indoors
A T HO M E
“People always say, ‘Paint the walls
a color. That will give you warmth.’
But white is the perfect backdrop for
collected items with layers of texture.”
In the kitchen, she replaced some of
the upper cabinets with sturdy open
shelves that showcase everyday white
dishes. She painted the remaining
cabinets a shade of greenish gray.
Concrete counters and pale gray
woodwork complete her sophisticated
neutral palette.
With such a quiet backdrop, Kelly
can make an even stronger statement
with a few bold pieces, such as an old
farmhouse hutch in the dining room.
She pairs this primitive piece with new
ladderback chairs that manage to feel
both comfortingly familiar and refresh-
ingly modern. Which describes this
former farm girl “to a T,” says Kelly.
“I love having that connection to
the past, but you always have to be
looking forward.”
GOING GREEN
Kelly’s home gets a big charm boost from the green
principle of reuse. Reclaimed oak boards in random
widths give the floors a warm, authentic farmhouse look.
The chandelier over the kitchen island,
above,
is made
from repurposed crumpled zinc. Kelly rescued the green
hutch,
right,
from the side of the road. Peeling paint and
a screen door patched with twine made it all the more
appealing, she says. The rustic piece is balanced by a new
rosewood table and modern chairs.
36 APRIL2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
