The Cottage Journal Summer 2012

When I think of summer, I picture lazy days lost in a backyard garden or spent perusing flea markets. And I envision sweet summer nights on the porch under the stars and patio parties rich with friends, family, and fireflies. I long for the restfulness of a sleepy lakefront retreat and the cheeriness of a breezy coastal bungalow. These are the scenes that inspired this issue of Summer Cottage. Just as the very thought of summer can paint lovely picture in our minds, its beauty can grace every inch of our dé cor. From light and airy open spaces to bright and cheerful color palettes, the homes featured within these pages bring the outdoors in with details both big and small. Beach cottages whisk us away on a journey of…

Few of us live in castles today, but slipcovers have stayed with us throughout the years. In recent times, the popularity of Shabby Chic style, founded by Rachel Ashwell, brought these practical covers to the forefront of home decorating. Though they can still be used to protect expensive upholstery, now we’re more into covering up our old and worn fabrics. The style of an old chair or sofa becomes new again with the addition of this simple furniture accessory. And if by chance you have kids, pets—or messy friends—you can remove the covers to wash them or take them to the cleaners. Today, slipcovers are synonymous with casual, comfortable cottage living. Before & After french armchair A chair with an upholstered back, seat, and open arms is known as a…

If you have baskets filled with these treasures just sitting around the house, consider the many possibilities for showing off your collection. Welcome visitors and the season with a display of shells in the entrance hall. Scatter sea biscuits and starfish on an outdoor table, and you’ll feel like you’re dining at the beach instead of on your own porch. Small shells make charming paperweights. And for a whimsical touch anywhere in the home, pour a little sand into a bottle and slip small shells inside. Nest Idea Use larger shells as bookends, or prop a starfish on a bookshelf as an accent piece.…

When Hurricane Isabel destroyed their old riverfront abode, this resilient Virginia family decided to rebuild. The wife, a designer, found an ideal house plan that would offer water views from every room as well as plenty of porches perfect for easy-breezy river living. Throughout the home, the farmhouse style is peppered with Moroccan and West Indies influences, creating a lively blend of bright colors and basic neutrals. The décor as well as the open floor plan is ideal for casual living. The flow from one area to another makes it easy for family members and guests to interact. French doors in the dining area open onto the screened-in porch, enlarging the living and entertaining area. fine dining Beloved pieces, such as this antique oak table in a complementary dark stain,…

This welcoming cottage provides a serene retreat from life’s hustle and bustle. As you enter the foyer, you’re greeted by striking pecky cypress walls, which contrast with the painted pine walls of the adjoining areas. The console table is made from an old iron balcony. On the limestone tabletop, a piece of blue coral brings in the accent color used throughout the home. Windows climb the twenty-foot-high walls in the living room, welcoming sunlight and beach breezes. Pecky cypress is used again, this time for the fireplace mantel. Tabby, a perfect building material for a beach home, is made of crushed shells and lends texture to the fireplace wall. In the master bath, elegant marble floors, walls, and counters are balanced by the warmth of wood cabinets and exposed ceiling…

Style Idea Statement pieces, such as this iconicadvertisement- turnedwall- art, add pops of whimsy ideal for creative workspaces. When the current homeowners purchased this bungalow in 2000, the creative pair knew right away that it would be the perfect place to blend home, work, and play. Though a fire destroyed the original historic home in the early 1990s, the structure was painstakingly rebuilt by an architect and artist, whose passion for preserving the past is evident in the high ceilings, salvaged wood finishes, and recycled pine floors. In the main house, twin fireplaces anchor the living and dining rooms, while blue and cream accents add to the soothing atmosphere. The bathrooms are high on style as well, with charming oversize mirrors, vanities repurposed from tables, and large well-loved windows. Throughout,…