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It's open season on antiques!

As the editor of Country Living (@rachelhardagebarrett), I have seen and admired my fair share of before-and-afters, but it wasn’t until the spring of 2021 that I embarked in earnest on one of my own. It all started when I stumbled across a real estate listing for a foreclosed farmhouse in the Mississippi Delta, and before I could say “one Mississippi,” I was driving past long stretches of flat farmland to see it for myself. Built in the 1930s, the home had functioned as a hunting lodge for a family out of Memphis until it changed hands and ultimately fell into foreclosure. Still, despite its seen-better-days state—peeling paint, birds fluttering about in the foyer—I saw endless potential (Those paneled walls! That circular gravel drive!) and enlisted fellow old house lover and Country Living Contributor Holly Audrey Williams (@hollyaudreywilliams) to tackle the house in tandem. Holly was the perfect collaborator: She has restored more homes than you can count on both hands, and we shared a vision for this property that I can best describe as “design with a drawl.” Here’s how, with the help of contractor Obert Douglas and countless others, we got the 100-year-old home ready for a joint family Friendsgiving—and the lessons we learned along the way.

Special thanks to the official sponsors of the 2022 Makeover Takeover: Sherwin-Williams, At Home, and Visit Mississippi.

Here in the "before" you can see the home's dingy front, which was spruced up with new fiber-cement siding in Arctic White along with copper lanterns, urn planters, and a jute doormat (see photo above). We worked with online landscaping service Yardzen and Hatchie Tree Service to bring back some country curb appeal.

Get the Look: Siding: by James Hardie Front Door Paint: "Tricorn Black SW6258" by Sherwin-Williams Copper Lanterns: "Georgetown" wall lanterns from Circa Lighting Urn Planters & Jute Doormat: both from At Home

This property can be hard to find, so we wanted to create a friendly welcome and enlisted Crackerjack Junk Co. to recreate a sign that had hung on the property in its heyday. Tip: Go bigger than you think! After a lot of deliberation, we went with a 36-by-48 sign. Anything smaller would have felt way too small against the 10-acre setting.

We wanted to make a strong statement in the long front foyer, and rich gray walls set against a high-gloss black ceiling and trim did just that. New upholstery on curvy antique chairs offers a nice balance of masculine/feminine as seen throughout the home. Dog Otis very much likes the jute rug.

Get the Look: Wall Paint: "Roycroft Pewter SW 2848" by Sherwin-Williams Ceiling & Trim Paint: "Tricorn Black SW 6258" by Sherwin-Williams Jute Rug: from Annie Selke Chair Fabric: "Nils Plaid" by Schumacher Pillow: from At Home Vintage Antlers: from Tricia's Treasures

RELATED: These Nine Paint Colors Are Inspired by the Mississippi Delta

Also in the foyer, an antique hunt board welcomes guests with pre-poured refreshment, including Mississippi-made Old Soul Bourbon, in vintage julep cups. To offset the darker paint, we selected brass light fixtures to serve up contrast and warmth. Walking sticks in faux bois umbrella stands reinforce the lodge feel, and a woven basket corrals outdoor essentials.

Wall Paint: "Roycroft Pewter SW 2848" by Sherwin-Williams Ceiling & Trim Paint: "Tricorn Black SW 6258" by Sherwin-Williams Vintage Hunt Board: from Shoppe Jute Rug: by Annie Selke Lamps: "Classical Urn Form" from Circa Lighting Lampshades: from The Shade Shop Lantern: "Coventry" from Circa Lighting Umbrella Stands: "Bunny Williams Woodland" by Ballard Designs Basket, Marble Dish, and Candle: from At Home Blankets: by The Tartan Blanket Co. Vintage Antlers: from Antiquities

To cozy up the long living room, we created multiple gathering spaces—one for lounging (shown), the others for games and piano sing-alongs. (The piano, not pictured, came with the house—a happy coincidence for Holly and her husband, Chris Coleman, who are both musicians.) Two deep-seated velvet sofas in the perfect shade of green flank a vintage table (cut down from dining height) atop a natural fiber rug. Other “hunted” items include antique trunks and a clover-shaped end table. On the newer side, a black-and-gold mirror presides over the mantel alongside a vintage dog trophy and green lacquered candlesticks.

