Cottages and Bungalows December/January 2025

AS THE HOLIDAY SEASON APPROACHES, our homes become the heart of celebration and joy, where memories are made and family traditions come to life. The scent of evergreen, the glow of candlelight and the warmth of loved ones gathered around are things we all cherish about the season. And don’t forget the cookies, pies and fudge! In this issue, we’ve curated a collection of ideas to help you transform your space into a festive haven. From cozy house tours to stunning mantels and showstopping Christmas trees, we hope to inspire you to style your home in a way that feels inviting and uniquely yours. We’re also peeking into the progress at both of our ongoing Project Houses in Utah and Austin! One is coming to a gorgeous conclusion while the…

Christmas in a Charming Cape Cod Ethel is 78 years old and is settled in a quiet suburban neighborhood in Chicago. She’s charming, timeless, welcoming—and a house! Stop by for a visit with Ethel! An 1896 Italianate Gem What would attract an active family with young children to a century-old home? According to its owner, Katie Baker—everything. The historic home especially shines at Christmas. A Cozy Christmas Kitchen As you trim the trees and hang the stockings, don’t forget to spread Christmas cheer to the heart of your home—the kitchen! Christmas Whimsy in Utah Vintage holiday magic fills this home and shows that a neutral color scheme and soft, romantic styling can be just as ‘Christmasy’ as bright red and green. A Natural, Nostalgic & Nautical Christmas Cottage This Christmas…

This beautiful, 25-year-old plantation-style house in Michigan with two breezy covered porches is home to Kari Boetsch and her family. Kari is a content creator and home-and-garden shop owner you can follow on Instagram @thecollecteddesign. Kari and her husband, Matthew, have been in their home for 10 years and were drawn to its secluded location to raise their three children. The natural woodsy surroundings and a lake just down the street make it ideal for enjoying the sounds and sights of wildlife. “We’re so lucky to see wildlife out our windows on a daily basis,” Kari says. Surrounded by tree farms, they traditionally walk to the one at the backside of their property to cut their own tree and carry it home! Kari keeps her front porch décor simple for…

This time last year, I was beginning my exciting and humbling journey as Cottages & Bungalows’ 2024 Brand Ambassador. It is hard to believe that a year has gone by, and it is time to pass the torch to another lucky person who will undoubtedly share their expertise, creativity and love of home décor. This year has been full of creativity as well as loss for me. Last fall, when the announcement came for my ambassadorship, our family mourned the sudden passing of my brother, Matthew, who was only 53 years old. It’s taken a huge toll on us, but having this outlet helped me to cope and knowing that Matthew would have been so proud of it all. His excited text was one of the first I received when the…

extra In Season JOYCE FLORES CALLS THIS her “Heaven & Nature Sing” tree, with its celestial- and nature-inspired elements adorning every branch. With the Grandis Fir from Terrain as the centerpiece, Joyce begins decorating in mid-November. “It usually takes me several weeks to get everything done and on this tree I made many of the ornaments,” she says. Joyce adds, “I handpainted old ornaments to resemble oxidized iron (or planets, if you will). I created a star garland using copper wire and some wooden stars and wound the garland around the tree. I painted and glittered wooden half-moon shapes to bring in a bit of whimsy. I used a gold tree topper and gold star ornaments from previous years and brought in nature with the use of some dried and faux…

1 Vintage Santa Enamel Mug. With its cute design printed on both sides, this mug is perfect for left- or right-handed drinkers and is lightweight and durable, $16.50. Visit nutsboltspaper.com. 2 Oakham Jute Wreath. Add a luxurious touch of winter to doors and walls or even to your table setting with a vase or candle in the center. This faux wreath is dotted with pine cones and winter berries, $49. Visit sophieallport.com. 3 The World of John Derian Wall Calendar for 2025. From revered designer John Derian, here is a curated collection of beautiful, eye-catching nature imagery drawn from 19th-century books, lithographs and prints. Printed on uncoated, responsibly sourced paper, $16.99. Visit hatchettebookgroup.com. 4 Hardy Houndstooth Cotton Throw. Both cool and cozy, this blanket makes a statement while being your…