Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2016 - January 2017 i Cottages and Bungalows

I CAN’T AGREE WITH ANDY WILLIAMS MORE: Christmas is undoubtedly the most wonderful time of the year. And when it comes to fluffing up and preening the house, Christmas is like the big dance or the school recital. It’s the day we build up to all fall and winter, so that whether we are opening up our homes to guests or simply waking up to a Christmas morning with our own little families, we hope that we wake up to the stuff that holiday dreams are made of. Sure, this time of year can buzz with stress and planning, but to me it buzzes with excitement. We’ve put this issue together to help you feel the same, we hope. We’ve got ideas that brim with elegant simplicity. We tour houses…

Whether it’s turning on Nat King Cole, pulling out your grandma’s china or sifting through ornaments you and your loved ones made decades ago, Christmas is a time for nostalgia. When it comes to Christmases past, no collectible seems more appropriate than Holt-Howard’s ceramics. BORN FOR CHRISTMAS A company named after founders Robert Howard and Grant Holt, Holt-Howard got its start with Christmas items in New York City in 1949. The first few years of its existence, Holt-Howard focused on Christmas ceramics, from winking Santa mugs to angel candleholders and even Christmas planters such as one with Santa on a train that is hollow for planting. Their playful designs quickly earned them success, and the business expanded and relocated to Stamford, Connecticut, in 1959. They changed certain Christmas designs each…

“MY MOM ALWAYS DECORATED IN BRIGHT COLORS TO MAKE IT FEEL SUNNY INSIDE.”     “A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL REDO THEIR WHOLE LIVING SPACE FOR CHRISTMAS,” BREANNA EXPLAINS, “BUT I LIKE TO TAKE WHAT I HAVE AND EMBELLISH IT.” Some people seem to have been born to design, and Breanna Rountree of Breezy Designs can definitely claim that the need to decorate is in her blood. Growing up in Washington State with a design-minded mom, Breanna has been sprucing up rooms for as long as she can remember. “Washington is so gloomy—it rains nine months out of the year. So my mom always decorated in bright colors to make it feel sunny inside ” she explains. Upon moving into her Valencia, California, home five years ago with her husband,…

THE HOLIDAYS ONLY COME ONCE A YEAR. HONOR YOUR FAMILY’S UNIQUE TRADITIONS BY MIXING SENTIMENTAL HOLIDAY ACCENTS WITH FRESH GREENS, FLOWERS AND SOFT CANDLELIGHT; THEN REVEL IN AN ABUNDANCE OF SIMPLE CHRISTMAS JOY.          “AT CHRISTMAS, IT’S THE SMELLS, THE COLORS, THE CANDLES AND HOW IT FEELS WHEN YOU’RE IN A HOUSE THAT CAN ONLY FEEL THAT WAY AT THAT TIME OF YEAR.” Approaching your holiday décor can sometimes be daunting, especially if your year-round interior design is based on a well-defined home architecture. Such is the case for Toronto-based interior designer Anne Hepfer. But with family and nature as her muses, each year she crafts a simple, elegant-yet-natural holiday story with global flare that isn’t afraid to get a bit playful. Above all, it blends seamlessly with her…

Deck your halls with white this Christmas, and achieve an elegantly beautiful ambience. Sophisticated yet relaxed, classic accents and a neutral color scheme will inspire dreams of cozy winter mornings and lush snowfall. In 2009, Michelle Shen and her husband, Anthony, moved into a newly built tract home. Determined to ditch the cookie-cutter look, she redesigned each room to reflect her unique vision. “The style of my home is best described as a curated blend of vintage elegance with a touch of modern edge” Michelle says. When it comes to holiday décor, Michelle’s arrangements display an elegant, tasteful restraint without sacrificing warmth or a festive spirit. INVITE WHITE White is a dramatic color and a bold canvas when smartly utilized. Michelle’s subdued interiors, which are reminiscent of fresh fallen snow,…

