Thursday, November 15, 2012

The Farmhouse Keeping Room Is Revealed



"Style is to see Beauty in Modest Things"
Andre Putman



This is a Big Day!

There's a new look to the blog. . . .
Did you notice?

Wow! 300+ followers. . . .
Thank you--Everyone--for your wonderful response to
The Country Farm Home!

And now, I can finally reveal the Farmhouse Keeping Room to you!

Did you think we'd ever get to this day?
I began to question it a few times. . . .
But, here we are. . .The Big Day. . .
and I have the keeping room to show you. . . .


Do you remember why I chose these colors?
An open boll of fluffy cotton was my inspiration for the palette.
--after all, this IS a Cotton Farm--

Whites and Neutrals--pops of Black--the Brown tones of wood. . . .


Denim and Grayed work clothes inspired the accent colors. . . .

The style? 
All my own. . . .
I love a mix of handpainted furniture, wood and vintage. . . .
influenced by three primary sources. . . .


The Simplicity of Shaker,
with the straight lines and lack of ornamentation in their furniture. . . .


The Practicality of the Delta farmhouses,
where white cabinets dominated every kitchen
and everything had a purpose. . . .


 The warmth and honesty of the American farmhouse style--
bringing about a Cozy feel of country living. . . .


My goal was to create a quiet style,
where everyone feels welcomed to come in and sit a spell--
a place that feels like "Home". . . .



It's down-to-earth living, and the daily use of vintage items,
alongside well-worn utilitarian elements from the
farmhouse, barns, and garden.

"Repurposing" is a word we never use--it's simply a way of life. . . .



I call it
Plain & Simple Farmhouse Style
. . . .although I realize others laugh and say it's anything but plain.






For those of you who think we spent a fortune on our dream keeping room,
we didn't!
Thrifted furniture and accessories, flea market finds, items found in the trash,
wood found at curbsides, hand-me-down family pieces,
lots of paint, nails, and elbow grease.
That's the way we wanted it--a tribute to the hundreds of
Delta farmers and their wives,
who provided their family with a cozy Farmhouse home by "making-do."


We are so pleased with the result of all our hard work and planning. . . .
It WAS hard work!
But, so worth it. . . .

Many of you have followed us on this journey,
and we're so thankful that you have.
You've shared your ideas and opinions--been patient and encouraging.
Thank you so very much! You've been wonderful!

This isn't the end, though. . . .
Nope. . . .Now, we'll move on to the living room. . . .
It's in terrible need of an up-date, so another exciting journey is coming.
Hope you'll join us in that one, too.


In coming posts, I'll also be sharing more details about this
Plain & Simple Farmhouse style. . . .




But. . . .first. . . .I want to show you the "real"
work area of the keeping room--the Kitchen--
and the heart of the room--the Hearth. . . .


Hope you'll join me. . . .
Next Post!
See Ya There!

from my farmhouse to yours. . . .

Cupboards--right: ca. 1889--TN
 left:  Handcrafted Reproduction--Wood from a local Church (razed)
Hutch--1936--TN
Pie Safe--ca. 1900--TN
Windsor Chairs--Thrifted 
6' Cypress Farm Table--Handcrafted using Shaker Diagrams
Hearth Chairs--ca. 1930--Thrifted
Handcrafted Broom Collection--Thrifted
Pots, Pans, Bowls & Accessories--mostly Thrifted & Family
Forged Candlesticks--Williamsburg Pottery
Iron Pots--Flea Markets, Antique Malls
Ironstone & China--Thrifted

*************
Sharing with: * Share Your Cup Thursday * Wow Us Wednesday * Knick of Time * Cowgirl Up! * Tweak It Tuesday * Make It Pretty Monday * Mop It Up Monday * Inspiration Friday * Show & Tell Friday * Feathered Nest Friday * Home & Garden Thursday * Home Sweet HomeVintage InspirationSimple & Sweet Fridays 

70 comments:

Debra@CommonGround said...

This is such a wonderful space. the colors and textures, and the authentic design all make this such a great kitchen. Of course, that fabulous floor is the star of the show!

Julie Marie said...

Oh my gosh, it is just fabulous!... love your plain and simple style and all of your reasons behind it... as you say, it is a way of life... and it does say "welcome" and is so inviting and cozy... thank you so much for sharing... xoxo Julie Marie

TracyMB @ Crows Feet Chic said...

so warm and inviting! You did an amazing job on your floor and everything else works perfectly together. Love your cast iron collections! No husband would get out of line in your kitchen with all those frying pans at the ready! :)

pbrenner said...

