Gretchen Haughton and her husband wanted to keep the charming historical feel to the Whistle Stop farm, built in 1871, they bought 20 years ago. She shows host Kitty Bartholomew how she used vibrant colors and a balancing of shapes to bring a distinctive look to the period home.
- The main room of the home (dubbed the "great-grandmother's room" because most of the furniture and accessories are family heirlooms) is painted in a striking blue. The textured look was achieved by painting a base-coat of neon periwinkle blue . An overcoat of blue-black glaze was applied and striated with an antique dragging comb and a paint brush in alternating strokes.
- Crown molding was painted white and an architectural border was hung just under it, matching in color and giving the illusion of a wide wood moulding.
- The large room is divided into three seating areas with rectangular area rugs . The curved lines of the furniture on these rugs balances the rugs' angles.
- Heirloom doilies are stretched on old macrame frames and hung at the windows . Other unique window touches include dried flower nosegays hung at corners of the treatment to soften the lines in the room.
- In the den, a fireplace placed on a 45-degree angle created a decorating challenge . Haughton searched years for the perfect curved couch to balance the room.
- Oval rugs used in the den are balanced by placing angled furniture, like a rectangle dining table, on them.
- The window treatments for the bay windows include toile panels and swags, and sheers hung halfway down the window to ensure privacy for diners seated at the table .
Guests Gretchen Haughton
Homeowner/Designer, Whistle Stop Designs
1575 Kensington Rd.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Phone: 248-540-3921
Fax: 248-540-2716
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