There’s nothing like a handmade gift to show a loved one that you care, but the homemade aspect doesn’t have to stop at the gift itself. In their new book, Handmade Christmasfrom CICO Books, contributing authors, Clare Youngs and Catherine Woram, give readers a myriad of tutorials that will add a special touch to any holiday décor. Their projects extend to one of the season’s most anticipated events: gift giving! In the book, Youngs and Woram provide several examples of creating and designing your own wrapping paper, leaving the recipient to marvel at the gift as well as how it’s presented. You can also learn how to make your own stamps out of common household items, add some paint and design your own festive gift-wrap, fit for any handmade present.…

We all have old items we love from our past that have either lost purpose or are too worn for use. Instead of throwing them out this year, get creative and breathe new life into them by recycling your treasures into vintage Christmas decorations. Sue Templin, owner of The Heirloom Shoppe on Etsy, creates new decorations from vintage items that are charming and elegantly festive. “I have always been drawn to antiques, and creating these pieces truly comes from my heart ” says Sue. OLD MADE NEW “I find my items at flea markets, estate sales and garage sales. I’ll amp them up with new things like boughs I’ve found at a local craft store ” Sue says. Whether or not the objects once belonged to you, they bring a…

Aching for one of the holiday season’s blissfully silent nights? Nothing complements that mood quite like this silvery setting. Wondrously woodsy yet sophisticated and serene, it’s a multilayered look that turns curling up by the fireside into one of the winter’s best activities. While this cabin touts the patina of natural wood finishes worn over time, there’s no reason you can’t recreate the vibe in any space. Here are our top tips for getting this look. KEEP IT MONOCHROMATIC The use of a single putty-gray color scheme gives this room its rustic simplicity. It not only balances out the many rough and rugged textures, but its cool tone creates a serene mood. COZY TEXTURES Wool, cable-knit textiles and even a woven cotton rug hug this room like a comfy sweater.…

  Rainbows of color don’t immediately come to mind when you think of time-honored Christmas motifs. When the holiday season arrives, shops fill their shelves with decorations of nostalgic themes such as snowflakes and snowmen, forests of evergreen trees and reindeer in sleigh bells. Interior designer Alison Kandler chooses to stay true to her style roots, and each Christmas she forgoes the jewel tones of red and green, instead opting for a world of candy colors that fit her sunny home and her year-round aesthetic without compromise.     SEASONAL DÉCOR SHOULD COMPLEMENT A HOME’S OVERALL STYLE, RATHER THAN CREATE VISUAL DISCORD.      IF COLOR PROVIDES HAPPINESS, THEN THERE’S PLENTY OF JOY TO BE FOUND IN EVERY ROOM OF THE HOUSE. TRADITIONAL TOUCHES WITH MODERN PROPORTIONS Before the Kandler family…

“WE HAVE CHALKBOARDS THAT WE DECORATE TO FIT THE SEASON AND REFILLABLE LAMPS THAT I SWITCH FROM STARFISH TO ORNAMENTS,” BREANNA SAYS. “WE TRY TO MAKE THINGS MULTIPURPOSE.” • Color Conscious. Whether you love decorating with aqua, purple or kelly green, there’s no reason you can’t incorporate your existing color scheme into a festive look. If traditional greenery clashes with your existing look, use white or flocked trees and garlands as a more neutral base. Then choose from the wealth of ornaments in stores or online to find colors that complement your scheme. • Time Sensitive. Keep your rooms true to their designs by using holiday décor that fits the styles and eras the rooms already celebrate. “In my kitchen I have lots of vintage appliances and accents, so I decorated with…

“THE TRUTH IS A GOOD TABLESCAPE SHOULD COMBINE TEXTURE, DIMENSION A BIT OF AND THEUNEXPECTED .”     When Kate Lester first approached this 1952 home in El Segundo, California, it was dark, dated and in need of an imaginative redesign. The homeowners asked Kate Lester Interiors for an open floor plan, and once an architect brought that dream to fruition, Kate filled the home with style and cheer. Describing the home as being a little modern farmhouse and a little classic coastal, Kate used seaside hues and traditional furnishings paired with modern elements to let the home feel vibrant and welcoming year round. “It’s a hybrid of sorts, a really beautiful and direct reflection of the people who live there” Kate says. “The clean lines of the furniture contrast…

