Farmhouse Fresh: A look back at a project featured in Style at Home 2009
Long before social media made home transformations an everyday scroll, this project by Jackie Glass Inc. caught the attention of Style at Home magazine and was featured in its 2009 issue. While the home has evolved over the years, its timeless design and thoughtful details continue to inspire.
As we prepare to share the newly updated space with fresh professional photography, we're taking a look back at where it all began. Enjoy this throwback feature and see the original vision that laid the foundation for the beautiful transformation you'll see soon.
Style at Home 2009 | Written by Trisse Loxley/ Photograph by Robin Stubbert
John and Laura Hughes have lived on their family farm in Milton, Ont. since the day they were married, and from that moment, they dreamed of building a new house on their favourite hilltop vantage point. Almost 40 years later, they’ve now built their bungalow and – with the help of decorator Jackie Glass and senior designer Pie Hugglestone of Jacqueline Glass & Associates – have made it the home they’ve always wanted.
ABOVE LEFT | The turned-leg table in the passageway between the kitchen and pantry features a display of accessories from the farm’s gift store. Storage cubbies below hold homeowner Laura Hughes’ supply of shopping bags, while a basket houses her jams and jellies.
ABOVE RIGHT | Laura and her husband, John, have called Springridge Farm home for 38 years. Originally just a pick-your-own fruit farm, the family business has grown to include a gift shop , cafe, bakery, school tours and up to 18 birthday parties each weekend.
Style at Home: “This home is the result of almost 40 years of dreaming. What style did John and Laura want for their new farmhouse?”
Jackie Glass: Laura wanted a comfortable family home with a neutral decor she could change seasonally with accessories. She was looking for something elegant, but still warm and welcoming. At the same time, she needed it to be practical and functional because they have grandchildren and the house is part of a working farm.
S@H: “With a whole house to decorate, where did you start?”
JG: We began with the great room – the first room you see when you enter the house. Working with Laura, we pulled together a colour palette, starting with the sofa fabric, which is a sandy chenille. I’ve always believed if you have a neutral- colour sofa, you’ll have it a lot longer. It also makes it easy to add other fabrics and build from there. The fabrics and sofa colour are a springboard that leads to colours for walls, accessories, even flowers. You end up with a palette that’s pleasing and one that helps create visual flow from room to room.
“I wanted our home to be comfortable, whether we had two guests over for dinner or 45.” Laura Hughes, Homeowner
S@H: “There’s a real sense of personality to this home. What inspired it?”
JG: There were a lot of things John and Laura already owned that we wanted to use in the new design. The cupboard that's now an island in the studio is a prime example. Also in the studio are bookcases we recycled to look like custom cabinetry, as well as pieces of furniture we refreshed by painting them. Reusing items is a great way to create a signature look, but it’s smart, too - economically and environmentally.
ABOVE RIGHT | How to top off kitchen style
Using a light-colour granite countertop (Giallo Ornamental) for the white cabinetry and a darker option (Antique Brown) on the island draws the eye toward the island and shows off its beauty. “We couldn’t decide which countertop we liked best,” says Laura laughing, “so we used both.”
Through a French door off the kitchen is a view of the studio and the hillside beyond. In front, a glass-front cabinet holds Laura’s collection of Spode Woodland china.
LEFT | How to create a signature look
A display of Laura's much-loved Spode Woodland china hits the perfect note of homey yet polished country style. Highlighting prized possessions, Jackie says, is a foolproof way to put a personal stamp on decor, “whether it’s your favourite glassware or Grandma’s antique china.”
“From up here, we have a stunning 360-degree view” Laura
Designed with a place to sit and watch TV and a space to stretch out and enjoy the scenery, the great room offers something for everyone. “The fabric and furniture choices are classic, in style and easy to clean,” says decorator Jackie Glass of the chenilles and cottons used throughout. “This space is sophisticated yet still grandchild and farmer-friendly.” Separate rugs define the living areas, while sofa tables fitted with baskets and coffee tables with shelves help with storage.
“I think as farmers we’re more modest. My dream has never been to have a huge house.” Laura
S@H: “Even though every room seems to multitask, the whole house has an air of simplicity.”
JG: It really comes down to balance and proportion and where you want the eye to go. In this case, we wanted the eye to go outside– it’s less about the furniture and all about the view. That’s what drives the design– the neutral shades, uncovered windows and lower sightlines. The result is a very soothing, simple interior.
ABOVE LEFT | The far end of the great room houses a fireplace inspired by “a story I saved from style at home that featured Jackie accessorizing a mantel," Laura says, noting that the February 2006 article was one of the reasons she hired the decorator. The hallway to the master bedroom is designed with a view and a door to the outdoors. “That way,” says Laura, “we get to walk by our lovely patio whenever we go to bed.”
ABOVE RIGHT | The household colour palette of sand and farmhouse white takes on a different feeling in the bedroom. “I wanted it to be even more elegant,” says Laura. The bust and vase are from the farm’s gift shop.