Cottages and Bungalows June - July 2016

THIS IS MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR. The weather’s great, the days are long, and the vintage and antiques hunting grounds are ripe for the picking. It’s Flea Market Season! All across the country from The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, to Round Top, Texas, to the mother of all flea gatherings, Brimfield, Massachusetts, flea markets are all in full swing. Most of last year I didn’t actually visit many markets. I’m preparing for a move; I’m becoming a home buyer again. And in the spirit of paring down and reorganizing I had talked myself out of hitting up some of my favorite haunts. But by the first of this year, it was nagging at me. I felt a little hollow, a tad empty and a bit uninspired, and I…

Recycling, upcycling and salvaging are all part of the true boho lifestyle, but the look doesn’t have to feel secondhand. We put together this vibrant festive gathering using a few unexpected budget friendly crafts. Here’s all you need to know to enjoy this rich and vibrant party setting. PAINT YOUR WAY TO PERFECTION From the old food cans spray painted gold and turned into vases, to old kitchen chairs painted and sanded to create a shabby yet chic vibe, paint is the key to transforming the mundane into something memorable. LAYER IT UP We placed several rugs in complementary patterns to set the plush scene of our outdoor table. Use this same technique with your table linens and dinnerware to create a lush, plush and well-traveled ambiance. COLOR KALEIDOSCOPE More…

The watercolor effect speaks to any true artist›s eye. Clemence bath containers, $14.95-$119.95. Visit anthropologie.com. Subtly tribal and full of vibrant color, this throw livens up a room. Sundance tangerine throw pillow, $25.20. Visit houzz.com. Elegant and graceful, these accents bring the classic arts home. Blue-and-white jar with bronze lid, $300. (866) 312-5610 or blisshomeanddesign.com. Use it as a pouf, an ottoman or a good old beanbag. This fun accent adds whimsy to a room. Handmade quilted cotton Bohemian pouf, $49.99. Visit etsy.com/ruralcraft. If you're the type to rework and revise your designs,this peel and stick wallpaper might just be for you. Peony peel-and-stick wallpaper, $40 per sheet. Visit simpleshapes.com. Sunny and sweet , this rattan mirror combines a traditional look with DIY flair. Sunrise rattan mirror in pink, $79.…

“Their stunning colors, geometric shapes and resilience make them appealing to everyone, including those who don’t consider themselves as having a ‘green thumb,’” writes Tawni Daigle in her new book, DIY Succulents: From Placecards to Wreaths, 35 Ideas for Creative Succulent Projects. Not only do they thrive in large planters and gardens, but they’re perfect for tiny spaces where other species would wither. Here are a few of Tawni’s ideas to try. SUCCULENTS ARE EVERYWHERE—FROM RESTAURANT PLANTERS TO STORE DISPLAYS AND BRIDAL BOUQUETS. 1 A LIVING NECKLACE. Perfect for the succulent lover on the go, this DIY is just what you need to carry the fruits of your labor wherever you go. To create this tiny planter, invest in a deep pendant bezel and some floral glue. Glue moss into…

When life gives you a passion, turn it into a career. That’s what Cali Dunn and her brother Elliott did when they discovered their love of succulents. “When our Grandma passed away, the florist included some succulents in the gravestone arrangement,” Cali says. “I saw them and was instantly obsessed.” Cali converted her brother to her new passion, and they started a succulent arrangement business in Santa Barbara, California. They named it Dalla Vita, which means “of life” in Italian. “It seemed appropriate, since we were introduced to succulents through our Grandma’s death,” Cali says. When it comes to planting and arranging her succulent designs, Cali creates a mix of repeating patterns and contrasting variations. “I’ll repeat one plant or color, but then contrast it with a different color or…

Paint is the do-it-yourselfer’s magic weapon. Whether you inherited a piece of furniture that isn’t quite your style, want to change up a piece you’ve owned for a while or have simply scored a diamond in the rough that you know has bigger potential, paint is budget friendly and can be easier than you think. Here Kristina Christiansen, master makeover artist from King Richard’s Antiques in Whittier, California, shares one of her tried and true methods using her favorite medium, Cece Caldwell paint. What You’ll Need: • Piece of furniture to paint• CeCe Caldwell's All Natural Chalk + Clay Paint (we used Alaskan Tundra Green)• Cece Caldwell Aging Cream• Cece Caldwell Clear Wax sealant• Large and small stippling brushes• Flat brush• Cheesecloth• Stir sticks What You’ll Do: 1. Start by cleaning the piece with a good degreaser to…