Country Living Janary/February 2022

There’s a lot of talk of “new year, new you” around this time, but that phrase doesn’t resonate quite as well when you have a serious soft spot for all things old. I want my year to come prepackaged with a little patina, which is partly what inspired this issue devoted to embracing blank-slate neutrals in a soulful and storied way. There’s a distinct blend of calm and collected in these pages, best showcased by serene-schemed, antiques-filled country homes that masterfully invoke the peace and quiet of the countryside. Don’t you just want to sip your morning coffee on Chris and Lauren Tomlin’s tranquil Tennessee porch (pg. 72)? Designer Rachel Halvorson, who worked with the Tomlins on their thoughtful renovation, says neutrals are actually the key to a country house…

1 How “recluttering”—think rearranging your collections—sparks more “new year, new you” joy than decluttering 2 The way a fresh blanket of snow offers ample excuse to hibernate 3 The anticipation of spring just around the bend—and the planning of the pretty garden that comes with it 4 Returning home to the enticing smell of something simmering on the stovetop or in the slow cooker 5 Curling up under a cable-knit blanket with a hot tea in your favorite mug 6 Working your way through stacks of seasoned firewood 7 The satisfaction that comes with baking bread from scratch 8 Getting lost in the pages at a cozy small-town bookstore 9 Flush-faced children all bundled up in puffy jackets and handmade mittens 10 Wonderfully woolly comforts of the coat and critter variety…

HOMES, GARDENS, & OTHER HAPPY HABITATS Chalk it up to a primal instinct a few millennia in the making, but there’s something about a roaring fire that draws humans in like moths to a, well, flame. Famed decorator Dorothy Draper once referred to the fireplace as the heart of any room, insisting it “should be kindled on the slightest provocation.” (It comes as no surprise that West Virginia’s Draper-designed inn, The Greenbrier, is outfitted with more than five stately fireplaces throughout the property.) A well-worn hearth is a beautiful indicator that a home has weathered a fair share of winters, repeatedly welcoming friends and family in from the cold with a calming melodic crackle. Even the act of building a fire is an expression of love—one that requires frequent tending…

For a Faster Fire Birch is a quick-burning hardwood, and its bark makes for a good fire starter. As far as softwoods go, Douglas fir is often the preferred pick. For a Slow, Steady Blaze Easy-splitting white and red oak are known for their long, clean burn. Ash is also a popular choice for its high heat output. For a Sweet Fragrance Most fruit trees tend to give a pleasant aroma, with slow-burning apple being the most common. (Apple-woods-moked bacon, anyone?)…

$374,900 North Aurora, IL 3 BR; 2 BA; 1,968 SQ. FT. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: How cute are those cutout shutters?! Inside, exposed beams, a stone fireplace, and wood floors conjure up a cozy atmosphere, while discerning home chefs will appreciate the updated kitchen and its pretty green Shaker-style cabinetry. AGENT: Amy Filbert; themckaygroup.com WORK REQUIRED: $474,000 Lynn, MA 4 BR; 1.5 BA; 1,853 SQ. FT. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: The stunning hardwood details inside this butter-yellow home include fabulous French doors and a butler’s pantry complete with built-ins. The retro candy-colored bathrooms sweeten the deal. AGENT: Kristen Collins; seasidehomesandestates.com WORK REQUIRED: $329,900 Fort Plain, NY 4 BR; 2 BA; 2,038 SQ. FT. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: It’s all in the details! The original hardware (think doorknobs, hinges, etc.) is intricate,…

Drink Your Flavonoids “Flavonoids are natural dietary compounds that have been associated with heart-health benefits. Tea is one of the best sources of flavonoids in the diet,” explains Joy Dubost, Ph.D., R.D., head of nutrition and science at ekaterra. Unsweetened Lipton Green or Black Tea contains about 150 mg to 170 mg per cup (compared with 3 mg in a cup of broccoli and 45 mg in a medium apple). Stay Hydrated Unsweetened Lipton Black or Green Tea is 99% water, with zero calories. By drinking enough healthy fluids, such as water and unsweetened tea (hot or iced), you’ll help your heart pump blood more easily through blood vessels, which promotes circulation and keeps your body running at its best. Get Moving The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of…