Seaside Cottage

Everybody needs a little escape that is far enough to get away from the city noise, but close enough to invite your loved ones for peace and tranquility. Although, I think peace and tranquility is hard to achieve during the fun sunny days of summer. Stumbled upon this breathtaking cottage over on Skona Hem. This place has everything going for it, just by location alone: a sweet little hill top over looking the sea. But when you add smart design, it really takes things to the next level. For starters, the sofa seating for the kitchen table. Forget banquette you get a sofa! I think this is brilliant, I almost want it in my home now! The house has a crisp aesthetic, but it's surrounded by beautiful gardens, so every wall invites the outside in. If you are lucky enough to be a guest at this house, you get a cottage to yourself. Check out the quaint guest house located at the highest point of the property. 

All Images Skona Hem

Retreat By the River

It's a mad rush as I prepare for my trip to London tomorrow, but I can always take a few minutes to enjoy a beautiful home!  My Elegant Homes issue is packed full of fabulous.  This one is part of there Graceful Getaways section, and it's a home located in South Carolina, designed by Hansen Architects, both inside and out! The magazine gives insight to the floor plan not shown, and there is a mini master suite on the main level which is brilliant.  Who wants to run up and down those stairs, I'd rather take a walk in the woods!  Great for guests today, and for retirement tomorrow. Inspiration for the palette must come from the outdoors, blues, green, golds and reds, a taste  from every season!

Scanned from Elegant Homes

Blue Boathouse

Style at Home magazine took my breath away this month with this fabulous cottage in Peterborough, Ontario.  After spending a few days in the outdoors canoeing and camping, it got me thinking of  the ultimate retreat.  This beautiful cottage certainly takes the cake, with a pairing of deep see blue and luxurious gold.  The entire space is a play on rustic and refined; from delicate antiques to shingled walls.  It's not to be taken too seriously, even with it's sophisticated furnishings.  And I love that the boathouse was clearly built to include a platform for jumping into the lake.

More images and full story at Style at Home

Sweet Country

Don't we all need a little country paradise like this one?  I am in love with this eclectic mix of fabulous finds. From the mirror and ottoman, to the quirky light fixture, and the fabulous bedspreads and bedroom floor.  This may be a cottage, but I could totally inject this into the everyday.

Images via Country Living  

Rustic Updated

Anne Hepfer

Andrea Crawford

It used to be that the cottage was the catch all for old furniture, dishes and appliances, but it seems we are extending our love for design well beyound our front doors.    A recent post from Joni at Cote De Texas, got me thinking about spending some time away from home.   Whether you are renting or one of the lucky ones to have a summer escape, we are taking rustic to a whole new level.  Mismatched chairs co-ordinate perfectly with crisp fabrics, windsor chairs painted in sleek black for a little drama, and even oversized artwork is making it's way to cottage life and adding some refinement.  Here are just a few images that inspire the classic rustic look.

  

Bobbie Burgers

Joni mentions in her post how she packs along slip covers, area rugs, rearranges furniture and buys new pillows to update her summer rental. What a great way to bring your own comforts to someone else's home, not to mention all the hygienic reasons for wanting your own fresh fabrics covering everything you rest on.  With a few smart purchases, you can pack fresh and inspired design in the trunk of your car. 

Photo Credits:  Canadian House and Home