The Apple of Her Eye

I am tired of posting about kitchens and would like to show you a lovely Massachusetts farmhouse. Sandy Craig managed to put color and neutrals in the same home and blend them beautifully. The home is circa 1740. She hired a builder to put in wiring, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning systems. A hand blown glass vase filled with roses graces the top of a pickled painted coffee table. Photography was by Sam Gray. This home appeared in the September/October 2002 issue of Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publication, Decorating.

The hand printed floral fabric on the lounge chair and ottoman is a reproduction of a historical pattern.

Gazing with seeming approval on the scene, the glamourous woman depicted in the antique French poster is a chic alternative to a more predictable ancestor portrait. Sandy hired an interior designer, Linda Carbutt, to assist her in decorating the home. They managed to use soft colors that would not compete with the natural light provided by an abundance of windows. She used florals, plaid, stripes and solids in a rainbow of soft yellows, greens, blues, peach, melon and rose colors.  

A new painted and glazed secretary makes a strong color statement in the living room.

Opening to the living room on one side and the dining room on the other side, the entry hall features faux-marble fruity green walls.

The charming floral pattern carpet continues up the stairs to the second landing.

With rose colored papered walls, warmed by the fireplace the low ceiling dining room is intimate and inviting.

A simple jabot in lime green silk softens the window. The new mirror above the bombe chest is a little jewel that might have come from an Irish country house not too formal.

A burst of color from a tasseled striped silk balloon shade adds to the serene scene.

The new bed is distressed to look like old iron with chipping paint. Taupe-color paper that looks like suede covers the bedroom walls.

The master bathroom is dressed in a crackle finish wallpaper with a pattern of classical urns. Marble covers the floor and tops the surround of the built-in whirlpool tub.

The Venetian mirror above the sink is new. Now who would not love this home?!