VintageKC Home. Fashion. DIY. Spring 2015 | Vol. 3 Issue 4
Contents 18
28
shop
36
05 Etsy finds Garden party
learn 06 08 27
inspiration
do
10 garden guide The beautiful and varied gardens of Hoot Owl Hill
36 Crafty Wind chimes 42 Dustin’s DIY Outdoor instruments 44 Thriftcycle Wooden tray + china
16 vintage moments A spring-filled, vintage-inspired engagement party 18 Vintage Spaces Cottage chic nestled in North KC
Design book Jennifer Bertrand buy and Sell Vintage outdoor chairs designing with deb Advice on attic spaces
read
10
46 vintage memories Past farmhouse days
28 Vintage fashion Get gilded with night-life gold fashion
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^from the editor
Staff
Publisher/Editor Erin Shipps erin@vintagekcmag.com Sales Director Erik Salmons erik@vintagekcmag.com
Outdoor Love
Fashion Director/ Editorial Assistant Calli Green calli@vintagekcmag.com
Y
ou might notice a little bit of a theme running through this issue. Okay, so it’s a big bit. While we’re putting together the spring issue, we’re smack dab in the middle of the post-holiday, dreary, cold, bleak bucket of suck that is Midwest winter. I know, I know, some of you like the cold. I, for one, literally cannot stand up on skiis or ice skates, so I dislike it. Sure, I like to build a snowman and drink hot drinks and look at the pretty white outside. Sure, last issue I talked about the re-connection that happens with my little family in winter—and that’s wonderful—but after a couple of months, my 1940s house starts closing in on me. So, can you blame us for dreaming up more ideas for the outdoors with the spring issue? We’re dying to get outside, to get our hands in the dirt, to feel the sun on parts of our body that haven’t been seen in ages ... like our arms. We’re ready for beautiful scenery to take our breath away instead of icy air. Let’s start with the garden guide. When we visited Steve and Brenda Wrischnik at Hoot Owl Hill last year (you’ll remember their awesome glamping tents), we were overtaken by the beauty that surrounded their property. So of course we had to show you. They have really taken advantage of their space by not only maintaining a beautiful butterfly garden, but also a growing vegetable garden, vineyard and loads of other plant-filled beds that are just for fun. They host chickens, ducks, guinea hens and, as of last year, bees on their property. I hope you find some inspiration from their gardens. Next, the Fosters’ North Kansas City cottage is packed full of light and airy springy goodness. I’m in love with the stylish way they utilize every space in the small home. Our fashion section showcases the versatility of gold elements in your wardrobe. A spring night out on the town would be incomplete without metallics. We’re taking a bit of a walk down memory lane with Becky Budke’s gorgeous vintage engagement party that she threw for her son. Becky’s house was featured in our very first issue in the summer of 2012! I’m so thankful for this community and that you all stay in touch! And of course any issue would be incomplete without a host of DIY projects to keep you busy. This time we’re tackling wind chimes, outdoor instruments for the kids, and an upcycled gardeninspired tray. We’ve also got sound advice from our experts on attic spaces, mid-century chairs and exterior paint colors. I hope you find a little—or big—bit of inspiration from this issue and get outside. Check out our little reader chalVKC vintagekcmag.com lenge on page 39 and you might win $20 to Hobby Lobby. It’s just our way of saying thanks and hoping that you’re vintagekc feeling encouraged to DIY!
Contributors Kim Antisdel Dustin Bates Jennifer Bertrand Michael Fry James Fry Kirsten Hudson Jamie Kaczmarczyk Megan Kapple Audrey Kuether Abbie Marshall Amy McCarter Deborah Vogler
P hotography
Tiffany N. Cody, Smash Glam William and Jill DiMartino VintageKC volume 3, issue 4 is published quarterly by Vintage Media, LLC, in Kansas city, mo. Copyright 2015, Vintage media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Printed in the U.S.A.
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vintagekc spring 2015
On the Cover
An attic bedroom fit for two. Photo by William and Jill DiMartino
Erin
shop^our favorite etsy finds
Garden Party
Clockwise from top left: Herb-embroidered, flour sack dish towels, $29 (set of 7), use discount code: 20VINTAGEKC ladybuglaneemb.etsy.com. Anchor Hocking, petite flower pot, 3.75” tall, $22, kolorize.etsy.com. Hanging glass terrarium print, $20, mindfullymade.etsy.com. 1950s Hull Pottery Company chartreuse swan planters, $30 large, $23 small, brushcreekcottage.etsy.com. Handmade soft yellow rose earrings, size of a quarter, $6, pureaspearl.etsy.com. Customized wood burned garden stakes, $3 each or four for $10, theshoutoutshop.etsy.com. 1970s floral dress inspired by the 1950s, bust: 34”, waist: 25”, no label, cotton or cotton/poly blend, great condition, $50, adelaidehomesewn.etsy.com.
All of these local Kansas City shops can be found on etsy.com, an online retailer.
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learn^design book
Exterior House Love
HGTV ‘Design Star’ Winner Jennifer Bertrand knows all about thinking outside the box! By Jennifer Bertrand
A
re you scared to give your home an exterior facelift? By asking yourself the right questions and following this quick recipe for gaining exterior confidence, you can pull off the look you really want with much less intimidation. Questions to ask yourself 1 What do you want your exterior to say about you? Are you going for classy, calm, happy ... you get the idea. As you know, colors evoke feelings. Because my family has gone through so many medical issues, I needed our house to feel light and airy overall. However, I also love dark and dramatic. Later in life, I know my husband and I will have a charcoal and black home. But for now those colors are nowhere near our house!
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2 How often do you crave change?
If you find that you like change, it’s all about creating a neutral backdrop. This gives you the flexibility to layer varying accents of color. Now, that does not have to mean beige or khaki. I just designed a space where my neutral was a dark forest green. Just ask yourself, How many different things can I do with this color? For example, with the forest green, it can be paired with charcoal, turquoise, camel, another shade of green, and on and on. So as you pick a color, think, How many variations can I layer into this so I can evolve with the color over time? 3 What is your favorite color?
