• Home
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • COLLABORATE
  • FAQ
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

American School of Charm

  • DECORATING
    • CHRISTMAS
    • CELEBRATIONS
    • DINING ROOM
    • FAMILY ROOM
    • GUEST BEDROOM
    • HOME TOUR
      • Home Tour
      • FAMILY ROOM
      • GUEST BEDROOM
  • DIY & CRAFTS
    • DIY Library
    • BAGS
    • GIFTS
    • HOME
    • SEASONAL
  • RECIPES
    • MEALS
    • TREATS

· 2 Comments

Family Room Takes a New Look at Arts & Crafts

Decorating· DECORATING· FAMILY ROOOM· Happy Home

Today’s reveal takes a modern approach to the Arts & Crafts movement. Here I’m sharing photos of our family room, with a fresh new look.

The rest of our home is modern farmhouse, yet I’ve always LOVED the feeling of a room that has aged with grace. Think of a worn leather chair, a slightly threadbare Oriental rug, and lots of beautiful books in stacks around the room. Well, this room is too new for all of that BUT it has the foundation to get there one day after years of love and use.

A Blank slate

The entire home was pulled back to studs during our renovation in 2018. In the process, this room gained a vaulted ceiling, new windows, and a stone fireplace. Keeping things clean, there was simple shiplap rising from the dark walnut mantel to the ceiling leaving so much room to play that I was fortunate to have had a clear vision from the get-go. No decision paralysis with this project!

Move In Day

With walls of windows looking out to a glen of trees on one side and scenic pastures on the other, I knew that the windows were going to be the primary source of vertical color. Hence you won’t see panels of curtains.

pasture view

An Arts & Crafts Refresher

I like this simple definition of the Arts & Crafts movement that I found online:

The core characteristics of the Arts and Crafts movement
are a belief in craftsmanship, which stresses the inherent beauty of the material,
the importance of nature as inspiration,
and the value of simplicity, utility, and beauty. 

University of Maryland

Most Arts & Crafts style decor is also accompanied by paneled walls, stained glass, and an overall dark feel to the space. I don’t like dark, yet I LOVE the appreciation of the natural elements, craftsmanship, and simplicity. That’s why I consider this room a modern take on Arts & Crafts.

simplicity to let quality take front-stage

Generous Room

The room has generous proportions so there is a lot of pattern but not a lot of pieces. Two identical leather couches, a reading chair, and a Harvey Ellis chest make up the main section. There are accents of two poofs for extra seating and a place to rest feet yet aside from that the space is occupied by patterns not furniture.

tv viewing

We enjoy sitting in this room to watch Netflix in the evening so we have a large television. It sits upon a VERY long bench with display space on the side and underneath. I choose not to center the TV as I wanted the basket on one end to add a little texture and display on the other side. Eventually, I want to get a vase with height to add to this display of goodies. The accents are simple glass and pottery.

Side door

While it isn’t used often, there is a side door off of the room. It goes to a small patio and our side yard. I look forward to planting a flower garden off of this space one day. I can just imagine our grandchildren running in and out bringing freshly picked flowers inside.

Once inside, they can be propped up on this uber practical gathering island. It’s such a smart piece (actually the second of this concept that we own). Tucked behind the couch with it’s end exposed because it’s just that pretty. When you’re seated, you have an uninterrupted view over the couch to the TV so it’s perfect for entertaining, or when you just want to eat dinner in front of the TV. A HUGE improvement to the ol’ TV stands of my childhood.

gathering island
We have a third stool coming that’s still on order.

Arts & Crafts architectural details first

The Arts & Crafts movement emphasized an appreciation of materials and craftsmanship over having more … yes, I mean MORE! The details are important and a variety of textures is part of these details.

A must for the foundation of the room is wood. We choose white oak in a wide 5″ width. They’re the perfect shade to hide dust and dirt. White oak has a very subtle grain that’s there yet not overpowering, which is why I love it. Good thing as we have it all over the house! lol.

wood floors
Stone fireplace

The fireplace is exposed stone. Admittedly, we opted for cultured stone because we found a selection that looked so real it seemed foolish to pay extra for the real thing.

big windows

Big windows with modern farmhouse lights are a connection to the other rooms of the home. We designed all of the rooms to have abundant natural light. With the long and cold winters of the northeast, it’s important for us to get every ray of sunshine we can. That does mean, unfortunately, that I will need to get shades for these windows. Watching TV in the daytime can be a challenge not to mention the need to protect the furniture from fading. I’m shopping for the slimmest option available so it will be as imperceptible as possible. The view is the star and I don’t want to hide it.

