Take a Look Inside This Hunting Lodge Before & After
It's open season on antiques!
As the editor of Country Living (@rachelhardagebarrett), I have seen and admired my fair share of before-and-afters, but it wasn’t until the spring of 2021 that I embarked in earnest on one of my own. It all started when I stumbled across a real estate listing for a foreclosed farmhouse in the Mississippi Delta, and before I could say “one Mississippi,” I was driving past long stretches of flat farmland to see it for myself. Built in the 1930s, the home had functioned as a hunting lodge for a family out of Memphis until it changed hands and ultimately fell into foreclosure. Still, despite its seen-better-days state—peeling paint, birds fluttering about in the foyer—I saw endless potential (Those paneled walls! That circular gravel drive!) and enlisted fellow old house lover and Country Living Contributor Holly Audrey Williams (@hollyaudreywilliams) to tackle the house in tandem. Holly was the perfect collaborator: She has restored more homes than you can count on both hands, and we shared a vision for this property that I can best describe as “design with a drawl.” Here’s how, with the help of contractor Obert Douglas and countless others, we got the 100-year-old home ready for a joint family Friendsgiving—and the lessons we learned along the way.
Special thanks to the official sponsors of the 2022 Makeover Takeover: Sherwin-Williams, At Home, and Visit Mississippi.
Embrace Good Bones
Here in the "before" you can see the home's dingy front, which was spruced up with new fiber-cement siding in Arctic White along with copper lanterns, urn planters, and a jute doormat (see photo above). We worked with online landscaping service Yardzen and Hatchie Tree Service to bring back some country curb appeal.
Get the Look:
Siding: by James Hardie
Front Door Paint: "Tricorn Black SW6258" by Sherwin-Williams
Copper Lanterns: "Georgetown" wall lanterns from Circa Lighting
Urn Planters & Jute Doormat: both from At Home
Hang an Old-Fashioned Farm Sign
This property can be hard to find, so we wanted to create a friendly welcome and enlisted Crackerjack Junk Co. to recreate a sign that had hung on the property in its heyday. Tip: Go bigger than you think! After a lot of deliberation, we went with a 36-by-48 sign. Anything smaller would have felt way too small against the 10-acre setting.
Know the Power of Paint
We wanted to make a strong statement in the long front foyer, and rich gray walls set against a high-gloss black ceiling and trim did just that. New upholstery on curvy antique chairs offers a nice balance of masculine/feminine as seen throughout the home. Dog Otis very much likes the jute rug.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint: "Roycroft Pewter SW 2848" by Sherwin-Williams
Ceiling & Trim Paint: "Tricorn Black SW 6258" by Sherwin-Williams
Jute Rug: from Annie Selke
Chair Fabric: "Nils Plaid" by Schumacher
Pillow: from At Home
Vintage Antlers: from Tricia's Treasures
RELATED: These Nine Paint Colors Are Inspired by the Mississippi Delta
Create a Warm Welcome
Also in the foyer, an antique hunt board welcomes guests with pre-poured refreshment, including Mississippi-made Old Soul Bourbon, in vintage julep cups. To offset the darker paint, we selected brass light fixtures to serve up contrast and warmth. Walking sticks in faux bois umbrella stands reinforce the lodge feel, and a woven basket corrals outdoor essentials.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint: "Roycroft Pewter SW 2848" by Sherwin-Williams
Ceiling & Trim Paint: "Tricorn Black SW 6258" by Sherwin-Williams
Vintage Hunt Board: from Shoppe
Jute Rug: by Annie Selke
Lamps: "Classical Urn Form" from Circa Lighting
Lampshades: from The Shade Shop
Lantern: "Coventry" from Circa Lighting
Umbrella Stands: "Bunny Williams Woodland" by Ballard Designs
Basket, Marble Dish, and Candle: from At Home
Blankets: by The Tartan Blanket Co.
Vintage Antlers: from Antiquities
Make a Statement (Mirror)
An oversized mirror brings Old World glamour to the foyer. To offset the ornate air, we paired the mirror with a fauxbois demilune. A matching fauxbous umbrella stand holds walking sticks for guests to pick-up on their way to walk through the pecan groves.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint: "Roycroft Pewter SW 2848" by Sherwin-Williams
Ceiling & Trim Paint: "Tricorn Black SW 6258" by Sherwin-Williams
Mirror: "Beaudry Mirror" by Ballard Designs
Demilune: "Bunny Williams Wood Creek Demilune" by Ballard Designs
Cozy Up a Big Room
To cozy up the long living room, we created multiple gathering spaces—one for lounging (shown), the others for games and piano sing-alongs. (The piano, not pictured, came with the house—a happy coincidence for Holly and her husband, Chris Coleman, who are both musicians.) Two deep-seated velvet sofas in the perfect shade of green flank a vintage table (cut down from dining height) atop a natural fiber rug. Other “hunted” items include antique trunks and a clover-shaped end table. On the newer side, a black-and-gold mirror presides over the mantel alongside a vintage dog trophy and green lacquered candlesticks.
