154 JULY | AUGUST 2019
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A circle of bright red Adirondack chairs beckons friends and
family to gather around the stacked stone fire pit for storytelling and a glass of sweet tea.
The outdoor kitchen and entertaining areas keep the rustic theme. Rusted tin was used
for outdoor cabinets, concrete countertops were hand-poured, and outdoor lighting was
made from rusted minnow buckets found in the barn. Susan used vintage alphabet cards as
artwork in a tiny book nook under the loft stairs for the grandchildren. Candy jars are filled
with colored pencils, crayons, and finger paints, while a basket holds toys, art paper, and col-
oring books. In the large family room addition, Susan and Billy distressed old corrugated tin
for the ceiling and hand-stained pine boards in different shades for the walls. Barn windows
were made for the vaulted wall, and 17 glass doors surround the room for a full view of the
outdoors. Numerous items found at Mississippi and Louisiana flea markets are displayed in
the couple’s kitchen. The cabinets are made from old furniture pieces or constructed to
blend with them, and the double sink is from the 1940s. The fireplace that was closed for
years was opened in the middle of the kitchen on both sides. Susan used distressed corbels
for the mantels. Billy handcrafted a large butcher block island for additional storage. On any
part of the wraparound porch, Gus the yellow lab may be found napping or waiting patiently
for a head rub.