Innholdsfortegnelse for Autumn 2012 i The Cottage Journal

As most of us have, I grew up with the steady beat of clocks tick-tocking around our home. I can still picture the fine brass anniversary clock with a glass dome in the living room, complementing my mother’s favorite Duncan Phyfe sofa and matching coffee and side tables. In the more casual playroom, a stately grandfather clock (which was, poetically, from my great-grandfather) fascinated my sister and me with its carved oak frame and deep, loud chime. And then there was the German cuckoo clock that was simply to “look at,” as it never made a sound. That piece has since become a treasured addition to my own daughter’s cottage. These days it’s easy to fill a home with too much of the unnecessary. That’s why it’s so important to…

Shutters have hung at windows for centuries to provide privacy and control the amount of sunlight streaming into a room. With the advent of louvered shutters (as opposed to solid panels), fresh air could even flow into the area. Today, we control sunlight and privacy with draperies and blinds, and we cool our rooms with air-conditioning. So have shutters disappeared? Hardly. Shutters are a popular decorative element in cottages large and small. Professional designers as well as creative homeowners scour flea markets and junk stores in hopes of finding paint-worn shutters. Talented woodworkers incorporate them in projects that don’t even go near windows. So check out some clever repurposing ideas we’ve found in hopes of inspiring you. Style Idea To give an old bookcase a touch of cottage style, attach…

For Sandra DeShazo, keeping track of the time is more than a common occurrence. It’s a cherished event, particularly since her Homewood abode is filled with beautiful antique clocks of all shapes and sizes. An avid lover of vintage timepieces that chime, gong, and tick, she has spent the last 25 years collecting them. Many of them are finely crafted with ornate carvings and choice materials, such as burl walnut and mother-of-pearl. When asked about them, Sandra sums up her passion by saying, “I believe that clocks soothe the soul—and give us rhythm and order in our lives.”…

nod to neutral This homeowner prefers neutral walls so that she can create and frequently change her own color palette through her selection of artwork, pillows, furniture, and accessories. When adding the final touches to a work of art, an artist strives to ensure that every brushstroke enhances the overall piece. Sue Key is all too familiar with this mission—not only because she’s a talented portrait and landscape painter, but also because she and husband, Jim, live in a home that deserves their best intents. “Our place was built in the 1920s,” Sue explains. “Every room is beautifully proportioned with features that exude an old-world charm.” So when the couple decided to update their kitchen, they wanted the results to flow seamlessly with the rest of the house. They successfully…

Since fall is a time when Nature dazzles the senses, why not decorate your home with the bounty surrounding you? Whether it’s an eye-catching display of colorful leaves, harvest-time produce, or complementary accessories, you can easily bring the glories found outdoors right up to your doorstep and beyond. That’s what designer Gloria Parker does each year once autumn arrives. Because her 1830s cottage already exudes a bygone enchantment, she doesn’t have to add much—just enough to enhance her comfortable, well-appointed rooms. “When I decorate for parties, I use natural things,” she confides, “whatever the season provides.” grab a book with dinner Because of her love and overflow of books, Gloria’s dining room also functions as her library. When not being used for meals, her dining table serves as a great…

Nestled along the banks of tranquil Lake Martin, Rick and Jane Owen’s home is a prime spot to watch autumn arrive. Once the leaves change, the couple opens wide their home’s multiple French doors—and keeps them that way. “We have a clear view of the lake from every room, which was a very important design feature to us,” states Jane. Based upon the Country French homes of renowned architect Jack Arnold, Rick made sure that each room embodied this rustic, old-world aesthetic. In particular, the Owen’s kitchen and adjacent breakfast room hold special memories for the couple. “These spaces are my pride and joy, especially since that’s where our family and friends often gather,” Jane confides. “And I must admit…we planned it that way!” Style Idea Get resourceful when creating…

You know it’s autumn when you see roadside stands piled with beautiful, blocky, bright-orange pumpkins. Although the fruit has been cultivated in the Americas for at least 6,000 years, the iconic Halloween variety dates back only to the 1970s. That’s when John Howden, a Massachusetts farmer, came up with the perfect pumpkin for jack-o’-lanterns: ribbed, smooth-skinned, deep orange, and durable, with a nice thick stem for a handle. Other varieties are good for eating, but Howden varieties? They’re just a pretty face.…

To find out more about product sources or design professionals, see addresses listed below. Page 8—Sasha sweater and Sofia skirt from Soft Surroundings Feather Your Nest Pages 18-19—collection of shutters, Tricia’s Treasures; tool stand and shutter corner cabinet from Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery; footboard from Seibels Home Sweet Home Pages 25-37—3 black wooden candleholders from Harmony Landing; wooden base from Shelayne’s Pages 52-59—Canvas painting from Sue Key Art Pages 60-63—linen slip-covered bench from Cotton, Linen and Play Pages 86-89—floral arrangements and baskets from Four Seasons Antiques, Art & Botanicals; dinner plates, stemware, and place mats from Bromberg’s; decorative turkey from Mulberry Heights Antiques Garden Pleasures Pages 92-95—garden pots, pumpkin lantern, decorative pumpkins, and fall plants from Garden Shop of Homewood Pages 96-103—invitation and imprinted napkins from Swoozies; cake platform from…

