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Special thanks to Assistant Art Director Julia Ludlam for my oldtimey silhouette.
IN THIS ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2019
Editor’s Note If you’re familiar with The Old Farmer’s Almanac, then you know it’s a centuries-old resource filled with tips, tricks, and tactics geared toward farmers, gardeners, and assorted weather-watchers. This issue is an ode to that compendium of proverbs and predictions, but with a focus on all things home, not harvest. (Although you will find a delightful Harvest Moon party, complete with lunar lanterns Rachel Hardage Barrett and celestial sweets; page 49). @ R AC H E L H A R DAG E B A R R E T T “The Forecast,” for example, takes a look at the design trends that will happily dominate the year ahead. Spoiler alert: You will be basking in the warmth of color, texture, and pattern. “A Penny Saved” highlights smart buys and DIYs for big style on a budget. (Don’t miss the dripping-withcharm Victorian fixer-upper for sale; page 38.) In “Home Remedies,” you’ll encounter resourceful homeowners who have addressed aesthetic ailments, whether it’s better outfitting a space for hordes of houseguests (page 58) or artfully infusing a new build with old soul (page 66). Because no almanac is complete without snippets of wit and wisdom, we solicited tear-and-save-worthy aphorisms from 25-plus tastemakers. (I, for one, am now eager to line my lampshades; page 82.) Traditionalists, never fear: We’ll be back to standard programming in the October issue. (It’s a really good one.) For now, I hope these pages help plant the seeds of that next makeover, renovation, or DIY. Because if there’s any takeaway from this issue, it’s that true style—personal, collected, soulful—is 100% homegrown. And while we may not be able to predict the weather or guarantee a bumper crop of corn, we can all harvest our own sort of happy.
THE ALMANAC EDITION In this September issue, we’ve dressed up the monthly content you know and love in an Almanac-esque fashion.
THE FORECAST Find out what’s having a moment when it comes to design (page 9). Psst: Be sure to check out your “Florascope,” featuring the best ditsy prints for your star sign (page 11).
RIPE FOR THE PICKING Head to the market for Fruit and Vegetable Collectibles (page 20), and study The Seeds of Shaker Style (page 25) in a special edition of What Is It? What Is It Worth?
A PENNY SAVED See how a few CL editors dreamt up a DIY-packed living room (page 32), then discover how to repurpose a mason jar year-round (page 36) before fantasizing about your next fixer-upper (page 38).
DIVERSIONS & AMUSEMENTS Enjoy a petal pilgrimage to Flowerstock (page 44), throw a moon-themed barn party (page 49), and test your wits (page 52).
HOME REMEDIES Meet three homeowners who all found a unique take on “farmhouse style” (page 57).
PRIZE RECIPES
find the horseshoe
How to savor this season’s bumper crop (page 86)
If you find the horseshoe hidden in this issue*, go to countryliving.com/win (see page 98 for details), and enter for a chance to win a gift card to Chasing Paper. (Retail value: $500) *Not required for winning
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COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
On the Cover This kitchen (page 14) showcases the best of modern farmhouse style. Photography by Zio and Sons. Illustration by Tobias Hall.
SILHOUETTE BY JULIA LUDLAM.
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INNOVATION AT YOUR SERVICE
ILLUSTRATION BY TOBIAS HALL.
“I think people want interiors that feel unique to their point of view. Personalization—custom fabrics, finishes, details—will be a trend we’ll continue to see into 2020.” —Designer Thom Filicia
9
THE FORECAST
Greet Index: What ’s Hot in Exteriors
STATEMENT CEILINGS
Kick up your curb appeal with these on-trend updates.
HOTTEST
Think of that space overhead as an underutilized fifth wall. Here are four ways tastemakers are taking design to new heights.
WALLCOVERING All heads will turn...up when you paper your ceiling with eye-catching pattern. Paint your trim an accent color pulled from the design for even more pop.
Give a room dimension with a custom woodwork border. Or miter strips of dentil molding into individual squares to create a graphic statement grid.
CHARCOAL HUES This not-quite-black colorway (here, Railings by Farrow & Ball) gives traditional exteriors a modern edge.
Graduate Plaid $40; chasingpaper.com
PRESSED TIN
TREILLAGE
An affordable alternative to plasterwork, this humble material has been crowning farmhouses for more than a century. Keep it natural for vintage charm, or paint for a modern look.
With its French garden roots, this pretty latticework design brings a room sophisticated romance. Get the look by installing inexpensive wood lattice panels available at your homeimprovement store.
HOTTER
ENTE W I N A R TO $ CHAS 500 PA P E R I N G CARD! GIFT PG. 2
YOLK YELLOW DOORS The sunny-side-up hue (here, Bee by Sherwin-Williams) is gaining traction with both the runway and the entryway.
Unfinished Tin Tile $45/5 tiles; amazon.com
COLORFUL CABLE KNITS HOT
Won’t you be my style icon? The new Fred Rogers film is sure to revive the chunky sweater motif.
SHUTTER CUTOUTS
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood hits theaters November 22.
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Cable-Knit Pillow $89; shadesoflight.com
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
Elodie Sweater $130; bodenusa.com
Knitted Pouf $78; houzz.com
Prepare for panels to get more personalized. Our latest favorite: topiaries, but you can’t go wrong with a horseshoe.
STATEMENT CEILINGS, BRIAN WOODCOCK; CHARCOAL HUES COURTESY OF LESLEY UNRUH/ONE KINGS LANE, STYLING BY BENJAMIN REYNAERT; YELLOW DOOR, CAROLINE DRAKE/@ARMELLE_BLOG; GREEN SHUTTERS COURTESY OF LOI THAI/@LOITHAI; FRED ROGERS, GENE J. PUSKAR/AP IMAGES.
ACCENT MILLWORK
THE FORECAST
Check Your Flora-scope Flowers are in your future, but which ones speak best to your sign? Find out below. ARIES Fiery blooms complement a passionate personality. Georgina Fabric $24 per yard; fabric.com
TAURUS Nature
Wildflowers Fabric $12 per yard; riflepaperco.com
A scattered distribution of ditsy florals evokes this sign’s wanderlustprone proclivities.
Daisy Chain Fabric $17 per yard; spoonflower.com
CANCER Calming blues soothe a sensitive sign. Palisades Floret; fschumacher.com for pricing
LEO A vivacious sign calls for a roaring red-orange repeat. Just Roses Fabric $32 per yard; minted.com
HEADBOARD COURTESY OF TIM SALISBURY/ANNA SPIRO DESIGN; BLUE COUCH, DAVID HILLEGAS; TRIM, ROB CULPEPPER.
fabric also features pops of ruby, the Scorpio gemstone. Orchard Garden $12 per yard; fabric.com
This cheerful repeat reflects an upbeat spirit.
VIRGO A finely detailed green pattern aligns with this organized Earth sign.
“English eccentric” is a trending design aesthetic we can get behind, and small-scale “ditsy” motifs—layered with abandon on more pattern— are a hallmark of the maximalist approach.
SCORPIO This fiery
lovers will appreciate a harmonious blend of flora and fauna.
GEMINI
FLORIFEROUS PRINTS
Kukkaketo $53 per yard; marimekko.com
Donna Leigh Fabric $30 per yard; fabric.com
LIBRA Lovers of balance naturally gravitate toward symmetry.
SAGITTARIUS
Purple Floral $17 per yard; sarahsfabrics.com
CAPRICORN A busy motif reflects a go-go-go work ethic; a dark background strikes a no-nonsense note. Ditsy Micro Floral $17 per yard; spoonflower.com
AQUARIUS A fluid free-spirited print will speak to your non-conformist nature. June’s Meadow $31 per yard; libertylondon.com
PISCES This airy and whimsical multidirectional motif appeals to creative spirits. Forget Me Nots $32 per yard; minted.com
“PASSAMENTERIE” Add this term, which refers to the French art of employing decorative trimmings (like bullion fringe, left), to your design vocabulary.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Felt Rickrack $19 for mixed colors; amazon.com, Multicolored Tassel $6 per yard;
marfitrim.etsy.com, Grain Sack $15 per yard; lsfabrics.com, Crystal Brush $15 per yard; lsfabrics.com
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
žž
THE FORECAST
The Analog Clock Revival
THE TECH REVOLT As we’re growing increasingly aware of our addiction to screens, humans are craving ways to cut the cords. Here’s a novel concept: Configuring a room for tuning into each other, not the television. Prepare to see more sitting rooms and libraries in home design. (And tour the rest of this entertaining-oriented farmhouse on page 58.)
Because checking your handheld for the time is a gateway to meme-ville.
THE CUCKOO CLOCK Nope, it’s not a television (although you could hide one underneath).
Modern Cuckoo Clock $69; crateandbarrel.com/kids
THE GRANDFATHER CLOCK
CHAIRS DESIGNED FOR LINGERING
From sink-in cushions to petite arms that hug, these upholstered styles work well in living spaces. Club
Wingback
THE BEDSIDE CLOCK
Bergère
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COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
Slipper
Barrel
Jacobsen Alarm Clock $129; schoolhouse.com
MAIN IMAGE, DAVID TSAY; ILLUSTRATIONS BY MELINDA JOSIE.
Floor Clock $490; wayfair.com
“With a less bulky bladder leak pad,* I have nothing to hide.”
Poise
Always Discreet. Incredibly strong protection. Less bulky too.* *vs. Poise Original 4,5 and 6 drop pads. Poise is a trademark of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide. © 2019 P&G
THE FORECAST
Library lights work in a kitchen too!
TERRA-COTTA TILE
Splatterware from $60; marchsf.com
An age-old, naturally derived material + a perfectly imperfect handmade process = one-of-a-kind tiles that deliver visual texture and old-world soul. In an updated take on the classic checkerboard, Anthony D’Argenzio of Zio and Sons has teamed up with tilemaker Clé (cletile.com) on a new mosaic “Zellige” collection, shown here in the Hudson Valley kitchen of Kurt and Lorenzo Rausch.
Lettuce Ware from $98 for 2; toryburch.com
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COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
...And Pink Dishware, Too! Here, it adds an unexpected touch to the open shelving—and you can find plates in iconically country patterns.
KITCHEN AND SINK DETAIL, ZIO AND SONS; FLORAL DESIGN BY KURT RAUSCH.
“Felicity” from $18; burleigh.co.uk
THE FORECAST
BARK-ITECTURE!
Galvanized Stock Tank $100; tractorsupply.com
From custom doggie doors in chic steel frame windows to dog bed built-ins (both at left), pet-friendly design is no longer an afterthought. Just don’t let Fido chew up those architectural renderings.
STOCK TANK TUBS
DOG, VICTORIA PEARSON; BLACK TUB, ERIC PIASECKI/OTTO; WHITE TUB COURTESY OF BABYLONSTOREN; PUNCHED TIN, JAMES MERRELL.
Is it a surprise that the ubiquitous pool trend has inspired this industrial alternative to the claw-foot tub? The “Vieques” by Agape (shown below) leads the charge, but for less of a splurge you can paint your farm store standby.
DIY! All you need is a drill bit to give cabinets a punched tin look.
SOPHISTICATED BLACK... Try: Black Bean Soup by Benjamin Moore
PUNCHED TIN MOTIFS Historically a decorative way to add air circulation to pie safes, this perforated look adds punch (heh) to wood, metal, and more.
