28 Jan 2010 A dream home designed with memories in mind

According to Amy, the Johnson couple always wanted to build on the land to give their children a home for crafting family memories. “We wanted something livable and lodge-like,” explained Amy. “The kids run around and ride their tricycles on the floor. I don’t stress about scratches. We live here and we are comfortable in our home.”

The Johnsons designed their home for enjoying the outdoors with their children. They installed a pond where the kids spend hours fishing. The house is designed with a screened-in porch all around the house to take advantage of the scenery. 

There are several special features inside the home. One of the first aspects seen when entering through the front door is the large bar from a store in Chicago. Amy loves unique antique pieces and features them throughout the home, and the bar is no exception as it stretches the entire length of the kitchen to create a divider to separate the space from the living room Many items were purchased at Jenifer’s Antiques in Downtown Conway. 

In addition to the antique bar, the kitchen also features lighted stained glass insets from an antique warehouse in Botkinburg (Van Buren County).

Going through the house, it is interesting to see all the creative ways Amy has used her collection of antique furniture. In the dining room, she uses an old grain holder from a feed store to divide the dining room from the kitchen. She utilizes the grain slots for china storage, casually displaying different sets of lovely dishes. 

Further into the home, Amy installed an old medicine cabinet and storage piece by the mudroom. The pieces provide interesting closet space.

Near the mudroom, Amy and Bartt wanted to create a space for their children. “We wanted a room where the kids could bring their friends to hang out when they get older,” said Amy. The room features a fireplace and an old railroad desk from Alabama. 

Sets of binoculars can be found in the room at any time. “The kids love to look at the different animals through the windows. Our oldest son watches them so often he can tell them all apart. So we try to keep several sets of binoculars around,” explains Amy.

With high ceilings, large fireplaces, lantern lights and powerful wooden beams throughout the Johnson house it easy to see why the sweet family of five would never want to leave home. 
Amy and Bartt succeeded in realizing their dream of a home in which so many cherished family memories will be made for years to come.