The Cottage Journal French Cottage 2018

Welcome to our newest special issue of French Cottage, a special edition from The Cottage Journal magazine. From the simplistic style of small cottages to luxurious interiors and lush gardens, comfortable but beautiful living exemplifies French cottage style. Antiques and flea market finds add a sense of history that can be told only through remnants from Europe. Whether a newly found treasure or a lovingly passed-down heirloom, each piece has meaning and brings delight to its owner. A dreamy cream-colored cottage featured in “Storied Style” on page 47 is the result of one woman’s love of antiques. Running her European antiques business led to many years of layering rustic and ornate finds, resulting in a modern-meets-Old-World charm. The surprise of the color red definitely brightens the style of this fresh…

Marburger Farm Antique Show UPCOMING SHOW DATES Fall 2018 Show September 25–29 TICKET INFORMATION General admission tickets are $10 and include entrance the entire week of the show. You can purchase them at roundtop-marburger.com.…

Not many desserts warrant their own porcelain creation, but the pot de crème cup (a French name pronounced “poe-duh-krem” and translated to “pot of cream”) has stood the test of time. These tiny pots, created for the creamy chocolate dessert, stand only about 3 inches tall. They were used on formal European and American tables during the 18th and 19th centuries. They are generally made in sets and occasionally accompanied by a matching footed tray. Most pot de crème cups have a delicate finial on the lid as well. Styles, patterns, and colors vary widely, which adds to the enjoyment of collecting these diverse containers. Because the cup is so small, a demitasse spoon is used to eat this lidded delight. Pot de crème cups were originally made by a…

Whether it’s breakfast on the patio or a formal dinner in the dining room, in France, entertaining is a part of day-to-day life. No one knows this better than Sharon Santoni, creator of the blog My French Country Home, author of My Stylish French Girlfriends, and resident of Normandy, France. Growing up in a family with no lack of opportunities for entertaining friends, Sharon knows the ins and outs of opening up your doors (and your table) to good food and lively conversation. In her second book, My French Country Home: Entertaining Through the Seasons, Sharon creates an intimate experience of life in the French countryside year-round. Divided into four chapters reflective of the seasons, this book shares flowers, gardens, and table settings that are sure to transport you straight…

When Nancy and Mark Peeples built their cozy cottage nearly 15 years ago, they designed it with the mountains in mind. “My husband loves the West, the mountains, and hunting,” Nancy says. “So we were trying to have some sort of comfortable, elegant version of that.” Their charming cottage exterior is sided with hand-split cedar shakes and is unlike any of the homes in their neighborhood. “We’ve got a real mountain retreat in the middle of [Alabama],” she laughs. The couple’s enchanting abode exudes an upscale elegance while still maintaining personal touches. With the help of interior designer Mary Finch, Nancy outfitted her cottage with one-of-a-kind salvaged finds and antiques from around the world. The great room stands tall beneath the home’s A-frame, and reclaimed beams help draw the eye…

Francie and Ogden Deaton’s ranch-style house might appear to be a classic American abode from the outside, but as you cross the threshold, you’ll find yourself transported to a modern European retreat. Decked in neutral hues and accented with vibrant color and rich, inviting textures, the entire home offers a delightful respite that feels calm and chic. The living room exudes a relaxed and casual atmosphere, perfect for lounging, while an abundance of windows allows natural light to cascade in. “Our kitchen and family room have a casually elegant style that we love,” Francie says. “We knew this would be the spot where our family and friends would gather, so we wanted it to be cozy and comfortable.” The main living area leads into the open-concept kitchen, where contemporary style…