The Cottage Journal Vintage Cottage 2018

One of the most intriguing aspects of decorating in the vintage style is that we can create our own look—one that perhaps no other person might possess. An emphasis on layering and repurposing elements in a home has surfaced as not only an affordable option but also a creative opportunity for the homeowner. An old sofa you discover might be the perfect candidate for a refresh with new fabric. A grouping of old paintings can add interest to walls, and the frames can be just as important as the art. Because of the sense of age and softness it adds to interiors, one of the designers involved with a cottage in this issue exclaimed, “I started buying old art, and I could not stop!” Family heirlooms and found antiques are…

While selling antiques at local shows, I often hear, “Oh, you are the cake stand lady!” Although I sell many types of antiques, my specialty and first love are my Early American Pattern Glass cake stands. Early American Pattern Glass flourished in America between 1870 and 1910. The glass was affordable and beautiful and had the Victorian look that many Americans wanted to enjoy. Those selling features are still true today. Pattern glass cake stands are still quite affordable and stylish—making it possible to own a small part of history in wonderful condition for a very reasonable price. My passion for cake stands started innocently enough more than 20 years ago while I was living in Alaska. The winters there are long and dark, and you need a lot of…

When it comes to collecting her favorite keepsakes and trinkets, Rhoda Watkins relies on both a keen eye and a warm heart to guide her. Whether she’s in search of vintage glass match strikers, Gothic-inspired finials and furniture, or fine leather-bound books, this homeowner takes great care in selecting things that reflect her personality. Yet it is her series of framed needlepoint pieces and other delicately stitched items that fully capture all of her varied interests. Consisting of American, English, and French artisanship, these treasured finds, many of which date from the early to mid-1800s, establish a sense of serenity and beauty within the Watkinses’ home. “Over the years, I’ve developed what I call my ‘five Fs’: my faith in God, my love for fauna and flora, good food, and…

Once upon a time in the not-so-distant past, we eagerly awaited the arrival of the mail in hopes of receiving a handwritten letter. Precious correspondence, whether from friend or lover, was opened with at least a slight degree of reverence and, possibly, a letter opener. The letter opener, a small knifelike tool, precedes the modern postal service as it was around even in medieval times. Made of everything from animal bone to bronze, some openers appeared to be miniature swords and others depicted crawling reptiles. In more recent times, jewelry designers from firms such as Tiffany & Co., Sheffield Silver Co., and Georg Jensen created sterling and silverplate openers with handles duplicating patterns used for their silverware. The letter opener even has an infamous place in American history. In 1775,…

They rest side by side on our tables and counters, perched in cupboards and on shelves. You may have a set to remind you of a special trip or an antique pair that has been handed down in your family for generations. Salinopeperophilia, the love of salt and pepper shakers, is more prominent than ever. Today, shakers come in every conceivable shape and size and are made in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, ceramic, glass, and plastic. Any set in its original combination is a pair. While salt has been used for centuries across the globe, the use of salt and pepper at the dining table began with the aristocracy in medieval England, where the seasonings were typically served with a tiny spoon out of small bowls made…

As a design duo, Atlanta Bartlett and Dave Coote are known for their comfortable and relaxed style. In their book Pale & Interesting, they explore their passion for decorating with a soft palette of subtle shades for a home that is stylish yet comfortable and easy to live in. With more than 40 years of design experience between them, they share everything there is to know about creating a happy home full of good design. In search of a more relaxed and simple way of decorating, Atlanta and Dave brought Pale & Interesting to life first as an online boutique. Now a book, Pale & Interesting will help you recreate the laid-back style that you see within its pages and transform it into your own space that works for you.…