My Houzz: Comfortable Country Style in Cincinnati
Warm colors, extra rooms and plush furniture make a couple's farmhouse-style home worth sharing with guests
Houzz Contributor. There is a lot we can learn about a person by looking into their home. With our environments being one of our greatest forms of self expression, I am consumed with the notion of defining the connection between ourselves and the places we live. Whether working with object, color, or spacial arrangement, it is a privilege to enter another's home and help clarify that union of self and dwelling. As a photographer and contributor for Houzz, it is of equal gratitude that I have the opportunity to look into a person's home in a way that most people do not. To experience the smallest details, or even the way light fills a space, moves me in a way that I cannot describe. I am thankful to those that have opened their homes to me, and I consider myself fortunate to have been involved...
Houzz Contributor. There is a lot we can learn about a person by looking... More »
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Gary and Gayle Schneider were married only a few months when they broke ground on their new home in Ohio. "The process for us involved figuring out who we were going to be together in this new house, what would our new everyday lives together be about," says Gayle. Building their home took about a year, and 10 years later, their home is an accurate representation of the couple: expansive yet welcoming, tasteful yet attainable. Full of natural influences, this is a home created as much for sharing with others as it is made for the owners themselves.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Gayle and Gary Schneider, and dogs Jacob and Abbey
Location: Cincinnati
Size: About 6,000 square feet
That's interesting: The home's size grew during building to accommodate the couple's dining table.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Gayle and Gary Schneider, and dogs Jacob and Abbey
Location: Cincinnati
Size: About 6,000 square feet
That's interesting: The home's size grew during building to accommodate the couple's dining table.
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| "We've been asked if this was a preexisting farmhouse that the development was built around," says Gayle. "We consider that a compliment." After completing construction of the main house, the couple waited a few years to add on a garage with an upstairs office for their business, Jonah Development. |
by Adrienne DeRosa
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Natural accessories and upholstered seating bring the foyer's grand proportions down to earth. Sunlight pours in from a second-story window.
Inspired by old houses and buildings seen throughout their travels in Europe, the Schneiders chose to replicate an aged plaster look at home. Using a dual color technique, they covered the walls with khaki and green paint from Sherwin-Williams, mixed with an acrylic glaze.
Settee: Sofa Express
Inspired by old houses and buildings seen throughout their travels in Europe, the Schneiders chose to replicate an aged plaster look at home. Using a dual color technique, they covered the walls with khaki and green paint from Sherwin-Williams, mixed with an acrylic glaze.
Settee: Sofa Express
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| Although Gayle's favorite summertime spot is the back sunporch, the living room gets her vote during the winter, thanks to a wood-burning fireplace. The feeling of the space is akin to that of an elegant lodge, with a cut stone hearth and plenty of stacked firewood that Gary split. Armchairs: Tommy Bahama, Direct Buy |
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| A book wrapped in twine and a collection of cloches serve as a coffee table centerpiece in the living room. The cocktail table was a new purchase, but Gayle and Gary re-stained the top for a well-worn look. |
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| "We built the house with 10-foot, 4-inch ceilings, which helped create a sense of more openness, like being outside," Gayle says. Transom windows allow light to flood the living room, while oversize furniture maintains an intimate feel. |
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This collection of clocks on a side table holds special significance. Their purpose is to "reflect the different time zones where two of our sons are either currently stationed or deployed in the military," says Gayle.
Clocks: Pocket Watch, Pottery Barn
Clocks: Pocket Watch, Pottery Barn
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| The design of the formal dining room set off a chain of resizing during the building process. "First we bumped our dining room wall out 5 feet to accommodate our large, family-oriented dining room table and chairs," Gayle says. "With the house plan being symmetrically designed, we then bumped the left side of the house out 5 feet as well, to mirror the change of the right side of the house." As a result, other rooms, such as the kitchen and upstairs loft, gained space. Chandelier: Veranda Linear, Pottery Barn; cabinet: Grand French Casement Cabinet, Restoration Hardware; dining table: Miller's Furniture |
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| The kitchen opens to a bright breakfast area, while a center island offers storage. Open shelving beneath the counter puts bowls and cookware at arm's reach but out of sight. At the end of the island, the couple designed a built-in wine shelf to house their collection. |
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Glazed alder wood cabinetry creates warmth against stone countertops. Integrated plate racks add to the home's country vibe and offer practical access to everyday dinnerware.
The couple purposely designed their island without appliances. "That was key for us, because that's where we set up our food buffet style — especially during the colder months, when we have different types of gatherings here," says Gayle.
