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The kitchen combines several design elements to achieve a farmhouse look. The range hood is clad in shiplap siding, walls are adorned with subway tiles, upper cabinets are painted white and lower cabinets are painted green. Black Corian is used for the countertops and earth-toned Corian is used for the island.
Round mirrors with rope hangers pair beautifully with shiplap siding and galvanized sconces in the master bathroom. The custom double vanity was crafted from rustic wood and features open shelving, vessel sinks and wall-mounted faucets.
A bleached church pew distinguishes the home's entry hall. A white suitcase, blanket, pillows and hats work in tandem to form an inviting springtime vignette.
The arms and base on an antique metal glider were removed to create a porch swing. The plant stand crafted from scrap wood is one of a pair that accentuates the front door.
When Sara and Lance Syrett built their home in Utah in 2007, their vision was as clear as the blue skies above Bryce Canyon's spectacular red rock formations. They imagined a home that honored Arts and Crafts architecture and embraced a farmhouse aesthetic.
Step onto their expansive front porch, where the exposed beams, wrought-iron sconces, tapered wooden columns, stone supports and leaded art-glass door recall Craftsman elements popularized in the early 20th century. The vernacular continues inside the home with an open floor plan, generous windows, a stone fireplace and built-in cabinets and window seats.
The home's finer details, however, draw inspiration from the heartland, showcasing farmhouse elements. "To me, farmhouse style is about natural elements, neutral colors and found objects," Sara says. "We didn’t want a home that looked brand new. We wanted our home to be cozy, comfortable and quaint." To that end, board-and-batten and shiplap siding enhance walls. Rustic decorative beams highlight ceilings. Light-toned hardwood and mosaic tiles shape flooring. Sliding vintage doors add whimsy. And galvanized and wrought-iron light fixtures lend character.
Sara studied art and interior design in her hometown of Las Vegas before settling in Utah. She divides her time raising three sons and a daughter, fine-tuning the decor, painting landscapes and abstracts, and producing a decorating blog with DIY videos at www.twelveonmain.com. "I am constantly brainstorming and imagining how I can make a space better," Sara says. "I receive inspiration from the world around me."
Living in a small farming community has allowed Sara to master the art of making do. Some vintage furnishings in the home are upcycled. For example, Sara rolled a wooden cable spool home from the neighboring telephone company and created coffee tables with wheels. She transformed a dilapidated stepladder into a nightstand. And she removed layers of paint from an old church pew and bleached the wood for a weathered look. Other furnishings are newly constructed and showcase Sara's carpentry skills. She built tables, benches and shelves from a pile of scrap wood she recovered from the yard.
Thanks to Sara's boundless energy and creativity, the Syretts' home represents a stylish evolution. Her approach to decorating is simple. She says, "Create a space for you. Do not try to please others. It is your home and you need to feel calm and relaxed in it. Be happy with what makes you happy."
Well-worn charm defines farmhouse style. After stripping paint or varnish from oak furniture, Sara Syrett uses a bleaching technique to make the items look like they’ve been weathered by sunlight. Follow her four steps to get a similar look with your pieces. Remember, though, that chlorine laundry bleach is a harsh chemical; be sure to work in a ventilated space and wear rubber gloves, mask and safety goggles for each step.
