Cottages and Bungalows October/November 2025

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT FALL that makes home feel even more like, well, home. Maybe it’s the cozy layers, the scent of something yummy baking, or the way golden hour light hits just right—but this season always invites us to settle in and get cozy. I adore gathering bundles of vibrant flowers from the farmers market, piling pumpkins everywhere and finding out what costume my little granddaughter has chosen for Halloween. Throw in a few bonfires and s’mores and life is grand! In this issue, we’re celebrating all the ways you can bring the comforts of Autumn into your space with five inspiring home tours full of personality, plus two standout kitchens that prove function and charm can go hand in hand. You’ll also find oodles of ideas for styling fall…

cottagesandbungalowsmag.com Maximum Style Cottage A couple transforms the worst house on the block into a gorgeous home full of the French/ English aesthetic and maximalist style. A Fall Nook for Warmer Climates Make the most of your mild autumn weather with a fall outdoor nook. Present Perfected An almost one-hundred-year-old home eases its way into the present without losing an ounce of its historic charm No-Carve Pumpkins Not excited about the ooey, gooey, messy process of pumpkin carving? Here are a couple no-carve pumpkin ideas that will keep your hands (mostly) clean throughout the process. A Vintage Fall Home, Aged to Perfection This fall, imbue your seasonal décor with the patina of vintage and antique finds. Gather inspiration from this vintage fall home. Follow us online on Facebook, Pinterest and…

Dense sugar maples, the incredible range of autumn colors and the classic lakeside cabin with a forested mountain backdrop are all signature features of Vermont’s fall foliage season. This gorgeous scene captures the essence of the Town of Elmore, Lamoille County, Vermont, which is situated around 219-acre Lake Elmore. Elmore State Park is accessible to all with a very modest entrance fee and a variety of activities to fill a day, or even better, stay for a while! There are plenty of charming places ranging from lakeside rental cabins to cozy inns and budget-friendly campgrounds to accommodate you. Visit vtstateparks.com/parks/elmore. Plan a Photo Shoot Tour Why not spend a full day here (or ANY park near you) to indulge in all the beauty Autumn offers. Here are some ideas for…

Hi friends, These photos were taken last fall in our old home in Raeford, NC – our very last autumn there before we packed up and began a brand-new chapter on the coast. Looking back, I didn’t know just how special that season would be, but I felt it in my heart as I layered this little table with all the things I love. And I wanted to share it with you, friend-because it truly was a season I will always hold close. There’s just something about fall that invites us to slow down. The light softens, the air gets a little crisper, and suddenly it feels right to light a candle in the middle of the day or set the table “just because”. That’s exactly what I did here…

Trends are fickle things. While some style choices have transcended decades and even centuries, others can feel painfully outdated when the newness has worn off. For interior designer Terri Brien, a good design is one that serves both form and function and improves daily living. When the homeowners of this Santa Ana, CA home approached her about renovating their kitchen, they soon realized that a complete overhaul was needed. “The design of the kitchen and cabinets did not function for them,”Terri says. “They lacked organization, work zones, usable cabinet space, and the kitchen felt dark and heavy.” Moreover, an early 2000s renovation had left its mark with the “Tuscan” trend of the time. Terri collaborated closely with the homeowners to determine their functional needs, their personal styles, and the best…

After living in a Manhattan apartment, a young couple who relocated to Washington, DC, embraced the quiet setting of the circ 1940’s red-brick Colonial Revival house they decided to make their family home. “The home is in Forest Hills, a beautiful section of Washington, DC,” says the wife, adding, “It’s surrounded by mature trees and similar homes from the period.” The house, however, had been largely untouched over the years, and needed a makeover. To help the couple achieve their wish list, they decided to work with Anne Marie Hauer of Choux Designs, a boutique interior design firm, with a penchant for refreshing older, often historic, homes with a fresh British aesthetic. “What the homeowners understood about us is that we design both to our clients’ style and to the…