Hi there, cuties! I’m going to get straight to the point here–I have an extra special design project to share with you this week from my friends at Country Living, one of my favorite publications for design inspiration.
“We recently had the pleasure of working with Country Living editor-in-chief Rachel Hardage Barrett on choosing the perfect green velvet sofas as she worked with her friend Holly Audrey Williams, a country singer and avid home restoration expert (and the daughter of country music legend Hank Williams) on restoring this gorgeous Mississippi property.”
When Rachel fell in love with a foreclosed former hunting lodge in the Mississippi Delta, she enlisted the help of her friend (and CL contributor) Holly in a massive makeover project—one that I’m thrilled to have played even a small part in bringing to life.
If you love magical home renovation stories and inspired rustic-chic design, I highly recommend that you check out the November 2022 issue of Country Living! And in the meantime, read through this post to see some highlights–including our Madeline sofas in the living room–from this gorgeous project and see how you can get the look for yourself from the KKH assortment.
As Seen in the November 2022 Issue of Country Living: A Mississippi Hunting Lodge Turned Cozy-Chic Farmhouse
Like so many home makeover passion-projects, this one started with a chance encounter in the real estate listings. The short story is that Country Living EIC Rachel couldn’t resist when she saw a real estate listing for this Mississippi farmhouse that dated back to the 1930s. Something told her to check it out and despite the fact that the property had seen better days, Rachel knew she was working with something special.
“This house is designed to make you slow down and relax…it’s like a Southern drawl come to life.” –Holly Audrey Williams says in Country Living Magazine
The house had beautiful old wood paneling, a circular gravel drive, and a spacious foyer and mudroom. It was begging to be restored with a careful hand and filled with a mix of antique collectibles and luxe-meets-rustic furniture finds.
Farmhouse in a 10-acre pecan grove on the Mississippi Delta designed by Holly Audrey Williams and Rachel Hardage Barrett. Photo by Becky Stayner.
Country Living editor-in-chief Rachel Hardage Barrett. Photo by Becky Stayner.
The Cloverdale sign–since 1934! Photo by Becky Stayner.
The Living Room: Designed for Gathering & Games
Of course, I have shoutout our oh-so-chic Madeline French Green Velvet Upholstered Sofas! Regular Kuotes readers will recognize that I actually have this exact sofa in my own home in NYC, and it’s truly one of my all-time favorite pieces we sell at KKH. This sofa features beautiful French-inspired details, like brass casters, sage green velvet upholstery, and espresso brown wooden legs.
“The effect of the matching velvet sofas facing each other, with the delicate sage green contrasting beautifully with the bourbon-hued wood-paneled walls is equal parts cozy and incredibly luxe.”
I was thrilled when we heard from Rachel and Holly that, not only were they planning to use the Madeline in their project to be featured in Country Living, but they were going to use two Madelines!
And it was so fun to see this sofa styled in such a different way than I’m used to seeing it–my living room has a lot of cream and white colors, modern classic anchor pieces, and feminine design accents–which is proof of how versatile this sofa really is!
Our green velvet Madeline sofas in the beautiful living room design. Photo by Becky Stayner.
This living room design is equal parts sophisticated and warm and accessible. Photo by Becky Stayner.
How cool is the custom ping-pong table with a net to match the window treatments? Photo by Becky Stayner.
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The Entryway & Mudroom: Rustic Lodge Meets Southern Charm
I always advise our KKH design clients to never forget about spaces like the entryway or foyer. These spaces are small but mighty and they have the power to set the tone for the whole home. What Rachel and Holly did with this farmhouse’s entryway room and mud room is truly the ultimate manifestation of that rule.
I love how the foyer is styled with a mix of real antlers, unique antiques, and practical pieces like rustic woven catch-all baskets and faux bois umbrella holders. Plus, the use of the console table as a DIY home bar? Genius!
“The idea of welcoming guests with a festive beverage the moment they walk in is just the epitome of Southern hospitality if you ask me!”
Finally, as a mom myself, I so deeply appreciate how amazing this mudroom is! Regardless of whether you live in Mississippi or NYC, kids are going to have lots of stuff and need somewhere to put it so it doesn’t pile up all over the house. I love how this space is fully integrated with the design sensibility of the rest of the home, but still serves its function as a boot room effortlessly.
Antler wall art in the rustic lodge-style foyer. Photo by Becky Stayner.
The chicest mudroom we ever did see. Photo by Becky Stayner.
A cool new take on the home bar concept. Photo by Becky Stayner.
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The Kitchen: Vintage Flare, Modern Styling
Are you about ready to pack up and move to Mississippi yet? If you’re not already Googling “rustic Southern farmhouse for sale,” you will be after you see this kitchen. The way that Rachel and Holly used every nook, cranny, and shelf to enhance the design of this kitchen is truly a work of art!
Somehow, this kitchen space feels at once super-cozy and incredibly spacious and airy. My favorite part is the antique English dresser repurposed as a China cabinet and styled to the nines with dishware that gives a nod to the home’s history as a sporting lodge.
A perfectly styled kitchen hutch. Photo by Hector M. Sanchez.
The dreamiest country kitchen. Photo by Hector M. Sanchez.
The loveliest shelf styling and the tastiest-looking pies. Photo by Becky Stayner.
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Three Bedroom Designs: Comfy, Cozy & Full of Personality
Last but not least (I’m sure you’re all officially subscribers in good standing to Country Living by this point in the post), are the home’s bedroom spaces. I’ll let the lovely photos speak for themselves, but Rachel and Holly gave each of the three bedrooms its own personality–including a room with twin beds that’s perfect for children.
From snuggly throw blankets to super-charming pillows and linens, there’s something to love in all three of these rooms. I also really love the throughway with the colors–all feature some version of warm neutrals–and the mix of crisp plaids and ginghams with an array of textures, like velvet pillows and natural woven rugs.
Soft pink tones make this bedroom design feel serene.
A cozy twin bed set-up with vibrant green hues.
A cozy and chic neutral toned bedroom design.
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