Envision how you could use your favorite shade as a punch of color in your exterior curb appeal. Fun ways to use your favorite color could include on the front door, the
porch, concrete steps, railings, shutters, house numbers, etc. There are so many elements that exist beyond the main body of the house. So, if you play it safe with the main color, take a risk and try something fun elsewhere! I have a designer friend who changes his front door color every six months—awesome, right? Well, that’s a simple change. Have you ever pinned something to Pinterest and chickened out right before you were going to pull it off? That is the difference between a DIY job and the atmosphere a designer creates: We take risks that scare the average homeowner. If you’ve pinned the same concept in 20 different photographs and can’t pull the trigger, stop wavering and go for it! You obviously like it and just need me to high-five you into doing it! So go do it!
Common questions I’m asked 1 What is on trend in the world of exterior world painting? Right now I’m seeing a trend in strong contrasts. People are either painting their house all white or dark gray tones. 2 If my windows are white, can I paint the
trim around it? Yes, but it’s a fine dance. Trim should stay white if you have mullions inside of the window (the white crossed trim pieces). However, if it’s just a surround, you can paint the trim; it’s just a little trickier. Search for “painted trim around white window frames” and see if you can find images you like. That way it shows you an end result without putting in any effort. Don’t be scared to paint your trim a color. Some of my favorite houses are simple and clean with a strong trim outline. 3 Does my exterior have to match the interior of my house? Not exactly, but your home should have a
consistent feeling. Like you would expect, I have color inside my home. But on the outside, it’s used in small punches of color that say—in a casual way—we like color. 4 What if I don’t like it in five years?
You can’t live like that. I get it, changing the exterior of your home costs money. But if you live like that you’ll never do anything. If you are freaked out by making a mistake or doing something too trendy, visit a local paint store and ask about classic exterior colors, or chat with a local painting company. They know what colors most people in the area are choosing and which look best on a house. 5 All of the other houses in my neighborhood look the same. Is it bad if my house stands out? This question depends on who you ask. I am okay if my home is different. If you have a HOA you may not have a choice. But if you do have a choice, it’s okay to shake things up. For me, I’m not a beige
or earth tone person unless I have a client who adores that. So I ask you to be true to yourself. Don’t pick things for others. And have fun! Happy Painting!!
^
Xoxo,
Jen
Jennifer Bertrand is the winner of HGTV’s show “Design Star” season three and cohost of “Real Life Design” on cravingtalkradio.com. She resides in Weatherby Lake, MO, with her lovely English husband, Chris, and her happy son, Winston. She has big plans in life to conquer the design world … again. Email pics and questions to Jennifer jblovesdesign@gmail.com Instagram hgtvdesignstarjenniferbertrand Facebook Jennifer Oldham Bertrand Twitter jblovedesign
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learn^buy and sell
Outdoor with Style Take a seat on the patio or in your house with stylish vintage chairs
By Michael and James Fry
A
t Brown Button we enjoy well-designed and unique furniture in the same way that many people appreciate a beautiful sculpture. Both creations require craftsmanship, creativity, and artistic talents to design and build. In many cases, furniture is the tougher of the two as it adds the element of function to the artistic form. Now that spring is upon us, we thought we would take time to highlight a few of our favorite outdoor chairs that offer imaginative, ground breaking design in addition to a great place to sit down. Five chairs, created by three designers, top our list: the Clamshell, Orange Slice, Sculptra, Bertoia Side Chair, and the Bertoia Diamond Chair. Salterini First up are two Salterini chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini: the Clamshell and Orange Slice. Salterini is often given credit for the resurgence of wrought iron furniture, which started becoming popular around the 1930s. They made high-quality furniture for the affluent, and it was built to last. The two mid-century pieces highlighted here are quite a design deviation from Salterini earlier works or from previous patio furniture styles altogether. The midcentury movement crafted furniture unlike anything previously created. These chairs are two of our outdoor favorites mostly due to our appreciation of their pioneering, unique designs. They can sell anywhere
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between $100 to $500 per chair depending on the condition and how sure the buyer is that they’re not reproductions. The fact that the originals were not marked is both a pro and a con for resellers. On the one hand, it makes it easier to pick up a fantastic deal at a garage sale or antique shop. On the other, it takes more work to identify a true original. Refer to photos of the original chair online to make sure all the details are the same. We doff our hats to Mr. Tempestini for his well crafted contributions.
Sculptra Russell Woodard and his two brothers first started experimenting with cast-andtubular-aluminum-constructed chairs at the very earliest stage of the mid-century movement. This experimentation resulted in their iconic Sculptura chair line. The following is a description of the chair in their own words from a 1950s brochure, “Three wonderful things about this new Sculptura chair of ours. You can leave it out-of-doors all the time. The woven wire makes it light and easy to move. And it’s very modestly priced. Extremely comfortable too—and, we think, very good-looking. Comes in black, pineapple yellow, Ciel blue, antique pink, mocha, Pompeian green, and chalk white finishes. ‘Parkerized’, as is all Woodard furniture, for rust protection”. As the factory colors went out of style, many of these pieces were painted and they can be hard to find in pristine condition. The Sculptura line includes a simple garden chair, a lounge chair, rocking chair, and a settee. Prices vary per piece but can range between $125 to $600. Bertoia Arguably the most recognizable and iconic on our outdoor list are two creations by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. In his young twenties Mr. Bertoia developed a passion and talent for jewelry design. His high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in
this arena garnered him early recognition. He was able to take many of the skills learned from jewelry work and apply them to his furniture design. In the early 1950s, a former classmate, Florence Knoll, invited him to join her company as a furniture and sculpture designer. At Knoll he focused his attention on design with industrial materials, transforming them from their everyday utility into something significant. It was in this season that he was able to create the Bertoia Side Chair and the Bertoia Diamond Chair. Harry himself compared his furniture work to art: “If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes right through them.” Bertoia chairs are still in production today and can be purchased new from Knoll. The resell value of these chairs ranges from $100 to $1,000 depending on the style, age and condition. Originals of these five chairs, especially those untouched by paint and rust, can command high prices for educated resellers ... that is, if you can let go of them once you have picked up one of these beauties. If you do happen to get your hands on a Sculptura chair in pineapple yellow, or one of the others listed above, you must care for them properly. Experts recommend that you take them out in the sunshine and sit comfortably for many hours with a good book and a glass of iced tea. We hope your spring is full of satisfactory sitting!
