Innholdsfortegnelse for December/January 2026 i Cottages and Bungalows

THERE’S JUST SOMETHING about December that feels magical, isn’t there? The twinkle lights, the scent of pine and cinnamon, the way a cozy cottage glows even brighter this time of year. It all makes me want to slow down, soak it in, and eat a few more cookies! Inside this issue, you’ll tour amazing holiday homes brimming with charm and inspiration, dressed in their Christmas best. They each hold clever decorating ideas you’ll want to try in your own space and traditions you just may want to adopt. Especially meaningful this year is the story of Bambi Costanzo and her family, who’s home was destroyed by flood waters this past Spring. How grateful we are that we were able to capture the home in all its Christmas splendor before this…

In Florida, where sparkling lakes meet stretches of wooded preserves, Wendy Smith-Sullivan and her husband have built a home that celebrates both nature and nostalgia. “I grew up just ten minutes from our home, when this whole area was nothing but wetlands. When the neighborhood was developed, they preserved18 lakes and plenty of wooded conservation areas, so we still get visits from deer, coyotes, bobcats, and even the occasional Florida panther,” says Wendy. Step inside, and you’ll discover spaces layered with rustic romance, vintage treasures, and a holiday spirit that feels equal parts cozy and magical. A FAMILY CHRISTMAS For this family, Christmas is a team effort, though Wendy laughingly admits her husband is the real “Christmas captain.” “He sends me on a mission to find the perfect candle that…

COZY AND COASTAL, PAGE 20 To learn more about designer Jessica Dorling visit jessicadorlingdesignstudio.com. Cabinetry: Huntwood, huntwood.com. Flooring: Brushed Oak Fulton, Kentwood Collection: Gulf, Kentwood Floors, kentwoodfloors.com. Fireplace Tiles: Malta Star White 6” Matte and Cross White 6” Polished, Soho Studio Corp., sohostudiocorp.com. Island Pendants: Nordic Modern Metal & Wood White Pendant Lamp, Homdiyhardware, homdiyhardware.com. Cabinet Knobs: Hartridge Mushroom Cabinet Knob in Honey Bronze, Top Knobs, topknobs.com. Cabinet Pulls: Riverside 6-5/16 Inch Center to Center Handle Cabinet Pull in Honey Bronze, Top Knobs, topknobs.com. Dining Table and Chairs: French, Antique pieces. Countertops: Della Terra Quartz- Sonata QUARTZ 3CM, Arizona Tile, arizonatile.com. A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER, PAGE 26 To see more of Bambi Lynn Costanzo’s home, follow her on Instagram @number131. Exterior House paint: Behr in Evening Hush, behr.com. Trim paint:…

cottagesandbungalowsmag.com Cozy Christmas in Connecticut Please join us in Granby, Connecticut at the home of our former Brand Ambassador, Bryan Cosham! Come enjoy this over-the-top Christmas home tour and learning sessions! See the website for full details and tickets. Holiday Kitchen Inspiration Give the hardest working space in your home a big serving of holiday cheer. See inspiring kitchens that will get your creative ideas cookin’. A Pantry Hill Christmas in the Country Pantry Hill, a spec home transformed into a turn-of-the-century escape by a creative family, proves that the best heirlooms are special holiday memories. A Neutral and Natural Holiday Cottage This cottage in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains is filled with life and character with neutral and natural holiday décor. Make Your Own Cookie Ornaments Evoke the…

Last Christmas in our old home was nothing short of magical – the kind of magic you feel deep and carry with you forever. The tree stood in the living room, dressed in gold ribbons and heirloom ornaments, its warm glow racing across the floors we had walked a thousand times. Evergreen garlands framed the mantel and draped over mirrors, filling the air with the scent of pine, as if the house itself was breathing in the season. When I decorate for Christmas, it’s about more than beauty – it’s about telling a story. The mantel became a lush cascade of greens, glass ornaments catching the firelight, and velvet ribbons in deep rich tones. Wicker baskets brimmed with pinecones and cozy throws, while tabletops glowed with brass candlesticks and bowls…