What a beautiful, warm space - I can almost smell the goodies baking in the oven! It's a very welcoming room, and your guests will flock to it :-) Happy early Thanksgiving!

Patty

Anonymous said...

What a lovely room! I love it and I do believe you've achieved what you set out to do. It is so calming and comfy. Your table is gorgeous as well as the floor and I love your wall of white cabinets. Now you'll be all set for Thanksgiving.
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

So warm and welcoming - I would want to be in this room all the time! My favorite thing is the iron pots all lined up on the shelves; practical, yet pretty :-)

Ruby and Arthur said...

Can I move in? LOL I love it, Jean

Cranberry Morning said...

Oh my goodness! This. is. GORGEOUS!!! Love this look. You did a terrific job. :-)

Heide at ApronHistory said...

I love love love love your floor!!! It is amazing! Even though I said it wasn't going to work in my new house, I have made up my mind that that is what I realy want and I will figure out a way to make it work!
I also love the rest of your kitchen. So lovely. Your Plain and Simple Farmhouse Style is so cozy and bright. (Country Farmhouse could get a little too busy, to me) Perhaps you will start a new trend! ;)

I also like your new blog look. I noticed it right away. Your new header is beautiful.

Unknown said...

OMGoodness!!
Be still my pounding heart and wipe the drool from my chin!!!:)
Absolutely Gorgeous.
I truly love everything about it.
Perfection in every spot.
I must go look again.
Thanks for the inspiration and congratulations on a job WELL DONE!
Hugs,
Tam

RebeccaT said...

You have created a truly homey and beautiful room, its so inviting and not basic. But not plain, it is very interesting. LOVE IT!

aspiritofsimplicity said...

It looks beautiful. I love those colors together but never thought of a boll of cotton for inspiration. I wasn't even sure what a boll of cotton was till I saw the picture! I love the style and the practicality of it.

Hill Top Post said...

Oh, so beautiful, and just in time for Thanksgiving. You have truly created that "warmth and honesty of the American farmhouse style."

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Dru,
You are such an inspiration to me. I will boldly say you did exactly what you set out to do. The style the feel, the comfort. I see it all, and mixed with you warm personality, it is the homiest blog in blog town!
Bless you and may your adventure continue to be successful!
Blessings,
Susie

Tanya Breese said...

oh i absolutely love it...gorgeous!! every time i visit, i want to copy everything in your house! maybe some of your creativity will eventually rub off on me!

Donna said...

This is positively THE most beautiful room ever! How inviting and cozy it is! I just love it.

As a cat lover (who writes about our Baby's antics quite often), I had to tell you that I love your Boo! I was reading back a bit and saw the adorable photos of Boo and then read about his disease and how he's helping other pets through his service! I understand all too well about the expense of vet's bills and I think one of those unseen angels Boo plays with answered your prayers!

Have a wonderful day!

Donna @ An Enchanted Cottage

Junkchiccottage said...

This is so so beautiful. I love the simple style. You put everything together so beautifully. Love it all.
Kris

Barbara F. said...

Your farmhouse kitchen/keeping room is just fantastic. You make it sound easy, but it requires talent and skill to accomplish what you and your husband did here. Beautiful job, I would really enjoy cooking and baking in a kitchen like this. xo

Anonymous said...

You both really did do a fabulous job. It really does look very inviting.

blessings, jill

The Cranky said...

An absolutely beautiful space; so welcoming!

Kudos to both of you!

Old Time Cindy said...

I'm speechless. You've got style, girlfriend. And it is so warm, cozy, and inviting. I would love to make a trip to sip some tea at your table.
Farmhouse hugs,
Cindy

stefanie said...

oh!!!! its so warm and welcoming, I am in LOVE!!!

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

Absolutely perfect! :)

Maureen Wyatt said...

I fell in love with this room at the first pic and then in love with your respect for historic home! Of course, I'm following you now and plan on reading all the back posts! ~ Maureen

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Gorgeous! I love country living and farms. I was a city, Newyorker girl, who worked in Manhattan and all...BUT, when I married my dear hero, I wanted to live in the country here, in Ecuador, where I reside now for 37 years..and we did build a huge house in the country, where we had cows, chicken and all you love too. I have a ove for old too. Your house is gorgeous, I'd love to go visit you.
Big hugs,
FABBY

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

This is absolutely beautiful! It is so warm and inviting. I'm loving vintage things more and more. I really like the old brooms by the hearth.