Get the Look: Sofas: "Madeline" by Kathy Kuo Home Candlesticks: by Salvesen Graham Sconces: "Flea Market" lantern from Circa Lighting Chandeliers: "Classic Ring" from Circa Lighting Rug: from Annie Selke Mirror, Aqua Blue Pillows, Green Jug, and Vase: from At Home Frames: by Framebridge Vintage Books and Trophies: from Palladio Home & Garden

In the living room, an old game table and green-shaded bouillotte lamp create a cozy spot for congregating. To add interest to the shelves, we had an assortment of vintage finds, including an old harmonica and vintage Farmer's Almanac, professionally matted and framed. Get the Look: Sconce: "Flea Market" lantern from Circa Lighting Frames: by Framebridge Vintage Lamp: Adams Antiques & the Potager

Because the surrounding landscape offers ample opportunities for alfresco farm dinners, we took a more playful approach to this space, topping a vintage Louis XVI dining table with a ping-pong playing surface. (The top can easily be removed should there be a need for indoor dining.) For a tailored touch, a custom net coordinates with the draperies. A mercury glass bell lantern echoes the tones of metal trophies and an old bar mirror.

Get the Look: Ceiling Paint: "Alabaster SW 7008" by Sherwin-Williams Ping-Pong Playing Surface: from HB Home Furnishings Candlesticks: from At Home Drapery and Ping Pong Net Fabric: “Pyne Hollyhock” by Schumacher Drapery and Custom Ping-Pong Net Fabrication: by Sassy Slipcovers Lantern: "Lorford Smoke" by Circa Lighting Vintage Oil Portrait: from Found Birmingham

Delta rains are no joke, so we wanted a mudroom that could handle the mess, while also evoking the tweed-cap refinement of the boot rooms you’d find in the English countryside. The black, brown, and white color scheme takes its inspiration from hunting dog breeds (also seen on the skirted table). An assortment of wool hats and waxed canvas coats, many from Alabama retailer Tom Beckbe, allow for guests to settle in to country-casual attire. Jute rugs placed in front of each cubby minimize boot removal mess.

Get the Look: Wall Paint: "Natural Choice SW 7011" by Sherwin-Williams Ceiling and Trim Paint: "Tricorn Black SW 6258" by Sherwin-Williams Skirted Table Cloth Fabric: “Pointers” by Schumacher Jute Mats: from At Home

During its heyday, the kitchen was outfitted to host quite the parties (one of which was featured in Field & Stream!). Still, the industrial hood, as seen in this before, was a metal behemoth, so we refashioned the space to feel a little friendlier without changing the room's configuration, which helped keep renovation costs more manageable.

The kitchen now feels softer and friendlier courtesy of blue “Sheffield” cabinetry, brass hardware, and flush-mount lights. The island’s countertop in “Charcoal Soapstone” complements a Viking dishwasher and range in “Cast Black,” part of The Delta Hues collection (how fitting!). Assorted kitchen accents keep things cozy, while wood-seated counter stools complement the home’s beams. On the left, a grouping of antique silver trays stacks neatly above a Windsor stool.

Get the Look: Cabinets: "Sheffield" by Legacy Cabinets Cabinet, Wall, Trim & Ceiling Paint: "Dutch Tile Blue SW 0031" by Sherwin-Williams Faucet: "Broderick" by Delta Hardware: by Top Knobs Flush-Mount Lights: from Circa Lighting Island Countertop: "Charcoal Soapstone" by Silestone Refrigerator, Dishwasher & Range: "Cast Black" from The Delta Hues Collection by Viking Glass Canisters & Dutch Oven: from At Home Counter Stools: by Ballard Designs Windsor Stool: "Tucker" by Serena & Lily

Green floral cafe curtains lend softness to the kitchen without distracting the eye from the 10 acres of pecan trees outside. The pretty brass “Broderick” faucet also lends interest to the pre-existing sink. Canisters provide easy access to baking ingredients.

