No matter what your weather is today – I’m sending a bit of sunshine your way with this uplifting tour of a sunny poolside cottage! I couldn’t help but smile and be inspired when looking at the interior and exterior spaces of the “Allamanda Cottage” decorated by Laura Hay Decor and Design. Photo by Laura…
When it comes to kitchens, I tend to prefer a cottage style kitchen because it feels homey and comforting. I don’t need all the latest and greatest appliances and gadgets – just give me something functional and charming. Today’s kitchen by Paul Lopa Designs has plenty of cozy appeal, along with a fun tile pattern…
We head to Galena this week to enjoy our annual family Christmas together, but I don’t think we’re going to be blessed with snow. For me, it always feels a bit more festive when snow is on the ground for the holidays. To get myself in the spirit, I’ll enjoy today’s collection of 13 cozy…
Fall colors are nearing their peak in our area and it doesn’t seem quite fair that the colors turn and then the leaves fall so quickly. Although a blanket of colorful leaves is always a pretty sight to behold. Especially when the colors frame charming cottages like the ones I’m showcasing today. First up is…
Have you ever stepped inside a Russian house – virtually or in reality? This one by designer and decorator Zhenya Zhdanova is quite cheerful and charming! If you’re looking for ways to incorporate color into your interior spaces, this is the house for you! You’ll notice an abundance of painted bead board and paneled walls…
Are you ready for more eye candy when it comes to charming Swedish cottages nestled in the woods of Good Templar Park in Geneva, Illinois? Last Saturday I shared the first batch of these cozy summer houses and today it’s time to see the rest. A couple times per year, Good Templar Park opens to…
Many of you know that I grew up in Geneva, Illinois, due west of Chicago on the outskirts of the suburbs. The town has a Swedish history and features Good Templar Park where members of the International Organization of Good Templars would come to celebrate Midsummer, which is Swedish Day, or “Svenskarnas Dag” in Sweden….
After seeing today’s renovated lake cottage located in northern Georgia and photographed by Gridley + Graves, I’m now convinced I need to visit that region for a vacation. I’ve been to Savannah, Tybee Island, and Atlanta, but never stayed in the Appalachian area of the state. If I could find a rental cottage like this…
Recently I stumbled onto an adorably charming retro kitchen by Hammer and Hand that I think you’re going to love! All the fun little details make this vintage kitchen so endearing. The colorful checkerboard floor is the first giveaway that this is a retro kitchen. It looks like linoleum to me. Did you notice the…
Do you have memories of vacationing in cozy summer cottages? I have vague memories of a lakeside cottage vacation in Canada when I was just a little girl. A few years later I remember taking a trip to Arkansas to vacation in a woodsy cottage with my grandparents. Both trips are fond summer memories from…
Today’s island beach cottage reminds me of our trips to Hilton Head Island when the kids were younger. There’s something about low country that captures my heart every time I visit. And this beautiful cottage has done the same. Photo by Sea Island Builders LLC The house was designed to take advantage of water views…
You’re in for a treat today! We’re touring a charming beach house decorated in flea market style. Fun colors and repurposed items come together to create an appealing and comfortable cottage by the sea. Photo by Patrick Ahearn Architect A pretty blue door opens into the entryway of the seaside cottage. A pegboard provides a…
August is coming to an end but I’m no where near ready to let go of summer just yet! In celebration of my favorite season, I’m sharing an amazingly adorable summer house decorated by Tracey Rapisardi, a popular interior designer. Her style is always light, fresh, pretty and feminine. Photo by Tracey Rapisardi Design Such…
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…
When you talk about cottage style, it doesn’t necessarily apply to small living spaces. If you subscribe to any of the cottage style magazines available today, you’ll notice some of the featured homes are actually quite large. Cottage style is first and foremost comfortable, often colorful, and signified by slightly worn finishes and painted furniture….
Every year about this time I start missing my garden spaces. I look across the expanse of my snow-dusted lawn and start making plans for spring and summer. Today I’m pondering the elements of a cottage garden. A quaint garden shade is a classic element of any cottage garden. Anything that gives your eye…