The couple purposely designed their island without appliances. "That was key for us, because that's where we set up our food buffet style — especially during the colder months, when we have different types of gatherings here," says Gayle.
by Adrienne DeRosa
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The couple keeps a supply of place settings at the ready for entertaining guests. An antique wooden tray keeps items organized and tidy.
A glass urn from Hobby Lobby corrals a collection of wine corks from bottles enjoyed on vacations or during memorable celebrations.
A glass urn from Hobby Lobby corrals a collection of wine corks from bottles enjoyed on vacations or during memorable celebrations.
by Adrienne DeRosa
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In the breakfast area, Gayle sewed the chair cushions by hand and repurposed pieces of Gary's former house for the walls. "[The shutters] are salvaged from the basement of Gary’s old Victorian house he was living in when we met," she says. "I moved them with us, much to his puzzlement, and figured out how to use them. Now he really appreciates them."
Chandelier: Lowe's
Chandelier: Lowe's
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| Back on the sunporch, a mix of natural materials strikes an elegant balance. "We use and repurpose what we have that's special to us," Gayle says of their family's decorating philosophy. "When we buy furniture or something else, we make sure it speaks to our hearts and appears to have lived some life already." The couple created this wooden screen out of salvaged doors, attaching them with the original hinges. A galvanized trough from Pottery Barn is used to chill refreshments, while crisp cotton linens soften the scheme and contribute to a comfortable resting place. |
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A decorative cloche from Arhaus contains abandoned bird's nests that Gayle has collected over the years from around the property. They are displayed alongside glass votives and an antique seed-starter tray, making for a warm and personalized centerpiece on the sunporch.
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A stone path and stacked split-faced steps lead up to a back entry. An unassuming neutral palette is enhanced with ipe decking and weathered fixtures.
Ipe, a Braziian hardwood, is ideal for outdoor applications, lasting 25 to 40 years without treatment. Gayle says, "It is lower maintenance if you let it age naturally, like teak or cedar, but we've chosen to seal it yearly to highlight and retain more of the deeper, richer color."
Ipe, a Braziian hardwood, is ideal for outdoor applications, lasting 25 to 40 years without treatment. Gayle says, "It is lower maintenance if you let it age naturally, like teak or cedar, but we've chosen to seal it yearly to highlight and retain more of the deeper, richer color."
by Adrienne DeRosa
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Just inside the back entry, an antique wooden tray from the flea market is used to corral everything from spare change to cell phones. The tray sits atop a cherished cabinet from Gayle's grandmother. "It has moved with me and been repainted a couple different times, when it's found a new resting spot," she says.
A floral sconce from Arhaus contains hydrangeas that Gayle brings in regularly from the garden.
A floral sconce from Arhaus contains hydrangeas that Gayle brings in regularly from the garden.
by Adrienne DeRosa
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Hooks in the mudroom provide easy access to everyday items. The bench was a flea market find that the couple repainted to soften the contrast between the white beadboard walls and the slate floor. A hinged seat means more concealed storage for the household and less clutter.
Coat hooks: Van Dyke's Restorers
Coat hooks: Van Dyke's Restorers
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| In the basement, the couple went with warm colors and materials. Rather than install typical doors, the Schneiders chose sliding panels made out of reclaimed barn wood. When not in use, the big-screen TV is obscured by the double doors, allowing attention to be given to the displays of family memorabilia. Leather couch: Arhaus |
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| Considering their penchant for entertaining, a bar in the basement was a must-have. "Our bigger family gatherings often average 25 people," says Gayle. "We've also hosted gatherings upwards of 50 people for ourselves and have lent our home to others for bigger gatherings." Fresh flowers adorn the countertop as a reminder of nature. Along with the salvaged barn timbers, engineered maple flooring throughout unifies the basement with other areas of the house. Stools: Tibetan, Pottery Barn; ladder: Days Gone By; flooring: ponderosa, Bruce |
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| Across from the bar, the pool table takes center stage and a collection of family photos personalizes the space. Propped on ledges, framed photographs forgo formal gallery presentation while giving greater flexibility to an ever-changing exhibit. |
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Nestled into the lower-level quarters of the basement, a guest bedroom receives diffused daylight from the terraced patio outside. The headboard, a repurposed barn door, was hosed down and coated with a matte polyurethane.
