Country Sampler Farmhouse Style Autumn 2021

I’ve always thought of an editor’s letter in a magazine as a means of welcoming the reader into the issue—sort of the way a welcome mat beckons you into a home. The editor’s words often give you an idea of what to expect in the issue, but my favorite letters are much more than that. They give me a glimpse into the personality, and even the everyday life, of the person bringing me that magazine. In my editor’s letters, I like to offer tidbits of my life and weave them into what we’re featuring in each issue. I like to feel connected to our readers and welcome them in just as I would an old friend. The best bloggers are like that as well. Each post is a “welcome mat”…

BUDGET-SAVVY DIYS To find creative ways to make inexpensive goods found at thrift and dollar stores into elegant farmhouse decor, check out Liz Fenwick DIY on YouTube. She shares simple five-minute fall projects, extreme furniture flips and more. You can also find her on Instagram @lizfenwickdiy. www.youtube.com/channel/UCntvPlLI7oY_xap7_piH5UA COFFEE WITH THE CHICKEN LADIES Tune in to this podcast to hear about all things pet chicken. Hosted by Holly Callahan and Chrisie DiCarlo, longtime best friends who have a combined 25 years of chicken-raising experience, each episode includes a breed spotlight and relevant chicken-keeping topics as well as book and product reviews, recipes using home fresh eggs, interviews, and even chicken-themed celebrations. www.buzzsprout.com/1409773 SALVAGE MARKET If you are looking to buy some unique pieces to enhance the character of your home, visit…

CLEANING TIP: Many antique and vintage farm benches have spent years outdoors and might need to be cleaned before taking up residence in your home. Wash wood surfaces using warm, soapy water and a scrub brush, wiping away excess moisture with an old towel or soft rag. Let the wood dry thoroughly in sunlight. Typically made from reclaimed wood or whatever lumber farmers had on hand, farmhouse benches originally were designed to be sturdy and functional, whether they were built to accompany traditional farm tables or to provide seating in the barn. Early examples of farmhouse benches are constructed from hand-planed, rough-cut boards and feature basic, straightforward styling. They may or may not sport a painted finish (sometimes employed to unify different wood types) that has partially worn away with…

Wood has always been a key component in traditional farmhouse construction. The organic material represents a deep connection to nature, craftsmanship and homespun style. To connect with wood’s intrinsic beauty, simply place your hand on an antique newel post, walk barefoot across wide pine planks, or rest your arm on a rustic mantelpiece. From newly milled lumber to upcycled antiques and reclaimed barnwood, there’s no better way to imbue your home with comfort and character than to include a variety of wood finishes. Artistic Accents To bring a touch of woodsy warmth to your space, begin with accessories. Display handcrafted wares steeped in history, such as antique bread boards, dough bowls, trencher trays, and firkins, which offer a textured counterpoint to the smooth white tile, walls and cabinetry in so…

As an autumn briskness creeps into the air and the days grow shorter, gather a group of friends or family for one final outdoor soiree to bid farewell to the sunny season. Organize a fun and memorable event by following a few simple steps. Set the Scene Decorate with flickering candles, comfy pillows and containers filled with fresh florals from your garden or local grocer. Include some artfully draped throws that will add a punch of color and pattern as well as provide a way for guests to chase away the evening chill, if needed. Lighting is key to keeping things rolling after the sun goes down, so make sure to hang some string lights, suspend chandeliers from tree branches and station multiple lanterns throughout your outdoor entertaining area to…

Sugar Maple Farmhouse Written by RACHEL QUENZER. In the fall of 2018, my husband, Kevin, and I were standing at the kitchen counter in our suburban Chicago home munching on some apple cider donuts from our favorite pumpkin farm when the idea of buying a farm of our own first took root. We had spent months searching the area for a home with at least a half-acre of land, which isn’t the easiest thing to find in the suburbs. I wanted space to have a larger garden as well as chickens to give us fresh eggs. Not long after that, while I was on a work trip to a peanut farm in Georgia, of all places, Kevin texted me a listing for a newly renovated farmhouse on 7 acres just…