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My Houzz: Country Comfort in Pennsylvania
Rich with garden influences and reclaimed country pieces, this home is as warm as the family that shares it
Houzz Contributor. There is a lot we can learn about a person by looking into their home. With our environments being one of our greatest forms of self expression, I am consumed with the notion of defining the connection between ourselves and the places we live. Whether working with object, color, or spacial arrangement, it is a privilege to enter another's home and help clarify that union of self and dwelling. As a photographer and contributor for Houzz, it is of equal gratitude that I have the opportunity to look into a person's home in a way that most people do not. To experience the smallest details, or even the way light fills a space, moves me in a way that I cannot describe. I am thankful to those that have opened their homes to me, and I consider myself fortunate to have been involved...
Houzz Contributor. There is a lot we can learn about a person by looking... More »
It's hard not to fall in love with the cottage charm of this 1940s Pennsylvania home. Owners Donna and Blair Skundrich have a tough time deciding on the best part. Although it initially required some vision to see the potential, two renovations over 15 years have made it shine. A perennial country garden, reclaimed treasures, antique furniture, original hardwood floors and architectural details maintain the home's original character in an inviting and timeless manner.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Blair and Donna Skundrich, with teenage sons Nick and Layne
Location: McKnight, Pennsylvania
Size: 3,000 square feet; three bedrooms; two and a half bathrooms
What's Interesting: The cabinet above the kitchen sink used to be a window overlooking the side yard, and was converted to a liquor cabinet during renovations.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Blair and Donna Skundrich, with teenage sons Nick and Layne
Location: McKnight, Pennsylvania
Size: 3,000 square feet; three bedrooms; two and a half bathrooms
What's Interesting: The cabinet above the kitchen sink used to be a window overlooking the side yard, and was converted to a liquor cabinet during renovations.
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| The dining area looks toward the inviting great room, outfitted with comfortable contemporary furnishings and plenty of natural light. The oversized sectional sofa is great for entertaining family and friends or just relaxing after a long workweek. Donna brought in natural, garden-inspired elements such as a wicker table lamp and potted plants. Wicker lamp: Target; sofa and armchairs: Levin Furniture |
by Adrienne DeRosa
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At the back end of the living room, built-in bookcases flank a reclaimed desk and chair to create the family’s library. The gathered valance mirrors the profile of the trimwork, adding to the home’s quaint cottage feel. On the desk, a basket holds the usual clutter of desktop supplies. “I use baskets and shelving to either hide or display items that I just can’t seem to part with,“ Donna says.
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The formal dining room marks the new addition to the home, which combines eating and entertaining into one large, open space. Made up almost entirely of reclaimed and refurbished antiques, the dining room is balanced by the new architecture. The bench, which Blair refinished, replaces chairs on one side of the table for a more casual approach to formal dining.
Rug: Arhaus
Rug: Arhaus
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Spare decor in the corner of the dinette makes for a calm uplifting space. The side table, a garage sale find, complements the original hardwood floor. Donna receives a lot of inspiration from the pages of various country and cottage magazines; after finding an image from a magazine, she asked a neighbor to build the custom wood radiator cabinet.
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Donna’s passion for gardening is evident throughout the home. On the dinette, an oversized cloche from Arhaus covers a potted plant. Donna says, “I enjoy decorating with things I love or treasure. That way, each and every day when I come home from a stressful day, it brings a smile to my face.”
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| The couple gutted and rebuilt the kitchen to suit the contemporary farm style that they love. They chose cabinets with beadboard doors and exposed the original hardwood floors, bringing out the home’s inherent character. Stainless steel cup pulls offer a quintessential country flavor in an updated way. Cabinets: Ståt Series, Ikea; cup pulls, Lowe's |
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| This print, dating back to the late 19th century, hangs low above the kitchen countertop. The Skundriches found the piece in a New Orleans antiques store during one of many treasure hunting excursions. |
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| Red trim from the doorway echoes in the formal living room, where casual patterns lend rustic appeal. As part of the home’s original footprint, much of the space was left undisturbed. Donna found the nesting baskets at a flea market, and a needlepoint pillow supports the vintage feel. Pillow: Target |
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This outdoor deck sits directly off of the great room. “Both my husband and I enjoy spending time out here, talking, watching the wildlife, seeing what’s blooming in the garden and entertaining family and friends over a good bottle of wine,” Donna says. With comfortable furnishings alongside secondhand finds, this area is a favorite place for the entire family.
Wicker sofa and armchairs: Pottery Barn; rustic pedestal table: HomeGoods
Wicker sofa and armchairs: Pottery Barn; rustic pedestal table: HomeGoods
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| The cool blue master bedroom provides a refreshing wake-up call each day. “My home is my sanctuary," Donna says. "It's a place where I can come to unwind and relax.” The glass-pane door connects to the deck and allows light to stream in during morning hours. The tall iron bedframe gives the space a subtle vintage touch, and a wicker chaise maintains the home’s connection to the outdoors. Chaise, cushions, bed: Arhaus; wall color: Rising Tide,Valspar (4008-3A), Lowe’s; quilt: Pottery Barn |
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The feature wall of the home office takes advantage of the tall space with a wall shelf. Used to display botanical prints and Donna’s topiary collection, the coat rack below aids in the transition from outside to in. Blair made the coat rack using a plank of old barn wood and vintage hooks, with a dedicated hook for each family member to keep outerwear organized.
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| Blair and Donna chose dark wood furniture for the home office as a way to update the country style. Family photos and vintage memorabilia create interest within the bookshelves, while potted plants breathe life into the space. Bookcases: Hemnes, Ikea |
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Placed on top of an antique drop-leaf table, this rustic viewing cabinet houses Donna’s collection of miniatures.
Cabinet: HomeGoods
Cabinet: HomeGoods
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A winding path to the home’s refinished, original front door takes guests through a menagerie of greenery and color in the perennial garden. Donna visits local nurseries every spring to develop her must-have list. “A quick and affordable way to start your garden is to visit the greenhouse at the end of the year for the best deals," says Donna.
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A collection of birdhouses is sprinkled around the property, attracting hummingbirds and other winged visitors for the family to enjoy. Donna discovered these particular pieces at the annual Shaker Woods Festival in Ohio.
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| It was important for the couple to provide opportunities to connect to the property's natural surroundings. Donna designed the perennial garden with “little finds” to discover along the path. Houzz call: Share your country-style home with us. It could be featured on Houzz! |
Ideabook published on July 14, 2012.
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Overall, nice job with the colors and choosing the theme. The house looks welcoming, and cozy.