Table lamps: Arhaus; ceiling pendant: Lighting Direct
Table lamps: Arhaus; ceiling pendant: Lighting Direct
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| Trees line the perimeter of the backyard, while a sunken gathering area highlights the landscape. "We wanted [the basement] to have attractive outside access and a restful garden sitting area of its own," Gayle says. Leading into the lowest level of the home, the patio brings outdoor elements inside, making the basement feel more like another level, as opposed to a closed-off space. The benches were found at a local gardening center and re-stained by the homeowners. Fire pit: Sundance |
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| At the top of the stairs, the Schneiders have created an elegant home office alternative. Before they built their company's offices over the garage, this space was used for their business, but now it is a place for writing, researching or just relaxing. "Sometimes I just like to sit up there and think creatively," says Gayle. "It’s such a pretty outside view at that window, so it’s very inspiring to me." The table holds significance, as it was a gift from Gary when the couple were dating. Gayle has since refinished it, along with the chair. The stool is another thrift store gem that the couple repainted. Inspired by a retail display, Gayle replicated the look of a whimsical arrangement of pages using arboriculture publications found at a flea market. |
by Adrienne DeRosa
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While the original plans for their home called for a row of smaller windows placed high along the walls of the master bedroom, the Schneiders wished to be more connected to the outdoors. "We extended the master bedroom at the back of the house with bay windows and included a fireplace," says Gayle. What resulted is a sort of private retreat that the couple describes as "restful and free of life's common clutter."
In contrast to the refined upholstery fabrics, stacked crates give the master bedroom an air of rustic sophistication. Different sizes and styles create dimension in addition to a well-integrated focal point.
Top crate: Hobby Lobby; armchair: Sofa Express
In contrast to the refined upholstery fabrics, stacked crates give the master bedroom an air of rustic sophistication. Different sizes and styles create dimension in addition to a well-integrated focal point.
Top crate: Hobby Lobby; armchair: Sofa Express
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| Creating the look for the sleeping area of the master bedroom came from creativity and tenacity on Gayle's part. "I was inspired by a rather expensive duvet cover I saw, and I decided to create one," she says. "So for a year I collected similar different fabrics when on sale, and then sewed my own." She made the coordinating pillows, too, while the white embroidered ones are from Arhaus. The mirror above the headboard is a thrift store find, which Gayle aged with acrylic glaze. |
by Adrienne DeRosa
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Through the use of unassuming materials, the master bath embodies luxury in a serene environment. The antique cabinet, found at a flea market, is ideal for storing bath linens and other necessities, while white wainscoting gives the room a period look.
Glass candlesticks: Hobby Lobby
Glass candlesticks: Hobby Lobby
by Adrienne DeRosa
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His-and-hers pedestal sinks take up less space in a small corner of the master bath. Even without counter space, Gayle and Gary manage to keep daily essentials at hand, thanks to the built-in medicine cabinets. Gayle says, "[We] assign places for things, so there's a place to put it away," leaving minimal opportunities for clutter.
Sinks: Kohler
Sinks: Kohler
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by Adrienne DeRosa
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| Dark furniture creates a modern contrast in another guest room, while period styles are in keeping with a country atmosphere. The overall effect is comfortable and familiar, for those who are far away from home. The decor of the room is a perfect mix of high and low. The iron bed is offset by a thrift store Windsor chair in the corner. The couple painted and sanded the chair to give it a worn look, echoed in the bench, a crafts store find. Bed frame: French Académie, Restoration Hardware |
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| Gayle Schneider and Jacob, a bearded collie mix, enjoy a relaxing moment at the top of the terrace stairs. Since the couple finished their home over nine years ago, their children have grown up and moved away, leaving extra space for houseguests. Though they have opened their home to others needing a place to stay, the Schneiders plan to downsize in a few years. "We plan on having a smaller house but with a more pastoral setting, maybe even with a small lake," says Gayle. "Along with that we'd like to build an event center on the property that can host weddings, creative business meetings or retreats." |
Ideabook published on Jan. 8, 2013.
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And can I ask why people wrap books in twine? Does it have some meaning or purpose? (I'm seriously puzzled, and possibly 'decoratively challenged'.)
And I wonder what the owner will say when I ask "Why is the book wrapped in twine and kept with cloches?"
In my opinion, nothing beats the crackle and warmth of a real wood fireplace!
Regarding comments about wine and spices wrong place, I actually learned about it recently from houzz comments. For wine I have bar in the basement, so I was fine without knowledge, but now try to find new place for spices.
@ those concerned about firewood - thnx. We, too, understand possible risks w/ storing our firewood where we do & take the precautions we can.
@ ?'s about coffee table arrangement & books wrapped in twine - nothing more than decorating whimsy for our personal taste & no one takes them too seriously that visit - they see we have plenty of books throughout the house for actual reading. However, no one's hands would be slapped here if they chose to untie & check out further :). We don't take ourselves that seriously & those are just thrift store finds (I believe honest mistake on author's part referring to them as antique vs. simply either vintage or thrift store finds).
