Hidden Potential
With the help of paint, stencils and period pieces, an Ohio homeowner gives the interior of her traditional 1990s home character and a sense of history.
Proving that it pays to look beyond the surface, an Ohio homeowner uses historical stencils and carefully chosen period pieces to bring out the Colonial charm in her 1990s home.
DDon’t judge a book by its cover. That’s what Diane Cargioli told herself the first time she saw the four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath Fairfield, Ohio, house that eventually became her home. While technically a Colonial, it was made of bland brick and “didn’t have much character,” the fan of historic New England–style architecture explains. “It wasn’t anything interesting, like a saltbox or a Cape Cod.”
While less than fond of the 1990s exterior, Diane saw plenty of potential inside the residence. The 2,600-square-foot house had wood windows, a wood front door, large doorframes and crown molding, and a roomy entry and front hall. There also were wide oak steps, a sizable master bath, large rooms, and an inviting backyard pool, something that had been on the wish list of Diane, her husband, Mike, and their three children for some time.
The pool was one of the few features the couple agreed on when they purchased the house in 2004. However, a little extra effort on Diane’s part helped Mike see that the house could work perfectly for them. A longtime Country Sampler reader, she had been stockpiling ideas for years and was inspired by an article that featured woodwork painted a historical beige-gray hue, which she could envision in her new home. “I was drawn by what I knew could be,” she reflects. With those examples in hand, Diane and Mike got to work turning the house into a past-perfect haven.
Painting all the woodwork in that historical color and the walls a complementary off-white was one of the first projects the couple completed once the house was theirs. They also ripped up carpeting and installed hardwood, added beadboard to the bathrooms and laundry room, and remodeled both the kitchen and master bath to fit the Colonial-inspired look Diane visualized. She even reconfigured the kitchen layout and painted the cupboards herself.
Once renovations were done, Diane turned her attention to decorating. She calls her style “high country,” explaining, “I like the formal look of light walls and painted woodwork, and I love the beautiful Colonial paneling and
symmetry. It’s the perfect backdrop for primitive painted wood pieces, antique collectibles and historical textiles.” Pewter, redware, firkins, baskets, crocks, treenware, wall boxes, candleholders, and small tables and benches are among the many treasures she seeks out at antiques shops and online.
Though Diane’s favorite neutrals are the primary backdrops for her collections, other paint choices throughout the home include red, mustard and black. “I use these in all of my rooms while changing the prominent color from room to room,” she says, noting that paint is the low-cost key to creating an authentic Early American look. “You don’t have to be an antiques dealer or decorator—there is so much you can do with paint.”
In addition to pulling ideas from the pages of her favorite magazines, Diane gathers inspiration from social media, including Facebook groups for fans of Colonial and primitive-style decorating. “I’ve met so many wonderful ladies [through the groups],” she enthuses, adding that a number of them are planning a meeting in historic Lebanon, Ohio. “They are all so generous sharing tips and ideas.”
Over the years, while renovating her home, Diane has had to convince not only Mike but also contractors to accept her unconventional choices. That includes the wood floor in the master bathroom. “No regrets,” she says. “I still love it to this day.”
She advises everyone to trust their instincts when it comes to creating a home they will love. “Follow your heart,” she advises. “It will lead you to the style that is perfect for you.”