Get the Look: Cabinets, Wall, Trim & Ceiling Paint: "Dutch Tile Blue SW 0031" by Sherwin-Williams Dishwasher: from Viking Cabinets: "Sheffield" by Legacy Cabinets Cafe Curtain Hardware: from Ballard Designs Faucet: "Broderick" by Delta Canisters: from At Home

With ample cabinetry already in place, we opted for a Gothic-inspired plate rack on a wall adjacent to the refrigerator. The wood adds a nice pop of contrast against the blue.

Get the Look: Wall Paint: "Dutch Tile Blue SW 0031" by Sherwin-Williams Decorative Accents: from At Home Plate Rack: by Cosmo Fry

We had plans to reupholster the old chicken wire cabinet doors, but when that project didn't pan out, we decided to simply keep things open and paint inside the cabinetry. Now it's the perfect spot to display an assortment of cake stands and antique serving vessels. The oil-painted lady of the house (“Eleanor”) supervises a buffet of pies from local bakery Sweet Tooth Teddy.

Wall and Trim Paint: "Dutch Tile Blue SW 0031" by Sherwin-Williams Cake Stands and Bowls: from At Home

How many birds is too many birds? Don't answer that! This English dresser gave us ample room to display our growing collection of pheasant-themed plates and glassware. Get the Look: Wall Paint: "Dutch Tile Blue SW 0031" by Sherwin-Williams

RELATED: Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas for the Perfect Rustic Vibe

Upstairs, visitors can tuck in to a black spool bed outfitted in ticking stripe linens, an ivory coverlet, and a mossy velvet pillow. Two sconces in charcoal-print shades allow more room for the leafy-skirted nightstand to accommodate a green lacquered tray and amber vase. The framed “Waterfowl of the Mississippi Flyway” print by Ryan Kirby is right at home above the mantel. Finally, a collection of five dapper gents hangs tough above the bed like an old-timey boy band.

Get the Look: Wall Paint: "Alabaster SW 7008" by Sherwin-Williams Trim Paint: "Agreeable Gray SW 7029" by Sherwin-Williams Linens: from Redland Cotton Wool Blanket: by The Tartan Blanket Co. Coverlet: from Serena & Lily Velvet Pillow: from Ballard Designs Sconces: from Circa Lighting Sconces Shades: from The Shade Shop Round Nightstand: from Ballard Designs Nightstand Skirt: “Filigree Flower” from Soane Britain Lacquered Tray: from Salvesen Graham Vase: from At Home Black Frame: “Augusta” from Framebridge "Waterfowl of the Mississippi Flyway" Print: from Ryan Kirby Art

Original to the house, the hunt dog-themed wallcovering showed some wear and tear, but we couldn’t part with it. To freshen things up, we painted the window trim and door in a corresponding color. The sink and tile are also original. New bath linens make guests feel right at home.

Get the Look: Trim & Door Paint: "Oakmoss SW 6180" by Sherwin-Williams Wallcovering: by Brunschwig & Fils from Kravet Towels, vase, and soap dish: from At Home Sconces: "Alton" from Circa Lighting

With such pretty views of the Delta landscape outside the windows, we embraced colors inspired by the region. Poster beds dressed in ivory coverlets and crisp floral and gingham linens lend a sweetness to more lodgelike accents, including arrow sconces and a nubby, natural rug. A perfectly petite nightstand is topped with a brass reading lamp and dog figurines. A striking paper portrait in ivory lends graphic punch to moss green walls. Get the Look: Wall Paint: "Oakmoss SW 6180" by Sherwin-Williams Vintage Poster Beds: from Chairish Coverlets: by Serena & Lily Floral Linens: from Biscuit Home Gingham Linens: by Heather Taylor Home Vintage Arrow Sconces: from Found Birmingham Rug and Basket: from At Home Nightstand: from Ballard Designs Reading Lamp: "The Pixie" from Circa Lighting

Holly will tell you: Pink is a neutral. She's used it on doors, floors, ceilings, and more. Here, like a flattering pink lightbulb, the soft pink on the walls, doors, and trim in the guest room casts a warm glow, and I love how it pairs with the brass bed and wood antiques.