@ wine storage suggestions - you make good points if our wine lasted long enough for that to be an issue. I assure you it's not! :)
@suzannedecoration - thnx for the suggestion - that's something I've considered in some rooms more recently. We normally find the neutral earth tones very soothing, but did add some brighter color to the recently redone bedroom for visiting grandchildren - pics attached below. I had planned to add some additional color to the basement guest room bed, but haven't done so yet - will do when I find something that speaks to my heart.
@ Those who've enjoyed or found some inspiration from our home as it's shown here, we're so glad you did - that's why we shared. No one ought assume their home will suit the preferences of all - we sure don't. And our lives are about so much more than our "here & now" home. But because of many who've been here & urged us to share somewhere like this, we felt it was worth it. Thank you for graciousness & appreciation & continue to have fun creating your own personal spaces while you listen to your heart! It's truly a journey.
http://www.athomewith.com/community/ggschneider/style.esi?userid=41295257
Appreciate your comments. Pamela, if you didn't catch it, I posted a link in a response above where you'd find more pics of our home, different seasons. Adrienne's trip here fell @ the very beginning of fall, right after our summer blooming season, but in a pocket right before we experience our full glorious color around here. We're fortunate to enjoy a park-like setting when the seasons change. Posted pics below that reflect those changes. We really do witness baby birds in the spring, summer brings roses, catmint, & lavender in our terraced walk-out along w/ a variety of hydrangeas throughout the yard, fall brings ever changing color w/ bright foliage & bright mums popping against fading crisp hydrangeas & even snow makes things more picturesque for us during winter. We also enjoy our fair share of deer here.
What Gary & I've learned during this Houzz experience, which was touched upon by your comments - challenging for any one photo (or chosen view) to capture the full personality of a room as one can absorb by being in that room with all it's components or the people who live their lives there. Also, when someone visits & takes photographic images, they're viewing your home perhaps differently than you're accustomed to, maybe even through a different set of style observing eyes & so that feel/style sense is part of what's portrayed through their chosen photos. That's something Houzz viewers ought keep in mind when viewing any photographic images. And I understood going in there would likely be a certain type of "feisty" criticism to go alongside comments appreciating, for various reasons, that you've shared your personal spaces. We figured if others who identified w/ our style found any inspiration to incorporate more of their personal hearts & lives into their dwelling than it was worth it. I learned a while back that certain forms of criticism may reflect more about those expressing it than about who or what they're criticizing & not to take it personally. So if you feel you can do that & still share yourself, I say go ahead with joy & gusto.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0001H5Y58/ref=asc_df_B0001H5Y582342701?ie=UTF8&condition=new&tag=shopzilla_mp_1209-20&creative=395165&creativeASIN=B0001H5Y58&linkCode=asm
http://www.ehow.com/how_7882104_paint-wall-magic.html
(It wasn't until after Adrienne left that I realized the battery had gone dead in one of the clocks.)
We want to reiterate - this has been a positive sharing (& learning) experience for us & are happy to have shared. And since just recently becoming aware of the amount of folks who've saved images to their own ideabooks, along with comments like, "I can use my own____this way" or "repaint own light fixture like this & reuse" we've felt confirmed in sharing, glad that some of our personal creative choices provided a springboard for others' own inspiration. That's why we did this. We've also been given the gift of seeing our home through a fresh perspective via these photographs & have enjoyed that new view. I do want to clarify, after rereading some of my own prior (possibly clumsy) commentary, that in no way are we saying anything here as having been misrepresented through the photographs, only that there may be different views or perspectives & that's OK & can be a good thing & ought be considered by readers before rendering certain quick judgments on any Houzz feature. We so admire & appreciate Adrienne's heart & all the energy she poured into this & are proud of the feature she created. We hope she is, too. We have especially enjoyed the images that have beautifully captured the light as it fills our home & the sense of welcome-ness, peace & serenity here we've had friends, family & other visitors comment on. We look forward to seeing other features done by her in the future & it would appear there are others who look forward to that as well.Thank you, Adrienne, from the bottom of our hearts.
(And you would most certainly be welcome for a glass of iced tea - or wine!)
By the way, we visited Fredericksburg ( fortunate to stay on a ranch for a few days) when one of our sons was graduating from Air Force Training in San Antonio. We loved it. Great hospitality, too! Would love to go back someday.
By the way, what do you think is most important when moving on? Starting fresh, keeping and relishing what you have, mixing some with new?
As for the negative remarks, ignore or ask them to post pictures of their homes to illustrate what is au currant.