Innholdsfortegnelse for Autumn 2024 i The Cottage Journal

SHADES OF THE SEASON Every season has its charms, but there’s something about autumn that has always enchanted me more than the others. It’s a season of boundless beauty, unparalleled colors, and—of course—change. A few months ago, I stepped into the role of The Cottage Journal’s editor, and I’m excited to be able to usher in my favorite time of year while introducing the newest collection of personal stories and beloved spaces our team has always delighted in sharing. In this issue, you’ll be introduced to homeowners who cherish cottage style as much as the rest of us and tour the homes they’ve filled with beauty and warmth. In “Sugar Hill Cottage” on page 45, you’ll see how a home’s history was embraced and built upon during much-needed renovations, and…

The awe was instant. Before Maggie Griffin and her design team ever set eyes on their clients’ Highlands, North Carolina, home, she recalls pulling up to the gate and spotting a flock of wild turkeys on the left and a family of deer in the back. “It was like they were rolling out the red carpet for us—or, really, the green carpet.” Set down in a valley with views of rolling hills and big, broad rock faces, this circa 1800s home is at the back of a clearing beyond a large stone firepit. “You could tell the house had been loved, but just not recently,” Maggie recalls. The current owners and their four children use this house as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of home. Here, they roam,…

More often than not, designers are brought in to make an old home look new. But in the case of this charming cottage, the opposite was true. When these Manhattan-based homeowners purchased their weekend abode, they fell in love with the bucolic Connecticut setting and the distinctive style of its neighboring homes. But there was one rub: “As a newer build, the house stood a little tame compared to the ones around it,” recalls Nicole Fisher, owner of BNR Interiors, of the project. “Our goal became to add some age to make it look a little more lived in—like it’s always been there.” Enhancements varied from accessories to square footage and included the addition of a striking sunroom and the construction of a new primary suite as well as an…

After working with Birmingham, Alabama-based landscape architect David Brush to redesign their front yard, these homeowners were ready to tackle the remainder of their outdoor space—and luckily, they knew just who to call. “The clients are a young, fun, and energetic family,” says David Brush. “They, like many similar families with adolescent kids and active lifestyles, challenged me with creating a series of spaces that fit their family’s needs and could also be adaptable over time.” David’s 25 years in the business prepared him for the extensive makeover made more difficult due to strict building guidelines. A low wall previously divided the yard into two areas—one paved and the other sunken grass—which seemed to emphasize its compact size. After identifying a few existing assets they wished to preserve, including a…

Kyle Walsh’s journey as an artist started with a storm. “We got hit by a hurricane,” he recalls of his family’s home in New Jersey, which was flooded with 6 feet of water during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. “I had the thought that I would love to make something with the wood that floated up in our yard.” Making a picture frame and a coffee table for fun turned into making pieces to sell, and after a few years of crafting from pallets and reclaimed wood, Kyle was ready for a new challenge. He found it in the form of wood turning. “I didn’t have any formal lessons in turning,” he says. “I just went out and bought myself a lathe, and I started practicing.” Eventually, he sought out a…

PLAY IT COOL A porch doesn’t have to be vibrant to be a showstopper. From ivory and muted orange to soothing shades of blue and green, piles of pumpkins balance terra-cotta pots with leafy green plants for a setup overflowing with visual interest. LESS IS MORE Create a captivating mantel vignette by blending books and taper candles with a trio of miniature pumpkins—tucking in sprigs of greenery to fill any gaps. Creamier tones enhance the rich brown hues of vintage books adorned with feathers while an unexpected dash of orange excites the eye. ORGANIC INFLUENCE In lieu of an extravagant arrangement, gather an amalgam of fall foliage spanning shades of red and golden yellow. Neutral and metallic tabletop accessories let nature remain the star of the show as they set…

