Cottages and Bungalows

A brand-new year always brings fresh inspiration, and for us 2026 is already off to a heartwarming start. We’re celebrating the timeless comfort and creativity that define cottage living-those cozy corners, cherished keepsakes, and handmade touches that make a house feel like home. In this issue, we’re thrilled to introduce our 2026 Brand Ambassador, Wendy Conklin, whose love of whimsical cottage style, vibrant color and oodles of creativity shines through every detail of her home and life. You’ll also meet the winner of our Cozy Winter Nook Contest, Alyssa Sena, who proves once again that small spaces can hold endless charm with her charming reading corner. And we’re celebrating our very own art director, Gabby Oh, who has been designing the pages of our magazine for 20 years! We’re also…

COTTAGESANDBUNGALOWSMAG.COM 1. CREATE A ROSE THEMED TABLESCAPE FOR GALENTINE’S DAY While love is already in the air leading up to Valentine’s Day on February14th, February 13th honors the love we have for our favorite friends. What better way to celebrate than with love’s favorite flower, the rose? 2. HOUSE TOUR: A SEASIDE RENOVATION WITH AN ANTIQUE TOUCH How do you warm up a space while using a classic coastal palette of cool colors? See how one designer helped a family create the coziest home. 3. CREATING HOME AROUND OUR HUMANITY Offices are for work, kitchens are for cooking and, ultimately, your home is for living. Learn how to maximize your home for comfort and your real life needs. 4. THE DESIGNERS’ GUIDE TO DECORATING WITH ANTIQUES Gordon Kessler and Larry…

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY ETIQUETTE DO straighten bookshelves, messy bookshelves are less likely to have books taken. DO remove moldy, severely damaged, or books with torn covers. DON’T over stuff an LFL. Overfilled shelves make books difficult to browse and access. DON’T Add books that would be better off simply recycled. You can help change that stigma by adding great books in good condition. The story of our home in Wisconsin, and its identical twin next door, is that they were built in 1937 by a father for his two daughters. Both homes feature the classic “cat slide” roofline and arched doorway exteriors of Tudor cottages. Much of the original woodwork and plasterwork, complete with three detailed arches, built-in arched dining room cabinets, and arched coves above the bathtubs remain inside.…

As you flip through the pages of this magazine, it’s easy to get lost in the beautiful homes, charming details, and inspiring stories without realizing the creative minds working quietly behind the scenes. One of those is our talented art director, Gabby Oh, whose keen eye and artistic touch have shaped the pages for 20 years. From selecting just the right fonts and colors to adding thoughtful design flourishes that make every spread sing, Gabby brings each issue to life with care and creativity. You’ve seen her work across Cottages & Bungalows, American Farmhouse Style, Flea Market Décor, Atomic Ranch, and countless custom projects. Always cheerful, always dependable, and always a true team player, Gabby is a joy to work with, and we’re thrilled to celebrate her 20th anniversary with…

Hello, Cottages & Bungalows family! I’m Wendy Conklin, your 2026 Brand Ambassador, and I couldn’t be more honored to join you for a year of cozy inspiration and colorful creativity. I live in sunny Texas with my husband and our energetic Boston Terrier, Maui-my faithful sidekick who’s never far from a project in progress. Our home is a joyful mix of vintage charm and vibrant color, where each room tells a story through fabric, paint, and a touch of whimsy. For me, home is where creativity and comfort meet. Over the coming year, I’ll share approachable DIYs, fabric-mixing ideas, and design projects that invite warmth, personality, and playfulness into every corner of your cottage. My hope is that you’ll be inspired to embrace your own creativity, add color with confidence,…

“I GRAVITATE TOWARD OLD, CHIPPY, VINTAGE DÉCOR—IT JUST FEELS LIKE HOME.” In a quiet Massachusetts city, Alyssa Sena has carved out a little nook that feels like pure comfort. She shares her 1940s home with her husband, a police officer, and their two kids, plus, she somehow balances being a stay-at-home mom, running her own candle company, and working toward her master’s degree. When Cottages & Bungalows hosted a “Cozy Winter Nook” contest, Alyssa entered her version, winning the hearts of our readers who voted on the finalists. When she and her husband bought the house in 2019, Alyssa knew it would be a long journey to make it their own. “We’ve spent the last six years slowly renovating with the help of my family of contractors,” she says. “I wanted to…