^
Michael and James Fry are brothers and owners of Brown Button Estate Sales. brownbutton.com sales@brownbutton.com Facebook Brown Button Pinterest BrownButtonCo Instagram brown_button Twitter brown_button YouTube thebrownbutton
he said^he said
What favorite items have you sold for surprisingly high $$? Baseball card
Hot Wheels
Most baseball card values have not recovered from the early 1990s card bubble and the baseball strike of 1994. But last year we sold a 1952 Topps Andy Pafko for $340. While Andy was a good player, his card is mainly valuable because it was the first card in the 1952 series. Boys would rubberband their sets together, and not many ’52 Pafkos escaped unscathed.
One of the more notable items that stands out is a Hot Wheels car. Its memorability comes from the fact that we sell Hot Wheels all the time—usually for a quarter each. This particular car was a 1969 pink Twin Mill Redline. Due to 1969 being the second year of Hot Wheels production and the fact that the car looked completely new, we were able to sell it for $125.
Nativity sets
Candelabras
Another group of items you will see in almost every estate sale is holiday decorations and décor. As a general rule, holiday pieces don’t bring high values (at least 10 months out of the year). The exceptions are ANRI nativity sets. Hand carved in Italy from maple or linden wood, we have sold these beautiful sets for more than $1,200.
This past year we ran across a pair of Henry Picard candelabras in a small Leawood estate. They were ornate and beautiful but the mark was fairly worn and took a bit of effort to decipher. After finally discovering what the mark read we were able to assign a price. The pair sold the first day of the sale for $2,750.
BB gun
Desks
We often sell BB guns at our sales in the $20 to $75 price range, depending on condition. While working in a detached garage in Brookside we came across a 1928 Remington Model 26 pump action BB gun. Due to the Great Depression taking the bottom out of expensive toys, only 20,000 of these guns were made. We sold this gun on the opening morning of our sale for $650.
In a recent sale we had a large, dated, not-overly appealing office desk. Due to shifts in technology size, the desire for these ultra bulky desks has dropped considerably. Usually we price them well under $100. That was the direction this desk was headed until we poked underneath and found a very small sticker that read “Knoll.” Because of that sticker the desk sold for $1,100.
Michael
James
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vintagekc spring 2015
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^garden guide
Garden
Glory Brenda and Steve Wrischnik share their philosophy for creating lush gardens at Hoot Owl Hill By Kirsten Hudson | Photos by William and Jill DiMartino
W
hen you drive up to Hoot Owl Hill in Paola, KS, you’ll leave all stress and worry behind you on the dusty country road. A sea of bright zinnias, colorful coneflowers and white daisies greet you as you pass Brenda and Steve Wrischnik’s stunning A-frame house. The guinea fowl might also come out to say “hello.” The gardens at this peaceful retreat, which hosts glamping, yoga classes and various workshops throughout the year, grew out of Brenda and Steve’s love of the outdoors. These no fuss gardeners wanted to keep it relaxed. If you can call 14 acres, with two vineyards, a butterfly garden, a fruit tree patio and a large vegetable garden, relaxed. (That’s not to mention the chicken coop, beehives and 116 blueberry bushes.)
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The Wrischniks’ gardens at Hoot Owl Hill frame their home and land beautifully, welcoming guests in a variety of ways.
From nurturing the garden beds of broccoli, cabbage, kale, tomatoes, carrots, beans, okra and every other imaginable vegetable to tending their vineyards of Concord and Frontenac grapes, the pair manages the gardens all on their own. That really is where it becomes no fuss. “I wanted it to be something that was fairly carefree because I don’t micromanage my plants,” Brenda said. “If it needed a lot of water, if it needed a lot of pruning, it wasn’t my thing.” The couple planted flowers that reseed themselves, and they built drip systems to make the gardens as self-sufficient as possible.
Gardening with intent They may have a laidback attitude, but Brenda and Steve’s gardening philosophy includes crafting their gardens with purpose. “I wanted it to be purposeful in that I wanted it all to work together and to have a symbiotic relationship,” Brenda said. The couple planted flowers, herbs and trees that bees, butterflies and birds need for food
and to lay their eggs on. You can find these host plants—eastern red cedar, hackberry trees, little bluestem, milkweeds, switch grass, violets and wild senna—throughout the property. “I’ve tried to add those plants faithfully so that I can attract the butterflies and the bees and be a little sanctuary for those insects,” Brenda said. That focus on creating harmony is also why the couple refuses to spray
When wandering the gardens at Hoot Owl Hill, you’ll likely come across something interesting wherever you walk. “I’ve built in a lot of little surprises,” said Brenda Wrischnik, who created the gardens with her
husband, Steve. From old iron bed frames holding garden beds to old covered wagons, to unique sculptures and signs, there’s something that will grab your attention.
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any pesticides on their plants. They count on their bees for fresh honey, their chickens for eggs and their guinea fowl to keep ticks at bay. And, they don’t want to interfere with those relationships by using chemicals. (They prevent pests with natural methods, like tobacco and garlic juice.) Planning, waiting, growing Managing gardens of this extent is no small challenge, but one Brenda enjoys. She plans the gardens throughout the year. “It never really leaves my thoughts,” she said. Every season, she pulls out her graph paper and makes notes about what worked and what didn’t. She also draws out all of the garden beds.
“I look at what I did last summer and I’ll shift everything over one or two beds and just keep rotating,” she said. “It’s very important for disease resistance for your plants.” She also scours dozens of seed catalogs starting in December, looking for anything new or different. “I like to try new things,” she said. “So, I look for things that I think would be fun to grow. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t.” During the season, she’ll roam the paths in her gardens and just let the creativity
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WHERE
116 S. Independence St. Harrisonville, MO 64701
HOURS
Open Friday-Saturday 11am–4pm & by appointment
Bring in this ad to receive 20% off one item in the shop. offer valid through 5/30/2015. Not valid on furniture purchases.
