Sarah’s Country Home – Our Empty Nest

Designer Sarah Richardson has a house in the country where she can escape to get away from the buzz of a very hectic work schedule.

Sarah is one busy lady. She is the host of HGTV’s Room Service, Design Inc., Sarah’s Cottage, and Sarah’s House.

In Season 3 of Sarah’s House, she bought a farm. Then, she did what she does best—she completely renovated the place from its bare bones, transforming the modest farmhouse into an elegant country retreat.

It’s not a small house. In fact, with the new addition, it’s a sprawling 4,000 square feet. Much too large for Tom and me, but I love her style. From the colorful entryway to its stunning kitchen to the cozy bedrooms, Sarah’s country house is loaded with creative design ideas.

A warm welcome

The entryway, full of color and country charm, provides a warm welcome.

Two vibrant, red closet doors add a welcoming splash of color. Classic white beadboard paneling, earthy flooring, a vintage cabinet, and 19th-century light fixture maintain the rustic quality of the century-old farmhouse.

A lovely wainscoted powder room is opposite the entryway closets. Re-purposed furniture, topped with a deep bowl sink, serves as a vanity. The hanging brass light fixture brings an unexpected bit of whimsy.

Continuing around the corner is a mudroom with its rustic, white-washed bench.

A great room

The renovation included building a new addition for the great room.

Textured grass cloth on the walls and exposed knots and wood grain in the ceiling help make the spacious great room feel warm and inviting. There is plenty of seating, which is something I love. The wrought-iron chandelier and star-shaped sconces above the windows add a soft, candle-like glow.

[above left to right] 1. The great room’s neutral palette is warmed by richly-colored rugs and throw pillows in burnt orange, apricot, garnet, and other wonderful colors; 2. The mantel was created from an old bay window. A vintage Bank of Nova Scotia crest, mounted above the mantel, has significance for Sarah’s husband and was given to him by her as a birthday present; 3. A massive vintage chest is right at home in the room. Wall below the chair rail is painted a deep burnt orange.

A quiet corner to sit

A formal dining room is opposite the living room. Bold wallpaper conveys the richness of a country manor. Crisp, white paneling, cane chairs, and rustic accents keep the room from looking too stuffy. Without sacrificing floor space, a built-in window seat was added to the front wall.

An antique table is paired with a Persian rug, cane chairs, and elegant chandelier for an eclectic look.

[above left to right] 1. A built-in window seat in the dining room provides a nice, quiet corner to sit; 2. Warm provincial print covers the walls above beadboard paneling. Pheasants—another bit of whimsy—sit atop the well-stocked china cabinet; 3. Beyond the dining room is the kitchen with its stairway to the upper floor.

A modern country kitchen

The large country kitchen is functional, family-friendly, and sunny.

An oversized center island in sunny yellow offers ample work area as well as a casual spot for morning coffee. Stools are upholstered in a fun, easy-to-clean polka dot oil cloth fabric.

Cabinets are glossy white. Appliances are high-end. The open shelving, supported by salvaged corbels, preserves the kitchen’s old-fashioned feel and adds another touch of yellow.

Kitchen is light and airy with plenty of work space. The white, under-mounted farmhouse sink is on my Wish List.

Cabinetry has clean lines and simple knobs.

A special touch

Painted steps draw the eye upward and add a bit of fun and flair.

[above] Past the stairway is a cozy nook with a table for two.

[left] Numbers on the stairs to the second floor are mismatched and salvage for vintage appeal.

The master bedroom

The master bedroom is a peaceful retreat in jewel tones of yellow, green, and orange.

Quilt, in a simple sunny print, is paired with an assortment
of toss pillows in bright fabrics.

[above] An orange bin holds wood for the fireplace.

[right] Green settee and bench at the foot of the bed is perfect for relaxing in front of the fire.

Rooms for the kids

A traditional color scheme in the girl’s bedroom takes on a fresh, new look with bold, floral fabric covering the headboard.

The bed, dressed in crisp white linen, has a simple pink-and-white quilt and lavender polka-dot print pillow shams.

A long toss pillow, in a geometric pattern, pulls in other complimentary colors.

Grey, rough-hewn boards on the vaulted ceiling give the boy’s bedroom a decidedly masculine feel.

Boy’s bedroom has classic furniture, vintage army blankets, and fern-patterned drapes.

The family bath

The family bathroom serves both the master bedroom and two kids’ rooms. Antique dressers, converted into vanities, blend seamlessly with modern features.

Antique dressers, converted into vanities, blend seamlessly with modern features in the family bath. A large shower is opposite the soaking tub.

A painted cabinet stores towels and other bath items.

Deep, ultra-modern soaking tub faces a window with view.

Comfortable, inviting guest rooms

The north guest bedroom pops with personality. Antiques and lively patterns in energetic colors, red paisley, and polka dots create a casual, playful space.

A blue pleated dust ruffle tempers the vibrant colors and works well with the area rug.

Built-ins provide ample storage and a comfortable place to sit.

[above] Ceiling and wall above the chair rail are painted tan.

[left] Antique chair is painted red and upholstered in a lively stripe for a fresh, new look.

The west guest bedroom is serene in soft grey-blue and tan. Rustic furniture gives the room a country feel.

[above] West guest bedroom is serene in soft grey-blue and tan. Comfortable chairs beside a low chest provides a quiet place for morning coffee or tea.

[left] Custom headboard is upholstered in a luxurious floral fabric, and a vintage crystal chandelier adds a touch of glamour.