The Boston Lady said...

Beautiful! I feel like I'm flipping through one of my favorite magazines, your pictures are so good. I love everything about this room, but what I love most is what you have put into it - your hearts. Wow. Ann

Jeanette@Creating a Life Studio said...

Beautiful, cozy, welcoming. You've done such a wonderful job of bringing this space together!

Anne said...

What a beautiful transformation! LOVE how your floors turned out.I know how difficult it was.Love all of your dishes,antiques I love it all!
xx
Anne

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

I don't know where to start! From your floor to the ceilings I love it all! You've done a fabulous job creating a warm inviting farmhouse kitchen. When can I move in?

chateau chic said...

Your keeping room is SO fabulous!! Every detail and personal touch combines to create the most wonderful friendly, warm, inviting room. Love the primitive pie safe, the painted floor rug, enamelware, white cabinets, etc. etc.
Mary Alice

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Oh my! This is crisp as cotton.
I love all the little details, as well as the larger aspects of it.
The color palette is so restful to the eye. The denim wash of blue on the enamel pots...dreamy.

you did a wonderful job. I'v loved your kitchen and the hidden features since the day I saw it.
This is a wonderful addition to the space.

~Pat

Florida Farm Girl said...

What an absolutely gorgeous room!! I can just smell a pot of soup simmering on the stove. When do I come for coffee??

camp and cottage living said...

I love the style you've created both in your kitchen and your dining area!
I thought you were going to name it
Farmer's Daughters Style.
I can't wait to see how your living room turns out.

cynthia lee designs said...

Oh my...your keeping room is beautiful!! It is so inviting and cozy!! I need you to come help me decorate my new kitchen.
~Cindy

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Dru. You have created a truly beautiful way of life. I love every detail, and the warmth and welcomeness (is that a word?) is beyond description. You can see the love you and your hubby put into the whole renovation and I can't think of a prettier space that I know of..Happy Thursday..Judy

EllenaElizabeth said...

I do love your new kitchen area. Well done, it's so fresh and appealing.

A Bit of Colour said...

I am a new follower of your blog. I just had to comment on how "SWEET" your Keeping Room is. I really love your display of your cast iron cookware. Especially the shelves. That looks so cool. You don't have to fight thru the cabinets of finding a piece when you need them. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to seeing what you do with your next room.

Robin Johnson said...

How charming! There is so much about this room that I would love to point out how much I like but then we would be here all day. Let's just say, I'd love to spend an afteroon sitting at your lovely table working on needlecrafts and sipping cocoa. I would love every minute of it.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous room. Love the thrifted Windsors. Jo @ Let's Face the Music

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

I abolutely love everything in this room! What a greta space you have created!

Pollyanna said...

It is so charming in all its spartan, utilitarian loveliness. Can't tell you how amazing your painted 'rug' is. So worth waiting for, thanks so much for sharing!!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Oh my gosh Dru, I just want to hop into my computer, pull up a chair, and stay for a very long time! This farmstyle kitchen is so cozy and comfortable! I am in awe of that floor you and your hubby created everytime I see it. Can't wait to see what you do with the living room. This needs to be featured in a magazine!
Hugs,
Jann

Unknown said...

OMG- I'm still absorbing last weeks photos of the floors ( the image of the painted floors has been sealed on the inside of my eyelids - and I can't get them off - do you have a remedy for this by any chance? ) NOW THIS???
Too too much!
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING BEYOND WORDS!!!
Take a bow, please :)
Hugs,
Suzan

fiona anderson said...

You've definitely created a beautiful space, very warm and welcoming, thanks for sharing !

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing, what a beautiful home. It makes me want to come over for dinner and check out all your stuff. Amazing what you did, I absolutely love it!

Danni@SiloHillFarm said...

Oh my gosh! How lovely! I am new to your blog and I just love it. Happily following via GFC and looking forward to more!

Melanie @ Rustic Farmhouse said...

STUNNING!! drooling over here! my new favorite kitchen!! now I am hoping we move so I can recreate this! :)

craftyles said...

It is just beautiful. I love the vintage cabinets, the color palette and the simplicity. It looks as though it should be in a magazine, but it looks so livable. Congrats on a great job!

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Thanks so much for sharing on Simple & Sweet Friday.
Beautiful farmhouse room!


Jody

Olive said...

Love this cozy, cozy cottony space. Also the copious use of cast iron. My hubs cooks with cast iron all the time.