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Road trip!
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317 COMMERCIAL ST. Specializing in authentic antiques full of history, character, charm and craftsmanship. Whimsical touches dot the gardens (opposite page). Guinea fowl roam the gardens at Hoot Owl Hill keeping ticks at bay. Chickens provide farm fresh eggs, and Brenda and Steve keep bees, too. The couple is thankful for the reciprocal relationship they have with their animals. The couple grows Concord and Frontenac grapes and sells the grapes to NightHawk Vineyard & Winery, a local winery in Paola, KS.
flow. “I take a glass of wine and wander,” she said. “I’m always thinking when I do that. That’s how I decide what I want to change or add. I just look around and come up with ideas.” And then she’ll go inside and add them to list, Steve said of their never-ending “to do” list. A helping hand The hardworking couple is quick to point out that they couldn’t have accomplished what they have without the help of friends. “Why would you reinvent the wheel when you have friends and experts around that love for you to have the knowledge they have?” Brenda said.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am-5pm 620.412.2759 • paper-moon-antiques.com
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Above: Last year the Wrischniks created structures for beans in their large vegetable garden. Right: Bright, colorful zinnias bloom around the entrance of Hoot Owl Hill. They’re Brenda’s favorite flower. Brenda and Steve tried to add plenty of flowers and other host plants for butterflies and bees. Opposite: The view from the hilltop that the Wrischniks call home is simply stunning.
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From learning how to keep bees to choosing plants that support butterflies, friends have helped the couple along the way. “I’ve found that other people who garden love to share,” Brenda said. “Because they’re on a mission and they want you to be on a mission, too.”
One block west Antiques & Collectibles 20 S. Gold St., Paola, KS Open M-F 10-6 & Sat 10-5 oneblockwestantiques.com dconeblockwest@gmail.com 913-294-8499
Caring for the earth After a long day of gardening, the couple likes to walk down to their pond. They’ll watch the sunset and feed the fish. “That’s a really special time of evening because everything’s calming down, and the light is just beautiful,” Brenda said. Or, you might find them sitting on their fruit tree patio eating dinner or appetizers. “It’s another good spot to watch the sunset,” Brenda said. “You can just get a good view and rest because usually we’ve been working out there all day.” That sense of serenity their gardens bring is special to the couple. “When you come here, I want it to feel like you just get this washing of peace over you,” Brenda said. “And people have told us that really is how it feels.”
^
Kirsten’s a budding gardener who’s inspired by Brenda and Steve’s gardening philosophy. Check out her vintage decorating ideas, DIY projects and occasional gardening post on her blog, Red Leaf Style, at redleafstyle.com.
Front Porch Antiques 534 N. MAIN | OTTAWA, KS | 785-242-6355 MON-SAT 10-5 | SUN 11-5 Chosen Best Antique Shop every year for 6 years!
913-209-9479 6009 Johnson Dr. Mission, KS vintagemissionkc.com
Outdoor Flea Market, Saturday, May 9, 9am to 4pm A wide selection of vintage, primitives, rusted and f u n k y p i e c e s at reasonable prices come in and out of our doors e v e r y d a y !
Find us on Facebook
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^vintage events
She Said Yes
Celebrate love with a super chic vintage engagement party
T
he very first issue of VintageKC featured Becky Budke’s beautiful home, designed with our friend, interior designer Deb Vogler. So when Becky told us she threw an engagement party for her son, Brett Budke, and his fiancé Jessica Geiss, we definitely wanted to see. Here’s some of our favorite ideas from her romantic, spring-filled, vintage party. Becky gathered family wedding heirlooms from generations for the vintage celebration. Guests were greeted on the front porch with bride and groom Barbie dolls in vintage wedding attire tucked inside a flower urn. Once inside, the main decorative attraction was a fresh floral arrangement inside a 1950s powder-pink bridal gown. All floral designs were by Deb Huber, a family cousin and interior decorator. Heirloom dishes displayed custom sugar cookies and creme-filled cupcakes. Two masculine surpirses awaited the groom: antique golf clubs accenting the bar area; and a “tie the knot” table of neckties from years gone by. A Gourmet popcorn tree with tags that read “he popped the question” added to the take-home treat selection. A stone wine bar was transformed into the “He Put a Ring on it Saloon” with signature drinks like, “Brown Eyed Bride” and “Lucky in Love Lemonade.” A getaway suitcase for the honeymoon was packed with a mirror and brush set from the 1920s, a wedding purse from the 1950s, bridal magazines, and a going-away dress from the 1930s. An antique wedding topper and tiny bridesmaid dolls added charm to the décor. With a party this fun and creative, we’re sure Brett and Jessica’s wedding will be a hit this May!
^
From left to right: Bride Jessica Geiss, her mom Sondra Geiss, groom Brett Budke, and his mom/hostess Becky Budke.
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Becky Budke threw a vintage-inspired engagement party for her son and his fiancĂŠ in her beautiful home. We love the play on pop culture with words mixed with the timeless elements of the past.
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Cottage Chic
^vintage spaces
Small spaces don’t have to mean small ideas. Go big, and pack a punch of style with loads of vintage charm. Words Kim Antisdel Flowers Andrea K. Grist floral designs, Wild Hill Flowers Photos William and Jill DiMartino
B
ecoming an empty nester has its benefits. Fewer mouths to feed, less stuff to keep in the house—a simpler life. But for Jackie and Darren Foster, becoming empty nesters doesn’t necessarily mean less stuff. Instead, it simply means more opportunity to fill that nest with amazing things. Two years ago, when their children moved out and onto college, the couple saw an opportunity to search for a smaller home—and fill it to the brim with character, memories and amazing finds.
ster
rren and Jackie Fo
Homeowners Da
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Cozy doesn’t begin to describe the Fosters’ living room, packed with vintage finds and unique pieces of furniture. Every nook has a piece, but there is still a beautiful order to the room.
