Cottages and Bungalows December/January 2018-19

MY PHONE’S BUZZING OFF THE HOOK as text messages roll in about whose car we’re taking next week to pick up the tree. Another beep, and I look down to see an ongoing debate about Secret Santa for the gift exchange or gifts just for the kids or gifts for everyone. Meanwhile, my brothers and I will draw straws to find out which unfortunate one of us will help Mom pull Christmas boxes out of the attic over the garage. For a moment I take a deep breath, reeling from the premonition of a season of chaotic plans, too many people in the kitchen and many more favors than there is time to grant. But then I am reminded of my grandma’s wisdom and my dad’s patience. “I love a…

Scandi Season Visit this modern boho space inspired by Scandinavian style for the holidays. Modern Elegance for Christmas Tour this coastal cottage and get inspired to create a grand and gracious holiday style. The Season of Sparkle Need a fun look for your holiday parties this year? Check out these décor ideas that use sparkly tinsel, colorful sequins and plenty of glitter. Our Favorite Christmas Collectibles Attention vintage lovers: Now’s the time to snatch up your favorite holiday treasures. We break down the top things to collect currently and what they’re worth. It’s in the Box! Tour the home of Boxfli creator Jayne Flinn, and see how her home is as fun and funky as her signature creative boxes. Follow us online on Facebookand Instagramfor inspiration daily! WEB Look for…

Are you dreaming of an ecofriendly Christmas? Bringing the components of sustainable living to classic cottage style, builder Rocky DiGiacomo of DiGiacomo Homes & Renovation has created wow factor with his expert design and use of alternative energy sources. SIMPLISTIC SHAPE While this home has the traditional cottage shape, DiGiacomo made use of every square inch. The dormer windows, with their charming window boxes, create a cozy look, while the front porch gives passersby a glimpse into the inviting space within. Every element of the home helps create the perfect silhouette of a holiday cottage, while also conserving energy and maintaining a smaller environmental footprint. ECO ADDITIONS At first you may worry that solar panels, geothermal heating and special appliances may conflict with the quaint cottage aesthetic, but DiGiacomo integrated…

Do you long for a cozy cabin Christmas? When we found out Debbie Macomber’s Christmas book this year (her annual Christmas tomes are fast becoming our favorite tradition) is set in a snowy cabin in the woods, we couldn’t wait to create a fireside scene inspired by her story. In Alaskan Holiday, protagonist Josie Avery finds herself stuck in a lakeside lodge in Alaska; what was supposed to be a summer gig turns into a long winter’s stay. So what would the ultimate winter cabin contain? Check out these elements, and discover ways you can incorporate these looks no matter where you call home this holiday season. RUSTIC PATTERNS We love this native-inspired multicolor rug which transitions perfectly from summer to winter. Mirroring the geometric patterns in the rug, a…

The hunt for the perfect holiday ornament is a yearly tradition. From the glitzy stars to the humble manger scenes, surfboarding Santas to ballerinas and nutcrackers, you’ve seen it all on your tree. For a different ornament this year, hark back to traditional spun glass. SPUN GLASS HISTORY We have glass fibers today thanks to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, who knew how to melt and stretch glass to aide in construction. Similar techniques of heating and stretching glass commercialized in the 1930s, and the process of pulling glass into thin strands continues in current manufacturing. Not only do glass fibers serve as insulation and building reinforcement, but also as art pieces, like spun-glass ornaments and figures. The term “spun glass” describes the look of the glass as it hardens;…

Gingerbread houses provide not only tasty baked delicacies but can also add to the cottage charm of your Christmas home. In her book Easy Gingerbread Houses, author Lisa Anderson shares myriad edible houses you can construct, from fire stations and tiki shacks to farmhouses, castles and, of course, cottages. And you don’t even need to bake gingerbread cookies yourself—store-bought graham crackers will do the trick. Here’s a gingerbread Swiss chalet to add to your Christmas home this year. What You’ll Need: For the icing: • ¾ batch brown royal icing• ¼ batch white royal icing For the graham crackers: • 8 whole crackers• 6 quarter crackers• 2 horizontal points• 4 three-quarter crackers For the decorations: • White Smarties• Green gum• Flower confetti• Red heart confetti• Tootsie Rolls• Spearmint leaves What…