We are delighted to present Project House Tennessee, a collaboration with our sister brand, American Farmhouse Style, and the design team of Henry and Brooke Jones of Plank & Pillow. This new build in the hills near Kingsport, TN, will be Henry and Brooke’s “forever” home for their family and we are excited to join them in bringing their vision to life. THE PLANK & PILLOW STORY Henry and Brooke Jones launched their design journey in 2018 with a simple goal: to share their love of creating beautiful, meaningful homes. What began as a blog, Plank & Pillow, quickly struck a chord with readers who were drawn to their approachable design tips, DIY tutorials, and knack for making a house feel like home. As their online community grew, so did…

We asked our 5th annual Christmas tree contest winner, Janice Benoit, to share how she decorates her tree each year, what inspires her color and style choices and what recommendations she has for creating a holiday showstopper. Growing up, Christmas decorating always began the weekend after Thanksgiving, and I couldn’t wait. It’s only in the past few years that I’ve decided to break with tradition so that I can take my time and enjoy the season a bit longer. Decking the halls now begins the first of November and I immerse myself in the warm glow of twinkling lights and cozy clutter. My tree of choice has been a lifelike faux tree. The options available are not only beautiful, but incredibly realistic, and who doesn’t love an easy-to-pop-up, flocked, pre-lit…

After raising five children, Wendy Durnwald and her husband Jeff realized it was time for a change. Their sprawling family home had served its purpose, but the couple no longer needed all that space. “We listed it almost on a whim,” Wendy recalls, “and it sold the very first day—completely furnished and decorated, and even over asking price.” That left the pair—along with their six small dogs—without a house or furniture. Rather than rushing into the next chapter, they embraced an adventure. “We bought a motorhome and traveled for two years,” she says. “It was the perfect way to visit our kids, who are scattered all over the country.” Eventually, the couple found themselves drawn to Dahlonega, Georgia, a picturesque town affectionately known as “Christmas Town.” Land there was scarce,…

One of the joys of the holidays is seeing how different personalities shine through in Christmas trees. Whether draped in glittering metallics, softened with pastels, or brimming with handmade touches, each tree tells its own story. We’ve gathered 14 favorites that celebrate the season in every shade of style—from playful and whimsical to classic and timeless. Follow along with each creative on Instagram to see their gorgeous homes through every season! BOLD BLOOMS This show-stopping tree is layered with oversized flowers in shades of coral, gold, and cream, mixed with classic baubles and glowing lights. Fresh, vibrant, and unexpected, it feels like a lush holiday bouquet comes to life, and perfect for a sunny California Christmas. Other versions of Toni’s trees through the years highlight her incredible styling talents. Creative:…

If you’ve ever pressed a wildflower between the pages of a book or jotted down a quiet observation during a countryside walk, Nature Notes from an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden will feel like a kindred spirit. Best known for her beloved The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, Holden’s work has charmed readers for generations — and this newly reissued companion volume is no exception. Originally created in 1905 and 1906, around the same time as her famous diary, Nature Notes is a gentle, richly illustrated journey through the English seasons. With each page, you’re invited into her world: her delicate watercolor paintings of birds, blossoms, and changing leaves; her diary-style musings on nature’s small wonders; and carefully chosen poems that echo her deep love for the natural world…

Vintage collector and reseller, Amanda Upton, who shares her home and collections on Instagram as @forestknollsvintage, has mastered the art of a welcoming entryway. A cherry red bench sets the stage for holiday charm with a draped windowpane patterned throw and plump embroidered pillows. It invites you to take a seat, take off your boots and warm up. Above, a vintage-inspired Santa peeks playfully from the shelf, flanked by snowy evergreens and well-loved cutting boards that add a rustic touch. A darling wreath with bells, stockings, sock blockers and a wicker basket brimming with pinecones bring layers of texture, while a neat stack of Shiny Brite boxes hints at the treasured ornaments waiting to dress the tree. It’s a scene that captures both nostalgia and the simple joy of Christmas…