Get the Look:
Sofas: "Madeline" by Kathy Kuo Home
Candlesticks: by Salvesen Graham
Sconces: "Flea Market" lantern from Circa Lighting
Chandeliers: "Classic Ring" from Circa Lighting
Rug: from Annie Selke
Mirror, Aqua Blue Pillows, Green Jug, and Vase: from At Home
Frames: by Framebridge
Vintage Books and Trophies: from Palladio Home & Garden
Play Your Cards Right
In the living room, an old game table and green-shaded bouillotte lamp create a cozy spot for congregating. To add interest to the shelves, we had an assortment of vintage finds, including an old harmonica and vintage Farmer's Almanac, professionally matted and framed.
Get the Look:
Sconce: "Flea Market" lantern from Circa Lighting
Frames: by Framebridge
Vintage Lamp: Adams Antiques & the Potager
Think Outside the Dining Room
Because the surrounding landscape offers ample opportunities for alfresco farm dinners, we took a more playful approach to this space, topping a vintage Louis XVI dining table with a ping-pong playing surface. (The top can easily be removed should there be a need for indoor dining.) For a tailored touch, a custom net coordinates with the draperies. A mercury glass bell lantern echoes the tones of metal trophies and an old bar mirror.
Get the Look:
Ceiling Paint: "Alabaster SW 7008" by Sherwin-Williams
Ping-Pong Playing Surface: from HB Home Furnishings
Candlesticks: from At Home
Drapery and Ping Pong Net Fabric: “Pyne Hollyhock” by Schumacher
Drapery and Custom Ping-Pong Net Fabrication: by Sassy Slipcovers
Lantern: "Lorford Smoke" by Circa Lighting
Vintage Oil Portrait: from Found Birmingham
Make Room for Muck
Delta rains are no joke, so we wanted a mudroom that could handle the mess, while also evoking the tweed-cap refinement of the boot rooms you’d find in the English countryside. The black, brown, and white color scheme takes its inspiration from hunting dog breeds (also seen on the skirted table). An assortment of wool hats and waxed canvas coats, many from Alabama retailer Tom Beckbe, allow for guests to settle in to country-casual attire. Jute rugs placed in front of each cubby minimize boot removal mess.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint: "Natural Choice SW 7011" by Sherwin-Williams
Ceiling and Trim Paint: "Tricorn Black SW 6258" by Sherwin-Williams
Skirted Table Cloth Fabric: “Pointers” by Schumacher
Jute Mats: from At Home
Work Within the Footprint
During its heyday, the kitchen was outfitted to host quite the parties (one of which was featured in Field & Stream!). Still, the industrial hood, as seen in this before, was a metal behemoth, so we refashioned the space to feel a little friendlier without changing the room's configuration, which helped keep renovation costs more manageable.
Bring on the Delta Blues
The kitchen now feels softer and friendlier courtesy of blue “Sheffield” cabinetry, brass hardware, and flush-mount lights. The island’s countertop in “Charcoal Soapstone” complements a Viking dishwasher and range in “Cast Black,” part of The Delta Hues collection (how fitting!). Assorted kitchen accents keep things cozy, while wood-seated counter stools complement the home’s beams. On the left, a grouping of antique silver trays stacks neatly above a Windsor stool.
Get the Look:
Cabinets: "Sheffield" by Legacy Cabinets
Cabinet, Wall, Trim & Ceiling Paint: "Dutch Tile Blue SW 0031" by Sherwin-Williams
Faucet: "Broderick" by Delta
Hardware: by Top Knobs
Flush-Mount Lights: from Circa Lighting
Island Countertop: "Charcoal Soapstone" by Silestone
Refrigerator, Dishwasher & Range: "Cast Black" from The Delta Hues Collection by Viking
Glass Canisters & Dutch Oven: from At Home
Counter Stools: Allen Stools by Ballard Designs
Windsor Stool: "Tucker" by Serena & Lily
Don't Forget the Details
Green floral cafe curtains lend softness to the kitchen without distracting the eye from the 10 acres of pecan trees outside. The pretty brass “Broderick” faucet also lends interest to the pre-existing sink. Canisters provide easy access to baking ingredients.
Get the Look:
Cabinets, Wall, Trim & Ceiling Paint: "Dutch Tile Blue SW 0031" by Sherwin-Williams
Dishwasher: from Viking
Cabinets: "Sheffield" by Legacy Cabinets
Cafe Curtain Hardware: from Ballard Designs
Faucet: "Broderick" by Delta
Canisters: from At Home
Add Warmth with Wood
With ample cabinetry already in place, we opted for a Gothic-inspired plate rack on a wall adjacent to the refrigerator. The wood adds a nice pop of contrast against the blue.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint: "Dutch Tile Blue SW 0031" by Sherwin-Williams
Decorative Accents: from At Home
Plate Rack: by Cosmo Fry
Go With the Flow
We had plans to reupholster the old chicken wire cabinet doors, but when that project didn't pan out, we decided to simply keep things open and paint inside the cabinetry. Now it's the perfect spot to display an assortment of cake stands and antique serving vessels. The oil-painted lady of the house (“Eleanor”) supervises a buffet of pies from local bakery Sweet Tooth Teddy.
