Rachel Hardage Barrett
Editor-in-Chief
Rachel Hardage Barrett has written for and edited lifestyle publications for more than 20 years. As the editor-in-chief of Country Living, she has covered all things related to country life—including design, gardening, food, travel, antiques, crafts, and country pop culture—for more than a decade. Before Country Living, Rachel spent several years at Southern Living, where she served as Executive Editor covering travel, food, style, and features. Before Southern Living, Rachel was the Special Projects Director of Real Simple, where she wrote and oversaw books and special issues about food, travel, weddings, organizing, and parenting in addition to working on international editions and licensed products. Before working at lifestyle brands, Rachel started her magazine career at Glamour, where she wrote and edited relationship articles, celebrity interviews, as well as fashion and features content. When she’s not working on the magazine, she can likely be found poking around an antiques shop, perusing country real estate listings, or dreaming of opening a general store.
7 Yard Sale Tricks That Actually Get People to Stop (and Spend More)
Turn your clutter into cash with these expert-approved yard sale tricks.
One Rare Kentucky Derby Glass Could Be Worth $40K—Here’s What to Look For
Why bet on horses when you can find a winner at the flea market?
Why Porch Swings Make Everything Better—and Bring Us Back to What Matters Most
With its slow, creaking rhythm, a porch swing beckons even the busiest to sit and stay a while.
The Antiques Lover’s Guide to Shopping Estate Sales
After shopping hundreds of estate sales, these are the tricks antiques experts swear by.
This One Simple Change Will Make Your Outdoor Space Instantly Look More High-End, Designers Say
How did we not do this sooner? Skip matching patio sets for a more collected look.
9 Vintage Finds to Thrift This Spring if You Love the Color Green
Dibs on the cabbageware.
Why ‘Nostalgia Gardening’ Is My Favorite Garden Trend of 2026
Some plants just take you back in time in all the best ways.
This Is Not Your Typical House Tour—And That’s Precisely the Point
These refreshingly real photos remind us what home is all about.
13 Pretty Lightweight Barn Coats That Will Surely Beckon Spring
The robin's egg blue one is calling our name
Why We Love a Kitchen Fireplace
Nothing turns a kitchen into a hot spot quite like this old-school architectural mainstay.
12 Design Details I Find Incredibly Stylish as a Longtime Magazine Editor
Some are oddly specific.
Inside Country Living’s Exclusive Weekend at Dollywood
Here’s everything you need to know about securing your spot at our June 5–7 Dollywood getaway.
8 Designer-Beloved Kitchen Upgrades—No Reno Required
If you've been stuck inside staring at your kitchen and craving a change, these easy updates might be just the fix.
5 “Imperfect” Things That Make a House Feel Like a Home
Sometimes you need to look at things through a new lens.
Why Your Home Should Never Be “Done”
Consider this your permission to take your time.
I’ve Been Antiquing for 20 Years—Trust Me on These Secrets to Scoring the Best Stuff
Country Living’s editor-in-chief shares a few hard-earned tips when it comes to the thrill of the hunt.
How to Be a Better Puzzler by This Weekend, According to a Pro Jigsaw Puzzler
That 1,000-piecer has met its match.
These Are the Vintage Furniture Sources I Trust as a Magazine Editor
We don’t gatekeep around here!
12 Vintage Finds I’m Using to Organize My House in 2026
Boring plastic bins? No thanks.
I've Written About Antiques for Decades—This is What I'll Be Shopping for Each Month In 2026
So many finds, so little time.
6 Vintage Blankets Hiding at Grandma’s House That Are Randomly Worth a LOT of Money
They’re cozy, collectible, and can fetch a pretty penny.
8 Things I Learned While Restoring a Foreclosed 1900s Farmhouse
Renovating is not for the faint of heart—especially when you’re restoring a century-old farmhouse.
I’m a Magazine Editor—These Are My 9 Best Sources for Vintage Quilts and Blankets
Because nothing pairs better with a binge-watch.
Meet the Designers and Tastemakers Shaping Country Style in 2026
Some you’ll recognize, others you won’t (but should!)
The Country Living Fair Is BACK—Here’s What We Know So Far
Cue the tears of absolute joy.
10 Americana-Inspired Design Trends That Will be HUGE in 2026
It’s not *all* eagles and flags—these timeless looks are rooted in history but feel right for now.
38 Ideas for a More Stylish and Functional Mudroom, According to Designers
New Year’s resolution: get this space under control!
I’m a Magazine Editor—and I’m Ignoring These 3 Very Popular Decorating "Rules"
I will never hate on your accent wall.
HGTV Designer Leanne Ford Reveals Her Stress-Free Approach to Cozy Holiday Decorating
Freshly foraged greens and cozy blankets? Yes please!
11 Vintage Christmas Kitchen Decor Ideas Full of Holiday Charm
Cook up some holiday cheer with all your favorite festive vintage finds.
7 Reasons “The Family Stone” Home is the Ultimate Christmas Movie House
That Christmas tree says it all, really.
16 Creative Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids and Families
So many fun themes, so little time!