their aesthetic
to a suburban setting may come with some considerations;
however, they are ready to take the challenge head on.
“Witnessing the transformation of a bare piece of land into
someone’s home is incredibly rewarding,” he says. “It’s a
great reminder of the impact we can have on people’s lives
as they are starting the next chapter in a home they can be
proud of.”

106 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

Our Sponsors are
the Backbone of the Build
The list of amazing sponsors for Project House Austin is growing,
and we are delighted and grateful to have them join us! Please visit
each sponsor’s website for more inspiration and information and
follow along as we reveal their products in the new build.

Hoodsly Wooden Range Hoods

Decorative Ceiling Tiles

Hoodsly began when it became apparent
that there was a need in the kitchen
industry for a range hood that could
be personalized without the need for a
cabinetmaker. They proudly source all
materials in the United States, and all the
hoods are made in North Carolina.
Visit hoodsly.com.

From ceiling tiles and beams to wall
panels, backsplashes and moldings,
Decorative Ceiling Tiles has everything
you need to elevate your space. With
easy ordering and world-wide shipping,
they even offer free quotes and estimates
on materials for your project. Visit
decorativeceilingtiles.net.

MRCOOL®
Comfort made simple is the MRCOOL®
motto, and they live up to it with
innovative, reliable, and efficient heating
and cooling options for any space.
MrCool DIY® ductless mini-splits are the
only true DIY® HVAC on the market.
Visit mrcool.com.

Mantle Furniture
For over 60 years, the Parker family
has been handcrafting furniture in
North Carolina. Upholding the heritage
of exacting standards in every stitch,
staple, cut and joint. Mantle strives for a
standard of quality that’s worthy of life’s
moments, where every detail is refined to
enhance the everyday.
Visit mantlefurniture.com.

Putnam Rolling Ladder
Oatey
Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable,
high-quality products for the residential
and commercial plumbing industries,
with a commitment to delivering quality,
building trust, and improving lives.
Today, Oatey operates a comprehensive
manufacturing and distribution network
to supply thousands of products for
professional builders, contractors,
engineers, and do-it-yourself consumers
around the world. Visit oatey.com.

Steves & Sons, Inc.
The Steves family, true pioneers,
established a lumber business in San
Antonio, Texas over 150 years ago. As
the Steves’ reputation for hard work
and dedication to quality rapidly grew,
they became the heart of the lumber
business in the southwestern US. Today,
Steves & Sons continues its commitment
to craftsmanship and style of interior
and exterior doors while building on the
tradition of environmental respect and
responsibility. Visit stevesdoors.com.

Putnam has been a leader in the rolling
ladder industry since 1905. Originating
in New York City, Putnam Rolling Ladder
became a symbol of achievement,
adding layers of prestige, functionality,
and design to homes. Synonymous with
timeless heritage, sophistication, and
enduring quality rolling ladders are a
beautiful addition to any home.
Visit putnamrollingladder.com.

Southern Crafted Shutters

Mullican® Hardwood Flooring
Mullican® Flooring was founded in 1985
along the banks of the Greenbrier River
in Ronceverte, WV. Bill Mullican produced
beautifully crafted hardwood floors
from prime local timber and established
Mullican® Flooring as the premier brand
of hardwood flooring That tradition of
legendary craftsmanship continues today.
Visit mullicanflooring.com.

Cherokee Brick
Founded in 1877, Cherokee Brick is made
in their Georgia and Mississippi plants.
You won’t find another building material
with a lower life-cycle cost than brick.
With durable protection from fire, wind,
water and mold, it is one of the best
investments you can make for your home.
VIsit cherokeebrick.com.

Stay tuned for Project House Austin updates and follow along on Instagram
@americanfarmhousestyle and @cottageandkey to catch glimpses of its progress.

Hand crafted shutters made to order in
the USA and made to last.
With over 25 years of experience, this
husband and wife founded business
offers over 100 shutter styles to choose
from and ship their goods nationwide.
Visit scshutters.com.

Willow Bath and Vanity
Providing products that blend style,
design and safety for your bathroom,
Willow specializes in the timeless beauty
of natural wood.
Visit willowbathandvanity.com.

BOOKSHELF

108 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

Where Old
Meets New
Discovering the magic of Everyday Antiques.
B y P e r r i To b i n I P h o t o r e s e a r c h c o u r t e s y o f J e s s W a l t o n

above, left I “For old furniture to work with newer designs, look for pieces
that have a clean-lined feel. Bring together shapes that echo each other.”

above,right I This Victorian-style metal bed is brought to life by layering

Step into a world where vintage charm
HERGIWLEVQSRMSYWP][MXLQSHIVRǼEMV/SMRYWEW[II\TPSVI
the book, Everyday Antiques: Inviting Homes Where Old Meets
New[LIVIEYXLSV0EXLIVMRISVVIPPLEWHSRIEHIITHMZI

it with gingham, florals and a quilt. Natural textures like these soft rugs or
weathered wood furniture help cultivate a shabby-chic elegance.

