Text by Bethany Adams
Stay with Jennifer and Jim Nicholas on their farm property in Round Top, Texas, and you may just find yourself kicking back in a countryside getaway that’s a bit outside of the ordinary. Inspired by images of upcycled silos in magazines, Jennifer mentioned an interest in the trend to a friend, who also happened to be an antiques dealer. “And about two weeks later, she called me,” Jennifer describes, “and she goes, ‘Jennifer, I have a silo if you want it.’”
Though she admits the idea had been more of a pipe dream than an immediate goal, with the opportunity dropped into her lap, Jennifer dove in. Working with local professionals, she set about transforming the silo itself, as well as extending the space with new structures. “It was a fun project,” she says—one that included incorporating the plenteous antiques she had picked up and stored over the years.
In the silo itself, flagstone pavers and reclaimed wood planks in white and green transformed the metal cylinder into a haven of rustic beauty. Atop the weatherworn wood and corrugated tin, Jennifer layered an eclectic collection of vintage finds and plush furniture, including a pair of overstuffed chairs in a denim hue. On the wall above, an assemblage of mirrors reflects not only the sunlight that filters in through antique windows but also the European chandelier that hangs from the center of the ceiling—an elegant finishing touch for the quaintly cozy space.
Passing through into the bedroom suite means stepping into a spa-like retreat complete with an airy blue-and-white palette. To find balance and continue the theme of aged beauty, Jennifer used more reclaimed wood for the ceiling, this time selecting boards with deep honeyed tones that provide a warm contrast against the crisp new shiplap. In keeping with Jennifer’s personal passion, the doors in the space are antique finds, and details like salvaged signs and patinaed furniture provide personality alongside fresh linens and a smattering of contemporary touches.
But despite the comforts offered indoors, guests will be sure to take advantage of the porch just outside, where two of Jennifer’s weaknesses—troughs and topiaries—shine brightest. A trough topped with a custom-made wood topper serves as both coffee table and centerpiece, showing off the botanical beauties that are a passion for Jennifer. Sweetly tucked in among various other finds, a collection of weathered birdhouses is right at home with the verdant views that surround this one-of-a-kind sanctuary and real-life dream come true.