The 1920s four-bedroom, two-bathroom two-story home is nestled on a quiet and unique street in the Northland, avoiding the dreaded cookie-cutter fate of many other neighborhoods. But it took some looking to find it. “We easily looked at 10 different houses before we found this one,” Jackie remembers. “And we found it in a gigantic snow storm with over two feet of snow on the ground.” While that house hunting experience may sound like a nightmare, for Jackie, the weather only illuminated the little home’s possibilities. The beautiful stone exterior provided the perfect backdrop to the freshly fallen snow, framing the entire residence like a fairy tale. The Fosters were officially in love. They bought the house and immediately began to make it their own.
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Both Jackie and her husband Darren are entrepreneurs with a similar taste in design and careers. While Jackie owns the booth “Le Roost” at Restoration Emporium (RE) in the West Bottoms, Darren is a self-employed remodeler, furniture repairman and furniture builder, and assists Jackie with her booth. So, it’s easy to see why every nook and cranny of the home is infused with cozy, cottage charm. The home is typical for a 1920s residence, with warm wooden floors and a tightly knit floor plan of several small rooms throughout the two levels and basement. Jackie and Darren wanted to avoid the open and airy floor plan associated with many of today’s homes, opting instead for a more compact feel. Though the more compressed floor plan was a must-have for the couple, Jackie admits there are days when she wonders what they were thinking.
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The finished attic in Darren and Jackie’s home is a lesson in function and use of space. With two separate sleeping areas for guests, multiple sitting areas and a dedicated craft space, the bright and airy attic is perfection in cottage style.
“We call this ‘the hobbit house’ in a good way and a bad way,” she laughs. “When we’re bumping into each other or something goes wrong that pertains to the home’s size, we say, ‘ugh, this is such a hobbit house!’ But by the same token, it’s so cozy and warm, and forces us to be together. That’s the good version of the hobbit house.” Before she went out on her own with a booth at RE, Jackie made her livelihood as a residential interior designer. That time in her career forced her to keep her previous homes in “model” condition, leaving her the time to decorate her home as she really wanted. But for this French country cottage chic home, every stick of furniture, painting and finish are exactly what she wants.
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The kitchen in “the hobbit house” features bright white cabinets and ceramics, and accents of robin’s egg blue, with natural stone cutting boards and Darren’s handmade rustic wood countertops.
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The dining room shows off a fancier side of the couple’s style with wallpaper, heavy drapes and a crystal chandelier. But it maintains the comfortable feel of the house with mismatched chairs and natural décor.
The Mulkey Suite features an 1850s Jersey linen press for clothes, a Victorian leathered writing desk and iron bed. Tucked away to the right of the desk is a cozy sitting room with a view of the garden. The en suite bath includes tiled walls and an artisan towel rail.
vintagekc spring 2015 VintageKC / Spring 2015 23
Small spaces are all about utilization. A large, plush bed commands the master bedroom, flanked by a mismatched side table and dresser. The closet was transformed into a functional office space.
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The Fosters were able to turn their master closet into a desk because they now use the second main floor bedroom as a wardrobe with recycled shelving, seating and plenty of room for style ... both home and fashion.
“I feel like this house is more ‘me’ and ‘us’ than any other home we’ve owned,” she says. “It’s a reflection of our true selves. A chip on the old dining table adds character rather than an ‘oh no, we have to fix that!’ moment.” It may be hard to imagine now, but when first moving in, Jackie started with an almost entirely blank slate. Now, each and every corner of space has been decorated and filled with great thought and precision. A few family heirlooms, however, will always take center stage in the home. “My mom and dad bought the vanity in my master closet when they were married. When they got into a bit of a financial bind, they sold it to my aunt, and she used it for years. Then, when she passed away, the vanity was willed back to my dad, and he gave it to me. I use it to hold my jewelry, and I love that it’s made its way throughout our family and will stay there.” It’s stories like this that keep Jackie feeling connected to her family and her home. She intentionally chooses pieces that speak to her design aesthetic and sensibility, even if those pieces may not be used the way they were originally intended. For example, Jackie’s favorite room in the
house—a bedroom converted to a walk-incloset—wouldn’t be possible without a little creativity and repurposing. “Someone once brought this shelving into RE, and we had it sitting in the warehouse for a long time,” Jackie says. “I knew immediately that it would work perfectly in our closet, so when RE moved into a new building, we snatched up the shelving and got to work putting it in the house.” As it turns out, those shelves weren’t just from some random space, but rather, they were remnants from the North Kansas City Library. Jackie is thrilled that she could extend the life of the shelves, while in turn making her closet functional and historical. “The greatest thing about this closet is that the shelves fit perfectly,” she says. “In fact, I have a little bench in there that fits so tightly between the shelving units, we didn’t even have to screw or nail it in place. It’s literally in there like a glove. Like it was supposed to happen.” The color palette for the Foster’s hobbit home is uncharacteristic compared to Jackie’s previous track record. In her past homes, color took center stage, revolving around rich greens, golds and reds. Now, she is content with a neutral palette of grays with an occasional pop of a bluishgreen, found in the curtains of her dining room. The neutral background allows her to swap out pieces and try new things without having to paint
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Details abound in the Jefferson House B&B: From the original light fixture found in the basement to refurbished hardware and quirky touches. You’ll look around a room many times before you notice everything.
every single surface each time she makes a change. “I love shopping in my own booth,” Jackie says. “If I buy something to put in my booth, and I realize I just love it, I can always keep that piece and swap it out with something I have in the house. It’s a fun way to keep the house updated and current.” As for where she gets ideas for her décor, no source is off limits. Magazines, television, movies, Pinterest—they’re all fair game. In addition, the places to find her unique pieces is no secret either. “I love auctions, antique malls, flea markets, thrift stores—you name it, I’ll go to it,” she says. “In fact, sometimes my husband and I plan little vacations around it. It’s a way for us to have a great time together since we share the same love for all of this.” Don’t make the mistake of thinking Jackie’s husband Darren is just one of those “go with whatever the wife wants” types. His passion for the home is apparent in every room, especially the master bedroom. Since
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the couple’s closet resides in one of the renovated extra bedrooms, the existing closet in the master bedroom was open to interpretation. Darren single handedly created and installed a large barn-style door across the closet opening, allowing for Jackie to have an in-home office. The door is an amazing architectural addition that is as unique as it is beautiful.
