Innholdsfortegnelse for Christmas/Winter 2025 i The Cottage Journal

WANT MORE COTTAGE STYLE? Sign up for our FREE newsletter today at thecottagejournal.com. ALL IS CALM Let the stress of the year fall away and join us as we indulge in the cozy enchantment that only comes at Christmas. While the season brings its own hustle and bustle, we encourage you to appreciate the moments of peace it offers: savoring that peppermint latte, lighting a fire as you wrap gifts for family, or pausing to enjoy a favorite carol on the radio. In this issue, it’s our pleasure to share homes and spaces that embody a peaceful holiday spirit. Sparkling small-town cottages are prepped for family gatherings, well-set tables prioritize laid-back hospitality, and a glittering greenhouse shines against a serene woodland setting. (Notice especially the homes of two dear friends…

For someone like Sally Tolleson, who loves vintage pieces and old homes with rich character, this 1957 home in Perry, Georgia, was the perfect fit for her current stage of life. She moved in three years ago after her husband passed away, captivated by the home’s charm and prime location—next door to her husband’s childhood home. “It’s my sanctuary,” says Sally. “It has big windows across the front, looks over a pocket park, and is secluded, even though it’s in the middle of town.” Even more special: When she was renovating, she discovered a part of her husband’s past hidden behind a demolished wall. “There was cursive writing in chalk that said, ‘Our Club Members,’” she says. The list included the names of two of her sisters-in-law, who played there…

Swaths of blue-and-green plaid unfurl from the loom of textile artist Erica Kroll before she picks up a pair of sharp scissors and deftly slices the warp threads, granting her latest design release. From her rhythmic movements, it’s obvious Erica is a skilled craftswoman whose creative foundations were laid early. As a child, she recalls sitting on the floor beside her grandmother, creating long crochet chains while her grandmother worked on afghans. Later in life, when Erica found herself at home with a newborn daughter, the interest in fashioning things by hand resurfaced, and she began producing hemp rag dolls and baby slings. But twelve years ago, a gift from her mother-in-law, Nancy, completely altered the artist’s trajectory. Nancy, a talented weaver herself, presented Erica with a loom. “That gift—and…

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By the time Lisa Shaddix reached fifty, she had already experienced a rewarding career in education, where she rose from the classroom to the principal’s office—earning her master’s degree, her National Board Certification, and an administrative credential along the way. Though she had first pursued fashion merchandising and modeling to channel her creative instincts, her heart ultimately led her to teaching. In the later years as an administrator, Lisa was asked to guide the design of a new primary school, selecting colors, themes, and furnishings. She didn’t know it then, but the project sowed the seeds of her next calling, reigniting a lasting passion for creativity and design. After turning the page on education, Lisa embraced retirement and stepped into full-time grandparenting with the arrival of her first grandchild. Just…

While this ranch-style abode is teeming with character and charm all on its own, Beth Johnson, who owns the home with her sister, Amy, expertly layers its interiors with a timeless, traditional aesthetic that’s equally as captivating. During the holidays, she incorporates fresh greenery and flowering bulbs among her cherished collectibles for a delightful and refreshing approach to spreading seasonal cheer. “I’d describe my holiday decorating style as simple, traditional, and meaningful,” says Beth. “From my Santa and Fontanini Nativity collection to ornaments and Spode Christmas Tree china, each piece carries a memory that makes the season feel extra special.” Upon arrival, guests are ushered through the front door, painted the soothing shade of Urbane Bronze by Sherwin-Williams. A wreath adorned with ribbon and golden bells offers a cheerful welcome…

In the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, where artistic inspiration abounds in the breathtaking surroundings, Rachel and Jamin Bultman raise their family and run their business, RBD Pottery. “We totally fell in love with the place,” Rachel says of the area, where they relocated shortly after their first visit. Having both lived in Alaska for years—Rachel grew up in the state—they were drawn to the landscape, and it turned out to be the perfect place to set up their small-batch pottery shop. While RBD Pottery started out as a “side gig” for Rachel, who worked out of a home studio while her husband worked in graphic design, it quickly grew until Jamin quit his job to join her in the studio full-time. Their work stands out for the hand-carved designs…

To find out more about product sources or to contact the design professionals, see credits and contacts listed below. Pretty Pink Holidays Pages 17–20—Decorating by Stacie Stowers. Antique Reverie Pages 21–26—Special thanks to Rose Mason, Odelia’s Home. A Historic Ho-Ho-Ho Pages 29–38—Interior designs by Corinne Back, Corinne Victoria Design. Sharing Christmas Spirit Pages 39–50—Decorating by Ashley Kay Johnson. At Home for the Holidays Pages 51–62—Interior designs by Lisa Shaddix, Lisa Shaddix Designs Merry & Meaningful Pages 87–96—Interior designs by Meg Wallace, Meg Wallace Design. Architectural updates by Joe Fante, j.fante studio, and Sarah DeMasters-Richburg. Antiques sourced by Beth Johnson, Gammon Finds at Stash. Pages 91–92—Chandelier from Antique Market on Linden. Page 95—Glass bird ornaments from Creatures Stirring. Gathered in Grace Pages 105–110—Red-and-cream plates and glasses from Stash. Napkins and place…

When interior designer Corinne Back of Corinne Victoria Design first moved into this house with her husband, Al, she instantly felt at home. “I love traditional homes with a sense of history,” she says. “I crave the feel of a cozy library with the fire burning, and I want a space to feel well-traveled with unique items that spark conversation.” To keep things fresh, Corinne layers this approach with elements she describes as modern and eclectic. When it comes to decorating for Christmas, this historic house is a natural fit, and starting after Thanksgiving, Corinne likes to enhance its moody greens, blues, reds, and browns with traditional touches of holiday décor. The antiqued silver and brass accessories displayed throughout also add festive sparkle. “I don’t like super kitschy holiday things…

During a recent call, Jeannie Sexton’s youngest grandson confided that he wished he were at her house. “They love it here,” Jeannie says of her grandchildren. Naturally, a visit to grandmother’s house always entails special perks. But come Christmas, bright trimmings and sweet traditions make a stay even more memorable. Built in the late 1980s on a spacious lot just outside Perry, Georgia, the classic Southern Colonial-style home of Jeannie and Mayo Sexton exudes the same welcoming air as its owners. White railing frames an inviting porch that stretches the length of the front exterior. “We sit out there in the evening and wave to everybody going by,” Jeannie says. A cheery shade of yellow adorns the front door, made merrier with a large evergreen wreath embellished by a bright…