...OR AIRY WHITE Try: Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore Garden Stool $44; wayfair.com
Colander Pendant $68; houseofantiquehardware.com
Pie Safe $900; plowhearth.com
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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THE FORECAST
“PUGS ARE THE NEW LLAMA...” ...and 24 more “what’ll be big” predictions from a few of our favorite style forecasters.
E
Y H E N DERSO N MIL
@em_henderson
MA
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Y
@maxwhumphrey
J
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BL TINA AKEN
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@thejungalow
HE
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K
@heatherchadduck
N LOECKE JOH
@madcapcottage
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...ON COLOR
...ON ICONIC ANIMALS
...ON PATTERN PLAY
“Cobalt blue will be huge! It’s showing up as a bold statement in high-end design and we’ll be seeing a lot in mass market accessories such as lighting and pillows.” Her pick: Dark Cobalt Blue by Behr (shown left, in profile)
“Vintage dog portraits that favor your own pet feel both cool and personal.” Vintage; etsy.com for similar
“I’ve been noticing a lot in fashion and a little in design that delicate florals are happening, and I think 2020 will be their time to shine. Think upgraded ’90s shabby chic, but simplified and more muted.”
“Lately I’ve been into a medium-range blue. It can go classic when used in a more historic setting, or modern when paired with leather and brass. It looks awesome with a slight sheen! His pick: Hamilton Blue by Benjamin Moore (left)
“Earth tones are going to take center stage, especially when paired with jewel tones in an almost tone-on-tone look.” Her picks: Terra Cotta Tile by Benjamin Moore (left) paired with Tender Pink by Benjamin Moore
“We all love blue and white, but natureinspired greens are a new favorite. They play well with others! Just look outside if you need a reason to love green.” Her pick: Calke Green by Farrow & Ball (left)
“We’re seeing sunny and optimistic yellow in fashion, and now it’s spilling into home design. Think fun! Think Doris Day in Pillow Talk!” His pick: Williamsburg Damask Yellow by Benjamin Moore (left)
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
“Even in the city, we are experiencing a real return to nature. Look for regional natural habitat animals such as deer, wolves, and even bald eagles to be showing up everywhere.”
“The fierce Tigress is giving me all the vibes right now.” Tigress Pillow $45; jungalow.com
“When decorating, it’s more powerful if you group multiples, and birds make easy prey because there are so many varieties of them you can mix.”
“Pugs are the new llama! We have three rescue pugs and incorporate them onto everything.” Rug $79; madcap cottage.com
“I think all-over bandanna prints are going to be big.” “Buckaroo” $9 per yard; buttonsnthingsllc .etsy.com
“We’ll be seeing oversize patterns everywhere from furniture to wallcoverings. Look for botanicals, dots, and stripes blown up to a larger scale so they take on an abstract feeling.”
“Dorothy Draper said, ‘Stripes are the common denominator of decorating.’ For me, it’s a ticking stripe.” Cinnamon Ticking $12 per yard; fabric.com
“We’ll be bringing the great outdoors in with fresh florals that are fun and inviting. Look for wallpapers in big and bold patterns that will match what we are currently seeing in fashion.”
...ON ACCESSORIZING “From materials to packaging, I desperately hope sustainable design for the mass consumer market will be bigger and better in 2020. It shouldn’t be a luxury to design your home in a way that is good for the earth.”
“We’re seeing a spike in rugs that are made in more traditional techniques, such as braided and hooked, but in geometric patterns that are more contemporary in feel.”
“There is a huge resurgence in handmade products, such as things carved out of wood, slightly imperfect ceramics, and artwork that has the human hand on it. These pieces have soul to them.”
“I can’t live without bamboo—new or old! I love a bamboo hall tree, side table, or an English carved bamboo armoire.” Vintage; 1stdibs.com
“Watch for occasional tables—in a full range of colors—that are sturdy, yet absolutely chic.”
...ON ANTIQUES “1980s and ’90s postmodern style is coming up fast! The furniture is chunky and almost tubular, the accessories are sculptural and geometric shaped, and the colors and patterns are bold: think grids, stripes, and tiny geometrics.”
“I just got hip to Rancho Monterey furniture. Made in California in the 1930s and ’40s, it’s a sort of Hollywood version of ranch style.”
“We’re seeing a comeback of Art Deco influences.” Vintage; 1stdibs.com
“I’m hoping trends will swing toward using beautiful pieces of brown furniture again. For many years they were overlooked, discarded, and painted. I use them as anchors in every room.”
“As decorating styles move toward maximalism and rooms that tell a story, vintage lighting’s popularity will continue to be on the rise. A vintage fixture’s uniqueness can really make a home stand out.”
ILLUSTRATIONS BY JULIA LUDLAM; DOG PAINTING, BRIAN WOODCOCK; CHAIR, PENDANT, AND TABLE COURTESY OF 1STDIBS/1STDIBS.COM.
THE VISIONARY...
CREATE A HOME WITH THE COZINESS OF A COUNTRY COTTAGE.
Whether you live in a farmhouse, a cabin, or even a high-rise apartment, make every room in the house warm, inviting and full of charm. Country Living shows you the way, with ideas that range from rough-hewn floors to barn-wood walls, claw-foot bathtubs to pretty patterned bed covers, open kitchen shelving to flea market finds.
Country Living Rustic Homes $24.95 ($27.95 Can) in hardcover Available wherever books are sold.
every one
deserves a decent place to live.
Learn more at habitat.org.
ILLUSTRATION BY TOBIAS HALL.
“Everyone needs something old in their space—it shows a sense of history and honors the past. Good lines and simple details never go out of style. Even better if the piece is a little bit quirky.” —Designer Ashley Gilbreath
19
RIPE FOR THE PICKING
Always in Season
Fruit & Vegetable Collectibles From seedy ceramics to won’t-spoil wovens, these freshly picked finds make for one fruitful trip to the flea market.
Available in a farm-fresh assortment of shapes and sizes, these (mostly ceramic) fleamarket finds boast one-ofa-kind quirk as well as serious produce provenance. For the latter, seek noted makers like Ohio-based Shawnee Pottery (its famed “Corn King” set is shown here; for more, see page 21) or pairs marked with their country of origin (think “USA” engraved on the bottom). These, along with hand-painted designs (squash and asparagus) tend to yield more cash—about $25 to $35 per set, compared to the average $15. Secret source: Head to loredaslegacy.etsy.com to start your collection!
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COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
written by NATALIE SCHUMANN photographs by BRIAN WOODCOCK
STYLING BY CARMEN COLLINS.
Salt and Pepper Shaker Sets
RIPE FOR THE PICKING
Spoon Rests
HEIRLOOM VARIETIES
To accumulate these counter-toppers, search for makers like Avon (squash, right), Fitz and Floyd (pear, below), as well as Majolica-style versions (celery, far right), all typically found at flea markets for $2 to $15. Smaller ones, like the eggplant, were part of a late-20th-century surge in Japanese-made varieties and can be found for $5.
Pay homage to the classics with this crop of china cabinet staples.
Corn King
SIDEBAR FROM TOP: CORN KING, COURTESY OF REPLACEMENTS, LTD.; LETTUCE WARE, COURTESY OF 1STDIBS.COM; ASPARAGUS, COURTESY OF ONE KINGS LANE.
This kerneled collection launched in 1937, and has become Shawnee Pottery’s most-lauded line. Statement pieces (like this teapot above) go for around $150.
Lettuce Ware Made famous by Palm Beach native Dodie Thayer, the leafy motif reached peak popularity in socialite circles in the 1960s and ’70s, although a recent collaboration with designer Tory Burch has renewed interest.
Alabaster Fruit While alabaster fruit traces to the early 1900s in Mexico and Italy, assorted sets gained popularity in American households in the ’70s. Servings typically include pineapples, peaches, bananas, watermelons, and pears, often adorned with a metal or wooden stem and leaf accessory. Alabaster grapes, arguably deserving of their own category, vary from sophisticated neutrals to bright, happy reds and oranges and are valued at about $75 per bunch.
Majolica The glazed earthenware, popularized by makers like Portugal’s Bordallo Pinheiro, exists in many forms, but asparagus versions are especially stalked. This 1800s pitcher is valued at $585.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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RIPE FOR THE PICKING
Glassware The perky patterns of these sweet sippers— some printed, some painted—graced midcentury breakfast tables. Today’s prime picks are from makers like Federal Glass, Anchor Hocking, and Teleflora; most are sold in sets for less than $10 per glass.
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COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
RIPE FOR THE PICKING
Baskets These woven fruit-andveggie-shaped creations were especially abundant in the late 20th century. While wicker is your best-bet search term, it’s also helpful to hunt for “split ash” (strawberry, bottom right) and “picnic” baskets (watermelon, bottom left). Most can be found for $15 to $50 depending on size, although prices may inch higher thanks to a renewed interest in all things wicker and woven. Nested shapes (pears, bottom right) are also popular.
Special Thanks To these produce purveyors: Margaret Kelley (roundplump apple.etsy.com); Carolyn Leeman (lore daslegacy.etsy.com); Michelle Hodges (dashanddandie.etsy .com); Pam Backman (pjsparadise.etsy.com); Lisa Brown (honey streetvintage.etsy .com); Ellie Mason (vintageadirondack .etsy.com); and Rachel LaRochelle (shoplife relics.etsy.com).
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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RIPE FOR THE PICKING
Appraisals
What Is It? What Is It Worth? The Shaker Church’s guiding principles of honesty, unity, and simplicity informed not only how they lived, but also the artful, practical (and valuable!) pieces they designed. FINIALS Carved finials, or “pommels,” topped a chair’s lathe-turned posts. Shapes varied by village, such as South Union’s “egg in a cup” (left) and Enfield, New Hampshire’s candle-flame.
did you know... To keep things tidy, the Shakers lined all their walls with wood rails dotted with pegs—or “clothespins.”
Vining Ivy PPG Paints
SLAT-BACK CHAIRS
SLAT-BACK Each chair had up to five arched slats that—on the “best” chairs—got wider as they ascended.
WHAT IT IS: Slat-back (or ladder-back) chairs are the only type of furniture the Shakers made both for use within their communities and as production pieces for outside sales. Chairs used within the communities were often MARKED with the ROOM NUMBER, indicating where the chair was used, while production chairs were identified by a DECAL TRADEMARK LABEL that also indicated the chair’s size.
CLOTH TAPE SEAT In the 1820s, the Shakers began using a webbing of woven cloth tape as a means to add comfort to the seat.
WHAT IT’S WORTH:
$200 to $20,000
Rare circa-1830s chair photographed on location at South Union Shaker Village. Special thanks to Jerry Grant and Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon for sharing their collection on the following pages.
produced by JENNIFER KOPF photograph by BRIAN WOODCOCK
Production chairs can be found for less than $1,000, although a “zero size” child’s chair may bring more. The much rarer chairs used within communities (and with original paint) rise in value.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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RIPE FOR THE PICKING
Bright Blue Oval Box
CASE GOODS
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon Collection
WHAT IT IS:
WHAT IT’S WORTH:
OVAL STORAGE BOXES WHAT IT’S WORTH:
$200 to $10,000
WHAT IT IS: The Shakers’ iconic oval storage box can thank its form to a quest for efficiency of materials and quality in production. The oval shape allowed for a bigger box made of fewer materials, STEAM-BENT BIRCH or MAPLE bent easily and strengthened as it dried, and CARVED SWALLOWTAILS (or finger laps) secured with COPPER NAILS allowed the wood to expand without splitting. They also made thousands of individual boxes and popular nesting sets for outside sales.