“WHAT YOU NEED TO DO IS COME HOME WITH A CARLOAD OF ACCESSORIES, AND IF YOU RETURN THREE-QUARTERS OF THEM THAT’S FINE. YOU HAVE TO PLAY AROUND AND SEE WHAT WORKS.” If color is the key to mood, Maria Killam’s Chilliwack, British Columbia, home is a happy place year round. That was her goal in decorating her home for the holidays. Maria, a color expert and consultant who teaches classes about color for homeowners and professionals alike, knew she’d do anything but traditional for her Christmas décor, not only in the spirit of experimentation, but because she believes you have to stay true to your décor style. “White is boring when you’re supposed to be a color expert, right?” she laughs. “Actually, gold yellow and raspberry is really not…

… YOU CAN KEEP THINGS SIMPLE AND STAY STYLISH IF YOU FOCUS ON MAKING JUST A FEW THINGS PERSONAL AND UNIQUE. It’s the most wonderful time of year. And it’s the busiest time of year, which can make the season’s annual hosting duties a stressful time no matter how many rounds you’ve served. But you can keep things simple and stay stylish if you focus on making just a few things personal and unique. Pare down the work—and the pressure—and make time for the fun stuff: deceptively simple and delicious bites, fun eye-catching décor, and little touches that make guests say “Aww!” Here are a few of our favorite ways to make hosting for the holidays a little easier. FOCUS ON ONE BIG DECORATIVE ELEMENT. Rather than go…

MERRY & BRIGHT, Page 36 FAMILY ROOM: Couch upholstery: Pindler and Pindler. Visit pindler.com to find a showroom near you. Pillows: Raoul Textiles. Visit raoultextiles.com to find a showroom near you. KITCHEN: Window cushion upholstery: Madeline Weinrib, visit madelineweinrib.com. LaCanche range: Cluny range in Delft Blue with brass trim, visit frenchranges.com. Coral knobs and drawer pulls: Anthropologie, (800) 309-2500 or anthropologie.com. Island paint color: Claret Rose by Benjamin Moore, visit benjaminmoore.com. Built-in unit wallpaper: Galbraith and Paul, visit galbraithandpaul.com. DINING ROOM: Chairs: Restoration Hardware, (800) 762-1005 or restorationhardware.com. Wallpaper: Idarica Gazzoni. Visit idaricagazzoni.com to find a showroom near you. Dishware: Anthropologie, (800) 309-2500 or anthropologie.com. LIVING ROOM: Chandelier: Pom Pom at Home, (818) 847-0150 or pompomathome.com. Pillows: Raoul Textiles. Visit raoultextiles.com to find a showroom near you. BIG CHRISTMAS…

Cooler weather means more time indoors. Take advantage of the chilly weather to create a few winter-worthy accessories for your home. While Christmas trees and angels will only last the month of December, a few snowflakes will help your home look seasonal all the way through March. Use the template on the next page to create a flurry of different felt projects with the same snowflake, which will maintain a cohesive look throughout your home. Copy the template on your printer, increasing the size as listed for the various projects. Then pick out your favorite felt and get crafting. Snowflake Pillow Add an embroidered snowflake to an accent pillow for an eye-catching addition to your couch or bed. You can add this snowflake to a store-bought pillow with a zipper,…

Light and feathery, this dainty tree stands 7 feet tall and comes strung with lights. Vienna twig artificial tree with stand, $142.99. Visit wayfair.com. Deck your tree with signature Parisian black and white. Jeanne d’Arc ballerina ornament, $8.95. Visit vintagemarketanddesign.com. With gold tips, an antique patina and a regal crown accent, this wall art is a stunner. Angel wing wall décor, $152.99. Visit wayfair.com. Rustic charm and classic detailing combine in this accent piece. Customize it by choosing your ribbon detail. Country reindeer grain-sack throw pillow with insert, $40. Visit simplyfrenchmarket.etsy.com. This elegant tableware touts a timeless toile-inspired design made from melamine. It is a durable and nearly unbreakable material that is perfect for kids and adults alike. Yuletide Holly serving platter, $48. 12-piece dinnerware set, $152. (888) 978-8895 or…