MRXSXLI[SVPHSJIZIV]HE]ERXMUYIWERHXLIMVI\XVESVHMREV]

opposite I The gentle, dusty pink walls in this bathroom exude a sense

XSER]LSQI/YWX[EMXYRXMP]SYKIX]SYVLERHWSRLIV

of history, while still feeling fresh and contemporary. The white-painted
floorboards keep things light and bright, and the addition of this 1930s chair
adds a cozy touch to the whole look.

KSVKISYWGSPPIGXMSRSJTLSXSWLMKLPMKLXMRKWXYRRMRKVSSQW

TS[IVSJFVMRKMRK[EVQXLGLEVEGXIVERHEXSYGLSJRSWXEPKME

in various homes that have been brought to life by unique,
ZMRXEKIMRWTMVIHWX]PMRK,IXVIEH]XSJEPPMRPSZI[MXLXLI
TIVJIGXJYWMSRSJSPHERHRI[

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 109

These vibrant,
multi-colored DSR
side chairs add a
retro vibe to this
bold dining room.
Paired with the
painted cupboards
and paneling,
they create a
unique, eyecatching space.

MAKE A STATEMENT
Are you drawn to dramatic and bold interiors? Whether

THE EPITOME OF SUSTAINABILITY
4RISJXLIFMKKIWXETTIEPWSJERXMUYIERHWIGSRHLERH

your home is a centuries-old cottage or a newly built

HIGSVMWXLIWYWXEMREFMPMX]JEGXSV8LI]ƶVIXLIIQFSHMQIRXSJ

apartment, unusual antique and vintage pieces can take

VIG]GPMRKERHƸKVIIRƹXLMROMRK2SWXZMRXEKITMIGIW]SYƶPPGSQI

center stage in any home. Thanks to their unique lines

EGVSWWEVIJEVFIXXIVQEHIXLERXLIMVQSHIVRIUYMZEPIRXW

ERHFSPHǻRMWLIWWSQITMIGIWSJZMRXEKIJYVRMXYVIEVI

EP[E]WYWMRKUYEPMX]QEXIVMEPWERHELMKLPIZIPSJGVEJXWQERWLMT

guaranteed to turn heads. An oversized and ornate piece,

.RGSVTSVEXMRKXLIWIERXMUYIǻRHWMR]SYVLSQIIRWYVIW

like an elegant vintage chandelier, can bring an understated

HYVEFMPMX]ERHUYEPMX]ERH]SYGERVIWXIEW]ORS[MRKXLI]ƶPP

KPEQSYVXSER]VSSQ.J]SYVIEPP][ERXXSIQFVEGI

PEWXJSV]IEVWERH]IEVWXSGSQI&RXMUYMRKMWERMRZIWXQIRX

maximalism in your home, try mixing and matching several

ERHEKVIEXSRIEXXLEXƴ]SYƶVIMRZIWXMRKMRWSQIXLMRKXLEX

HMǺIVIRXTMIGIWXLEXWLEVIWMQMPEVEXXVMFYXIWPMOIWLETIP]

[MPPIRLERGI]SYVPMJIQEOI]SYVLSQIJIIPWTIGMEPERHIZIR

glassware displayed near an antique chaise lounge.

FIGSQIEJEQMP]LIMVPSSQXSTEWWHS[RSRIHE]

110 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

Vintage
Bedroom
Feng Shui
Perfecting the energy in your
antique style bedroom
The bedroom is a private space that
allows for both a personal and creative
approach when it comes to decorating.
It’s the perfect place to house your most
treasured antiques or vintage pieces.
Although, you don’t want to get carried
away and cram too many antiques into
one bedroom, especially when mixing
pieces from different periods. For a
balanced mix of both new and old, try
following some of the tips below to create
a feeling of comfort and relaxation, while
still highlighting your favorite vintage
furniture and decor!

The worn charm of these wooden cinema seats is perfectly highlighted by the rich crimson shade, while the backdrop of
the more blueish red wall adds a touch of whimsy.

“Every antique or vintage
piece possesses its own

Ş ō  history,
patina of age and richness
of character.”