“As with most Shaker artifacts, those with original painted surfaces fetch a premium,” says Karen. “Paint adds immeasurable value because of its rarity and the pleasing visual experience of color.”
$1,000 to $50,000 “Case furniture are some of the most valuable pieces the Shakers have left us,” says Antiques Roadshow appraiser Karen Keane of Skinner, Inc. “Some rare cupboards have even reached over $100,000 at auction.”
BENCHES
WHAT IT IS:
Small, humble benches were popular items in a Shaker community, with their uses as versatile as step stools, sitting benches, crickets (footstools), or bed steps. While not uniquely Shaker design traits, their pieces often featured ARCHED CUTOUT LEGS, DOVETAILED DIAGONAL BRACES, and PAINTED FINISHES.
WHAT IT’S WORTH:
Small Painted Bench Hancock Shaker Village Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon Collection
$500 to $3,000 “Size matters on these stools and benches,” says Karen. “As the size goes up, so does the price.”
THE SHAKERS 101
Yellow-Washed Chest of Drawers Mount Lebanon Shaker Society Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon Collection
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COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
At its 1850s peak, there were 18 Shaker communities—and more than 6,000 members—ranging from Maine to Kentucky. Here’s what to know about these complex, yet “simple,” believers.
In 1774, the English prophet Ann Lee and her group of eight followers traveled to the American British Colony to establish their new protestant religious sect, The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, and its first communal community.
CHEST, OVAL BOX, BENCH, TABLE, SEED BOX, AND WINDING DEVICE, COURTESY OF SHAKER MUSEUM | MOUNT LEBANON/SHAKERML.ORG.
Case goods, such as chests of drawers, cabinets, and cupboards, were almost always built with a room and purpose in mind, informing its number and placement of drawers and shelves. During construction, the best wood for each application was effi ciently chosen, resulting in furniture often made of MULTIPLE WOOD SPECIES, i.e. a lightweight pine case, inexpensive poplar drawer bottoms, and maple knobs. And, while Shakers didn’t believe in unnecessary adornment, they took pride in finishing details such as THREADED PULLS, DOVETAIL JOINTS, and PAINTED FINISHES.
SEWING TABLE
WHAT IT’S WORTH:
SHAKERS LITHOGRAPH, CORCORAN COLLECTION (MUSEUM PURCHASE, MARY E. MAXWELL FUND); “TREE OF LIFE” ARTWORK, HANNAH COHOON.
$300 to $25,000 WHAT IT IS: Work was of utmost importance to the Shakers, and they often modified their furniture to help make their work more enjoyable. Case in point, tripod sewing tables meant for two, such as the one at right, had DRAWERS THAT OPENED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. While furniture made prior to the 1860s was usually painted, later pieces were also VARNISHED and started to display some VICTORIAN INFLUENCES in leg styles and detailing.
Two-Drawer Sewing Stand
“Made only for their own use, the rarity and pretty form of these innovative tables make them highly desirable,” says Karen. “More built-in conveniences means higher value.”
Enfield, Connecticut Shaker Community Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon Collection
SEED CONTAINERS WHAT IT IS: One of the Shakers’ most prosperous revenue sources was their garden seed business. Its labor-intensive process offered daily jobs for members of all ages and abilities, while its low expenses equaled large profits. After they collected, washed, bagged, and labeled all varieties of seeds, designated Shaker peddlers would deliver them in BRIGHTLY LABELED DISPLAY BOXES to general stores and agricultural depots, with the agreement they would split the profits with the merchant. While the individual seed packages were letterpressed by members in the community, the COLORFUL CHROMO-LITHOGRAPHED BOX LABELS, or “SHOWBILLS,” were usually printed by outside sources due to available equipment.
WHAT IT’S WORTH:
$100 to $4,000 Lidded Garden Seed Box Mount Lebanon Shaker Society Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon Collection
Their adopted name, the Shakers, came in response to their fervorous dancing during worship, believed to be a physical response to being infused by the Spirit of God. Called a “gift—or vision— drawing,” Tree of Life was painted in 1854 by Sister Hannah Cohoon.
“The more intact and graphic the label, the higher the value,” says Karen. Also keep an eye out for individual seed packs and unused box labels, which fetch around $100 to $200.
Within each community, members were organized into families of 50 to 100. In keeping with their strong belief in complete equality of the sexes, each family had two female eldresses and two male elders at its helm.
Skilled craftspersons, the Shakers innovatively created “little conveniences” to make work more efficient and joyful, such as this multiuse adjustable cloth winding device (left).
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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RIPE FOR THE PICKING
POPLARWARE WHAT IT’S WORTH:
$100 to $600 “Due to its often compromised condition, poplarware is the bargain of all Shaker items, with open trays being less desirable than covered boxes,” says Karen.
“Double Pear” Poplarware Tray Canterbury Shaker Village Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon Collection
WORTH THE TRIP Find peg after peg of inspiration at the remnants of nine Shaker villages. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hill, KY shakervillageky.org South Union Shaker Village Auburn, KY southunionshakervillage.com Hancock Shaker Village Pittsfield, MA hancockshakervillage.org Fruitlands Museum Harvard, MA fruitlands.thetrustees.org Alfred Shaker Museum Alfred, ME alfredshakermuseum.com
To protect themselves, Shakers trademarked many of the wares they produced and sold to the outside world.
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Along with equality, they also believed in separation of the sexes. Buildings were designed with double entrances and staircases, and men and women worshipped and dined in separate areas of the same room. This extended to their vows of celibacy.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village New Gloucester, ME maineshakers.com Canterbury Shaker Village Canterbury, NH shakers.org Enfield Shaker Museum Enfield, NH shakermuseum.org Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon New Lebanon, NY shakerml.org
SIGNATURE SHAKER COLORS The Shakers believed everything should look finished, and a coat of paint gave millwork that desired completeness. Colors weren’t chosen for aesthetics— minus a “heavenly blue” in rooms of worship—but by availability and cost. Linseed or fish oil was mixed with common pigments, such as yellow ochre, rust, and charcoal, to create their boldly hued paints, with less costly materials used on buildings farthest from the road. App le a D
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Today, only three remaining Shakers live at Maine’s Sabbathday Lake, but their legacy continues to influence modern architecture, interior design, and furniture.
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did you know... Shakers were the first to craft the more efficient “flat” broom. Broom, from $22.50; shakerworkshops.com
BEDROOM COURTESY OF SHAKER VILLAGE OF PLEASANT HILL; BROOMS, ROB CULPEPPER; TRAY, TRADEMARK, AND POSTCARD, COURTESY OF SHAKER MUSEUM | MOUNT LEBANON/SHAKERML.ORG.
WHAT IT IS: Beginning in the 1830s, the Shakers made cloth and other items of palm leaves imported from the Caribbean. When the Civil War halted shipments, they turned to the POPLAR TREE, whose THINLY PLANED STRIPS OF WOOD were woven into a COTTON WARP. This material was then used to cover cardboardbased sewing boxes, bureau trays, pincushions, and other “fancy” goods that were primarily sold outside of the community.
COME FOR THE FOOD, STAY FOR THE FUN!
THE OFFICIAL DELISH COOKBOOK
From the wildly popular digital food brand, Delish.com, comes its first-ever cookbook, DELISH: Eat Like Every Day’s the Weekend. The book is jam-packed with 275+ recipes and ideas that are meant to be shared and devoured.
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All Hannah’s parents should worry about is Hannah When Hannah’s bloodwork revealed cancer, her family was devastated. But because of our donors, her mom and dad can focus on being parents while she looks forward to her visits with the music therapist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital .® Families like Hannah’s will never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food—because we believe all they should worry about is helping their child live.
Experience Hannah’s story at stjude.org/hannah
“We’re blessed to be here because St. Jude makes it so we really can just focus on her.”
©2018 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (28459)
–Chandra, Hannah’s mom
ILLUSTRATION BY TOBIAS HALL.
“The safe way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket.” —Humorist Kin Hubbard
31
A PENNY SAVED
Y I U T B or
D.I.Y. IT?
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COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
A PENNY SAVED
TURN E G T H E P AN D TO F I ! OUT CRAFTING BY SARAH CLARK.
One of these rooms is filled with new buys and $98/yard wallpaper. The other features roll-up-the-sleeves DIYs and a hand-painted wall. Can you guess which is which?
produced by CATE GEIGER KALUS AND CHARLYNE MATTOX photographs by BRIAN WOODCOCK
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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PAID VS MADE:
pillows
1 BUY:
Seedling and Bloom Pillow $108; burkelman.com Del Mar Tassel Pillow Cover $78; serenaandlily.com
THE BUY P. 32
Total cost: $4,177
DIY: For the printed pillow, create a rubber stamp using a linocut printmaking kit and screen-printing ink to blockprint the pattern on a plain pillowcase. For the bolster, sew yarn on a loosely woven cover ($34; westelm.com). Leave 3 to 4 inches of extra yarn on each end and use to tie on tassels made from the same yarn.
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sofa
2 BUY:
Gage Blue Settee $2,199; kimsalmela.com
THE DIY P. 33
Total cost: $992 For all sources, see Resource Guide, p. 98
DIY: Sew or use Stitch Witchery to attach lengths of thick strips of Hmong tribalstyle fabric (etsy.com for similar) to the back, cushions, and front of an “Anchill Midcentury” sofa ($264; wayfair .com). Spray the sofa legs black with satin finish paint.
2
lamp & lampshade 3
BUY: Ceramic Table Lamp $69; colemanfurniture.com Tufted Lampshade $98; anthropologie.com
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DIY: Make 60 pom-poms using a small pom-pom maker ($11; walmart.com) and attach to a lampshade with hot-glue. Drill a hole in the bottom of a milk can and a hole in the center of a large flat cork. Insert a black lamp kit in the hole, threading the cord through the hole in the can.
BUY: Sampson Coffee Table $615; bedbath andbeyond.com
side table
DIY:
BUY:
Galvanized Side Table $163; houzz.com DIY: Rub a galvanized trash can ($25; lowes.com) with Gray Rust-Oleum Chalked paint. Cut a wood round to the size of the opening. Stain wood espresso brown, then paint with Gray Chalked paint. Wipe with white chalk paint wax. Attach to the can with hot-glue.
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coffee table
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COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
Wrap a 26-inch half whiskey barrel planter ($40; homedepot .com) with around 70 feet of rope, holding it in place with hot-glue. Have a piece of glass cut to the size of the opening; place on top.
COFFEE TABLE, ROB CULPEPPER.
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A PENNY SAVED
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rug
BUY:
Blue Jute Rug $417; rugsusa.com DIY:
Place an 8- by 10-foot jute rug ($230; overstock .com) on a large plastic drop cloth, and stain with Procion Dye in Navy ($30; amazon.com), taping an 8-inch border all around. Allow two days (depending on climate) to dry. 7
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frame
BUY:
Lucca Antique Frame $61; houzz.com DIY:
Paint the inside border of a plain black plastic frame ($10; walmart .com) with Stuart Semple “Gold” acrylic paint ($12; amazon.com) using a flat 1/2-inch artist paintbrush. 8
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planter
BUY: White Ceramic Planter $39; westelm.com DIY:
Paint a terra-cotta pot ($20; homedepot.com) with Krylon “Gloss White” spray paint ($8; amazon .com). Allow three hours to dry. NOTE:
The planter on page 33 is also a (larger) terra-cotta pot coated with spray paint. The dusty pink vase on the same page is a glass vase coated with a terra-cotta matte paint.