Arts & crafts 101: texture and natural influences

The colors of the room all work with our geography. I was so excited when I stumbled upon a large print for the HUGE wall opposite the fireplace on clearance at Pier 1. It’s a modern forest with all of the colors I would have hand picked. My only regret is that it’s only a Pier 1 print. I love it so much that I wish I had an original.

What to put on each side was a quandary though. The wall is HUGE yet I didn’t want to add visual noise to the space with a huge gallery wall. The solution is a sentimental and aesthetic WIN!

I took two of my father’s paintings, which I adore, out of their ornate gold frames and hung them unframed on each side. The colors, the feel, the natural essence all tie together with a modern feel thanks to the lack of adornment. I absolutely love!!!

pictures
pictures over couch
Check out the inlay details on the Harvey Ellis chest! LOVE!!

To this, I added pieces that I”m sure will be rotated in and out of the space as I work through the other rooms of the house. I made lots of throw pillows with super textural fabric. The wall handing adds to this theme along with the many baskets, all found at Homegoods. For fun, also from Homegoods, I added gold hurricane globes with bubbled glass. The gold pulls up the nail heads on the couches as well as the hardware in the adjacent kitchen.

pillows
more pillows
gold, glass and weaving
I can never have enough candles!
basket
The perfect place to catch up on my magazines!

time to head outside

With this room in well in hand, it’s time to head outside.

deck view

The back deck is seen from the family room and beyond that are fields where we enjoy watching the cows meander about on their way to and from the barn. We were intentional when we used a cable system for the railings as to keep sight lines as clean as possible.

what’s next

Decorating the family room wasn’t anticipated. Dan decided that this year’s Stickley Warehouse Sale was going to focus on this room and who was I to argue! I’m so glad we found all of the perfect pieces for the room. If you want to learn how to get the best goods at a HUGE warehouse sale, check out this post in which I give you all the best tips.

Now it’s time to move outside and tackle the front porch. Painting and styling are in store! Make sure you subscribe to my newsletter to get the photos of that reveal sent directly to YOU! Just add your name and email below:

    Thanks so much for taking the time to enjoy our new family room with me. If you have any questions, please just email me! Namaste, my friend!

    Pin33
    Share
    33 Shares
    Previous Post: « What are YOU searching for to get creative?
    Next Post: Do you know how to use LIKEtoKNOW.it? »

    Reader Interactions

    Trackbacks

    1. 13 Fall Decorating Finds You'll Love for Your Home - American School of Charm says:
      at

      […] which is my own creation as far as I know. If you want to read more about that, check out my post Family Room Takes a New Look at Arts & Crafts or visit our HOME TOUR […]

      Reply
    2. Thistlekeeping - Thistlewood Farm says:
      at

      […] before and after (I love the piece behind the […]

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    I'm Ali

    Upcoming Posts

    ✂︎ High-Performance Efficiency Tips
    ✂︎ Sticking to a Budget
    ✂︎ Knife-Edge Throw Pillows
    ✂︎ Spring Door Wreath
    ✂︎ Stencil Picnic Charcuterie Board
    ✂︎ Warm Weather Tote Bag
    ✂︎ FB Marketplace Table Upcycle
    ✂︎ Personalized Baby Blanket
    ✂︎ “Happy Birthday” Bunting
    ✂︎ Summer Face Masks

    Search

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Disclosure

    Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

    shop my favorites

    Affiliate of:

    button

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    • Home
    • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
    • COLLABORATE
    • FAQ