Perched on the bluff side of Shades Mountain in Birmingham, Alabama, Janet and Robert Clifton’s home pairs an abundance of picturesque views with exceptional curb appeal thanks to the exterior’s timeless English Tudor-style charm. However, step inside and you’ll be met with equally stunning views as cool blue hues mingle with warm neutrals for a design that strikes a balance between masculine and feminine, offering a fresh take on time-honored style. “I just wanted to stay true to the traditional style of the home, but I’m also very eclectic in that I mix in tradition with more modern things, like art and lamps,” says the homeowner and interior designer behind Janet Clifton Interiors. “I’m a believer in purchasing what you love, and it will always work somewhere.” The gallery wall…

The grounds at Wildmuir date back to the 1890s, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that the garden was first conceived. At the same time the house was renovated into the Arts & Craft style it now boasts, famed landscape architect Harold Caparn was brought on—and it was his work that would eventually lead to the current homeowner falling in love with the property. “After renting for a few months, we decided to buy Wildmuir mainly because of its gardens,” says the homeowner, whose dedication restored the dilapidated remains of Caparn’s work while adding personal elements, such as collected sculptural art and a cottage for extended family. Since then, the garden has undergone several revisions, the latest of which included the touch of local landscape architect Jamie Purinton. “I got…

Curb appeal and the all-important first impression are front and center when it comes to the unparalleled craftmanship artisan Michael Healy brings to the design of his artful door knockers. “The front door is certainly a focal point of your home,” says Michael, who’s been manufacturing his product line for almost 30 years. “It doesn’t take much to make over your entrance and give it a fresh new look—a fresh coat of paint and new hardware can make a world of difference.” As an avid boater who grew up on Cape Cod, Michael’s initial designs boast heavy nautical influence for a collection that now includes a range of coastal-inspired designs—from seahorses and scallops to anchors and Nantucket baskets. Over time, his offerings have expanded to include the popular bumblebee design…

To find out more about product sources or to contact the design professionals, see credits and contacts listed below. Front Porch Charm Pages 17–18—Mugs from Soho Home. Dream a Little Dream Pages 25–32—Interior designs by Maggie Griffin, Maggie Griffin Designs. Walls painted China White by Benjamin Moore. Balanced Beauty Pages 33–44—Interior designs by Janet Clifton. Walls painted Natural Choice by Sherwin-Williams. Page 39—Cabinets painted Natural Cream by Benjamin Moore. Island painted Waterloo by Sherwin-Williams. What’s New Feels Old Pages 57–68—Interior designs by Nicole Fisher, BNR Interiors. Page 62—Range from La Cornue. If Walls Could Talk Pages 69–78—Featured accommodations: Maison by This Old Hudson. Interior designs by Anthony D’Argenzio, Zio and Sons. Pages 71–72, 78—Kitchen backsplash and bathroom tile by Zio and Sons for clé. Page 76—Mushroom lamp by Zio and…

LEAD THE WAY Nothing evokes the true spirit of autumn like an array of festive pumpkins to greet your visitors at the front porch. Lining the entryway, gourds spanning moody maroon, soft sage, and rust add a seasonal touch while highlighting the spectacular hues of falling leaves. Balancing out the collection are several pumpkins imparting neutral notes of cream and gold to ground the scene. SIT A SPELL Overlooking the display are two rustic wooden rocking chairs sitting side by side, adorned with a cozy throw and pillow in calming earth tones. Relax with a cup of steaming apple cider while enjoying the crisp fall air and savoring nature’s beauty. FLORAL FANCIES Nestled among the arrangement, blooming mums with vibrant petals of violet, amber, and scarlet provide a fresh addition…

PRODUCE: When the weather becomes distinctly autumnal, it’s time to pick your last tomatoes and ripen them in the greenhouse. Check stored tomatoes regularly, as you would your apples, removing any signs of decay and making sure they are not touching each other. After picking for the final time, lift and compost your tomato plants and weed through the greenhouse, removing any debris and—if it is pest- and disease-free—adding it to the compost heap. PLANTS: Tender plants can be stored under the greenhouse benches, having been brought in before the first frosts; they will welcome the added protection. Cut back foliage on plants like pelargoniums to save space. Ventilate the greenhouse on sunny days, shutting the windows by the middle of the afternoon to capture the warm air so it…