^designing with deb
Turn Dead Space into Drop-dead Gorgeous Space
Y
ou might love your home but still need more space. Go ahead and step into that “forbidden” area – the attic! It can provide so much more than just a black hole collecting that trashbag of old clothes, the Christmas wreaths in January and bags of old vacation mementos. There are a few necessary steps you can take to bring that dead space to a whole new level. You need to verify that your house’s foundation and framing can carry the extra weight of a finished space, which tends to weigh more than what is typically stored. It’s best to bring in an expert (engineer) for this very important phase to give his/her professional stamp of approval. Once you determine your attic can meet basic codes—such as a minimum 7’ clearance from floor to ceiling (50 percent of that space must have a 7’ clearance) with a minimum 70 square feet in each direction— it’s time to consider some basics. Although these may not be the sexy parts of decorating your newfound addition, believe me—you will be glad you addressed them when it comes time to enjoy that new bedroom, playroom, bathroom or office. • You may need to beef up floor joists to help support the added weight of a finished/functioning room, and it will also help with those annoying squeaky floors. • Lighting is paramount to taking an “OK” room to an awesome room. Recessed lights—and plenty of them—are great for lower ceilings. Skylights are a fantastic resource for natural light if you can’t add any windows. Even better, add both if your budget permits. • Temperature matters! Attics aren’t typically heated or cooled. Don’t skimp on the insulation, and you may want to turn to the experts when extending the heating and cooling into your new room(s). • Take advantage of every possible square foot whether it is for organized storage or living. • A money-saver if you are adding a bathroom is to place it over an existing bathroom or kitchen to take advantage of plumbing placement. Now that you’ve addressed the important function issues of your remodel project it’s time to express yourself. Let your imagination be your guide to creating another dream come true for your home.
Deb V ogler
The Fosters’ outdoor space is just as inviting as the indoor.
The second level of the home is one large open space, with several beds. For the moment, it serves as place for the kids to sleep when they visit, but Jackie hopes (someday) it will be a place for her grandchildren to play. “I love the idea of grandkids coming and playing in this home,” Jackie says, motioning to a large wooden table in the center of the room. “I can see us doing crafts or playing hide and seek up here.” As Jackie continues to make over her home, she admits it will never be completely finished, and she’s always looking for ways to make it better. In fact, one of the newer additions to the home is actually in the backyard—a pair of chickens the couple lovingly call “the girls.” No matter what Jackie and Darren add to their home, one thing is clear. It is truly a reflection of their love and passion for design. And that’s what fairy tale homes are made of.
^
Kim is a writer, interior designer and sales rep. She is also a complete klutz that can crank out a killer cartwheel on demand. Her favorite place to write is curled up on the couch, with her two dogs and two cats fighting for a spot on her lap.
^
-Deb
Deb Vogler has been creating her own brand of Comfort by Design for more than 15 years. She deals with all aspects of design, from budgeting, to floor plans (renovation or new construction), to furniture, to color at her full-scale design firm. Have a designing question for Deb? Send it to debvogler@msn.com.
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^vintage fashion
Gilded Everything’s coming up golden this spring. Add some shine to your wardrobe with adaptable metallic pieces.
T
he versatility of gold in fashion continues to be reinvented. This time around, we’ve seen it dressed up, casual, subtle or used as the piece that pulls you into a finished look. Gilding looks from head to toe was not hard for us (with our love for all things gold). We definitely think that a spring night out on the town deserves to be a golden one.
^
Photos Tiffany N. Cody, Smash Glam Hair Lotus Beauty Makeup Aisha Simon, Shelice Sheppard, Smash Glam Models Lacey Lee, Scarlette O’Shea, Voices&; Veronica Teves, Exposure Concept and Styling Calli Green Location The Kill Devil Club *Items not credited are from models’ closets.
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On Lacey Jacket, Vintage Vogue; top, Cultured Trash at River Market Antiques; skirt, editor’s closet; shoes, necklace, Vintage Vogue; clutch, Burlap at Top Hat Mercantile.
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On Scarlette Top, shoes, Vintage Vogue; shorts, Cultured Trash at River Market Antiques; clutch, Redoux Fashions at River Market Antiques; jewelry, Vintage Vogue; long necklace, editor’s closet.
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On Veronica Cardigan, River Market Antiques; jewelry, Vintage Vogue; shoes, editor’s closet.
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On Lacey Hat, April Madden Studio at Top Hat Mercantile; top, bangles, Burlap at Top Hat Mercantile; shoes, Vintage Vogue.
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On Scarlette Jewelry, belt, Burlap at Top Hat Mercantile; cardigan, estate sale; skirt, Vintage Vogue.
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On Veronica Necklace, Vintage Vogue; tops, editor’s closet; skirt, River Market Antiques; purse, Burlap at Top Hat Mercantile.
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do^crafty Difficulty MILD Time mILD Cost MILD
The wind
Sings
Our creative people take on wind chimes with found and vintage items
W
e love the sounds of spring, espcially the soothing, rhythmic ding, tap and clank of wind chimes. This time around we challenged our bloggers and Etsy sellers to craft wind chimes using mostly antique, vintage and/or thrifted pieces. We’re so proud of their resourcefulness. What do you have around the house that you could turn into a fun and whimsical wind chime this spring?