Get the Look: Wall, Door & Trim Paint: "Intimate White SW 6322" by Sherwin-Williams Brass Bed: from Brass Beds of Virginia Skirted Table: Fringed Off-White Twill from Ballard Designs Plaid Wool Blanket: by The Tartan Blanket Co. Floral Pillows: "Hillside Garnet" by Brook Perdigon Textiles Shams and Coverlet: "Augustine" by Serena & Lily Lamp: from Edward Ave. Lampshade: from The Shade Shop RELATED: 60+ Farmhouse Decor Ideas to Help You Design Your Dream Country Home

The ol' desk-turned-nightstand trick is an oldie but goodie. In this case, a vintage pheasant print in a tigerwood frame is proudly perched on an antique huntboard from a Birmingham, Alabama, estate sale.

Get the Look: Wall, Door & Trim Paint: "Intimate White SW 6322" by Sherwin-Williams Art Frames: by Framebridge Bed: from Brass Beds of Virginia Chair: from Palladio Home & Garden

It's Mississippi, after all! On the 50-foot-long porch, a Haint blue ceiling, green wicker furniture, woven white lanterns, and, for an old-fashioned touch, a Bluetooth-compatible gramophone create a breezy, time-slows-down ambiance. An assortment of floral and solid and striped pillows allows houseguests to kick back comfortably. The antique trunk-turned-coffee table came with the home. The gold-rimmed Hazel Atlas highball glasses were an Etsy score. Here, they’re paired with a cane-wrapped carafe.

Get the Look: Shutter Paint: "Tricorn Black SW 6258" by Sherwin-Williams Wicker Furniture: "Loggia" in Old Green by Mainly Baskets Wicker Urn and Pedestal: "Braided Square" by Mainly Baskets Lanterns, Solid & Striped Pillows, and Carafe: from At Home Gramophone: Bluetooth Gramophone from Sharper Image Floral Pillow Fabric: by Schumacher Rug: by Annie Selke Vintage High Ball Glasses: from The Vela Shoppe on Etsy

Built by our multi-talented landscaper David Bryan, the 20-foot-long farm table is Friendsgiving-ready courtesy of mismatched chairs and plates, stemmed glassware, and assorted linens. Beeswax tapers cast a magical glow.

Get the Look: Stemmed Glassware: from At Home Assorted Linens: from Heather Taylor Home Tapers: from Stick Candles Landscaping: Yardzen; Hatchie Tree Service

Old harmonicas make for a fun (and interactive) collectible for a home just off the Mississippi Blues Trail. Here, they serve as playful placecard holders and party favors alongside transferware plates.

Get the Look: Plates: from Replacements, Ltd. Linens: by Heather Taylor Home Glasses: fr0m At Home

RELATED: DIY Thanksgiving Centerpieces to Beautify Your Holiday Table

A country house is never complete without a honest-to-goodness tire swing. Here, Holly’s daughter Stella June (8) shows us the ropes.

Get the Look: Tire Swing: from Vintage Swings on Etsy

When it’s time for dessert, a 1949 Chevy flatbed provides the perfect kids’ table alternative for Lillie Mae, Jack, Stella June, and Emmy.

Get the Look: Blanket: by The Tartan Blanket Co.

RELATED: Thanksgiving Desserts to Cap Off the Holiday Dinner

A bocce court dreamed up by Yardzen and installed by Hatchie Tree Service provides fun for kids and adults alike.

RELATED: DIY Backyard Games For Kids To Make With the Family

Yardzen helped dream up a backyard design plan that includes LED string lights, battery-powered black lanterns, and black Country Living Adirondack chairs—I love how the chairs feel both primitive and modern. (My husband Brian can also confirm that they're quite easy to assemble!)

Get the Look: String Lights: from Ballard Designs Lanterns: from At Home Adirondack Chairs: "Modern" from the Country Living Collection by Polywood