The Cottage Journal features decorating ideas, style tips, creative inspiration, and delicious recipes - and now you can enjoy every single page on the tablet! Create a warmer, more magical home with the beauty of nature and The Cottage Journal!
Whether it’s a house that uplifts your attitude or a retreat that feeds your need to explore your inner artist, this issue will inspire you to surround yourself with things that say “home sweet home” to you! From rural country cottages to city farmhouse dwellings, we know you’ll enjoy reading about homeowners who have settled into a life of sublime living both inside and out. Of course, no country-style issue would be complete without a visit to our friends in Texas. You’ll love getting to know Lone Star State homeowners Brian and Amy Kleinwachter and their passion for antiques. See this couple’s Texas-size renovation highlighting their reclaimed dream home in “Round Top Restoration” on page 61. Meanwhile, our cover story, “California Dream,” page 49, proves that a love of the…
These days, cutting boards come in all shapes and sizes and are often displayed on kitchen countertops and walls. Although maple has long been the wood of choice for the boards, bamboo has also become a popular option. Collectors often focus on a single shape or animal, and pigs seem to be at the top of many enthusiasts’ lists. This particular theme’s popularity may be explained by the Chinese and European belief that the pig was a symbol of wealth that had the power to bring good luck. Homeowner Margaret Ritchie has fond childhood memories of her Aunt Marmee’s pig cutting board that sat behind the kitchen faucet. Years later, at an antiques show, Margaret came across a man selling a number of similar boards. “I bought them all for…
• Never place wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher. • Wash wooden boards with soap and hot water after using and allow them to air-dry. • Sprinkle coarse salt over the surface of the board periodically and rub with a sliced lemon. Rinse well with hot water. • To help keep the board from cracking, apply a small amount of food-grade mineral oil using a clean, lint-free cloth. (Do not use olive or vegetable oils be cause they will turn rancid.) Reapply until the wood stops absorbing the oil and wipe off the excess. Let the board dry overnight before using.…
For centuries, horses have provided civilizations with transportation, vitality, and companionship. And individuals who share a bond with horses often find ways to showcase their affection through various equine collections. For Linda Holman, who has been gathering an array of equestrian art and keepsakes for almost four decades, collecting equestrian memorabilia is more than just a hobby—it’s a way of life. “This type of collection does not just consist of photographs of you and your family with your own horses,” says Linda, who grew up riding and now works at a tack shop. “It goes further than that. It’s a passion. It’s a broader appreciation of equestrian art.” Linda started her equestrian art collection in 1978 when her mother gave her an antique horse brass, a small plaque that hangs…
The rolling pin is one of the oldest kitchen tools around. Historians say it is depicted in drawings by the Etruscans—long before it was mass-produced in the early 19th century. Today, collections of pins are popular wall art for kitchens. In the photo above, rolling pins are attached to beaded board and framed to hang. The oldest rolling pins, like those in the collection displayed at right, are hand-carved from one piece of wood. All the handles vary in shape depending on the designer and the use of the rolling pin. This collector and her husband enjoy finding pins while traveling. Once home, the rolling pins are displayed in the kitchen but are still accessible and “ready to roll.” “No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.”—JULIA…
If you are like us (and the rest of the world), there’s a good chance you’re on the farmhouse-style bandwagon. While this interior design style isn’t one that’s new, it’s certainly one that’s making its way back into our homes and hearts again. One of the reasons so many people have fallen in love with farmhouse style is its universal appeal—no matter where you live, farmhouse style can work for your home. That’s why we love author and interior designer Kim Legget’s new book, City Farmhouse Style: Designs for a Modern Country Life. Kim is a farmhouse-style expert and holds the titles of antiques and vintage dealer, businesswoman, and celebrity designer. Her book is all about creating a country farmhouse no matter where you live. Whether you are already on…
