Cottages and Bungalows August/September 2025

AFTER A YEAR OF ANTICIPATION AND EXCITEMENT, we are thrilled to share the full reveal of Project House Austin! The talented build/design team at Cottage & Key Design Studio in Taylor, Texas worked tirelessly to bring this home to life—handling everything from construction and landscaping to final styling and staging for the photo shoot (no small feat!). With the generous support of more than twenty incredible sponsors who provided materials and expertise, the home came together beautifully. In mid-May, we celebrated with a neighborhood home tour, where guests had the chance to meet the design/build team, connect with our editorial staff, and chat with sponsor representatives about the journey behind the project. Of course, no major project comes without a few hiccups. Looking at the stunning reveal images (starting on…

With a nod to vintage character and a fresh focus on effortless flow, this thoughtfully designed home proves that good design doesn’t just look beautiful, it feels like home. A creative collaboration between Cottages & Bungalows magazine, American Farmhouse Style magazine, Cottage and Key Design Studio, and more than twenty generous sponsors, the project came together in under a year—and now, it’s ready to be lived in and loved. This plan, The Juniper Cottage, spans 1,400 square feet and features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a walk-in pantry, a charming breakfast nook with a custom banquette, and a spacious kitchen anchored by a large island and custom vent hood. Custom cabinetry, statement feature walls, detailed molding, and carefully chosen wallpaper add layers of distinction and warmth throughout. Outside, the home’s curb…

I can still remember when my children, Hunter and Haylee, were just little toddlers, their chubby feet padding across the grass as they ran from one outdoor adventure to the next. Back then, our summers were spent almost entirely outside—early from sunup to sundown. Living in the military base housing at MCAS Cherry Point in Havelock, NC, our days were simple but full. Mornings were for sidewalk chalk and chasing bubbles in the humid Carolina air, followed by afternoons splashing in the kiddie pool or digging in the dirt, their giggles filling the air. We’d only come inside for a quick nap, just enough time for a breather before they were begging to go back out. And every evening, when Garrett got home from work in his Marine Corps uniform,…

1 Southern Crafted Shutters. You want shutters that look stunning and last forever. Designed with a timeless look like wood but crafted from all-aluminum for unsurpassed durability, these shutters blend style and substance. Zero warping. Zero rotting. 100% made-to-order. Visit scshutters.com. 2 Mantle Furniture. The Burke Sectional offers supremely inviting comfort and incredible customization to fit any style and space. Whatever configuration you choose, the deep, soft-edged seats, wide arms, and soft, rounded shapes deliver a casual, contemporary style to your home. Visit mantlefurniture.com. 3 Four Hands Furniture. A leading designer and wholesaler of intentional, elevated, timeless designs across a full lifestyle assortment, based in Austin, Texas for 30 years, they expertly blend styles, materials and textures from diverse corners of the world. Visit fourhands.com. 4 MRCOOL. The 5th Generation…

Relaxing Retreat Kitchen Design: Sarah Kahn Turner, Marnie Custom Homes & Jennifer Gilmer Kitchens & Baths Location: North Bethany Beach, Delaware Primary Goals: Part of a very large custom home, this kitchen is expansive. The homeowners wanted a functional space that would allow for entertaining alongside a style that incorporated elements from the oceanfront visible through the windows. “We wanted to create a kitchen that maximized the incredible oceanfront views while offering top-level functionality for everyday living and entertaining,” says Marnie. “The goal was to deliver a space that felt luxurious yet welcoming, blending traditional style with modern conveniences.” The open-concept layout allows ample entertaining opportunities, as well as wall-to-wall views. “The palette feels bright, natural and leans more into a traditional style,” says Marnie. “Everything was designed and laid…

All good things must come to an end, and all the hard work on our Project House Austin has reached its final crescendo – and we couldn’t be more thrilled to show you the results! Siblings Melissa Olson and Brent Green of Cottage + Key Design Studio began about one year ago casting a vision for the then empty lot. The inspiration for the home design was largely drawn from a traditional English country cottage but recast for a modern layout and flow. The team labored tirelessly to bring this vision to life, working hand in hand with our excellent slate of Project House sponsors to select just the right pieces and finishes for the home. The result is a seamless blend of coziness, character and functionality. THE JOURNEY &…