Let’s take a trip to the bucolic setting of the United Kingdom to explore a charming collection of English cottage homes. First up is an adorable dwelling located in Castle Combe, often referred to as the most beautiful village in England. It reminds me of a cottage that one of Beatrix Potter’s characters would live…
After the holidays I tend to dream of a cabin getaway where I can hole up for a couple of days with a book or stack of favorite magazines in hand. Just give me a little place where I can turn off the noise and activity while enjoying a bit of nature. You know, a…
In the spirit of Christmas I have a collection of 15 red houses in a range of sizes and styles. For some reason I’ve always been drawn to homes with red exteriors. I prefer houses of color as opposed to neutral tones like white or taupe. Ultimately, I think a house tells you what color…
Have you ever gone to a somewhat obscure place for vacation and found you enjoyed it so much more than the much-hyped tourist spots? That’s what happened this past weekend when hubby and I went to Grand Detour, Illinois, for a low-key fall getaway. I was immediately smitten by the charming town of about 450…
When you drive or walk around neighborhoods, do you find yourself drawn to one particular style of home exterior? Or maybe you’re drawn to a specific color of houses. Today I’ve got a collection of home exterior styles to share with you. I’d love to hear what style you prefer most! Photo by JB Architecture…
We’re back in Madison, Wisconsin for the second half of our walking tour that showcases unique homes in a beautiful lakefront neighborhood. Each home is different with its own special character. The blue Tudor above features stucco on top and clapboard siding on the bottom. A pretty arched door and bay window enhance the charm…
Today I’ve got a home tour that’s a little bit different. Rustic touches are infused into a modern style San Francisco farmhouse by Dotter & Solfjeld Architecture + Design with good old country styling. I love this home for its unique character and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces. Photo by Dotter & Solfjeld Architecture + Design…
Are you ready for some bungalow eye candy? Some of you know that I traveled to Madison, Wisconsin last weekend and wow! Right now it’s my favorite small city. I have more posts to come about the trip (that I think you’ll enjoy), but today I want to focus on all of the cozy bungalow…
Fresh cut wood. Whether old or new, it has an earthy fragrance and organic appeal. It immediately adds warmth and texture to any room. See these inspirational ideas on how to use reclaimed wood in your home to give it authenticity and a bit of rustic flair. Photo by Frederick + Frederick Architects Most people…
We’re back from our Wisconsin vacation and I’m excited to share some of the historic district homes in Madison. First, let me say what a beautiful, small city that Madison is. I was impressed with its cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of tree-lined streets. Not to mention, people were so friendly there. The first thing I…
On Wednesday of this week I shared photos of beautiful homes in the neighborhood where I attended elementary school. Today is the second part of that fun walking tour around the tree-lined streets of Geneva. The porch above is a close-up view of the white historic home below. Note the detailing on the corbels of…
Geneva, Illinois is the town where I grew up and as a kid, I took my home for granted. Never did I realize the curb appeal and beauty of this small river town outside of Chicago. Now as an adult I appreciate the historic neighborhood and homes that make Geneva a destination place outside of…
Character is the main reason I love old homes. Quirky rooms, quality wood trim, built-in cabinets, and more. All those things that lend charm and interest. You can create character in your own home with something as simple as bead board. Photo by ML Interior Designs Bead board is fairly easy to install and it…
Maybe it started with children’s fairytales. Or maybe it’s a result of my love of Beatrix Potter books. But as far as I can remember, I’ve always had a thing for quaint cottages. The small houses with all their charm seem like such a happy place to live. How could anyone not want to live…
A couple weeks ago I featured a tour of the charming little Airbnb cottage where we stayed on our recent trip to Lake Michigan. I also shared several of the charming bungalows and cottages from the town. Today I’m showcasing more of the beautiful harbor homes and a few other scenes from this adorable lakeside…
Are you ready for a little summer reading and loads of decorating inspiration all at once? It’s time for another book giveaway! Visions of Home features the gorgeous work of Historical Concepts, one of my favorite architectural firms. Showcased in the book are country estates, pastoral properties, and coastal retreats. The artisanal craftsmanship of these…