“I BELIEVE YOU NEED TO LIVE IN A SPACE AND THEN FILL IT SLOWLY WITH THINGS THAT YOU LOVE AND WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME.” It can be hard to find room for all your loves when you are dealing with limited space. But that’s no reason to cut back on the joys of the Christmas season. Jodi Davison, a mother of three, has a unique background in interior design and visual merchandising, and it shows. Every year she transforms her 1941 rental property into a cozy Christmas wonderland, filling the 1,200-square-foot space with unique treasures that she’s curated over time. While others may feel constrained by small quarters, Jodi feels the opposite: “I think small spaces are actually easier to decorate than large ones. The focus…

Tip Instead of using a plastic or metal tree stand to hold the base of the tree, Liz suggests placing the tree in a woven or knit basket for a unique, cozy look.      Tip If you decorate your tree with large ornaments, you will need fewer of them, and they will stand out and save you money, Liz says. “I THINK IT’S FUN AND ORGANIC IF YOU CAN MAKE EASY LITTLE CHANGES [TO YOUR CHRISTMAS DÉCOR]. KEEP IT SIMPLE.” How would you decorate a farmhouse at Christmas? And would you unpack all the ornaments you’ve collected and display them on every tree branch and table? Liz Fourez has a different approach for creating a festive farmhouse. Liz lives on a small two-bedroom, one-bath farm outside Indianapolis that has…

“I JUST LIKE HAVING THE WARMTH OF THE HOLIDAY IN AS MANY PLACES AS I CAN.” There’s something so joyful about opening your home to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. The revelry reaches new levels if you’ve survived a multiyear full renovation of your home and are finally able to enjoy the season without rooms marked off and a project list yet to be tackled. Though this is their third Christmas in their 1926 brick bungalow, it’s the first where the Daggett family’s home isn’t a work zone. When blogger Susan, her husband and two young daughters moved into the suburban Chicago home, it was a two-flat in desperate need of a loving update. Stairs were moved, the upstairs flat was transformed into living space for the family,…

Getting all nestled in bed isn’t the only way to enjoy the coziness of a Christmas night. Blogger and style maven Courtney of French Country Cottage created a magical setting by the fire outside in her garden to spread the joy of the season. “I am definitely a Christmas-all-through-the-house type of person, and that spills right over into the outdoors” she says. “People normally think of decorating a front door or front porch and that’s about it when it comes to outdoor holiday décor, but I like to take it a little further and deck the patios and outdoor entertaining areas as well.” DOUBLE THE DELIGHT Outfitting your outdoor areas is a wonderful way to find room to display more of your holiday decorating ideas. It’s also a way…

1. Make a music mix for your party and share the playlist with your guests on a CD or with a link to the playlist on a music-streaming site. 2. Don’t get stuck with boring to-go boxes. Use a reusable vessel like a jar, or dress up paper takeout containers with stamps, pretty ribbons or fabric. 3. Create a photo wall by hanging streamers, pom-poms or cutouts on a blank wall. Hang a simple sign with the date and guests present, and take selfies to remember the night. 4. Create a simple dessert to go with a bowl of seasonal fruit by the door, with each guest’s name tagged on a ribbon or written on tape. 5. Use small potted plants that guests can take home with them instead of…

WE LOVE THIS MODERN TAKE ON THE CLASSIC PUTZ HOUSE WHERE IN PLACE OF GLITTERY BITS AND CANDY COLORS, crafter and blogger Delia Randall chose a chic and natural look using a Silhouette cutting machine. Complete with a variety of rooflines and portico awnings, these simple stunners couldn’t be more elegant. And, as Delia points out, they are endlessly customizable. For a detailed how-to including a free cutting file, visit her blog deliacreates.com.…