Country Sampler Farmhouse Style

The days spanning late winter and early spring are an in-between time. While the bright bustle of the holidays is in the rearview mirror, the warmth of spring is still a little way down the road. Though you might not expect to find decorating inspiration in the words of a punk rock singer/author, I think Henry Rollins had the right idea when he wrote, “In winter, I plot and plan. In spring, I move.” We can use these early months of the year to start preparing our homes, inside and out, for the moment when the new season bursts forth. This issue is packed with inspiration to help you hit the ground running. Did you resolve to get organized this year or are you looking for a way to energize…

THE RUSTED GARDEN Whether you’re an absolute beginner or seeking to broaden your knowledge, Maryland gardener Gary Pilarchik of The Rusted Garden YouTube channel takes a teaching approach with no-nonsense videos that explain techniques and help with common problems. www.youtube.com/@therustedgarden AZURE Looking for organic, natural and non-GMO food and health products? Azure Standard was started by a farmer who converted to growing all organic. Bulk or regular orders can be picked up at drop locations across the nation to reduce environmental impact. www.azurestandard.com PLANT HARDINESS ZONES Be sure to check your area’s plant hardiness zone before heading to the garden center for perennials this spring. Visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website to view a handy interactive map that’s searchable by ZIP code. https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov FRESH FROM THE FARMHOUSE Rachel Quenzer…

We all know we need to practice self-care to boost our physical and mental well-being. But did you know crafting can be considered a form of self-care? With that in mind, why not treat yourself to the gift of learning something new with Annie’s Creative Studio? You’ll love checking out all the inspiring ideas available through Annie’s Creative Studio, which offers more than 2,000 online crafting classes and how-to videos in a wide variety of subject areas, from home decorating to needlework. A subscription offers immediate access to a full library of video tutorials as well as downloadable patterns. Some classes detail a specific craft project or technique, while others demonstrate simple arrangements to beautify your rooms. There are ideas to suit every season and style. For example, the Creative…

Smartphones have made looking up new or favorite recipes a snap, but the complication of saving and organizing those digital dishes makes many yearn for an old-fashioned recipe box. Once found on every kitchen counter, these compact containers have held countless personalized recipe collections through the decades. But along the way, they have also become keepers of treasured family memories. The tattered cards and clippings—some bearing handwritten notes and the stains of frequent use—hold endless stories, ready to be recalled each time the box is opened. The function of recipe boxes has remained nearly unchanged through time, from the household containers repurposed by home cooks to the mass-produced designs of today. They weren’t always needed, though. Before World War I, most home cooking techniques were learned by demonstration and dishes…

Cottage farmhouse style is all about rural romanticism and embracing a simple approach to life. It’s a timeless design trend that fuses the relaxed, nostalgic appeal of the countryside with the inviting warmth of a snug cottage. Characterized by natural textures, pretty patterns, muted colors, wellloved furnishings and vintage accents, this style offers a comfortable atmosphere that appeals to those who value a slower pace of life. Cozy Elements What sets cottage farmhouse style apart from other rustic decorating styles is its emphasis on coziness. This look doesn’t just mimic farmhouse life but enhances it with the warmth of a cottage. Layering different textures and textiles, such as chunky knit throws, linen cushions and plush rugs, softens the look and creates a welcoming space. Handstitched quilts, lacy curtains, and vintage…

• GINGHAM. A classic two-color checked pattern that recalls picnic linens and vintage aprons. • BOTANICALS. From ditsy florals to bold and cheerful chintz, as well as more modern stylized floral and leaf motifs, botanicals are beloved. • WINDOWPANE PLAID. This variation of plaid features thin lines that create a grid that resembles a windowpane. • PASTORAL PATTERNS. Toile is known for romantic scenes of country life printed in a single color on a white or cream background, and today it’s joined by other patterns that incorporate small birds and animals combined with William Morris–style naturalistic elements.…