RUG, ROB CULPEPPER.
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wallpaper
BUY:
Acadia Stripe Blue Wallpaper $98 per roll; serenaandlily.com DIY: Using a yardstick and pencil, lightly draw 2 lines, 1 1/2 inches apart, on a wall painted in Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore. Repeat across the wall, leaving a 3-inch gap between the right-hand and left-hand lines. With a 3/4-inch brush, paint the pencil lines dark blue (Champion Cobalt by Benjamin Moore) and the space in between the lines with a 1/4-inch brush in light blue (Beacon Gray by Benjamin Moore).
botanical print 10
BUY:
Audubon Print Set $150 for 12; bellemaison art.com DIY: Download and print botanical prints ($12; oldartprintables.etsy.com) on 8- by 10-inch card stock. Frame in simple black frames ($10; walmart.com).
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
VALENTINE’S MEMORY JAR Fill the bottom of a wide-mouth, 24-ounce mason jar with candy hearts. Nestle in nostalgia (photos, tickets, corks). Tie on a “Love You” tag with colorful twine.
February
BIRD FEEDER Paint three wooden craft balls with white acrylic paint. Hot-glue to the lip of a 24-ounce vintage jar. Fill jar with birdseed, then carefully turn upside down on a bread-and-butter plate.
May
Trim fireplace matches to the height of a wide-mouth, 24-ounce mason jar. Line the lid with 220-grit sandpaper secured with double-sided tape.
January
FLOWER VASE
Cut flower patterned fabric ($9.50; duckadilly.com) into 1/2-inch strips. Adhere to the inside of a 16-ounce, regular-mouth jar with Mod Podge. Fill with flowers.
April
Calendar
FIREPLACE MATCH STORAGE
canning
June
Cut a 4-inch strip from a paper map and tape around the body of a 24-ounce jar. Cut a piggy bank-size slit in the jar lid. Paint the lid and band. Add a “ Trip Jar” tag.
SUMMER ROAD TRIP FUND
March
Paint a 24-ounce jar with Chalk Paint. Once dry, rub raised areas lightly with sandpaper. Line lid with paper, then cut a hole with a utility knife. Feed tissues through opening.
TISSUE HOLDER
Preserve time and money with a year’s worth of can-do projects.
A PENNY SAVED
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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Cut a hole in the center of lid. Insert an “M8x13” ring (amazon.com) in hole and screw in place with a nut. Epoxy a tarnished strip of galvanized steel around a vintage blue 24-ounce jar. Insert battery candle in jar; add lid.
August
FALL TABLE CENTERPIECE Fill a wide-mouth, 16-ounce mason jar halfway with water. Immerse acorns and fall leaves in water. Remove tea light from its sleeve and place in the water; light.
November
Insert a folded napkin or bandanna and red enamel flatware set ($30 for a set of 4; wayfair.com) into a wide-mouth, 16-ounce mason jar. (Add place card if desired.)
July
HALLOWEEN CANDY SAFE
Cut a silhouette of a child from black kraft paper; attach to exterior of gallon-size mason jar with double-sided tape. Fill with candy collected after a night of trick-or-treating.
October
produced by CHARLYNE MATTOX photographs by BRIAN WOODCOCK crafting by SARAH SCHERF
LANTERN DISPLAY
BACKYARD PLACE SETTING
#CLCANCAL
S HA RE YOU R P ROJECT ON INSTAGRAM.
December
Make platforms with 1 1/2-inch wood rounds and hot-glue mini gnomes on top. Insert; add fake snow. Wrap base with “ fairy” fence (amazon.com) and hot-glue. Glue Poly-fil and polka-dot fabric to lid.
HOLIDAY GNOME HOME
September
Cut a 3- by 12-inch piece of 1/4-inch-thick cork. Attach six 5 1/2-inch pieces of ribbon in a lattice pattern to the cork with hot-glue. Hot-glue cork to a wide-mouth, 16-ounce mason jar.
CORK DESK ORGANIZER
A PENNY SAVED
Country Listings
Save This House! Country Living contributor and peeling wallpaper enthusiast Elizabeth Finkelstein (@circahouses) is eager for someone to restore this 19th-century Victorian gem to its original glory. Any takers?
“This wouldn’t be Texas without wideplank shiplap!” she says. “It’s probably original and definitely a keeper.”
“A sense of humor is critical—especially when taking on a fixer-upper. This mock historical plaque (see listing for details!) counterbalances seriously beautiful original front doors.
“If you can find a banister like this that hasn’t been painted, you’ve struck gold.”
➤
Denison, TX $149,900
Located about 75 miles from Dallas, this small-ish town (population: 24,380) is known as the birthplace of Dwight D. Eisenhower. These days, it’s home to a bustling historic district, as well as this 4,162-square-foot circa-1892 Victorian featuring original hardwood floors, stained glass windows, two dining rooms, front and rear parlors, five bedrooms, and four bathrooms. Does it need a lot of TLC? Absolutely. But take it a room at a time, and you will get plenty of twang for your buck. Agent: Brandy Landon; milestonepremierproperties.com
DISPLAY OLD HOUSE PRIDE! Elizabeth’s new line of goods allows old house lovers to root for architectural underdogs. (Pennants $28 each; circaoldhouses.com)
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COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
In addition to pennants, the line includes t-shirts, pins, and more.
HOME IMAGES COURTESY OF BRANDY LANDON/MILESTONE PREMIER PROPERTIES; PENNANTS COURTESY OF ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN/CIRCAOLDHOUSES.COM.
“ ‘Less is more’ is not the way of this Victorian. It’s full of whimsical details crying out for a playful color scheme.”
Wounded Warrior Project helps veterans manage PTSD.
WOUNDED WARRIOR TANIKI RICHARD
SUPPORT WOUNDED VETERANS AT
iamlivingproofwwp.org
©2018 Wounded Warrior Project, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
ILLUSTRATION BY TOBIAS HALL.
“Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
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DIVERSIONS & AMUSEMENTS
Bloom Service
36 Hours at Flowerstock On a historic Virginia farm, floral first-timers, budding designers, and industry veterans camp out in eucalyptusdraped canvas tents for a two-day petal pilgrimage.
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COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
written by DEBRA PRINZING photographs by BRIAN WOODCOCK
DIVERSIONS & AMUSEMENTS
f you plant it, they will come. At least that was true for Holly Heider Chapple, who envisioned a one-of-a-kind botanical festival—like Woodstock, but with florists, gardeners, and other kindred spirits—when she and her husband, Evan Chapple, opened the gates of Hope Flower Farm (hopeflower farm.com), their 25-acre northern Virginia property and working bed-and-breakfast. “The idea of Flowerstock was brewing long before we had the farm,” explains Holly, an in-demand wedding
I
and event florist, floral stylist, passionate educator, and founder of the Chapel Designers professional organization (chapel designers.com). “There are all sorts of floral design workshops going in a luxurious direction, but Flowerstock was born from my realization that I would be most happy if I could simply be together with all of my flower friends, sitting in a meadow of flowers,” she says. While Hope Flower Farm offers a year-round venue for Holly to teach, host events, and
stimulate tourism in her Loudoun County community, Flowerstock is the property’s signature event, with 100-plus people traveling from as far as Brazil and Romania in the name of learning (creative writing, flower arranging), feasting (on family-style fare catered by a local restaurant), and networking (see: dance parties, late-night bonfires). “People come for the flowers, the camaraderie, the music—the entire floral experience,” says Holly. Here, a peek inside the annual (and perennial!) event.
the itinerary
stem education A play-by-play guide to Flowerstock’s festivities Barn demos highlight flowers that are grown on-site.
DAY 1 Check-in: Guests line up for the Bank Barn, where Holly and Evan thank attendees—including floral designers Maggie and Mick Bailey (brambleandbee .com), who traveled 1,400 miles from Texas—for making the trip. Holly also encourages guests to personalize the exteriors of their natural canvas tents (each erected on its own wood floor) with flowers, streamers, lanterns, and signage. Hands-on Learning: Guest instructors demonstrate floral techniques beneath strands of cafe lights. Alicia and Adam Rico of Dallas-based Bows + Arrows (bowsandarrowsflowers .com) banter with the audience as farm volunteers place buckets of blooms harvested from Holly’s cutting garden within reach. Other presenters include Steve Moore (sinclair andmoore.com) and Nancy Teasley (oakandtheowl.com). Lunch and Shopping: Guests dine on local fare as Charlestonbased duo Nathan & Eva perform. On-site vendors sell vintage pottery, hand-dyed silk ribbons, and other floral accessories.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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DIVERSIONS & AMUSEMENTS
Many of the 25-acre property’s events take place in the Bank Barn.
Judging of the Tents: Prizes are awarded for the best-dressed. Sunset Yoga: The idyllic property proves the perfect evening venue for some down(ward)time. Bonfire: Nathan & Eva play as guests gather ’round.
DAY 2 Hands-On Learning: Holly kicks things off with a demonstration, followed by demos by other industry veterans. Alicia Rico of Bows + Arrows leads the group in decking out the barn doors.
Decorating the Barn: It’s time to get hands-on, as attendees work together to twirl up the barn’s entrance with Alicia and Adam Rico leading the group while discussing large-scale floral commissions. Flower Crown Formation: Guests, including first-time
STEP-BY-STEP
How to Make a Floral Crown
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STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
Determine the desired circumference of your crown and cut a pipe cleaner or 18-gauge fl orist wire to length, adding 2 inches on each end for hook-andloop closure.
Wrap the pipe cleaner or wire with corsage tape (a half-inch-wide paper tape that releases an adhesive on both sides when stretched) to give it a smooth surface for attaching fl owers.
Create small clusters of blooms. Each should contain a focal bloom (zinnia, marigold, cosmos), a bit of foliage, and softer textural “filler,” such as an ornamental grass, goldenrod, or feverfew.
Use corsage tape to secure each cluster to the base until you’ve covered it completely. (Allow each cluster to hide the stems of the previous one.) Tuck in final pieces with Oasis Floral Adhesive (“cold glue”). Create a hook and loop at opposite ends.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MELINDA JOSIE.
What, you thought an event called Flowerstock wouldn’t include flower crowns? Here, Holly’s tips for creating a botanical headpiece. (Flower crowns can be worn fully encircling the head or as a half-crown tied in the back.)
Steve Moore of Seattle-based Sinclair & Moore talks growing his (now-blooming) business.
attendees Teresa Kinder and Karen Pacific of Indiana’s Artful Blooms (artfulblooms.com), take their evening attire seriously, hitting up the Flower Crown Bar for all the necessary ingredients. Farewell Cookout: Dressed in their floral finery, attendees dine family-style on seasonal local fare prepared by Tuscarora Mill (tuskies.com), the Leesburg, Virginia, eatery that gave Holly her first commercial floral design contract when she started her business. Barn Dance: The band Nation, back for its third year at Flowerstock, draws the crowd to the dance floor late into the evening.
