A Country Home

Apr 12, 2011

While in Marburger a few weeks ago, I had the best time visiting with my friend, Karen, at her home away from home. It was so fun to see her depart from the more formal style of her Houston residence and transform this renovated saltbox into a provincial country home. The home, dubbed “Morton” for its saltbox architecture, was purchased from Jacquelyn Ditsler who’s known for restoring late 19th and early 20th century homes. Karen maintained the character Jacquelyn had instilled while also adding her own finishing touches. Exuding a light, airy and inviting feeling, this abode features more minimalist, French Country decor.

A wonderful hostess, Karen asked Houston contractor, David Levy, to make some changes to the home to better accommodate the many guests that Karen enjoys entertaining. Building a large deck on the house, Karen expanded the outdoor living area beyond just the front porch. Adding another bathroom upstairs and revamping the kitchen and laundry area accommodates her revolving door of friends and family who visit. Say “hi” to Karen and her brother and sister-in-law enjoying the front porch!!

This beautiful, soft color palette and French country style greets guests as they enter the home. The reclaimed 1850s beams from Iowa add a rustic flair and elaborate on the country chic architecture. Shopping for the furniture for this new look was a ball for Karen – I just love what she chose. One of her favorite places to get unique finds is Maryanne Flaherty’s Beadboard Upcountry shop in Brenham. Karen is not the first to tell me about this wonderful, special shop–I guess I need to make another road trip!

This lovely mirror that graces the dining room is Karen’s favorite piece in the house. From Olivine, these were formerly factory windows that were converted into large mirrors lending a quaint yet industrial touch. The dining table is one of my personal favorites that Joyce Horn Antiques sells. Made from reclaimed wood, it features a parquet design in the middle. The dining chairs from the Marburger Farm Antique Show and the Aidan Gray light fixture from Longoria Collection add so much charm. The bead board ceiling treatment is a perfect way to tie in the kitchen and den to come with the rest of the home.

Jacquelyn found this bead board at a late 1800s tear down in South Dakota and used this reclaimed material for the walls of this open den and kitchen combo. Sanding revealed all the different layers of paint. I wonder how many times they have been painted– I love the final finish!

This coffee table, originally used to transport materials throughout a warehouse, is a great country chic piece from Urban Market in Houston. The garden roses were a gift from one of Karen’s guests!

The kitchen certainly gets the most attention, as Karen loves to cook. She is definitely the hostess extraordinaire! She added more storage by removing a door to the outside and building a large cabinet to match the existing cabinetry. Bringing forth the industrial flair, galvanized metal overlays the perimeter counter tops, while the stained, leaded glass windows from England add color and personality. But she doesn’t spend all her time cooking while in Round Top… she also enjoys going to Scotty and Friends for a few meals!

This master bedroom features a soft greenish hue, Sherwin Williams 6163 “Grassland,” while the white linens contribute a crisp, clean look. Such a beautiful and restful retreat!

Goring upstairs, Karen has provided a cozy, comfortable atmosphere for all her visitors. I love the sign -formerly the name of a local store!

The bedrooms are all so country comfortable–their simplicity works so well with the shiplap walls. These bedroom linens are from Horchow.

I love how Karen has taken the little nooks and crannies of this home and turned them into charming sleeping areas. Bed from Urban Market and linens from Pottery Barn.

I was certainly fooled by this book, which is actually made of concrete by artist and Round Top frequenter Richard Taylor of Flat Earth Designs in Atlanta. (404-755-7812)

It was such a breath of fresh air – and a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. I’m always excited when the bluebonnets come out!

Always ready for guests, Karen shared some delicious cookies with us while we were touring her wonderful home! These Lemon Nut Cookies, some of the best I have ever tasted, are sure to keep your guests coming back for more!

Lemon Nut Cookies

1 cup Crisco

2 cups sugar

3-4 T. lemon juice

4 T. lemon zest

2 eggs

4 cups flour

2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

5 dashes lemon oil

1/8-1/4 t. citric acid

2 cups chopped pecans

Cream Crisco, sugar, lemon juice and rind together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift flour with baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients to mixture, blending well. Divide dough into 4 equal parts and roll each on wax paper to make cylinders. Chill or freeze. When ready to bake, cut into thin slices and place on parchment covered cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 14-15 minutes.

Thanks, Karen, for welcoming us into your home! You have done such a beautiful job!!! Next Monday, look for the next post on how to decorate for Easter and other holidays in a way that will complement your home’s décor. We will be featuring a wonderful showcase home that was decorated for Easter by Twins Design! Happy Easter!!!!

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