Big Love (And Fun) From Lalley Farm
Lucy Interiors, Playful Farmhouse
Hello friends! Welcome to the Lalley Farm, where our own sensational Stephanie Lalley and her darling husband, Dan have created a home so chock full of love—and loveliness. The resident DIYer of the Lucy Design Team, Steph is currently remodeling the 1950’s farmhouse that she and Dan—along with their adorable kids (and fantastic WFH interns) Jane and Jerome—have called home for the last five years.
“When I got pregnant with Jane, we were eager to find a property with some land and a place to see the stars,” said Steph. “I searched online for months and found this gem—it was the only house we looked at!”
“After our showing, I was like—SOLD!”
The house and land had just become too much work for the sweet woman who had raised her family there for 50 years. Growing up in a small town in Minnesota—and with grandparents who lived on a farm—Steph was immediately smitten by the farmhouse with its small quirky spaces and oh-so-much potential to make it her own.
“I was drawn to how much of it needed work, it felt like a blank slate,” said Steph.
With spirited ideas swirling about and a paintbrush in hand, Steph got to work, breathing bright, light vibrant life into their vintage farmhouse.
Lucy Interiors, Playful Farmhouse 2
She gutted the second floor space and added this much-needed bathroom for her kids. The trough sink just sings “farm”, while personalized stools, a primary color rug and cactus decals (not to mention that canary yellow door!) make every day cheery and cheerful.
Lucy Interiors, Playful Farmhouse 3
The kids’ bedrooms continue the vintage happy vibes. Jane’s room, with a sweet mint headboard and playful minimalist horizontal stripes, is a happy bright space full of color and whimsy.
Lucy Interiors, Playful Farmhouse 4
Jerome’s room is chipper with vibrant energy, thanks to gingham bedding and rad dinosaur wall art. They are both playful places that lift you up, ignite the senses and create curiosity—exactly what every kid’s room should do.
And the doors on each room of the second floor are painted their own color: The bathroom door is yellow, Jane’s room is coral, and mint for Jerome. And a big wow it’s amazing—the white walls create a clean palette for these individual doors to shine.
Lucy Interiors, Playful Farmhouse 5
On the main floor, it took four coats of Benjamin Moore Super White paint to cover the original dark brown paneling and brick to give the living room a happy refresh! Steph’s favorite musician—and Minnesota’s own—Bob Dylan is front and center, paired perfectly with vintage chairs and original striped upholstery. The happy art, fun pillows and plants warm the heart and make it the perfect hang out spot and place to roll a fierce game of Yahtzee.
“The main level had dark brown paneling and lots of wallpaper in the bedrooms,” said Steph. “We painted everything, removed wallpaper, and did I say paint everything?“
They also finished the basement (and added a small bar) and are currently remodeling the lower level bathroom—and are turning a storage space into the kid’s art studio
“We are so excited!” said Steph.“It has been fun to create spaces for the kids to feel comfortable and creative in.”
Our Steph is all about creativity—it’s evident throughout the house— and you can see it in a whole new light in the barn, where the fun continues.
Lucy Interiors, Playful Farmhouse 6
Steph was thrilled when she saw the house had a barn. She was maybe a little less thrilled by the old farm supplies, metal debris and old building materials that packed the barn to the rafters. It took them two years to clean it all out—but it was worth it! After pouring concrete on the unfinished dirt floor, Steph literally put the “bar” in her “barn” creating the perfect place to kick up your heels and have a little FUN.
“We found two old metal racks laying around on the property and we turned them into the bar,” said Steph. “The Hunt and Gather letters behind the bar—FUN!— encourages a good time”
Love and a good time is what it’s all about, after all! Whether it’s unexpected pink walls or a dining room cabinet adorned with hearts, Steph thinks the best part about owning your home is being able to break any (and all!) design rules. And her vintage happy home reflects that.
“I like that the house isn’t a labeled ’style’,” said Steph. “I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely for us. My style is constantly changing and evolving as I age, as I experience life, as I develop as a mom and as a person. That’s the fun part.”
Lucy Interiors, Playful Farmhouse 7
3 Style Tips from Stephanie Lalley
Being resourceful and gathering fun pieces from garage sales and vintage shops is key to the mix!.
Curating the new modern pieces is a balance of style and what I can afford.
I cannot stress this enough—paint is everything in making spaces look fresh!