Patterns Worth REPEATING

It’s easy to understand why first-time visitors to Gayle Ferguson’s early 20th-century home in Somerset, Ohio, might imagine that they’ve stepped back in time to Colonial America. The colors and patterns woven so beautifully throughout the house evoke the warm, welcoming ambience of that era. Here are a few ideas to help you create your own Colonial retreat:

1 Paint like a Colonial. Look for colors that were featured in Early American homes—mustard yellow, brick red, Colonial blue and black, for a start. A few paint manufacturers offer collections that focus on historical shades; take advantage of them and start looking for your perfect match.

2 Try some textiles. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns in the same space. In Gayle’s living room, for example, the couches and wing chair are upholstered in checked patterns of different sizes and colors, and still more pattern is seen on the valances and pillows, yet they all work together. “Mixing patterns is all trial and error,” she explains. “I’ll try something, and if it doesn’t look right, I’ll move it somewhere else.”

3 Roll out a floorcloth. There is a reason Colonials loved floorcloths: They are beautiful, practical and durable. Whether you buy one or make your own like Gayle does, the colorful cloths add pattern and verve to the floor and clean up like a dream.

4 Add apt embellishments. Stenciled designs and timeworn finishes give walls an authentic look. Not only does Gayle paint the tops of her walls with stencils she cuts by hand, but she also thinly glazes the walls to create an aged patina, using a mix of clear glaze and a little paint.