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

WOW!! This is GORGEOUS!! You must be so proud. It's just beautiful. I love that something as simple as cotton was your inspiration. That wall of white cabinetry just makes me drool. And the floor ... oh that floor! I saw it in a prior post but to see it in the finished room just blows me away. I love, love, love your keeping room and kitchen! You're a lucky (and highly talented) lady!

bj said...

Awesome room....really great...but, you didn't mention the star of that room....the fabulous floor. Tell us about it soon. :)

Ido said...

I'm in love!!!! This should be featured in the Country Sampler magazine! Beautiful work!
XXX
Ido

Pendra said...

I just came across your site quite by accident...and I think I'll stay awhile and come often! Beautiful room, it might take me a little bit to look around and take it all in!
Crafty Hugs from your newest follower,
Pendra

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

All I can say is "WOW"...your keeping room is magnificent...from the beautiful furniture to the gorgeous floor!...There is so much attention to detail in the room...I loved seeing every wonderful detail...You gave the incentive to paint a very old pie safe of mine..it is in its original stained wood state, but I love your painted one...so much more interesting!!!...
Absolutely an incredible room!!!

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Oh my goodness... this is a spectacular room. I ADORE farmhouse style. Our home is farmhouse inspired! WHat gorgeous floors and your cupboards and keeping room furniture is exceptional!!!!
This is such an incredible reveal. I'll be back again and again to be inspired... I am a new follower!

My Dream Canvas said...

Wow, you have a gorgeous style! Happy Thanksgiving! Looking forward to seeing you at My Dream Canvas! I would love for you to see my centerpiece at my Thanksgiving table :) I am following you.

Ann-Marie ~ Brambly said...

I am in love with your kitchen! I adore black & white floors with simple cabinets. I love all your cast iron on the open shelving. The entire space looks so warm and inviting. I am your newest fan and follower.

Poppy said...

Hi there!

I have seen thousands of beautiful kitchens here in this amazing blogosphere, but your keeping room and kitchen immediately took me back to those good old 'days gone by'. Charming and nostalgic and REAL!! Now, THAT'S atmosphere!
How lovely it must be to wake up to this space every morning. Peaceful and pretty and purposeful! I can't wait to catch up on everything I've missed!

Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving.

Your newest follower,

Poppy :)

J9sHappiness said...

Oh this is just gorgeous!! What a lovely sized room and such beautiful eclectic style. I've found you through the linky party and am now your newest follower! Please do pop over to my blog if you get a mo, happy thanksgiving,J9 x

The Charm of Home said...

Okay, I clicked on this post and the first picture you had me cussing! This is just perfection! Iit is the most beautiful space. I want to come over everyday! Dare I feature you again this week!? Love this! Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for joining me at HSH!
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Looks amazing! I'm excited to be your newest follower. x Julie @ Restyle Relove

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Congrats! You've been featured on Simple & Sweet Fridays for this fantastic Farmhouse Post! Love it! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Jody

Brenda Pruitt said...

I am green with envy! How absolutely beautiful! And I love your new blog look too.
Brenda

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

What a beautiful space! You've done an amazing job! Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

Anonymous said...

I love this room so much and you definitely made it feel like "Home". That's the feeling I would like to have for my house too. I know I would feel right at home in your beautiful, charming space!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Dru, I know that you have been featured all over blogland. But sweetie I had to feature you too at Share Your Cup! This room is just amazing!
Hugs,
Jann

Julie redheadcandecorate.com said...

I love everything Dru! Great job. I painted my bathroom floor almost exactly the same size squares. I used dark brown though. I would LOVE to do our kitchen like you did, but Dude the big Lab says, "No way Mom...I will scratch it up!" XO Very nice to meet you from the sisters @TPF! ~ Julie

Truthgha said...

There is someone like me, Hallelujah!!!! Some walk into my home and marvel, others gasp at it not being a modern magazine picture. I so love the solidity of old things, that I cling to the simple look of old hearths etc. My farm house was built circa 1890, wooden beams joined with massive wooden pegs. Original house was added on in 1940 with the deed having a clause stating no outhouses were allowed.;-) Believe it was a one room home in the beginning. Thanks for sharing your home with us. I was looking for ideas on storing my cast iron, especially the dutch oven.I think I know what to do now. Love the tall shelved idea and the hearth idea. Also, loved seeing your hearth. I removed the concrete that covered the original stones and 1800 brick.Refuse to cover them, but they are recessed a bit. I love the look of them, though they are not level. Thanks again. Gloria

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