    americanschoolofcharm

    Tonight is Stella’s last volleyball game and, as Tonight is Stella’s last volleyball game and, as I’m just realizing, the last time I’ll see one of my girls play a sport or do an activity in high school. Exciting to watch them grow up but also really sad. Go Lakers and #5 ♥️
    My two big girls ♥️ My two big girls ♥️
    My daughter’s office ... so proud of her. For a My daughter’s office ... so proud of her. For a complete tour, visit her website. Bysophialee.com ♥️
    My bookends ♥️ My bookends ♥️
    Want to see what I’ve purchased for my new place Want to see what I’ve purchased for my new place? Plus some great tips on how to arrange furniture with an open floor plan. Check it out. Link in bio.
    R. I. P. 2020! My new motto for 2021 is “making R. I. P. 2020! My new motto for 2021 is “making it ourselves!” I forecast a year of change, hard work, forgiveness, and letting the ones you love be free to ... as we all must eventually, make it ourselves! Above all, it’s a year to let go of all the negativity that has built up in 2020 and look to appreciate the blessings we’re given (even if it’s hard), and return to the love that’s inside all of us. It’s time to heal, forgive, and strengthen our most important bonds.
    She loves to decorate but you have no idea what to She loves to decorate but you have no idea what to get her for Christmas? It's a no brainer. Start her sewing and I tell you exactly HOW in my post listing out exactly what you need to start sewing today (for her or yourself ... hmmm, Christmas gift yourself 😉 ) Link in bio
    Do you need an easy last-minute door wreath!? Here Do you need an easy last-minute door wreath!? Here's the easiest project and you'll LOVE the results! ⁠
    Are you wondering how this is done? I show you ste Are you wondering how this is done? I show you step-by-step in my tutorial demonstrating how to wrap with Pinterest PIN Perfect Precision (say that 10x fast!) Link in bio.
    Want to up your gift wrapping skills? I have EXACT Want to up your gift wrapping skills? I have EXACTLY what you need to know! Check out my tutorial showing how to perfectly wrap separate gift lids and boxes. You'll never wrap the same way again!  Link in bio.
    I'm spilling my secret to making big ribbon bows t I'm spilling my secret to making big ribbon bows that are Pinterest perfect. Martha will be so proud of you when you make one of these no-stress magic bows! link in bio.
    Feel the urge to be CREATIVE? I've got you covered Feel the urge to be CREATIVE? I've got you covered! How about making this "Merry Always and Happy Always" wood sign! I give you all the details in a step-by-step photo tutorial. You've got this! Link in bio.⁠
⁠
And if you're feeling like you're on a HUGE creating and making BINGE, then join The Great Create Challenge Facebook Group. We love to be challenged and creative! This group does both. Check us out on Facebook or head to the post and you'll see the icon to click in the sidebar.⁠
⁠
    ✨ The new prompt for The Great Create Challenge ✨ The new prompt for The Great Create Challenge Facebook Group is LIVE!✨⁠
⁠
❝Let's start this year with some positive manifestation using a quote that inspires YOU! ❞⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
Find a way to incorporate this quote into your home or workspace so you see it and are reminded that 2021 can be ANYTHING you choose based on your mindset!⁠
⁠
Who knows? You might end up making the difference not just in your own life, but in that of another person who sees your creativity in action.⁠
⁠
This is a group formed to inspire creativity in your life! To participate, you don't need to be an artist or be craftsy. How you express your creativity is in your own hands and heart. Draw, sew, sculpt, paint, write, bake, cook, dance, sing, craft ... the list is endless! No rules, just support, and love is flowing to everyone who chooses to participate.⁠
⁠
Head over to The Great Create Challenge Facebook page and join so you can inspire yourself and others! 🤩
    Hmmm... what do these pretties look like in the en Hmmm... what do these pretties look like in the end? Take a look at my post and see how easy it is for YOU to make some special memories with this Christmas project. Family time!! Link in bio.
    This year, I'm totally into Lamb's ear and drop cl This year, I'm totally into Lamb's ear and drop cloths. So I put the two together with my favorite iced berry sprig. Check out the result! ⁠
    This little guard gnome is on patrol! This little guard gnome is on patrol!
    Sneaky ways to easily add sparkle and twinkle to y Sneaky ways to easily add sparkle and twinkle to your holiday table! You'll LOVE the reaction of your friends and family when they marvel at your holiday decorating! Link in bio!
    Yes, you can make this using the easy step-by-step Yes, you can make this using the easy step-by-step tutorial with pictures and a video! Perfect for gifting and decorating your tree. Great keepsake too! link in bio. ⁠
 #wrappinggifts #christmastree #giftideas #stockingstuffer #gifts #giftsforher #tassels #giftgiving
    Give something totally UNEXPECTED! I've broken dow Give something totally UNEXPECTED! I've broken down what anyone needs to start sewing. This is a gift that can open new opportunities for home decor and start a hobby that will last a lifetime! Link in bio.
    THIS is how to gift wrap boxes with separate lids THIS is how to gift wrap boxes with separate lids and bottoms with NO foldovers showing! You'll never look at gift wrapping again after checking out this method that was just posted with a step-by-step photo tutorial! Link in bio⁠
    Load More... Follow on Instagram
    © 2021 American School of Charm.