Raid Grandma’s sewing basket to create this whimsical wind chime, perfect for any craft lover. Made from a variety of vintage sewing and needlework notions, a simple embroidery hoop serves as a base for hanging aluminum knitting needles and metal thimbles. Hung with clear fishing line, they dance in the breeze, creating a sweet sound. A wooden spool of thread and embroidery floss finish the top for a little extra vintage charm. Jamie, Kolorize kolorize.etsy.com
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By taking apart a toy xylophone, I created colorful and musical wind chimes. I painted some stripes on a branch and hung the xylophone pieces from it using yarn. I love how it adds a fun and whimiscal touch to my porch! Megan, Homemade Ginger homemadeginger.com
This rustic do-it-yourself wind chime is crafted out of an old mattress spring and antique skeleton keys. I knew I wanted to use skeleton keys to create a wind chime, but the mattress spring was a burst of last-minute inspiration. Its circular coils function as the perfect structure to assemble a chime. I added the skeleton keys by winding silver 24-gauge wire around the keys and attaching them to the mattress spring. An old keyhole plate connected with more wire serves as a spot to hang the chime. It’s a bit whimsical (and I think that’s why I like it so much.) Kirsten, Red Leaf Style redleafstyle.com The combination of a trashed-out lampshade, crochet thread (metallic in size 10 thread), a 3.5mm crochet hook, large eye needle (to weave in thread ends and attach chimes), glue and some assorted jewelry and lamp finds from my collecting stash turned into this sparkly wind chime. Most of the gutting of the lampshade was courtesy of the shade’s previous owner. Reflective glitz was the look that I was going for, so first I chose gold metallic crochet thread. Using two strands of thread, I worked several single crochet stitches around the stays and the top and bottom rings of the frame. Most of my creating time was spent choosing the jewelry and the chimes. After some experimentation with light refraction, sound and “swingability,” I decided on lead crystal tear drops and the remnants of a broken 1950s necklace. These choices provided a wonderful accent of the desired glitz. Again using double strands of metallic gold crochet thread, I attached the beads and the teardrops using chain stitches to the desired lengths. I tied the center chime in place and secured the tie with glue. I then stitched each of the remaining chimes in place and also secured their attached areas with glue. The definitive layer of glitz was complete. After a mere two hours, that which was once a pile of “collected stuff ” became a sparkling, chiming, messenger of spring. Karen Glasgow Follett karenglasgowfollet.wordpress.com vintagekc spring 2015
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My husband and I are renovating a 1955 Drummond ranch that we bought last winter. After some plumbing work, we were left with a giant piece of copper tubing. We thought it would be cool to make a windchime from items we have taken out of the house. Since copper is a soft metal, we could easily cut the pieces to size using a hack saw. Once we were happy on the amount and length, we decided to give the copper a rustic brushed look by taking 80 grit sand paper and sanding the discolored, dull layer off. Then we drilled holes in the top of each and attached them to the wood piece with fishing wire. The wood piece is an old piece of trim from the kitchen. It was a wonderful project that my husband and I enjoyed working on together! We created something beautiful out of items that came from our first house renovation, which otherwise would have been hauled to the junk yard. It sounds great, and I can’t wait to enjoy it for the years to come. It will be a good reminder of all the hard work and love we put into this house. Abbie, The Marshall Made Co. Before marshallmade.co
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vintagekc spring 2015
I created a wind chime using 15 vintage skeleton keys, which I spray painted in bright colors. You can find keys like these at your favorite local antique store or on eBay. I used a mason jar lid, four mini gold binder clips, and and some fishing string to pull it all together—it only took about 30 minutes. Hanging outside on our deck, it puts off a beautifully soothing, springlike sound. Audrey, Oh So Lovely ohsolovelyblog.com
Reader Challenge We want you to have fun with us! Create your own wind chime out of vintage and thrifted items by April 30, 2015. Share it on Facebook and tag @vintagekc. We’ll compile them on our website and pick our favorite. The winner will receive a $20 Hobby Lobby gift card. Get crafty friends!
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do^crafty
Because I live in a loft downtown without a yard or porch, I love having reasons to bring the outside in. This wind chime makes its own song, as well as doubling as a dream catcher. This was one of the easiest projects I have made yet! I used an embroidery hoop and a doily for the top, then used ribbon and lace to tie bells, gears and metal jewelry to the bottom. I can’t wait to open my windows to let the spring in, and hear its unique sound! Calli, fashion director VintageKC Magazine
For more great ideas, visit our Pinterest page: pinterest.com/vintagekc/wind-chimes/ And while you’re there, check out all the fun stuff we’ve pinned — everything from offices to kitchens, from weddings to fashion, from lights to do-it-yourself projects. If it’s vintage or awesome or funny or helpful, we’re pinning it. Come join us!
EET!
RE F A U Q S 00
20,0
a's... m d n a r g as r! as good ...maybe bette
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vintagekc spring 2015
Inside Pryde’s Old Westport 115 Westport Road Kansas City, MO 816-561-4990
Downtown Overland Park 7943 Santa Fe Dr. Overland Park, KS 913-642-2999
My son has a playhouse in our back yard. I wanted something fun and kind of junky to hang from the house that also made noise—and not necessarily a pretty sound. I also wanted my son to be able to help me assemble it. I had collected some bottle caps and found the rest in the “Parts and Wrecks” department at Top Hat Mercantile. My son and I searched for a metal top at the Salvation Army and thought the blue loaf pan was perfect. I used a nail and hammer to punch holes in the bottle caps and then drilled holes in the pan. My son helped me string it all together and he loves his new house decoration! Erin, editor VintageKC Magazine
Proudly stocking Mother Earth Paints! Paint workshops Friday nights, pre-registration required
6015 Johnson Drive Mission, Kansas 66202 Check us out on Facebook and in Studio 1404, West Bottoms
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rechic@live.com
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do^dustin’s diy Difficulty moderate Time most Cost Most
Instruments Scrap
Get outside and make some noise this spring ... it’s super easy and fun! By Dustin Bates
W
hen warm weather returns, I love to get back outside, and I know parents are grateful to be able to send kids out to play in the yard. So we came up with a fun and easy DIY project that turned scrap from the local Habitat for Humanity Restore into colorful instruments (Or, maybe let’s just call them noise makers!). I built a simple frame out of scraps of wood. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be fun!
^
Ventilation bends covered with Duck Tape form drums and painted downspouts of varying sizes share different tones.
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Above, we disassembled a light fixture because the pieces looked like bells and they make a cool metal “tink� sound. A shutter makes a great rhythm instrument when the drumstick is dragged along the slats. At left, we cut a few pipes and drilled holes in the tops. We attached them with parachute cord to make a fun swinging chime.
