COTTAGE HOME TOUR - SUMMER 2018

One of the things I like best about living in a small cottage is the ability to break decorating rules and not worrying about the latest trends.  To me cottage is one of those catch all styles that lends itself to adapting to the whims of the owner.  If I want to layer found or favorite items in colorful displays I do it in the name of cottage style.

Typically cottages were small outbuildings for workers or holidays and were furnished with found or displaced furnishings.  By definition according to Wikipedia, "A cottage is, typically, a small house. It may carry the connotation of being an old or old-fashioned building. In modern usage, a cottage is usually a modest, often cozy dwelling, typically in a rural or semi-rural location."  

Our cottage is roughly 1200 square feet and was built in 1954 as part of a subdivision called The Storybook Cottages.  I love what the name brings to mind and have run with the idea of a small home furnished lovingly with happy colors and comfortable places to sit with a cup of tea and a good book to read.

Everything that comes into our home must add to this feeling before it finds it's place amongst the well loved quilts, colorful plate walls and handmade objects.

To some this colorful and collected look would send them running for cover but for me it sings of simple times with family and friends.  Never too fussy to say come on in and rest while I put on a pot of coffee or a brew a cup of tea.

That is the wonderful thing about home styles, there is one that fits every personality.  The most freeing thing is to figure out what yours is and run with it, never thinking what others find to their liking but instead looking to the needs and desires of your family and lifestyle.

Have you found your decorating sweet spot yet?  If you haven't grab yourself a few magazines or an hour or two on pinterest and just start saving anything that makes you happy.  Don't over think it just dog ear, clip or pin to your hearts content.  Soon enough you'll find yourself drawn to similar colors and styles.  Then you can start narrowing down your favorites a bit further until you're left with a clear idea of what you love.

And there you'll have it, your decorating sweet spot.  Use this new found knowledge and walk around your home editing what doesn't fit your style and make a list of what needs to be replaced that you can carry in your phone or purse so that when you find yourself in a place to shop you can be smart and selective.  And slowly your home will evolve into the place you want most to be.

Soon you'll be loving your life no matter what season you're in.

xo, Patty

I've attached the full YouTube tour of our Summer Cottage Home if you'd like to take a peek.

Shop the look of Life on Lemon Lane on Amazon here.