Nation, one of Holly’s favorite wedding bands, takes the stage.
What’s Next
Flowerstock draws everyone from industry veterans to what Holly calls “flower dreamers.”
Flower lovers, note: Flowerstock 2019 will take place October 13–15 (hopeflowerfarm.com), and Holly hopes to add other festivals (a daffodil festival, a peony festival) in the future. “Our goal is to create a destination for those who love flowers, whether it’s growing them, designing with them, or even painting them. We want to give this farm an opportunity to sustain itself,” she says. “It’s a different type of farming.”
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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Barn Party
A Harvest Moon Celebration Know your lunar lingo A full moon typically occurs once per lunar cycle—every 29.5 days, to be exact. The famed “Blue Moon” is simply the name of the second full moon within a month and only happens once every two to three years. The “Harvest Moon,” this cause for celebration, occurs on September 14 and is also called the “Corn Moon,” “Barley Moon,” or, our personal favorite, “Wine Moon.”
PROP STYLING BY CATE GEIGER KALUS; CRAFTING BY CHARLYNE MATTOX AND CARMEN COLLINS; ILLUSTRATION BY MELINDA JOSIE.
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Bask in the glow of the fall full moon—this year, on a Saturday!—with cozy blankets, moonshine cocktails, a custom “moon” pie, and ample orb decor.
SET A SKY-INSPIRED TABLE
The speckled navy “Stansport” enamel plates ($4; amazon.com) evoke a night-sky vibe, while “Luna” flatware ($50 for 5 pieces; pottery barn.com) adds shine. To make napkins, cut a russet potato into moon phase shapes, then dip in mix of fabric medium and “yellow ochre” paint and stamp on flour sack napkins ($1.50 each; acshomeandwork.com). Pen “name cards” on stones.
2 HANG LUNAR LANTERNS
Lightly coat 10- to 14-inch gray paper lanterns (from $1 each; paperlantern store.com) with spray adhesive. Brush on gray and black mica pigment powder; apply heavier in some spots to create “craters.” Thread lanterns with hanging lantern cord sets, insert bulbs, and hang. photographs by BRIAN WOODCOCK
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Spread the word with a a moon-themed mailer. $46 for 15; minted.com
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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4 CRAFT A FERTILE CRESCENT
Embellish a “Sliver of the Moon” wreath ($34; urbanoutfitters.com) by wiring an array of fall blooms such as dahlias and eucalyptus along with stalks of wheat directly to the form.
Display a hammered-metal “Moon Cycle” banner. $18; urban outfitters.com
6 BREAK OUT THE MOONSHINE
The “Moonshiner” cocktail will lift spirits skyward: Combine 1 oz. moonshine, 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz. each maraschino liqueur and crème de violette and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled; strain into a cocktail glass. Serve with a twist of lemon zest.
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Or try storebought White Lightnin’. olesmoky.com
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Float celestialthemed balloons. $18 for the set; merimeri.com
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Decorate a double-crust pie (like apple, as shown) with moons and stars cut from dough scraps ($10 for moon and star cutter set; amazon.com). Brush with egg white and sprinkle with sugar before baking to increase the “glow.” (Or order MoonPie minis; $2 for 6; moonpie.com.)
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
FOOD STYLING BY ANNA HAMPTON.
9 SERVE MOON PIE
What do you want FOR BREAKFAST? Something
Something
DELICIOUS
HIGH IN FIBER
DIVERSIONS & AMUSEMENTS
CORN
Maze
FAIR Games
Consider this basic training for the real deal (which originated in Annville, Pennsylvania, in 1993).
Step right up and try your hand at one of these country-inspired pastimes.
START
blue ribbon crossword BY PATRICK MERRELL
Earn vocab bragging rights with this state fair-themed puzzler. (The State Fair of Texas kicks off September 27!) 1
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ACROSS
DOWN
1 Hand-drawn animation sheet 4 ___ up (absorb, as gravy off a plate) 7 Annual event with livestock and live music (2 wds.) 10 Tennessee city that hosts a 7-Across 11 Scottish “Gee!” 12 Bank acct. earnings (abbr.) 13 Baby-delivering docs, briefly 15 Sheep barn female 17 Photo ___ (picture-taking events) 19 Honest ___ Lincoln 21 Ferris wheel at the 7-Across in Dallas (2 wds.) 24 Some cattle show breeds 25 Org. with an April 15 deadline (inits.) 26 Preacher’s talk (abbr.)
1 Ticket sellers’ portable money receptacles 2 Biblical verb ending 3 Strauss of blue jeans fame 4 Type of taffy (2 wds.) 5 What corn dogs are fried in 6 Prefix meaning “before” 7 ___-cone (7-Across treat) 8 Mexican-stand snack 9 ___ arts exhibit (7-Across offering) 14 Practice for a bout 16 Online auction site 18 Nine-digit IDs assigned at birth (abbr.) 20 Hospital trauma centers, briefly 21 ___ Fridays restaurant 22 Continent where Clydesdales originated (abbr.) 23 NNW’s opposite
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COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
THE ULTIMATE DIVERSION! Hey, subscribers! You’re eligible for free bonus content—recipes, decorating tips—in our weekly newsletter. Visit: signup.countryliving.com.
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ILLUSTRATION, GETTY IMAGES; KITCHEN, ALEC HEMER; STAIRCASE, WERNER STRAUBE.
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Tiny homes . . . Big style!
Do you hear “the call of the small?” Then Country Living
will help you make the most out of every square inch! Take a coast-to-coast tour of 25 stunning tiny homes that maximize function and beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of a quaint cottage, hillside hideaway, fun camper, studio apartment, or even a she-shed, you’ll find plenty of beautiful, practical ideas for your own charming abode. Available wherever books are sold.
ILLUSTRATION BY TOBIAS HALL.
“People are tiring of the curated modern design that’s been en vogue and are gravitating toward homes that are more comfortable and nurturing.” —Designer Kevin Isbell
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HOME REMEDIES
The Sleep-a-Crowd Farmhouse That Can Happily Host All 20 Cousins P RO B LE M: When you’re a seventh-generation Texan, you may find you frequently
have way too many houseguests and far too few bunk beds. SO LUTI O N: A welcoming recreational wonderland on 120 wide-open acres that can accommodate every branch (and baby bud) of the growing family tree. written by ELIZABETH JENKINS photographs by DAVID TSAY styling by BECKI GRIFFIN
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open-door decor
AMP UP THE CURB APPEAL Nothing says “Guests are here!” like the telltale crunch of tires—here, a 1950 Chevy pickup—on a river gravel drive. Homeowner Courtney Robertson and golden retriever Cash await the cavalcade of family and friends in front of her farmhouse—a mix of Austin stone, aluminum, and fiber cement siding (jameshardie .com).
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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A Roman shade in the feathered “Limosa” fabric by Harlequin is a nod to the many birds seen on the property.
open-door decor
SET A LAID-BACK TEXAS TONE After guests are greeted with the requisite “howdy,” they’re handed a Rattlesnake cocktail (see recipe; page 64) as they enter the airy, light-drenched entry featuring a vaulted tongue-and-groove ceiling. The iron chandelier (oldworldantieks.com) and vintage hide reinforce the Lone Star State look, while an antique bench gives visitors a spot to literally kick off their boots. Hand-picked greenery adds a casual organic touch to a poplar table (blissstudio.com).
ven though Houston, Texas, is known for its sprawl, when you’re a seventhgeneration Houstonian like Courtney Robertson, you need more land—for parties, holidays, family reunions, skeet shoots—than big-city limits will allow. So, six years ago, the residential real estate agent, wife, and mom to eighth-generation Texans Ellie (8) and Robbie (10) began her hunt for a large plot of land in the teensy town of Bellville (population 4,236), located a “weekend doable” 90 minutes away. “I knew if I bought land any farther, Courtney mixes no one would cocktails at a bar bother leaving surrounded by home to use it,” leather-and-metal says Courtney. barstools (cb2 After looking at .com) and an iron plenty of no-gos— chandelier (three doorshouston.com). think properties
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littered with oil rigs and power lines—she and husband James finally laid eyes on 120 lush acres with built-in trails, a perch-stocked lake, and ample room to build a farmhouse (okay, family compound) that could comfortably sleep 27 (!), yet feel casual and welcoming enough to foster familial bonding. “We didn’t want the scale to make things stuffy. It’s about having fun,” says Courtney. To that end, Houston architect J. Marshall Porterfield, Jr. (marshallporterfieldarchitects.com) worked with the Robertsons to marry their goals, while Houston designer Ashley Goforth (ashley goforthdesign.com) worked with Courtney to make sure the indoors felt equally inviting, from cozy cowhides to playful patterns to virtually indestructible surfaces. The final result is one epic weekend retreat, complete with a party pavilion, firepit, ponds, waterfalls, in-ground trampoline, swimming pool, and, yes, the occasional rented mechanical bull. Speaking of the latter, you never know what—or who— you might find on any given Saturday. It could be extended family engaged in a heated game of Rummikub, the townspeople of Bellville gathered for a skeet shoot event to raise money for the local German dance hall restoration, or 300 of the Robertsons’ oldest friends dancing all day long in honor of a milestone birthday. Says Courtney, “Our house has become everyone’s happy place. We started hosting two days after the paint dried, and we haven’t stopped since.”
Decorator’s White Benjamin Moore
Antique French lanterns (janet wiebeantiques.com) lend patina to the new space.
open-door decor
COOK UP A RUGGED KITCHEN Courtney and Ashley artfully outfitted the frequent gathering spot with materials that are pretty but not precious. For example, soft gray concrete countertops pair well with limed oak barstools upholstered in an indoor-outdoor fabric. (For similar, try “Ticking Indigo” by Bella Dura; calicocorners .com). Reclaimed beams and a ceramic tile backsplash (walkerzanger.com) add to the room’s sit-and-stayawhile appeal.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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open-door decor
LET RECREATION INSPIRE DECORATION In a nod to the many fish and deer that populate the property, Courtney added “School O’ Fish” pillows (victoria-larson .com) and a faux deer trophy to the guest room, along with sophisticated stripes (“Ruben Henna” by Romo on the custom headboard and dust ruffle) and a graphic Swiss cross area rug (cb2.com).
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The clay deer is an ode to the annual clay skeet shoot the Robertsons throw every fall.
Van Courtland Blue Benjamin Moore
open-door decor
NOTHING BEATS A BUNK ROOM Adults and children alike fight for a spot in the upstairs guest room, which sleeps eight. Built-in beds sport custom ladders and are blanketed with blueand-white stripe duvets (ikea.com). The clever steps double as storage for towels, linens, and “whatever the kids stuff in there.” A guest bath features a concrete countertop and mirror, softened by a skirt in indoor-outdoor “Jake Stripe” fabric (perennials fabric.com).
