Cottages and Bungalows February/March 2023

AS WE EMBARK ON 2023, we are not only celebrating the new year but also the completion of our 2022 Project House in Minden, Louisiana, with Sara McDaniel of Simply Southern Cottage. If you have been following along with the process, you will remember that less than a year ago, The Villas at Spanish Court was a dilapidated mess. A grouping of three buildings, each containing studio and one-bedroom apartments that were abandoned in the early 1980s, it had become an eyesore in this small Southern community—one that Sara had a gnawing desire to renovate. Her dream of providing short-term rentals in a quiet and lovely setting drove her to pursue the project. Despite termites, lead-based paint and water-damage issues, Sara and her team worked tirelessly to bring each building…

cottagesandbungalowsmag.com Understanding the Modern Cottage For some, a cottage is a modest home that encapsulates a simple life. For others, a cottage is a vacation home in an idyllic location. Author Katie Hutchison describes living the cottage life today. House Tour: A Romantic Beach Cottage Dream homes can be hard to come by or are destined to be and will find their way to you. Such wondrous kismet worked for Susie Holt and her husband, Mark. How to Garden Inside This Winter Missing your garden this winter? Try your hand at growing bulbs indoors. They don’t need soil as the bulbs are nutrient rich—and it’s easier than you might think! A Cozy, Cottage-Style St. Patrick’s Day Whether you’re Irish or just love celebrating all things Irish, St. Patrick’s Day is…

Our Project House 2022: The Villas at Spanish Court are complete! Where do you begin when you’ve purchased eight villas in such a deep state of decay that they are slated to be torn down? That is the question Sara McDaniel of Simply Southern Cottage asked herself when she took on the task of restoring The Villas at Spanish Court in Minden, Louisiana. Built in 1931 as state-of-the-art apartments, they were abandoned in the 1980s and destined for demolition until Sara envisioned them as short-term vacation rentals. With experience in renovating her own home (just around the corner from The Villas) along with several other rental properties, she felt called to restore and renew the property. Partnering with Cottages & Bungalows, our sister publication American Farmhouse Style, over 20 sponsors…

ANNIE SELKE Do you love vibrant color, high-quality materials and a whimsical spirit? Then you’ll love Annie Selke’s products! The female-founded company has been creating magic since 1994. Visit annieselke.com. 1a Comfy Cotton French Blue Quilt. Buttery-soft cotton on both sides of this vertical-stitched quilt makes it extra cozy. Available in three sizes and five colors, from $188. 1b Tyler French Blue Quilt. A reversible cotton quilt makes redecorating your room even easier. Available in two colorways and three sizes, from $368. HOUSE OF COCO GIFTS Erica Edenfield is an elementary school teacher whose love of stunning stitching and rich textiles goes back to her childhood. Her grandparents and great-grandparents, who were seamstresses, coat designers and décor enthusiasts, fostered her love of fabric. She lovingly creates unique artwork with fabric…

Hello, Cottage Friends! I can hardly express in words the joy and excitement of having been chosen as the 2023 Brand Ambassador for Cottages and Bungalows. I am honored and delighted to have the opportunity to share my home and love for decorating, style, color, flowers—and even a bit of cooking and baking—with all of you in the coming months. Your home is your haven! It is your retreat…a cozy place where you can relax and find refuge. It is a reflection of your lifestyle, family, experiences, memories and, of course, personality. It is uniquely YOU! I hope you will join me here as I share ideas for making your home comfy, inviting and welcoming for you and everyone who walks through the door of the place you call home.…

Plaid and Striped Mini Heart Pillows. Tuck these little cuties in any Valentine vignette or add them to a gift box or bag, 4”W x 4”H, $7.95 each. Visit collinspainting.com. Woodgrain Sandalwood Gift Set. This bespoke set delivers skin care, hair care and beard care, richly scented with woodsy aromas of cedar, sandalwood, clove and rosewood, $79. Visit bespokepost.com. Vintage Rose Note Card Set. The charming images on these cards were taken from antique rose illustrations from France and Belgium circa 1868-1923, includes eight note cards, $12.95. Visit chartingnature.com. Embroidered Love Pillow. Romance is in bloom with this colorful wool felt pillow with hand-appliqued felt letters featuring traditionally embroidered flowers and leaves, 15”x35”, $135. Visit annieselke.com. Laurel Leaf Blush Sleep Shirt. American textile designer Marika Meyer hand-selected this lovely print…