Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Cottages


Every so often I page through my "Cottage Retreats" book that lays on the coffee table in the living room, and I find myself drifting away to a wonderful place, a place of beautiful cottages with rooms that are cozy, warm, relaxed and comfortable, not to mention tranquil, romantic, nostalgic, rustic and whimsical. For me they are happy places.






The cottage garden overflows with flowers and usually a small path will take you to a wicker chair or bench in a secluded place, a spot that is perfect to have your morning coffee or an afternoon cup of tea.

















And there are picket fences, rose arbors, potting sheds, and herb gardens, just a few elements that make up a welcoming cottage.







I try to incorporate these things into my home and garden.
And I've been inspired to make a few more cottage signs.




You can find these on my etsy shop, whimsytwo.



26 comments:

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I have that book too. It is one of my favorites!
Hugs,
Penny

Rosie's Whimsy said...

I've got to get that! Those pictures speak to me, too!

:-) Rosie

Jan said...

I am such a cottage girl too. It is where my heart is at peace when I see one.. Thanks for the share and those signs are lovely Donna.

Anonymous said...

I love the pictures... as soon as I finish my comment I'm going to go make a cup of tea and curl up in a cozy corner :)
If I'm not mistaken, the third picture from the bottom is on Martha's Vineyard... my obsession :)

DART said...

Donna,

Those cottage pics are wonderful...I am especially drawn to the one with the chair by the door, and the one with the chairs by the trees...I can see myself sitting in both places quite easily!

: )
Donna

Rhondi said...

Hi Donna
I love the cottage look. Actually I think it is my favorite decorating style. I have a book on Cottages too. Perhaps it's the same one!
Hugs, Rhondi

Rhondi said...

I just went to look and my book is American Country Cottages by Mary Emmerling

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

I love this book!!! Donna, thank you for sharing this amazing book with us. Tons of inspiration and I can see why it is a favorite.

Have a great day,
Becky

Mary said...

What a fun book! Who needs a castle when you could have a cozy cottage? :)
xoxo,
Mary

Unknown said...

I love your cottage pictures....I think a cottage is about the most perfect dwelling. (I also love farmhouses.)

Thanks for sharing ...

annie

p.s. I adore seeing photos of Otis and Riley. They are too cute!

Gabriela said...

Hello,

These cottages are fantastic!

~ Gabriela ~

bj said...

I need to get that book...I am so in love with cottages I could just spit !! Thank you so much for sharing with us....
I can not wait to get over to your shop...
love, bj

Mimi Sue said...

I think I have that book too. It makes me want to go down to the basement and rummage around for the boxes of books I have stashed there. Love those cottage gardens. Mimi

Naturegirl said...

Donna all images evoke a feeling of coziness warmth and charm! Lovely!
To dream of owning one..sigh.

Decor To Adore said...

I have never heard of this book but it looks divine. Your signs are adorable.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Donna, those pics are so pretty. I love the cottage look too. OK, get out there & paint something aqua! It is a great accent color.

Thanks for stopping by,
Rhoda

My Petite Maison said...

I am going to have to look into purchasing this book. I too love cottages and their cozy feel and their wonderful sense of "home" at its best.

Happy day!
~Tracie

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the journey through those beautiful images. Each one is just lovely.

Donna said...

When can I move in??!!!Hahaa....hughugs

SweetAnnee said...

YUMMy..I love the porch pics..looks so cozy!!
smiles, Deena

Catherine Holman said...

I need that book. The cottage pictures are great and so are your signs!
Hugs,
Cathie

Kris said...

Thanks for sharing these beautiful cottages. The images make me feel peaceful. I could curl up on that white sofa with a throw quilt and listen to soft music while flipping through my favorite magazines or books.

Kris

Pat said...

Just a dream...
So lovely.

Zuzana said...

These are indeed the most beautiful, cosy, romantic and evocative pictures I have ever seen. What a wonderful blog.:)

Kathleen Grace said...

I must find this book! I love it, can you tell me who the author is?

Suzanne said...

I love the "cottage look" too, and you do it so well in your home.
Cute sign!