Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jennifer (Jen) and Dick Lanne
Location: Ballston Spa, New York
Size: 1,300 square feet (121 square meters); 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

Not that Jen immediately recognized that this was their dream home. When she saw it while house-hunting, her first thought was, “Please, don’t let it be that colonial house on the corner.” Built in 1782, it was certainly old enough to meet their requirements of nothing too modern, but otherwise it seemed to have nothing to recommend it. Despite the lackluster exterior, Jen took a peek through the windows and saw all of the original details in the flooring, molding and beams. As a bonus, there was a large barn on the property that would be perfect for her studio with space for Dick’s blacksmith shop. She was hooked.

Jen is working on a product line of tableware and soft goods for a major furniture company, which will also carry her original tarp paintings in spring 2015.

Old homes may have charm and character, but they also can require a lot of work. Before moving in, the Lannes replaced the foundation, roofing, septic and electrical systems, furnace and appliances. Fortunately for their budget, they were able to do everything but the septic and electrical work themselves.

The barn needed a lot of tender loving care, physically and aesthetically. Jen and Dick had to gut and clean it out after they moved in. They added all of the stonework, walls and floors. “The trick was making it look old, which, being amateurs at stonework, made it easy!” says Jen.

A lot of the bottom boards in the barn and sills were rotting, so the Lannes had to cut out the bottom 4 to 5 feet of each wall; they added exposed beams made of reclaimed wood and used waist-high stonework in place of siding. This permanent fix will prevent more decomposition.

A tarp painting by Jennifer sets the stage for a garden table. Jen combines her artwork with her finds throughout her home and garden.To see more arts you can check here.

Jen’s studio is in a section of the barn; one of her large canvas tarp paintings covers the entrance. “I love that it’s in the barn,” Jen says. “It’s separate from the house, and I pretty much paint daily. I have the best view from my windows. I can see the animals and backyard. It’s so peaceful and quiet.”

To make this newly constructed room fit in with the rest of the barn, Jen and Dick brought in usable yet decorative pieces, including old cupboards and other vintage furniture. Jen also painted and distressed the floor in a black and white tiled pattern. Fun old farm signs and tools contrast nicely with her bright floral paintings.