Style Idea Be sure to consider the color of your front door when decorating. Painted purple, this door is a perfect contrast to the golden wheat and corn accenting the grapevine.…

When Cathie Caldwell started collecting jadeite 38 years ago, she had no idea how fun and addictive her attraction to this cheery green glassware would become. What started as a simple interest soon became a quest. With a collection that now boasts close to a thousand pieces—along with two vintage trucks painted in the signature color—Cathie has earned the affectionate title of “The Jadeite Queen.” Jadeite first became all the rage in the 1940s and ’50s when the United States was recovering from World War II and needed something cheerful yet functional. A number of companies produced it, including McKee, Jeannette Glass Company, and, of course, the ever-popular Fire-King line called Jade-ite, made by Anchor Hocking Company. Although jadeite was originally designed for home use, an extra-sturdy line known as…

Brenda Lovett admits that she and her husband, Barry, are incurable do-it-yourselfers. Since moving into their home in 1992, they’ve been tweaking rooms and adding special touches ever since. It all started a couple of years ago when Brenda began removing the popcorn texture off the ceilings. Then, the couple took down the wall between their kitchen and den to create one large family room. Realizing that their dining room was too small, Brenda switched functions with it and the living room. And what became of the smaller space? It’s now Brenda’s cozy sitting room. “It gets great morning sun,” she says, “and is a perfect place to start the day with a cup of coffee.” mix-and-match decorating Brenda’s collections of glass candleholders, vintage canisters, and salt and pepper shakers…

Style Idea Encourage conversations in your main rooms by including comfortable seating in your design. One of the hallmarks of cottage charm is to fill your home with objects that pay homage to Mother Nature’s handiwork. Mary Bea Ellis thoughtfully captures this look by decorating her abode with neutral colors, earthy accessories, and smart fabric choices. Along with her passion for nature, this homeowner understands that the right furniture can transform a space into an inviting retreat for family and friends. “I can sometimes wait years and travel hundreds of miles before finding the right piece,” says Mary Bea, “and often, the more unconventional it is, the better.” Whether it’s a repurposed magnolia wreath that survived the holidays or a much-loved bench refreshed by a new slipcover, this homeowner is…

It was love at first sight when these homeowners set foot in this open and airy cottage. With 800 panes of windows throughout the 1920s abode, the sun seemed to shine in every room. Truth be told, though, it was the majestic wall of glass kitchen cabinets that first caught the eyes—and heart—of these homeowners, who quickly decided that their eclectic, hodgepodge of style would be a perfect complement to the old home. Selecting descriptors like collected, playful, funky, and fun, the wife says she and her husband’s style has evolved with their marriage. Thanks to in-laws with an interest in antiques, the pair has a number of beloved period pieces. And yet, with a desire to avoid being too matchy-matchy, they’ve married these older treasures with more modern art,…

Fall-blooming perennials and annuals dress the garden for autumn, but it’s the pumpkins, winter squash, and gourds that really drive home the seasonal message. Going beyond the usual bowl of gourds or carved jack-o’-lanterns, this garden showcases pumpkins and squash nestled into planting beds and piled among the flowers like bright jewels. The rich red-oranges, buttery yellows, and crisp whites make bold companions for mums and marigolds. On the porch, where displays are protected from the weather, arrangements of autumn fruits and vintage objects create beautiful still lifes. Style Idea For this kind of display to be effective, you need large fruits, in scale with the outdoor setting, along with medium and smaller ones for variety. An assortment of shapes adds interest as well.…

Inviting and relaxing are two words to describe the fall tablescape decorating this rustic farm table. With the help of Mother Nature, we’ve topped the table with natural materials and complementary found objects. The contrast in textures and colors elevates this table from nice to knockout. Tips for Setting Your Autumn Table • Use layers of burlap and linen to create a table runner, but let the warmth of wood shine through. • Stoneware is a good choice for dinnerware. Mix dark, earthy colors with neutrals for a color contrast. • Colorful gourds and green pears placed in a copper bowl make a charming centerpiece. • Bowls of nuts, bread and cheese, and olives not only whet the appetite but add color and texture to the tablescape. • Arrange herbs…

Red Lantern from Peacock Park Designs, peacockparkdesign.com or 866-504-4004. French design settee from Met Design Center, 800-700-2199. Pillows, book boxes, and vase from At Home Furnishings, www.athome-furnishings.com or 205-879-3510. Silk flowers and ornamental willow balls from Shelayne’s, 205-706-2055. Painting from Four Seasons Antiques, Art & Botanicals, www.4seasonsantiquesandart.com or 205-803-4059. Wood-top console with iron legs from At Home Furnishings, athome-furnishings.com or 205-879-3510. Vintage-style scale clock, metalwork stools, fall wreath, and fruits cans from Park Hill Collections, parkhillcollections.com or 888-603-3334. Heavy tin compartment, crowned squirrels, and square handled buckets from Peacock Park Designs, peacockparkdesign.com or 866-504-4004…

