Text by Holly Seng
Growing up on a farm, Kassie Keck knew she wanted to live in the country. So, when she and her husband, Scott, had the chance to buy four acres of land in middle Georgia, she knew it was the perfect place to raise her future family. Over the last 24 years, the now empty nesters have raised two kids and worked to renovate their home room by room, a process she’s shared on Instagram.
“It’s taken a long time, but I feel like I’ve got it all almost into place,” says Kassie, who loves the warmth and collected essence of cottage style. Drawn to the beauty of antique wood furnishings, her home showcases collected finds she’s sourced from Facebook Marketplace and the Vintage Pickin’ antiques market in Alabama along with pieces and accents she’s artfully crafted herself.
Throughout the cottage, white shiplap walls set a fresh backdrop that allows the storied wood pieces to take center stage. The living room emphasizes that contrast with an accent wall behind the fireplace Kassie created using pallet wood. Potted plants and flower arrangements scattered about introduce a pop of color as they coordinate with the vintage floral paintings Kassie likes to collect.
On the far end of the room sits a dining table Kassie built herself using Georgia heart pine. “That was a labor of love,” she notes. Nestled into the corner, an antique shoe cart displays her collection of ironstone bowls and pitchers. Baskets and a woven shade introduce texture, while the floral curtains bring in a pastel palette that softens the overall aesthetic.
Kassie put her DIY skills to use in the kitchen, replacing the upper closed cabinets along one wall with a pair of wooden shelves. “I want functionality, so everything that’s on my open shelves is stuff I use every day,” says Kassie. The dresser below was given a new lease on life, as she stripped the paint from the six drawers to reveal the natural wood beneath. The now two-toned piece fits perfectly within the design scheme of her home. A pine cabinet serves as their pantry and a white hutch—also built by Kassie to top the buffet—stores jadeite and ironstone dishes.
The primary bedroom boasts an accent wall with faux brick topped with a German schmear. Incorporating a salvaged piece of dentil molding, Kassie built the headboard. Gingham pillow covers pair with a quilted floral block print and ruffled linens for a layered look that offers a soothing retreat.
With each and every renovation project she’s tackled over the years, showcasing the beautiful wood furnishings she’s collected remains a priority for Kassie. “I just love old furniture pieces,” she says. And when there’s a spot that needs to be filled, you can guarantee if she can’t find the perfect piece, then she can build it.
For more information, visit @gagirl_vintagedecor on Instagram.