Dustin’s DIY is sponsored by Habitat for Humanity Kansas City Restore. Dustin started Varsity Construction after graduating college in 2005. He builds new construction and remodels homes. He also builds small furniture pieces in his spare time. Connect with him at facebook.com/varsityconstllc.
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do^thriftcycle Difficulty moderate Time moderate Cost Moderate
Tray
Upcycled A functional thrift store tray gets a pretty facelift
T
he minute this issue had a strong garden/outdoor theme going, we knew we had to upcycle something with a floral motif. Florals aren’t necessarily “in” like they used to be, but that’s good because it means there’s an abundance of floral materials you can revamp from the thrift store. We started with this basic tray, which happens to rest with spring-loaded legs on the arm of a chair or couch. We liked the angles and the fact that it was pretty ugly to start. That blond wood veneer was calling our names!
First, we found three-four plates with floral patterns in the center. They typically cost $1-$2. Look for plates that are the same depth with complementary colors. The centers of the plates are flat, so don’t think you can use the decorative edges of plates, as they are tapered and will make the surface of the tray uneven. To break the plates, grab some safety glasses, heavy gloves, a hammer and newspaper. We used cardboard to protect our floor, but if you break the plates outside, you can just use the newspaper. Place a plate between two sections of newspaper and bash away. It’s a very thera-
Before
Project Key Skill
Time
Cost
Mild: 1-2 steps moderate: 2-4 steps Most: 4+ steps
Mild: Hours moderate: 2-3 days Most: 3+ days
Mild: Under $10 moderate: $10-$25 most: $25+
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peutic process. You’ll need a variety of sizes in your pieces and make sure each one is flat. Next, clean the tray and prepare to spend some time figuring out a puzzle. We thought this part would be wasy, but the mosaic can take hours! For this angular piece, starting at the edges was very helpful. Once you’re happy with the design, grab your mosaic tile adhesive and rubber gloves. Pick up each piece and squeeze glue on the plate and the tray. Gluing both surfaces helps the bonding. When all the pieces are glued down, let it dry according to the glue’s directions. After the tiles are set, it’s time to grout. We used a simple pre-made grout from the crafts store. Work the grount into the cracks with a putty knife. You may need two coats for larger gaps. After a copule of hours, scrape away excess grout and use a wet cloth to clean it up further, polishing each tile. Now, you can paint the tray before laying the tile, ours just didn’t play out that way (because we’re not very good planners). Ha! But it was simple enough to tape off the tile and paint after it was finished. We used Americana Wasabi Green acrylic paint. You can apply this method to any tray or even a table. It takes a bit of time overall, and multiple drying times, but we love the finished look.
^
Coming this spring...
VintageKC TV flickr.com/fredseibert
vintagekcmag.com/vintagekc-tv
Home of the Chocolate Cup Cookie
The National Kidney Foundation presents the Magic of Giving Gala; an evening to recognize the courage, care and compassion of Kansas City’s renal community. Thursday, June 4, 2015 | 6 PM to 9 PM | The Gallery 61 E 14th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 For Sponsorship Information and Dinner Tickets, Contact Alexandra Wilson at 913-262-1551 or Alexandra.Wilson@Kidney.org www.kidney.org
specialty cakes birthday cakes wedding cakes desserts cookies McLain’s Bakery
201 East Gregory Boulevard Kansas City 64116 (816) 523-9911
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read^vintage memories
Adventures
Adolescent
Growing up across the street from your grandparents has its advantages ... and its adventures!
By Amy McCarter
I
had the great joy and pleasure of growing up right across the street from my grandparents. They lived in an old white farmhouse built in 1890 that had once been the Kimbal Dairy Farm. Situated on just over an acre by the time I came around, it was set off the road at the end of a long driveway lined with giant oak trees. One of those trees still holds the tire swing Grandpa made for us. Every Friday night I would cross the road to spend the night with them. “Friday night is our night,” Grandma would remind me. So my mom would pack my little red suitcase that, no lie, said “I’m going to Grandma’s house”, and my dad would stand on the front
grandparents’ farmhouse. porch to make Amy and her brother outside their sure I survived all the perils of swinging or rocking, and sipping Diet Cokes. crossing a rural When it was time to turn in, Grandma Kansas road on my own. Grandpa would be would make us girls a little pallet in their waiting on his own porch with the light on. room under the open window. We’d carefully “Hey, Little Bessie,” was his warm greeting. place our bugs in the sill so they had plenty of I earned the nickname by reminding him of air to breathe as we slept. Somehow, even in his mom. Inevitably, the house would smell of the middle of summer, their house never felt the corn they’d just popped, and I’d get a little too hot. The breeze that floated in carried the bowl of it with maybe some cheese or sliced sound of cicadas singing, and the peacefulapples sprinkled with salt. We’d watch the ness of that setting ensured a sound sleep evening news, and they’d let me jabber about even though we were already anxious for the my day at school. adventures that awaited us the next day. We always turned in early, and poor Likely those adventures would include Grandpa was relegated to the guest room so tinkering in Grandpa’s workshop or on one that Grandma and I could lie in their bed of his old cars. Or maybe we’d head into town while she read me the entire “Little House to see if we could find any antiques Grandma on the Prairie” series, one chapter at a time. couldn’t live without. I’d lay my head on her belly and follow along Little did I know then how much I would as she read, her tiny wrinkled hands holding come to treasure those precious memories, or the pages wide. Her white cotton nightgown how much I would give now to have even one smelled of the outdoors where it’d dried on more Friday night with my grandparents in the line, and before long the soothing sound that old white farmhouse. of her voice made my eyelids heavy. On extra special occasions, my cousins Amy is a writer, wife, would arrive in town to stay with us at the old mother, dog lover, wine farmhouse. We’d spend summer evenings in drinker and chocolate eater the sprawling front lawn catching lightning and who just published her first lady bugs and trapping them in the bug houses book! Find it at Grandpa had made for us. Our parents lounged amystearman.com. on the porch with Grandma and Grandpa,
^
Amy’s grandparents, Mary and Dwayne, on their wedding day in Wichita, KS, in 1946.
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Join us
MARCH 20-22
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Anniversary with
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