1. Make your bed the focal point of the
room. The first step in creating good
feng shui is positioning your bed in
a commanding, central position (you
spend upwards of a third of your
life in your bed). If possible, always
place your headboard against a solid
wall and avoid arranging your bed
under a window. Keep linens simple
and understated to help your most
interesting pieces stand out even more.
2. Avoid bedroom clutter. Invest in wellmade antique wardrobes and dressers
that will naturally add character to
your space while also providing ample
storage space without the mess. Rather
than displaying the entire flea market in
your bedroom, try starting with a single
statement piece and then designing
around it. The less clutter you have, the
more qi, or energy, can flow evenly and
freely throughout your space.
3. Stick to a color scheme. A thoughtful
color scheme can pull the whole look
together, uniting modern and antique
pieces seamlessly. Generally, pale
colors like ivory and taupe are calming
and restful, but stronger, deeper
colors can be cozier and inviting. The
best feng shui bedroom colors are
rejuvenating, promoting relaxation and
vitality in the place where you put your
mind and body to rest.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 111

“With the
addition of the
right antique or
vintage pieces,
your living room
will marry up
the grace of the
past with the
sophistication of
the present.”
above, left I These antique lace panels, cleverly used
as creative window treatments, dance with delicacy and
intricate patterns. They gently filter light to create a warm
atmosphere, all while giving a stunning, lavish appearance
to the space.

below, left I The blend of patterned concrete floors and
exposed beams gives off a cool industrial vibe, with some
house plants adding a touch of warmth.

Everyday Antiques: Inviting
Homes Where Old Meets
New by Katherine Sorrell,
published by Ryland
Peters & Small, @2024;
ryanlandpeters.com.

SOURCES
COASTAL FLORIDA FARMHOUSE
Page 36
To learn more about Carrier Design Co.
visit carrierdesignco.com.
1MKLXǻ\XYVIWSZIVXLIOMXGLIRMWPERH
Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com.
'EVWXSSPW Palecek, palecek.com.
+PSSVXMPIMRPEYRHV]VSSQ Traditions and
Tile, traditionsintile.com.
2MVVSVMRTS[HIVVSSQ Made Goods,
madegoods.com.
;EPPTETIVMRKYIWXFIHVSSQ
Schumacher, fschumacher.com.
&VX[SVOMRQEWXIVFIHVSSQ Christine
Carrier, christinecarrierart.com.
+EFVMGJSVGYWXSQFIHMRQEWXIVFIHVSSQ Schumacher, fschumacher.com.
1MKLX+M\XYVIWMRQEWXIVFEXLVSSQ Arteriors, arteriorshome.com.
GSRGIWMRTSSPFEXLVSSQ Cedar and
Moss, cedarandmoss.com.

GROWING ROOTS
Page 48
For more on Scarlett, follow her on InstaKVEQ%[LMXIǼSVMHEJEVQLSYWI
(LMGOIRGSST Tractor Supply,
tractorsupply.com.
(LMGOIRGSST+EVQ+VIWL*KKWWMKR Etsy,
etsy.com.
,EVHIRWYTTSVX Man in Overalls,
overalls.life.
,MVPWVSSQERHTVMQEV]FIHVSSQFIHHMRK Beddy’s, beddys.com.
1MZMRKVSSQEVXJVEQIW Target, target.com.
1MZMRKVSSQIKKGLEMV Bed, Bath and
Beyond, bedbathandbeyond.com.
1MZMRKVSSQVYK Tumble, tumbleliving.com.
5S[HIVFEXLVSSQ[EPPTETIV Wall Pops,
wallpops.com.
5S[HIVFEXLVSSQZERMX]FEXLXYF KMVPW
VSSQGLERHIPMIV Lowe’s, lowes.com.
5VMQEV]FEXLVSSQPMKLXMRKQEGVEQI
[MRHS[LERKMRK Amazon, amazon.com.
5VMQEV]FEXLVSSQǼSSVMRK Floor & DéGSVǼSSVERHHIGSVGSQ

(SYRXIVW Calacatta Extra Polished 1 1/4”,
Antolini Quartz
0MXGLIRFEGOWTPEWL Sonoma Tilemakers
"Astoria, Tumbler" Bergamot Silk
+PSSVWXLVSYKLSYX AA791, Bernina
Hickory 125005 Fora
+S]IVPMKLXǻ\XYVIW Currey, Bastian Large
Lantern
)³GSVHIWMKRJSV,VIEX7SSQ Chantel
Gibson (Done by Chantel, Ashburn, VA)
(YVXEMRERHFIHHMRKHIWMKRMR2EWXIV
YMXI Denise Dalton, Drapery House,
Leesburg, VA
0MXGLIRPMKLXǻ\XYVIW Machinist Glass
Cloche Pendant in Polished Nickel (18")
5VMQEV]'EXLVSSQWLS[IVǻ\XYVIW Rohl,
houseofrohl.com.