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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Home Remedies Courtney’s go-to cures for common hospitality hiccups PROBLEM: Broken glasses, wine stains SOLUTION: Light-colored, big-batch cocktails in custom Styrofoam cups (try swoozies.com). “We serve the Rattlesnake—a mix of one can of frozen limeade, one limeade can’s worth of tequila, and three beers.” PROBLEM:
Meal prep and mingling can be tough. SOLUTION: BBQ. “The Bellville Meat Market (bellvillemeat market.com) is renowned for sausages and beef. James smokes brisket and ribs all day while interacting with guests (and frequently checking football scores).” PROBLEM: You don’t want partygoers drinking, then driving SOLUTION: A 1990s-era party bus (The Robertsons actually bought one!). “I’ve driven friends from Houston, and it’s always an adventure—one time I got it stuck and utility workers helped us get it out.” PROBLEM:
Some traditions can start to feel tired SOLUTION: Embrace a theme. “For my 40th birthday, we had an Urban Cowboy party— 300 people dressed like Sissy and Bud while musician Johnny Lee performed ‘Lookin’ for Love,’ his hit song from the movie!”
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open-door decor
open-door decor
A PARTY PAVILION IS THE NEW SHE-SHED
IT’S NEVER TOO HOT FOR A FIREPIT
Set among the pin oak trees, a 500-square-foot covered structure hosts everything from country concerts (see sidebar, left), alfresco feasts (Thanksgiving dinners, benefits for Turnverein, a local restoration project), and University of Texas football game viewings (that Texas flag hides a television). At night, vintage lanterns (shopbybrown.com) provide backup to a sky full of stars. A pair of 8-foot wooden doors hides additional storage and a powder bath.
Despite frequent triple-digit Texas temps, the stone firepit by the hickory tree is houseguest central. “Once the sun goes down and it’s dark, that’s where you will find people 80 percent of the time,” says Courtney. Wooden Adirondack chairs (world market.com for similar) are the perfect perches to assemble event-themed s’mores. “We’ve done fishing nights with roasting sticks that look like poles, and at Easter we use Peeps instead of marshmallows.”
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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The farm is home to exotic fowl including peacocks, guineas, ducks, and chickens.
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HOME REMEDIES
The New-Build Farmhouse That Looks Centuries Old P RO B LE M : Nothing beats the charm of a circa-1900s farmhouse,
but 100-year-old plumbing can be a drag. SO LUTI ON : A new saltbox-style home that features historic hues, age-old finishes, old-world antiques...and up-to-date pipes. written by LAURA KOSTELNY photographs by HELEN NORMAN styling by RAINA KATTELSON
Christopher Vazquez and Rick Davis on their 27-acre farm
character builder Colonial Architecture Dating back to 1600s New England, steeply sloped saltbox-style architecture gets its name for its resemblance to an old lidded salt box. (From the front, there are two stories; from the back, only one.) The door hails from a circa1800s Pennsylvania farmhouse. “It’s so old that it doesn’t hold paint. Every year, we have to apply another coat,” says Christopher. His plantwhatever-grows approach to gardening makes for landscaping rich with color, texture, and movement.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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Home Remedies Christopher and Rick talk how to troubleshoot common new-build complaints.
PROBLEM:
The yard has been completely bulldozed. SOLUTION: A cottage-style garden featuring hosta leaves, ferns, clematis vines, and more, which help it feel more “situated” than fresh-cut sod PROBLEM: Top-to-bottom paint in a stark, contractor white SOLUTION: Period-perfect earth hues. Here, a natural palette of gray and green was inspired by estate sale Audubon prints. PROBLEM:
So. Much. Drywall. SOLUTION: Salvaged architectural details like old columns, beams, gates, and barn louvers to add soul. In the entry, a rustic beam—reclaimed from an old log cabin (cochrans lumber.com)—is now a shelf showcasing vintage vessels. PROBLEM:
Nothing beats the patina of old floors. SOLUTION: Reclaimed flooring in random widths (here, up to 17 inches) laid with old nails (houseofantiquehardware.com) Sharkey Grey Martha Stewart
hen Christopher Vazquez and Rick Davis decided to trade life on Capitol Hill for the Maryland countryside, the old-house enthusiasts hoped they’d be swapping their urban townhouse for a 100-year-old fixer-upper. But, after looking around, the co-owners of D.C.-based Amaryllis Floral & Event Design (amaryllisdesigns.com) were quickly discouraged. “Most of them were money pits,” says Rick. “They came with a major list of problems—rotting timbers, bad wiring, or they were caving in. We were struggling with balancing the demands of our business and taking on a lifetime of problems at home.” So, they pivoted and teamed up with Rick’s brother, Wayne, who happens to be a builder (waynedavisconstruction.com), and together they crafted a good old-fashioned saltbox on 27 picturesque acres in Hollywood, Maryland. “We kept the architecture simple because we collect antique everything,” says Christopher. “We just didn’t want the headaches that come with those old bones.”
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Sharkey Grey Martha Stewart
character builder Fieldstone Fireplace Inspired by a room in a Ralph Lauren catalog, Christopher and Rick decided to add a fieldstone surround/wall/ledge sourced primarily from Pennsylvania and Maryland. “My parents picked up stones everywhere, so it’s very sentimental to me,” says Rick. Another reclaimed log cabin
beam serves as the mantel, which is topped with an antique iron gate, antlers, and crockery. Rick fills a variety of vessels—including the stone urn perched atop an antique column (goodwooddc antiques.com)—with an everchanging array of flowers from the garden. Exposed oak beams and reclaimed shelving (cochrans lumber.com) add storied charm throughout the house.
Coastal Dune Grass Martha Stewart
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Sharkey Grey Martha Stewart
character builder “Brick” Floors, Soapstone Countertops
character builder Mismatched Furniture, Candlelight
While the couple wanted brick floors, the above-thebasement kitchen didn’t offer enough structural support, so they opted for less weighty “Chicago” brick-style tiles (mediterranea-usa.com). Multiple high-contrast moments—soapstone countertops against warm white cabinets (millercabinetry.com), wooden millwork atop sage green walls—help the room feel layered. The old English concrete slop sink (house werkssalvage.com) is dyed an eye-catching oxblood, and the makeshift “island”—an old table—comes in handy when entertaining (and provides shelter for German shorthaired pointer Hannah). The range (us.bertazzoni.com) is inspired by an 1900s-era stove; the modern fridge is concealed in coordinating cabinetry and “Lugarno” hardware (restorationhardware.com).
Rick inherited a set of dining furniture from his mother. To help the home feel more collected and less coordinating, the couple split up the set, pairing her eight chairs with a 10-foot-long teak table and employing the table as a desk in the study. More of the couple’s estate sale-sourced Audubon prints adorn the walls above an old Chinese sideboard topped with concrete head-of-ram shaped urns and stoneware. Greenery and flowers freshen up a centerpiece of antique candlesticks and apothecary bottles. A metal chandelier with votives for tea candles provides old-world ambience for dinner parties. “Everyone loves the way the room glows,” says Christopher.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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Honeysuckle Martha Stewart
character builder Spool Furniture, Timeless Rugs An antique spool bed— reconfigured to accommodate a modern-day mattress—is flanked by two antique side tables. A framed rooster hook rug (thevintagesource.net) proudly graces the wall, while a classic braided rug warms up the plank floors. On the opposite wall, a Windsor chair sits beside treasures like an old top hat and assorted artwork. An antique desk—marked with 1870s election returns—is home to a pristine preserved typewriter, duck decoys, cigar boxes, and ample apothecary jars.
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character builder Reclaimed Urn Sink Serving as a dramatic focal point in the master bathroom, an antique garden urn is cleverly outfitted inside with a bowl sink from Lowe’s. “It fits perfectly, but I had a hard time finding it,” says Christopher, noting he has two Hematite Martha Stewart
more of the same sink in the basement “just in case!” A mirror with a sweet hand-painted flourish is a nod to the collection of floral artwork—needlepoints, prints, and paintings—just outside. “We like the look of an original frame,” says Christopher. Dramatic walls offset the softer floral hues and the antique lantern, which formerly hung in a church.
Black Benjamin Moore
BOLD DOORS A double dose of vibrant barn red sets the tone for lively pops of color throughout the Upstate New York home.
Heritage Red Benjamin Moore
SANDSTONE PLANTERS Sandstone pots (from Texture Imports; 407-929-9710) sub in for traditional terra-cotta or galvanized vessels.
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SALVAGED POSTS A pair of reclaimed posts (from Texture Imports; 407-929-9710) adorn the entry to the breakfast nook, featuring a round dining table (restoration hardware.com), Lewis Windsor chairs (four hands.com), and a largescale “BuzziShade” light (ylighting.com).
HOME REMEDIES
The #ModernFarmhouse That Doesn’t Look Like All the Others on Instagram PROBLEM: Social media can lead to design copycats, and the “white farmhouse”
aesthetic is starting to look a little same-old. SOLUTION: A signature mix of bold colors, playful patterns, and personal collections that give new heft to the hashtag. written by LAURA KOSTELNY photographs by SARAH ELLIOTT
Home Remedies
MILK GLASS WITH A TWIST
Here, a few tips for avoiding a “farmhouse formulaic” look
A trio of 1940s-inspired milk glass globe chandeliers (restorationhard ware.com) illuminate a collection of Turkish dough risers (blueocean traders.com) on the table and old-school baking tools hanging on the wall.
INSTEAD OF:
All white
everything A cohesive color scheme. Here, a focus on browns, blacks, greens, grays, and reds keeps the massive 12,000-square-foot space feeling cozy, not cavernous. The kitchen island (right) and living room bookcase (page 79), for example, sport the same green hue.
TRY THIS:
INSTEAD OF:
Shiplap Black V-groove or graphic horizontal motifs in the form of a wallcovering (stripes, arrows)
TRY THIS:
INSTEAD OF:
BRIGHT RED WINDSORS Handmade in Warren, Rhode Island, modern Windsor-style chairs (oandgstudio.com) surround a cleanlined 20-seater custom oak table.
hese days, the words “modern farmhouse” get tossed around more often than horseshoes, and chances are the phrase conjures up visions of shiplap, clusters of collections, and a predominantly neutral color scheme. But that’s not what Susana Simonpietri’s clients had in mind when they approached the New York City-based designer (chango.co) with a wish list for the 250 acres they had purchased Upstate. “They’re a young family, and they wanted to build a colorful farmhouse that reflected how fun they are,” says Susana. Even more fun: The lack of real-life inspiration to pull from. In other words, a house like this didn’t already exist on Pinterest. Luckily, Susana—with the help of local architect Jimmy Crisp— has no shortage of ideas. In addition to designing a familyfriendly layout with indestructible materials, Susana also layered in youthful elements like happy hits of color, quirky collectibles, and whimsical wallpaper motifs. The modern mix makes for a truly one-of-a-kind farmhouse filled with patina, pattern, and distinct personality.
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Prefab flooring TRY THIS: White oak floors. “They’re expensive, but they take stain well and are hardy,” says Susana. “We chose quarter-cut because we liked the idea of seeing knots.” INSTEAD OF:
Collections clustered on open shelves TRY THIS: Quirky, lesser-seen items, like antique bread peels and printmaker drawer inserts, hung in clean-lined arrangements on walls
HOBBYIST WALL SIGN In the bar, a bulletriddled railroad sign is a nod to the owners’ love for shooting. (The property even boasts a shooting range.)
SLEEK BARN LIGHTS No curvy goosenecks here. Instead, a series of straight-arm styles offers more modern lines (barn lightelectric.com) in the contemporary kitchen.
CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS
COLORFUL CABINETS Instead of white built-ins, a deep green island (Hunter Green by Benjamin Moore) and gray perimeter cabinetry (Anchor Gray by Benjamin Moore) lend warmth and interest to Decorator’s White (Benjamin Moore) walls.
