Beige BACKSTORY

Showcase your favorite textiles by arranging them against a neutral-toned backdrop. Let Barb’s living room be your guide to layering earth tones.

1.

Start with a palette of soft whites, beiges or grays for walls, floor coverings and upholstery to create a soothing setting.

2.

Drape colorful quilts or blankets over the backs of seating pieces and over open cabinet doors to enhance the overall subtle tones.

3.

Bring in accent pillows and window valances featuring classic country checks for a touch of contrast.

Juxtapose a large three-piece crèche with the natural wood backdrop of a pine cabinet to create an elegant and meaningful display. Balance such a minimalist composition with other understated elements like pure white dishware and a duo of quilted runners, as Barb has done in the living room.

Mix and match unrelated storage pieces to form new designs and energize a room. Consider pairing a beadboard cupboard with a store display table, as Barb did in her living room. Paint the cupboard’s interior white to emphasize its contents without distraction, and overlay a door or two with textiles or artwork. “I like one door open and one door closed,” Barb says. “I can stash stuff behind the closed door. I’m into not having to put things away.” A primitive bench settled under the table fills the void but can be utilized as extra seating when needed.

The heartfelt warmth of Christmas permeates the living room, where the primary tree sparkles beside a crackling fireplace. Barb outfits the space with homespun flair by hanging wreaths on the twin barn doors that hide a television and draping a rag tie garland across the mantel. She also coordinates her wrapping paper, this year a red-andblack combo of pillow ticking and stamped trees tied with contrasting plaid ribbons.

Decorate your tree with a theme in mind, like Barb did with distressed wood stars and hearts accented with frayed ribbons, frosted berry sprigs and ornaments with antiqued graphics that recall yesteryear.

& Neat Tidy Stash quilts in an airy wire basket that allows for visibility and enjoyment of the textiles even in storage.

Barb’s mantra for decorating with botanicals is faux indoors and the real thing outdoors. For this living room sofa table arrangement, she pops her greens in a galvanized-metal planter and intersperses them with plaid ribbons, rusty bells and bright berry sprigs. The wool mat beneath the pot offers the flora another layer of textural interest.

Built in 1866, the porch-wrapped farmhouse in Geneseo, Illinois, has been home to the Nelson family for nearly a century. It has undergone multiple additions and renovations while retaining its original homestead character. ★

FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE RESOURCE GUIDE, PAGE 112.