John Johns - artist

Autumn Way Home

As you enter the foyer, you feel transported back in time to an era where the prevailing "less is more" philosophy advocated the use of simple ornamentation. Aided by Rhonda Kifer Design Associates, the owners have succeeded in adhering to this decorating principle. The cherrywood and painted stairs and the matching beadboard which runs through the hall and up the stairway set the tone for the home.

Almost immediately your eye will be drawn to the floors. Some of the wide plank wood flooring was milled from cherry trees which once grew where the house now stands. No color was added, only a finish coat of polyurethane. Other features that lend authenticity are handcrafted historic reproduction lighting and period hardware.

The owners have an outstanding collection of antique furniture, much of it inherited from the wife's grandfather. These heirlooms have been combined with reproduction pieces to create an environment of grace and charm.

At once both simple and elegant, the living room has an unusual Rumford fireplace, which, although very shallow, was cleverly designed to draw extremely well. The dining room is highlighted by a curly maple and walnut trestle table and matching Windsor chairs made by Keck Jackson. These splendidly crafted reproduction pieces fit well with a western Pennsylvania corner cupboard and a dry sink from Ohio.

As you pass by the husband's tranquil study and start up the stairs, you will notice the New England documented stenciling. Done by Karen Bolea, it appears in numerous rooms throughout the home in various patterns and colors. As you reach the top of the staircase, you will be surprised to find yourself on a balcony overlooking the family room and the gardens, pool and patio beyond. This is where the owners and architect chose to digress from authenticity and add skylights, which give this portion of the house an almost contemporary look. An exposed brick wall on the balcony holds a quilt done by the wife using an old Amish pattern, and a pine cone swag fashioned by the owner's friend, Martha R. Lowry, flower designer and horticulturist, who had a considerable influence in the landscape design.

Three upstairs' bedrooms all contain wonderful antique and reproduction pieces, stenciling in colors to match the woodwork in each room and quilts made by the wife.

Returning to the downstairs, you will want to take note of the unglazed Wedgewood displayed in the hutch in the family room area and the exceptionally well-crafted cherry cabinetry in the kitchen.

In the downstairs' master bedroom you will see many fine antique pieces as well as a reproduction curly maple pencil post bed made by Mr. Jackson and enhanced by one of the wife's quilts. The beautiful view from the large Palladian window is enhanced by the red and cream toile fabric commonly used in the Early New England home.

The pool and patio area contains wild flower, perennial and rose beds, designed by the wife to attract birds. The gardens look remarkably mature after only two years and the wife gives many thanks to Mrs. Lowry who provided some of the plant material from her own long-established garden.

This home and garden overflow with the creativity of the owners and all of the talented craftspeople and designers who helped them to realize their vision.

Flowers courtesy of Crossroad Florist