The hardy material proved an industrial alternative to butcher block or natural stone. (Besides, no single piece of natural stone could seamlessly top the massive island.)
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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NATURALGRAIN GRID A grouping of print-maker drawer inserts adds another layer of texture to the hallway.
WHIMSICAL WALLPAPER
BLACK V-GROOVE In order to make a long hallway more visually interesting, the lower halves of the V-groove walls were painted black.
Instead of the usual shiplap, Susana tried another horizontally oriented option: arrow wallpaper (thewallsticker company.com.au), a wink to the homeowner’s love for bow hunting.
A UTILITY SHOWER Why stop at a utility sink? This pit stop was designed as the perfect spot to hose down muddy children after a day roaming outdoors.
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A TRICHROMATIC PALETTE Susana believes strongly in the power of three. Here, a trio of red, black, and white as seen on the red stool and red barn light (barnlight.com), black stripe wallpaper (walnutwallpaper.com), black doors, and black mop sink (us.kohler.com).
HIGH-CONTRAST BUILT-INS The statement shelving is a continuation of the same hue seen on the kitchen island. “This is the boldest use of the green in the home,” says Susana. “It adds a layer of masculinity against the white V-groove planks and stained beams.”
Hunter Green Benjamin Moore
MIDCENTURYINSPIRED FURNITURE Unafraid to introduce pieces from different periods, Susana created a study that’s more Mod Squad than Little House, with a leather Mitsuru sofa and ottoman and cowhideand-metal chair (all from noirfurniturela.com) and a simple woven rug (saccocarpet.com).
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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DIFFUSED LIGHTING To provide sleepover guests with autonomy over “lights out,” modern sconces (visualcomfort.com) have both style and substance—a matte black finish, individual on/off buttons, and a diffuser ideal for nighttime reading.
U-SHAPE BUNK BEDS This cozy orientation is made that much cozier with buffalo check bedding (cb2 .com) and “Glacier” Pendleton blankets (rhteen.com).
DIMINUTIVE DUTCH DOOR While the bisected door is a popular feature in farmhouse kitchens, here it’s used in the basement’s playroom (offering a great view of the “Irregular Dots” wallcovering; uwdecals.com).
UNEXPOSED TROUGH SINK While most folks opt to keep the “Brockway” sink (us.kohler.com) open, Susana created a veneer base—designed to look like a reclaimed beam—for the bunkroom bathroom. “Criss Cross” tile (cletile.com) ties in to the bedding.
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HIGH-OCTANE ACCENTS A graphic cluster of gas station price numbers— purchased at a Brooklyn flea market years ago— rate a prime location atop “Preppy Stripes” wallpaper (spoonflower.com).
“GINGHAM” LEATHER HEADBOARD Playing off the home’s checked motifs (including shams), the rugged upholstery-alternative headboard (roomand board.com) is softened with plush bedding and a faded “Patina” rug (crateandbarrel.com/kids). COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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“Use wall-mounted swing-arm lights as bedside lamps, so you are free to choose mismatched bedside tables without the worry of the shades being at differing heights visually. You get the symmetry without the predictability of matching tables.” KEVIN ISBELL
“For a graphic pop on your countertop, fill glass jars with retro candies: Dubble Bubble, FireBalls, Smarties...” ALISON KANDLER
“When decorating a room, always incorporate vintage in some way, shape, or form. Whether it’s a vintage chair, a piece of retro artwork, or an antique bowl on your shelf, it’s important to bring in that aged element to warm up the space.”
HOME REMEDIES
Wit & Wisdom
JASON OLIVER NIXON & JOHN LOECKE
We asked two dozen of our favorite tastemakers to offer aphorisms on everything from the most flattering lighting (think pink!) to how high to hang curtains (psst: higher!).
AMBER LEWIS
“Upholster the interiors of your lampshades in pink silk to counteract the sins of today’s harsh LED bulbs. Plus, pink light makes everyone look amazing and takes years off your face.”
“When choosing an area rug, it’s always best to size up. At a minimum, all front furniture legs should comfortably fit on the rug.”
produced by JENNIFER KOPF
“Highlight architectural details, such as doors and moldings, with high-gloss black. (Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams is my go-to.) It instantly adds sophistication and drama.”
“Vietnamese brooms from the local Asian grocery are beautiful decorative objects to hang in a kitchen.”
“Always use dimmable lighting! It’s important to be able to transition your space from day to night, breakfast to dinner party—and lighting is the most effective way to do that quickly and inexpensively.”
STEPHEN SHUTTS
JUSTINA BLAKENEY
THOM FILICIA
TORI ALEXANDER
“My three musts: Curtains should break a 1/2 inch onto the floor; square pillows should never be less than 20 inches or they will look dwarfed; and replace all towel bars with hooks—bars require too much maintenance to keep them looking tidy.” ZOË FELDMAN
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“To avoid rigid symmetry, group accessories—such as candlesticks or pottery— in odd numbers.” MAX HUMPHREY
“Believe it or not, I love using vinyl grass cloth wallpaper in a mudroom. It’s bulletproof against any amount of shoe throwing and equipment dropping!” ANDREW HOWARD
“Every room needs a little natural wood. It gives a space warmth, character, and an approachable livability that is just missing without it.”
“Always make the hood in the kitchen larger than the range. The hood will serve as your visual artwork— make it impactful!
JESSICA HELGERSON
ASHLEY GILBREATH
“Don’t make the necessities an afterthought. Pottery Barn makes chic woven wastebaskets that I love.”
“Use sisal rope from The Home Depot to wrap chandelier chains or stair railing pickets.” TAYLOR BORSARI
“Never underestimate a fresh coat of the right paint color. You cannot go wrong with Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball.”
“Maidenhair ferns from the local nursery are my favorite bargain decorating buy. While you’re there, buy a cheap sprayer because this little plant will need constant spritzing!”
SARAH BARTHOLOMEW
CORTNEY BISHOP
MEG BRAFF
“My hard-andfast curtain rod placement rule: Divide the space between the top of the window and the ceiling into thirds. Then hang your curtain rod in the top one-third portion.” EMILY HENDERSON
“Hang art and lights lower at ‘human’ level to keep a room more intimate. And don’t overlook the hardware store for good-looking curtain rods (Allen + Roth Pipe Faux Industrial; lowes.com) and great metal shelf brackets (Everbilt 10" by 8" Satin Brass; homedepot.com).”
KEVIN WALSH
JULIE HOLLOWAY
“Canvas drop cloths from the hardware store can work as curtains, cushion covers, or tablecloths. We’ve dyed them as well.”
“Always pull your books to the front face of the bookcase.” RACHEL HALVORSON
AMIE AND JOLIE SIKES
“Measure twice, purchase once. Measure your spaces that are in need of a piece of furniture and store the info in your phone so you are ready to pounce when the right find crosses your path. Always carry a tape measure when you are shopping.” ANNIE SELKE
“Tissue Pink by Benjamin Moore is my new favorite for a bedroom. It’s modern and old at the same time.” THOMAS O’BRIEN
“Every room needs a piece of original art! It gives the space instant personality.”
p+ NQXG ơ PFKPI ordinary vintage pieces to fill modern bowls and trays. Recently, I bought oversize, used Edison bulbs that look so cool grouped on a lacquered tray. On the same trip, I found old spools of colored thread that I displayed in a large clear vase.” SARA NOBLE
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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ILLUSTRATION BY TOBIAS HALL.
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if you have a bumper crop of...
TOMATOES TOMATOES
Nothing rivals a ripe, late-summer tomato, and these dishes beautifully showcase the vegetable garden staple. (Or devour one plain, preferably while standing over the sink!)
the pie...
RUSTIC TOMATO GALETTE WORKING TIME 10 minutes TOTAL TIME 40 minutes MAKES 6 servings
1 1/4 pounds heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 refrigerated rolled piecrust from a (14.1-ounce) package
the pickle...
2 ounces sharp Cheddar, coarsely grated (about 1/2 cup)
PICKLED CHERRY TOMATOES
1 tablespoon fresh basil or thyme, plus more for serving
Place 8 oz. cherry tomatoes and 2 sprigs fresh tarragon in a glass pint jar. Bring 1/3 cup each red wine vinegar and water and 1 tsp. each sugar and kosher salt to a boil in a small saucepan; pour over tomatoes. Let cool for 10 mins. then chill. Makes 1 pint.
1 large egg
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels. Arrange tomatoes on paper towels and lightly sprinkle with salt; let sit 10 minutes. Blot with paper towels.
Heirloom tomato Varieties These openpollinated fruits are often tastier and more nutritious than hybrids.
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BLACK RUSSIAN
Named for their dark color, these medium-size tomatoes are the perfect blend of sugar and acid.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
BRANDYWINE
YELLOW PEAR
Large and pink, these tomatoes have a robust, meaty flavor.
Mild yet sweet in taste, this variation is ideal for snacking.
3. Arrange tomatoes on top of cheese. Fold border of crust over tomatoes. Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water in a bowl; brush on top of crust. Bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with additional basil or thyme.
recipes by KATE MERKER AND TAYLOR MURRAY photographs by BRIAN WOODCOCK
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MELINDA JOSIE.
2. Roll piecrust to a 12-inch circle on a piece of parchment paper. Slide paper and crust onto a baking sheet. Top with cheese and basil, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border all around. Season with pepper.
PRIZE RECIPES
Always In Season
THE TOWEL
Cotton Tea Towel $24; shopterrain.com
THE TOOL
Petite Dutch Oven $25; zwilling.com
also try...
TOMATO SALAD WITH BACON VINAIGRETTE Cook 4 slices chopped thickcut bacon in a medium skillet on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 10 mins. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon; pour off all but 2 Tbsp. grease. Add 1 small chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Add 3 Tbsp. sherry vinegar and 2 tsp. Dijon mustard; cook, scraping up any brown bits, until incorporated, 1 minute. Remove from heat; whisk in 2 Tbsp. olive oil. Arrange tomatoes on a platter and drizzle with vinaigrette. Top with bacon, 1 oz. crumbled blue cheese, and chopped fresh chives. Makes 8 servings.
food styling by ANNA HAMPTON prop styling by CARMEN COLLINS
THE TWIST
Tomato-Scented Candle $25; paddywax.com
growing tip Start planting tomato seeds indoors as early as mid-January through April. You might want to throw in a raw egg during the initial planting phase—it ups the calcium count.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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PRIZE RECIPES
if you have a bumper crop of...
CUCUMBERS CUCUMBERS
These vines tend to take over a garden in the blink of an eye. Luckily, it’s one of the easiest gourds to add to any dish—and yes, even a (incredibly refreshing!) dessert.
the pie...
CUCUMBERKEY LIME PIE WORKING TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 1 hour, 40 minutes MAKES 8 servings 1/2 English cucumber (about
8 ounces), halved crosswise 1/2
the pickle...
PICKLED CUCUMBERS
4 large egg yolks 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Place 8 oz. sliced Kirby cucumbers, 1 (1-inch) piece sliced fresh ginger, and 2 roughly chopped scallions in a glass pint jar. Bring 1/2 cup each white wine vinegar and water and 1 tsp. each sugar and kosher salt to a boil in a small saucepan; pour over cucumbers. Let cool for 10 mins. then chill. Makes 1 pint.