MODERN + COZY
Page 71
For more on Jannine, visit moxieandmint.
com or follow her on Instagram
@moxieandmint.
'EVWXSSPWHMRMRKVSSQPMKLXMRKHMRMRK
XEFPI Pottery Barn. Visit potterybarn.com.
(SZIVIHTEXMSGLERHIPMIV Amazon. Visit
amazon.com.
*RXV][E]GSRWYPXEFPI Willow & Grace or
Pottery Barn, willowandgracedesigns.com
or potterybarn.com.
-EPP[E]KEPPIV]JVEQIW Framebridge.
Visit framebridge.com.
1MZMRKVSSQGLERHIPMIVIRXV][E]QMVVSV
OMXGLIRPMKLXMRK TS[HIVFEXLVSSQQMVVSVPMKLXMRKWLIPZIW TVMQEV]FIHVSSQ
LIEHFSEVH Wayfair. Visit wayfair.com.
1MZMRKVSSQGSǺIIXEFPI World Market.
Visit worldmarket.com.
1MZMRKVSSQJEY\FIEQW Architectural
Depot. Visit architecturaldepot.com.
1MZMRKVSSQWSJEW Arhaus. Visit arhaus.com.
5EMRXSZIVEPP7ITSWIH,VE] FIHVSSQ
&VKSW TS[HIVFEXLVSSQ8VMGSVRFPEGO 
JVSRXHSSV Iron Ore. Sherwin Williams.
Visit sherwin-williams.com.

AD INDEX
Asheford Institute of Antiques
asheford.com........................................113
Cherokee Brick
cherokeebrick.com .............................7
Country Braid House LLC
countrybraidhouse.com .....................9
Decorative Ceiling Tiles
decorativeceilingtiles.net ..................3
Frankenmuth Woolen Mill
wool-bedding.com ..............................13
Hoodsly
hoodsly.com..........................................7
Modern House Numbers
modernhousenumbers.com .............9
Montana Rustic Accents
montanarusticaccents.com ...............2
Troutman Chair
troutmanchairs.com ............................103
Woodwaves
woodwaves.com ..................................9

MXXMRKVSSQVYK Magnolia Home. Visit
magnolia.com.

PUTTING THE FUN IN FUNCTIONAL
Page 100
(EFMRIXV] CS Cabinetry,
christopherscottcabinetry.com.
4ZEP(EFMRIX0RSFW Emtek/Assa Abloy,
emtek.com.
'EWI(EWIERH(VS[R2SYPHMRK
Woodgrain. woodgrain.com
;EPPTETIV Laura Ashley,
lauraashleyusa.com.

YOU CAN ALWAYS COME HOME
Page 88
For more of Cathleen’s projects, visit
gruvercooley.com or follow them on Instagram @gruvercooleyhomesandinteriors.
&VGLMXIGX ACG Architects.
1ERHWGETI&VGLMXIGX State of the Art
Landscape.
,VIEX7SSQTEMRXGSPSV OC-17.
(YVXEMRHIWMKRMR,VIEX7SSQ Denise
Dalton (Drapery House, Leesburg, VA)
5S[HIVVSSQ Benjamin Moore, Graphite
on cabinets, benjaminmoore.com.
;EPPTETIVF].QTIVMEP8VIPPMW 2707215
Onyx Gloss.
0MXGLIRGEFMRIXW From Bremtown in
Sable with a graphite glaze.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 • 113

ROUNDUP

The Red Barn:
An Enduring American Tradition
How these brightly colored structures
became a nostalgic and iconic part of our landscape.
Wr i t te n by Kelly Mc Master I P h oto g ra p h e d by L a u ra Met z l e r

The story of the red barn is one of

their distinctive red color. When red paint became

practicality meeting tradition, creating an enduring

commercially available in the late 19th and early 20th

symbol of the American agricultural spirit.

centuries, it furthered cemented the tradition that

Early settlers brought with them European building

continues to this day.

traditions and erected wooden barns, sealed with a

This majestic timber-framed barn in Virginia is a

mixture of linseed oil, a natural preservative mixed

modern take on tradition. With two stories, including

with milk or lime. Often farmers would add rust (iron

an upstairs apartment for guests, it is a haven for

oxide) to the mixture that created a sealant that

collecting and working on vintage cars. To read the

was mold and fungi resistant and gave the barns

full story and see inside, turn to page 88 of this issue.

114 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE