A Farmhouse Filled With Unique Projects
One Busy Family
There's never a dull moment for Stacy, a stay-at-home mom, and Jonathan Anderstrom, owner of a Web design and development company—and that's not just because they have four young kids (Makenzie, 7, Jadon, 6, Jack, 2, and Elijah, 1). "I'm constantly coming up with little DIY projects to put around the house," says Stacy. I've been painting, drawing and building things since I was a kid and now, with a house to fill, I feel like I can just go on and on."
Home Sweet Home
When the Anderstroms bought their 1998 farmhouse in 2009, it was in good shape but a little bland. "I knew Stacy could turn it into a one-of-a-kind home," says Jonathan. For the past four years, she's spent nap times and evenings adding creative personal touches — vintage lockers here, pom-pom fringed curtains there — and she's not done yet. "If I see something unusual and I love it, I buy it!" says Stacy.
Striped Table
Refresh a garage-sale find with white paint (White Dove by Benjamin Moore) and beige stripes (Bleeker Beige by Benjamin Moore).
Light Fixture
Pottery Barn candle lanterns and a metal garland hang from a wooden ladder. Total cost: $68!
Boxes
Attach hardware-store house numbers to file boxes. Stack 'em up and leave 'em out!
Supply Stash
Skip the usual crafts containers — vintage baskets and caddies are a whole lot cuter.
Calendar
Big, bold numbers in black and white make a statement. Find a similar one at unicahome.com.
Clip Art
Hang a stretch cord (this one's from IKEA) halfway up a wall so kids can show off their paintings.
Curtains
Update plain panels with fabric and pom-pom fringe. "Sometimes I'll just rearrange the furniture in a room," says Stacy. "You'd be amazed what a difference that can make."
Checkered Floor
Squares with stripes — why not? This black-and-white floor is a sheet of linoleum.
Bedding
Sheets and pillowcases don't all have to match. A similar color palette is more fun.