A Farmhouse Filled With Unique Projects
It's hard not to get inspired when you look around this family’s Hudson, Wis., farmhouse. The Anderstroms let HGTV Magazine inside their house that’s bursting with a zillion (give or take) ideas.
By:
Megan Kaplan
From:
HGTV Magazine
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."
From:
HGTV Magazine
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.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Cute Steps
Stairs get a boost with black-stenciled numbers on the risers.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Wood Frame
A weathered, salvaged wood frame makes new art look well-loved.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Custom Drapes
Clever money-saver: a shower curtain with ribbons for hanging.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Globe Display
Put a shelf above a door or window to make room for a collection.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Chair Cover
Quick way to cozy up a seat: Layer it with a faux fur throw.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Sitting Area
A vintage bench with a storage shelf is an extra place to perch.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Mirror Trick
Hang a full-length mirror horizontally to make a room feel larger.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Striped Table
Refresh a garage-sale find with white paint (White Dove by Benjamin Moore) and beige stripes (Bleeker Beige by Benjamin Moore).
From:
HGTV Magazine
Suitcase Storage
Keep the kids' toys out of sight in vintage luggage.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Side Table
Turn a stool into a spot for a lamp or remotes.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Light Fixture
Pottery Barn candle lanterns and a metal garland hang from a wooden ladder. Total cost: $68!
From:
HGTV Magazine
Boxes
Attach hardware-store house numbers to file boxes. Stack 'em up and leave 'em out!
From:
HGTV Magazine
Pillow
Sew a tea towel (this one's appliqued gingham) onto a throw pillow.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Supply Stash
Skip the usual crafts containers — vintage baskets and caddies are a whole lot cuter.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Poster
Bring in a huge framed print, but don't bother hanging it. Leaning is easier.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Curtains
Start with a subtly patterned sheet, then add a colorful fabric.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Lanterns
Don't leave all your corners bare — paper lanterns fun up a kids' space.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Calendar
Big, bold numbers in black and white make a statement. Find a similar one at unicahome.com.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Clip Art
Hang a stretch cord (this one's from IKEA) halfway up a wall so kids can show off their paintings.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Chalkboard
Write a family fun list. Color in the box after you do each activity.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Ball Bin
Gather sports stuff in a galvanized bucket and store it on the porch.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Chair
A fresh coat of paint and oilcloth covering spruce up a hand-me-down rocker.
From:
HGTV Magazine
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."
From:
HGTV Magazine
Mobile
Paper spheres are strung with clear fishing line.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Frame
Hang an ornate, oversized frame above a bed, and tape art in the center.
From:
HGTV Magazine
DIY Art
Put jazzy fabric in a cross-stitch hoop. Instant art!
From:
HGTV Magazine
Graphic Wall
Tape off wide stripes and paint every other one a snazzy color.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Checkered Floor
Squares with stripes — why not? This black-and-white floor is a sheet of linoleum.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Lockers
Vintage school lockers keep supplies organized.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Bedding
Sheets and pillowcases don't all have to match. A similar color palette is more fun.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Pillows
A pile in bright prints takes the place of a headboard.
From:
HGTV Magazine
Wall Art
Clip a set of flash cards on rows of twine with just clothespins.
From:
HGTV Magazine