Get the Look:
Wall and Trim Paint: "Dutch Tile Blue SW 0031" by Sherwin-Williams
Cake Stands and Bowls: from At Home
Put a Bird on It
How many birds is too many birds? Don't answer that! This English dresser gave us ample room to display our growing collection of pheasant-themed plates and glassware.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint: "Dutch Tile Blue SW 0031" by Sherwin-Williams
RELATED: Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas for the Perfect Rustic Vibe
Play With Pattern
Upstairs, visitors can tuck in to a black spool bed outfitted in ticking stripe linens, an ivory coverlet, and a mossy velvet pillow. Two sconces in charcoal-print shades allow more room for the leafy-skirted nightstand to accommodate a green lacquered tray and amber vase. The framed “Waterfowl of the Mississippi Flyway” print by Ryan Kirby is right at home above the mantel. Finally, a collection of five dapper gents hangs tough above the bed like an old-timey boy band.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint: "Alabaster SW 7008" by Sherwin-Williams
Trim Paint: "Agreeable Gray SW 7029" by Sherwin-Williams
Linens: from Redland Cotton
Wool Blanket: by The Tartan Blanket Co.
Coverlet: from Serena & Lily
Velvet Pillow: from Ballard Designs
Sconces: from Circa Lighting
Sconces Shades: from The Shade Shop
Round Nightstand: from Ballard Designs
Nightstand Skirt: “Filigree Flower” from Soane Britain
Lacquered Tray: from Salvesen Graham
Vase: from At Home
Black Frame: “Augusta” from Framebridge
"Waterfowl of the Mississippi Flyway" Print: from Ryan Kirby Art
Don't Forget the Trim
Original to the house, the hunt dog-themed wallcovering showed some wear and tear, but we couldn’t part with it. To freshen things up, we painted the window trim and door in a corresponding color. The sink and tile are also original. New bath linens make guests feel right at home.
Get the Look:
Trim & Door Paint: "Oakmoss SW 6180" by Sherwin-Williams
Wallcovering: by Brunschwig & Fils from Kravet
Towels, vase, and soap dish: from At Home
Sconces: "Alton" from Circa Lighting
Embrace Earth Tones
With such pretty views of the Delta landscape outside the windows, we embraced colors inspired by the region. Poster beds dressed in ivory coverlets and crisp floral and gingham linens lend a sweetness to more lodgelike accents, including arrow sconces and a nubby, natural rug. A perfectly petite nightstand is topped with a brass reading lamp and dog figurines. A striking paper portrait in ivory lends graphic punch to moss green walls.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint: "Oakmoss SW 6180" by Sherwin-Williams
Vintage Poster Beds: from Chairish
Coverlets: by Serena & Lily
Floral Linens: from Biscuit Home
Gingham Linens: by Heather Taylor Home
Vintage Arrow Sconces: from Found Birmingham
Rug and Basket: from At Home
Nightstand: from Ballard Designs
Reading Lamp: "The Pixie" from Circa Lighting
Rethink Your Neutrals
Holly will tell you: Pink is a neutral. She's used it on doors, floors, ceilings, and more. Here, like a flattering pink lightbulb, the soft pink on the walls, doors, and trim in the guest room casts a warm glow, and I love how it pairs with the brass bed and wood antiques.
Get the Look:
Wall, Door & Trim Paint: "Intimate White SW 6322" by Sherwin-Williams
Brass Bed: from Brass Beds of Virginia
Skirted Table: Fringed Off-White Twill from Ballard Designs
Plaid Wool Blanket: by The Tartan Blanket Co.
Floral Pillows: "Hillside Garnet" by Brook Perdigon Textiles
Shams and Coverlet: "Augustine" by Serena & Lily
Lamp: from Edward Ave.
Lampshade: from The Shade Shop
RELATED: 60+ Farmhouse Decor Ideas to Help You Design Your Dream Country Home
Consider Multitasking Furniture
The ol' desk-turned-nightstand trick is an oldie but goodie. In this case, a vintage pheasant print in a tigerwood frame is proudly perched on an antique huntboard from a Birmingham, Alabama, estate sale.
Get the Look:
Wall, Door & Trim Paint: "Intimate White SW 6322" by Sherwin-Williams
Art Frames: by Framebridge
Bed: from Brass Beds of Virginia
Chair: from Palladio Home & Garden
Rachel Barrett is the Editor-in-Chief of Country Living. She can't pass up a vintage seascape, drives an '89 Woody Wagoneer (that is, when it'll start), and hopes to buy you a lemonade at a future Country Living Fair.
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