A visit to this cottage is like flipping through the pages of a scrapbook. Room after perfectly appointed room showcases a collage of keepsakes that tells the story of a family’s history and travels. Although they chose to settle in the South, the family pays homage to Honduran roots by punctuating their home with authentic heirlooms like linens and furniture. “Seeing these family treasures allows us to reflect on our life together,” the homeowners explain. “More than for aesthetics, we love antiques for the warm feelings that they convey.” Style Idea Seating is key in almost any space. For your rooms consider complementary colors and fabrics on cozy seating to make an inviting setting for guests to gather. In this household, worn and aged accents are preferred over shiny and…

This mountain home combines cottage style with cabin influences so the windows can be flung open to capture the crisp autumn air. The lightcolored plank ceiling, high wainscoting, and cozy seating areas echo cottage style. At the same time, the stone and dark beams offer a sense of warm cabin protection should temperatures drop and the snow falls. Style Idea The plank treatment on the sloped gable ceiling is a rich cottage detail that transforms a newly constructed home into a classic. Style Idea The contrast of white linens set against the dark wood and saturated wall color makes the luxurious canopy bed a focal point.…

Style Idea Versatile natural elements such as these plump pinecones can anchor a mantel scene from fall through winter. When the seasons change, simply switch out the leaves for lights. notes and quotes Offer inviting sentiments all season long by purchasing postcards from your favorite antiques shops (ask the owner to save the holiday-themed ones for you). Or, create your own by printing sweet sayings, Bible passages, or song lyrics on pieces of pretty card stock. “I’m always drawn to vintage reminders of the founding of our country,” says this Arkansas homeowner, whose passion for patriotism dates back to her military family upbringing, “but Thanksgiving is my favorite time to reflect on what our great nation is all about.” The time-honored Plymouth story plays out through her cozy cottage home,…

Style Idea Create a waterside weekend to remember by providing ample space for guests to gather. A spacious room with plenty of comfortable seating encourages friends to relax and swap fish tales around the table. As any angler will tell you, there’s something particularly pleasing about well-loved gear. Old lures, hooks, rods, and reels can bring back tall tales of big adventures or relaxing afternoons. When it came time for this family to decorate the beloved boathouse on their rolling Virginia property, a refined rustic theme seemed to suit them well. At the time the designer first got her hands on the house, it was in roofless ruin, she recalls. The stone retreat was soon outfitted with striking wood rafters, a large dining table, a magnificent blond wood mantel, and…

Much like Mother Nature’s seasonal transition from spring to summer to fall and to winter, the great outdoors is an open theater for the stages of our lives. Here, autumn welcomes a lakeside wedding with full fanfare, unveiling a fiery palette of brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows that simply seem to burst with joy. When it’s time to dine, little ones delight in a colorful candy buffet or indulge in custom cake pops and autumnhued cupcakes. Beverage dispensers of tea and lemonade allow guests to serve themselves, encouraging a familyfriendly environment full of celebration. Style Idea The perfect crowdpleaser, cupcakes can be displayed in a number of ways. A favorite is the tiered stand, which allows plenty of room for little hands to pick a flavor. nature's notes When this…

In the far northeast corner of Alabama atop Sand Mountain, discover the spectacular views and casual charm of Gorham’s Bluff. Quaint cottages lining the streets are home to the town’s residents. But if you’re not lucky enough to live in Gorham’s Bluff, you can find comfort at the Lodge. Among the many lures of the hotel are its culinary offerings described as “the simple, wholesome grace of Southern cooking.” Gorham’s Bluff is recognized in Condé Nast Traveler as a location not to be missed. HARVEST PUMPKIN SOUP Makes about 10 cups 6 tablespoons butter 1 yellow onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 shallot, minced 1½ cups chopped carrots 5½ cups chicken broth 3 cups canned pumpkin 1 teaspoon salt Garnish: crème fraîche 1.In a large Dutch oven, melt…

She illustrated the song “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan and framed it in Plexiglas boxes. As she continued creating her designs, she found the frames became cumbersome and expensive. So she started thinking outside the box—or at least outside the acrylic box. She began using old wooden cigar and jewelry boxes to make art in honor of a person such as her songwriter friend (above) or as a remembrance of someone who had died (her father-in-law, page 124). “It allowed me to put lots of memories in a small place,” Peggi said. “I think everyone has a box with special stuff in it—old cards, letters, Girl Scout pins—tidbits we saved because they were meaningful to us at one time. Rather than keeping the trinkets tucked away, I like to make…