Comforts of Home

Well-loved antiques, carefully chosen reproductions and homemade handicrafts offer a warm welcome in this Colonial-influenced Wisconsin residence.

A talented Wisconsin duo use beloved antiques and their own handcrafted goods to accentuate the charm in their Colonial influenced residence.

Rolling out the welcome mat is a beloved personal and professional endeavor for rug crafter Karen Martinsen and her husband, Doug, of Burlington, Wisconsin—even though their official welcome mat might not be situated in the usual spot. “Very few people use our front door,” Karen says. “We live on a corner and everyone uses the back door. It’s more informal and just a lot friendlier.”

The Martinsens have lived in their inviting 1950s Cape Cod since 1979. And, although they liked the exterior of the approximately 2,000-squarefoot residence when they bought it, the interior spaces left plenty to be desired. “It was done in ’70s modern, with lots of oranges, golds and greens,” Karen recalls. “It was quite ugly, but we saw what it could be.”

What they envisioned was a pleasing mix of old and new. Karen describes the couple’s decorating style as “comfy Colonial,” adding, “We have fabric chairs and sofas, pine and painted wood pieces and lots of pie safes for storage.” And, while they incorporate vintage and history-rich pieces, they’re not exclusive to period style and don’t dismiss well-done reproductions. “We need to live in our home,” Karen explains.

During the early years of home ownership, the Martinsens completed cosmetic changes, such as installing new floors, painting, adding crown molding and stenciling. More recently, they have tackled larger projects, including remodeling the kitchen and a bathroom. Karen is quick to credit Doug for his role not only in fixing up their cozy home but also in building their thriving business, KM Primitives, through which they sell handcrafted goods and penny rug and punch-needle patterns. Every fall, the couple hosts an annual craft show at their home. “He’s such a big part of everything we do,” Karen proudly shares about Doug. “We are truly equal partners.”

In their free time, they enjoy antiquing together. “Going to antiques shops is one of the fun things we love to do,” Karen says. “We get so many ideas.” They’re always on the hunt for tin dough risers and candle molds, pewter, and Pennsylvania salt-glazed pottery, which they first began collecting 40 years ago. Examples of these collectibles and more can be found throughout their house.

Karen recommends decorating in a way that has personal meaning. “If you want to be happy with your decorating, make it your own,” she advises. “Try not to follow the ‘what’s in now’ craze—those things will go out as fast as they came in. Make it comfortable, choose colors you like and styles you like, and, remember, it doesn’t hurt to mix Colonial, country and primitive and even add a touch of whimsy.”

It also doesn’t hurt to look at how you live in your home and adjust room function accordingly, Karen says. The couple’s original living room has become a spacious dining room, and the former dining room is now Karen’s den/office. They use the one-time family room as a combination family and living room.

The result is a place that feels just right. “When we go away, we love coming home,” Karen observes. Friends and family clearly agree. “A while back, a friend’s son said he’d come here to help Doug with a project just for the pleasure of staying at the ‘Martinsens’ B&B,’ ” Karen recalls. “He definitely made our day.”

Well-loved antiques, carefully chosen reproductions and Karen’s from-the-heart handicrafts add up to a home that suits the Martinsens perfectly and draws raves from lucky visitors. Whether they use the front door or the back, guests can’t miss the warm welcome.

BILL MATHEWS Photographed by

Simple style reigns in Karen and Doug Martinsen’s dining room, where neutral shelves that Doug built to fit the space above each window provide room to highlight the couple’s enviable collection of salt-glazed pottery. The expansive 12-foot dining table was custom made from reclaimed barnwood; when the table is paired with the smaller one by the window, the entire extended family can share a meal together. 33

The Martinsens renovated their kitchen in keeping with their period preferences, installing darker wood trim around the window, solid surface countertops and a stencil-like wallpaper border featuring a welcoming pineapple motif. Simple accessories and a floorcloth add to the room’s timeless appeal.

The kitchen’s one-time breakfast area now features a custom pantry that Karen uses to store food staples and pots and pans. Karen ornaments the simple cabinet with vintage molds, candles, pewter measures and tins as well as a basket arranged like a pediment on top.

Karen and Doug take a moment to unwind in the serenity of their screen room, a favorite place in their Wisconsin home.

Far left: The green wood silverware tote turned on its side atop the dining room’s pie safe was made by Doug’s grandfather for his grandmother in 1908 when they set up housekeeping and is a family treasure. Karen’s dried gourd and black walnut garlands draw the eye to the cabinet’s contents, including stacked textiles and yellowware bowls.

Left: Baskets, bowls and crocks with blue detailing coordinate with the finish of a painted vintage cabinet in the dining room. Karen’s handmade natural garlands, including one that combines dried seedpods and okra, soften the cabinet’s square edges.

Below: A neutral basket turned on its side frames some of Karen’s vintage syrup pitcher collection and fills a sometimes underutilized space at the top of a red stepback cupboard in the dining room. An assortment of pewter inside the cupboard brightens the dark interior. Beside it, an old ladder draped with woven textiles offers a way to fill a corner with color and pattern.