1 (6-ounce) prepared graham cracker crust 2 tablespoons sugar 1/2
ƅƅ
cup heavy whipping cream
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Peel and seed half of the cucumber. Puree along with 1/2 cup lime juice in a blender until smooth. Add egg yolks and milk. Blend until fully combined and thickened, about 1 minute. 2. Transfer filling to crust and bake until just set around edges but still slightly wobbly in the center, 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool, then chill completely. 3. Combine sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and remaining 2 tablespoons lime juice in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, 1 minute; chill.
Heirloom Cucumber Varieties This veggie comes in a surprising number of shapes, colors, and flavors. These are a few of our favorites.
cup, plus 2 tablespoons fresh key or regular lime juice (from about 28 key limes or 8 regular limes), divided, plus zest for garnish
ARMENIAN
MEXICAN SOUR
LEMON
Light green and long, this variety is sweet and especially good for pickling.
These little gherkins look like tiny watermelons and taste both sweet and tart.
Yellow and round, this cucumber needs less heat to ripen than other varieties.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
4. Beat whipping cream at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in half of the lime syrup. Cut remaining cucumber into thin strips and toss with remaining syrup. 5. Top pie with whipped cream, cucumber, and lime zest before serving.
PRIZE RECIPES
always In Season
THE TOWEL
Pickles & Petals Tea Towel $16; shophazelmade.com
THE TOOL
Cucumber Saver $7; amazon.com
also try...
CUCUMBER-SALMON PANZANELLA THE TWIST
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss together 8 oz. torn country bread, 2 Tbsp. olive oil, and kosher salt and black pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast until golden brown, 8 to 10 mins.; cool. With a chef’s knife, lightly press 4 Persian cucumbers until split, then cut crosswise. Whisk together 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar, 2 Tbsp. olive oil, and 1 tsp. caraway seeds in a bowl. Add 1/4 sliced red onion, 1 sliced small fennel bulb, 1 cup arugula, and cucumbers; stir to combine. Serve topped with bread and flaked roasted salmon. Makes 4 servings.
Letterpress Card $6; belleandunion.com
growing tip These vines do best if planted when the ground is consistently above 65 degrees. For best results, provide plenty of sun—and a little composting never hurts.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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PRIZE RECIPES
if you have a bumper crop of...
CARROTS CARROTS
When bunches begin to overtake the pantry, make room for the flavorful root in family-friendly comfort food and perfectly seasoned sides.
the pie...
MINI CARROT POT PIES WORKING TIME 30 minutes TOTAL TIME 1 hour MAKES 4 servings
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for ramekins 1 medium onion, chopped 1 pound carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
the pickle...
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
SPICY PICKLED CARROTS
2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Place 6 oz. carrots (cut into sticks) and 1 halved red chili in a glass pint jar. Bring 1/2 cup each white wine vinegar and water, 1 clove smashed garlic, and 1 tsp. each sugar, mustard seed, coriander seed, and kosher salt to a boil in a small saucepan; pour over carrots. Let cool for 10 mins. then chill. Makes 1 pint.
1/4
2 cups whole milk 1/2
ƆŽ
cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-ounce package), thawed 1 large egg, beaten
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Oil four 8-ounce ramekins; place on a rimmed baking sheet. 2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add carrots and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until carrots are just tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme. Cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. 3. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk. Simmer until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Fold in parsley. Transfer to prepared ramekins, dividing evenly.
Heirloom Carrot varieties While there are as many as 44, these three types are tops.
cup all-purpose flour
ATOMIC RED
PURPLE DRAGON
THUMBELINA
These fiery specimens can grow as long as 8 inches and are pleasantly sweet.
Sweet and spicy, these reddish-purple carrots look as good as they taste.
A crisp, baby-size treat that’s perfect for soups, stews, and salads.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
4. Cut 4 4 1/2-inch rounds from puff pastry; place 1 round over each ramekin. Brush with egg. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.
PRIZE RECIPES
always In Season also try...
CORIANDERROASTED CARROTS Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss together 1 1/2 lbs. carrots (halved crosswise and lengthwise if large), 2 tsp. coriander seeds, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, and kosher salt and black pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, tossing once, until golden brown and tender, 18 to 22 minutes. Puree 4 oz. crumbled feta, 1/4 cup whole milk yogurt, 2 Tbsp. milk, and kosher salt and black pepper in a blender. Stir together 1/4 small chopped red onion and 2 Tbsp. each chopped fresh mint, white wine vinegar, and olive oil in a bowl. Spread feta mixture on a platter. Top with carrots then vinaigrette. Make 6 servings.
THE TOWEL
Flour Sack Tea Towel $18; rangemark.etsy.com
THE TOOL
Whisk $13; zulily.com
THE TWIST
Hand Cream $24; margzotelena.com
TOWEL AND LOTION, ROB CULPEPPER.
growing tip Plant seeds about three weeks before the last expected frost and generously water. Cover with a plank until sprouts emerge. Once you see green, you can toss the board.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
Ɔž
PRIZE RECIPES
if you have a bumper crop of...
BLACKBERRIES BLACKBERRIES
This fast-fleeting late-summer favorite adds a tart earthiness—and a beautifully inky sheen—to everything from sweets to salads to sauces.
the pie...
BLACKBERRY TART WORKING TIME 25 minutes TOTAL TIME 40 minutes MAKES 10 to 12 servings
2 refrigerated rolled piecrusts 3 (6-ounce) containers blackberries, divided 3/4
cup confectioners’ sugar, divided
3 tablespoons lime juice, divided, plus zest for garnish 1 pound mascarpone, at room temperature
the pickle...
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish
PICKLED BLACKBERRIES
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Fit piecrusts in the bottom and up sides of an 8- by 11-inch tart pan with removable bottom; trim excess. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and prick bottom with a fork. Line with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang; fill with dried beans. Bake until beginning to brown around edges, 12 to 15 minutes. Lift parchment to remove beans. Bake until bottom is light golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes; cool.
Place 6 oz. blackberries in a glass pint jar. In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup each white wine vinegar and water, 1 Tbsp. pure honey, 1 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper, and 1 tsp. kosher salt to a boil in a small saucepan; pour over berries. Let cool for 10 mins. then chill. Makes 1 pint.
2. Puree 1 container berries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon lime juice. Strain through a fine mesh sieve; discard seeds. 3. Whisk together mascarpone and 1/2 cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Fold in blackberry puree.
Heirloom Blackberry varieties Check out a few of our favorite bushels on the block.
Ɔſ
COLUMBIA GIANT
WHITE
THORNLESS
The name says it all. This variety is a good 30 percent bigger than its peers.
Not all blackberries are black. This white variety is super sweet.
Easy to grow and handle, these berries are ideal for a number of climates.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
4. Toss together mint, remaining 2 containers berries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon lime juice in a bowl; let sit 5 minutes. Spread mascarpone mixture in crust. Top with berries and juices. Sprinkle with lime zest and mint. Serve immediately.
BIG FOOD FOR
BIG DAYS
growing tip also try...
BLACKBERRYGLAZED CHICKEN Heat grill to medium. Combine 1 (6-oz) package blackberries, 1/4 cup water, 2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar, and 1 Tbsp. sugar in a small saucepan; simmer, mashing occasionally, until liquid is reduced to about 2 Tbsp., 18 to 20 minutes. Stir in 2 Tbsp. cold butter and 1 Tbsp. whole-grain mustard. Transfer half the glaze to a bowl; reserve.
Meanwhile, pat 4 each chicken thighs and drumsticks dry; season with kosher salt and black pepper. Grill, skin-sides up, covered, 15 minutes. Uncover, baste with some of the glaze and grill, turning and basting occasionally, until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh flatleaf parsley and serve with remaining glaze. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Before you plant in early spring, find the sunniest spot in the yard. Too much shade, and you’ll be disappointed with the harvest. Blackberries also do best in soil that’s full of loose loam and sand. And don’t add too much nitrogen—you’ll only get leaves!
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
Ɔƀ
BIG DAYS
PRIZE RECIPES
ARE RIPE
if you have a bumper crop of...
WITH POTENTIAL
SQUASH SQUASH
Whether you have too many yellow summer squash or green zucchini galore, this iconic summer vegetable adds subtle flavor and texture to savory standbys.
the pickle...
PICKLED SUMMER SQUASH Place 8 oz. cubed summer squash or zucchini in a glass pint jar. Bring 1/2 cup each white wine vinegar and water, 2 tsp. mustard seeds, 1 tsp. each sugar and kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric to a boil in a small saucepan; cool slightly then pour over squash. Let cool for 10 mins. then chill. Makes 1 pint.
VARIATIONS DILL AND CORIANDER SEED:
Substitute coriander seeds for mustard seeds and add a sprig of dill in place of the turmeric. PAPRIKA AND OREGANO:
Substitute turmeric with smoked paprika and add a sprig of oregano. © 2018 Kellogg NA Co.
CINNAMON AND CURRY:
Substitute turmeric with cinnamon and add a fresh curry leaf.
ƆƁ
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
FILL UP
always In Season
the pie...
MARINATED SQUASH TART
FOR
BIG DAYS
WORKING TIME 15 minutes TOTAL TIME 50 minutes MAKES 6 servings
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-ounce package), thawed 1 large egg, beaten 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot 1 tablespoon lemon zest, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons juice
THE TOWEL
Seed Packet Tea Towel $22; acmebabyco.com
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4
pound zucchini, very thinly sliced
1/4
pound yellow squash, very thinly sliced
4 ounces ricotta 3 ounces goat cheese 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Unfold puff pastry on a piece of parchment paper and roll to a 12- by 9 1/2-inch rectangle; slide pastry and parchment paper onto a baking sheet. Score a 1-inch border all the way around pastry and prick inside border with a fork. Brush border with egg. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
R U S E F OI N I ZUCCH D! BREA
THE TOOL
Enamelware Loaf Pan $20; roveandswig.com
THE TWIST
Zucchini Makeup Cases $25.50 for 2; amazon.com
TOWEL, ROB CULPEPPER.
2. Whisk together shallot, lemon juice, and oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add sliced zucchini and squash and toss to combine. Let stand until softened, 18 to 20 minutes. 3. Combine ricotta, goat cheese, and lemon zest in a separate bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Spread on top of puff pastry. Top with zucchini-squash mixture. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
ƆƂ
PRIZE RECIPES
also try...
ZUCCHINI-ANDPECORINO FRITTERS Preheat oven to 400°F. Grate 2 medium zucchini; squeeze dry with paper towels and transfer to a bowl. Add 1 large egg, 2 oz. grated Pecorino, 1/2 cup panko, 1 clove pressed garlic, and black pepper; stir to combine. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of mixture onto a greased baking sheet and gently flatten. Bake, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp, 18 to 20 minutes. Makes 4 servings.
Heirloom squash varieties While these veggies sprout up in lots of shapes, these are three of our selects.
Ɔƃ
PATTYPAN
ROUND
ZEPHYR
This summer squash resembles a toy top and takes about 50 days to mature.
Simply a round version of zucchini. They are fast-growing, producing fruit in just 45 days.
The fruit of this long, two-tone summer squash is creamy and sweet.
COUNTRYLIVING.COM / SEPTEMBER 2019
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Resource Guide e
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Makes broccoli less broccoli-ey.
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