The Cottage Journal Autumn 2021

HARVEST SEASON Interior design icon Dorothy Draper once said, “There seems to be within all of us an innate yearning to be lifted momentarily out of our own lives into the realm of charm and make-believe.” The sentiment is so appropriate as we present this issue filled with personal stories of people who have made their dreams come true. Autumn is full of color, and so is this issue, which tours gorgeous homes and gardens from California to Virginia. In “Penchant for the Past” on page 85, the unique kitchen redesign spoke to us with its historic details and curated style. The blue-and-white palette includes the homeowner’s passion for family antiques and collected treasures, which are prominent in the design. While transforming a hidden alcove into a baking nook, the…

To see more of Amanda Barkley’s creative styling, follow her on Instagram at @amandabarkleyfloral.…

Fresh hand-pressed cider and a slice of warm apple tart topped with vanilla ice cream, each made with pickings from the on-site orchard, are telltale signs of autumn’s arrival at Clove Brook Farm. For a book that evokes feelings of nostalgia and offers unlimited inspiration, look no further than A Year at Clove Brook Farm by Christopher Spitzmiller. Well-known in the world of interiors for his chic ceramic creations, Christopher reveals his additional talents as gardener, chef, and host, to name a few. Readers are invited to join him in the traditions and celebrations that fill his schedule—from simple, everyday joys to elegant entertaining. Throughout the book’s 240 pages, Christopher shares the secret to enjoying the present: relishing each season. Divided into four parts, the chapters begin with spring’s awakening…

Nestled in the charming lake community of The Reserve at Lake Keowee, South Carolina, this rustic cottage was built for casual living—the perfect retreat for its empty nester homeowners. With a wish list of ample outdoor living spaces and cozy, relaxed interiors, the homeowners leaned on the expertise of architect Timothy Adams to make those dreams a reality. Eight years after putting their ideas on paper, the home was finally completed in 2016. The lakefront oasis exudes cottage charm long before you cross its threshold. Due to the mountainous region, the lots in the area have a steep incline from the road to the waterline—adding extra importance to the home’s exterior design. “[The homeowners] wanted a home that melded into the landscape that was both casual and comfortable,” Timothy says.…

Built in the early 1990s, this Oregon home had never been updated and was in need of a face-lift. The homeowner wanted to bring fresh new style to usher in a new stage of her life: empty nester. Easy to live in and maintain was the name of the game when it came to this remodel, so the homeowner enlisted the help of Molly Kidd, principal designer and co-owner of Light & Dwell, a design firm whose portfolio is filled with light, bright interiors; soft linens; clean, contemporary lines; and relaxed vibes—exactly what the homeowner was looking for. With numerous necessary updates on their to-do list, they decided to start with a clean slate, nearly gutting the home’s entire first floor. All that remained were the hardwood floors, but those…

How do you turn a South Carolina farmhouse into a space that can serve as both a functional hunting lodge and an attractive weekend getaway for a family of six? For this family, the answer was simple: call on designer Melissa Ervin. Having worked with the homeowners before, Melissa had earned a level of trust that garnered her near free rein to create something that would have the whole family—along with a slew of visitors—retreating to the country as often as possible. “It’s an easy weekend destination,” Melissa says. She explains that, while the homeowners once leased the structure, they eventually purchased and added onto the home. “They ended up adding a master suite off the back the house; [they] renovated the bathrooms, the kitchen, and then even added a…