Country Living September 2020

A Welcome from the Editor The first half of this year has been something, huh? Maybe that’s why I’m eagerly anticipating the blank-chalkboard optimism of back-toschool season, even if it looks a little different this time around. For me, September, with all of those sharpened No. 2 pencils, evokes that “new year, new you” potential of January, but without the mind-numbing cold and holiday hangover. While planning this “How To” issue, we couldn’t help but think of old schoolhouse staples like metal lunch boxes and vintage flash cards, and you’ll see that here, but you’ll also find ample “home schooling” as it relates to our homes. We asked CL Contributor and old-house enthusiast Holly Williams to share her favorite nuggets of reno wisdom, and she went above and beyond with…

HUE FINDER Nature delivers a bright and punchy color scheme. FIELD NOTES How an “Apple for the Teacher” Came to Fruition The tradition of gifting teachers with this fall fruit dates back to the 1700s, before publicly funded education was widespread. It lasted well into the 1800s, as families in under-resourced frontier communities continued to bring teachers their harvest as supplemental “payment.” Bing Crosby popularized giving an apple to get on a teacher’s good side in his 1939 hit “An Apple for the Teacher,” and since, teacher’s pets have been known as “apple polishers.”…

ADD A DOSE OF DAPPER From a classic accent chair to modern melamine, the pattern brings a pop of prep to whatever it touches. Decoupage a Dresser Furniture painter Brandy Kollenborn turned a plain dresser into a statement piece with just a jar of Mod Podge and gift wrap. For a shortcut, try these peel-and-stick options. Go Top-to-Bottom Bold Another check in plaid’s favor: It’s versatile enough to work in every room and is sure to remain refreshingly timeless. IN THE OFFICE Designer Suzanne Kasler dressed the walls, chair, and curtains all in matching fabric (lochcarron.co.uk). IN THE LIVING ROOM Plaid plates (anta.co.uk) serve up a tartan-tastic twist on a gallery wall. (Hang them with adhesive hooks.) IN THE BATHROOM Plaid wallpaper (ralphlauren.com for similar) lends a prepster punch to…

1. Mirror Fashion a mirror or picture frame from two long lengths and two short lengths of rulers, holding them together at the seams with wood glue. Drill two holes in the top, and feed cording through the holes, knotting the ends, to hang. Attach a mirror to the back with mirror clips. 2. Vase Cut 10 lengths of ruler that are one inch taller than a soup can. Paint bottom third with acrylic paint. Wrap a rubber band around the can, add dabs of E6000 craft glue ($3; walmart.com) to the backs of the rulers, and place them under the rubber band against the can to hold them in place while the glue dries. Let dry 24 hours; remove rubber band. 3. Drawer Pull Drill two holes in the…

Bark-itecture Design for dog people THE DOG Rocco the corgi sits proudly in his Minnesota mudroom designed by Bria Hammel (briahammelinteriors.com). THE DIGS Multitoned brick (generalshale.com) makes for a durable floor that doesn’t sacrifice style. (Try a herringbone arrangement for an added layer of detail.) A classic white wall color (Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore) keeps the room clean and bright, while framed sailboat artwork (artfullywalls.com) and fishing-inspired wall hooks (anthropologie.com) off er a light nautical theme. A low-maintenance artificial plant (target.com) and floral pillow add hits of green to the neutral scheme. Game Changer When Pakaphon Viriratana struggled to find attire that would fit his “curvier” bulldog, Wonton, he started the Wonton Collection, a selection of more generously cut, customizable clothing, so all dogs can show their school spirit.…

Gus’s Corner Here’s what Country Living’s office dog has his eye on for fall. BACK-TO-SCHOOL EDITION! DANCE This is best for dogs less than 40 pounds. Have your dog sit. Hold a treat above him, and gradually move the treat slightly behind his head. As he naturally holds his head up and raises on his hind legs to reach the treat, immediately say “dance” and offer praise and the treat. Gradually move the treat above his head in a circular pattern. As he begins to hop in the direction of the treat, repeat the command “dance” and praise. Soon, he should be able to follow a circular pattern and associate the word “dance” with hopping in a circle. HIGH FIVE The trick for teaching this command is to make it…