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SHADES OF THE SEASON Every season has its charms, but there’s something about autumn that has always enchanted me more than the others. It’s a season of boundless beauty, unparalleled colors, and—of course—change. A few months ago, I stepped into the role of The Cottage Journal’s editor, and I’m excited to be able to usher in my favorite time of year while introducing the newest collection of personal stories and beloved spaces our team has always delighted in sharing. In this issue, you’ll be introduced to homeowners who cherish cottage style as much as the rest of us and tour the homes they’ve filled with beauty and warmth. In “Sugar Hill Cottage” on page 45, you’ll see how a home’s history was embraced and built upon during much-needed renovations, and…
PLAY IT COOL A porch doesn’t have to be vibrant to be a showstopper. From ivory and muted orange to soothing shades of blue and green, piles of pumpkins balance terra-cotta pots with leafy green plants for a setup overflowing with visual interest. LESS IS MORE Create a captivating mantel vignette by blending books and taper candles with a trio of miniature pumpkins—tucking in sprigs of greenery to fill any gaps. Creamier tones enhance the rich brown hues of vintage books adorned with feathers while an unexpected dash of orange excites the eye. ORGANIC INFLUENCE In lieu of an extravagant arrangement, gather an amalgam of fall foliage spanning shades of red and golden yellow. Neutral and metallic tabletop accessories let nature remain the star of the show as they set…
LEAD THE WAY Nothing evokes the true spirit of autumn like an array of festive pumpkins to greet your visitors at the front porch. Lining the entryway, gourds spanning moody maroon, soft sage, and rust add a seasonal touch while highlighting the spectacular hues of falling leaves. Balancing out the collection are several pumpkins imparting neutral notes of cream and gold to ground the scene. SIT A SPELL Overlooking the display are two rustic wooden rocking chairs sitting side by side, adorned with a cozy throw and pillow in calming earth tones. Relax with a cup of steaming apple cider while enjoying the crisp fall air and savoring nature’s beauty. FLORAL FANCIES Nestled among the arrangement, blooming mums with vibrant petals of violet, amber, and scarlet provide a fresh addition…
The awe was instant. Before Maggie Griffin and her design team ever set eyes on their clients’ Highlands, North Carolina, home, she recalls pulling up to the gate and spotting a flock of wild turkeys on the left and a family of deer in the back. “It was like they were rolling out the red carpet for us—or, really, the green carpet.” Set down in a valley with views of rolling hills and big, broad rock faces, this circa 1800s home is at the back of a clearing beyond a large stone firepit. “You could tell the house had been loved, but just not recently,” Maggie recalls. The current owners and their four children use this house as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of home. Here, they roam,…
Perched on the bluff side of Shades Mountain in Birmingham, Alabama, Janet and Robert Clifton’s home pairs an abundance of picturesque views with exceptional curb appeal thanks to the exterior’s timeless English Tudor-style charm. However, step inside and you’ll be met with equally stunning views as cool blue hues mingle with warm neutrals for a design that strikes a balance between masculine and feminine, offering a fresh take on time-honored style. “I just wanted to stay true to the traditional style of the home, but I’m also very eclectic in that I mix in tradition with more modern things, like art and lamps,” says the homeowner and interior designer behind Janet Clifton Interiors. “I’m a believer in purchasing what you love, and it will always work somewhere.” The gallery wall…
Beth Roper fell for her Perry, Georgia, cottage long before it was hers. “We had ridden by that house forever and noticed it up on the hill,” she says, noting the previous owner had turned down multiple offers in the past, instead letting it sit empty and wear down over time. While its condition had her friends questioning her judgment, Beth was undaunted. “I don’t know why,” she says. “I could just see the potential in it.” After convincing the owner to sell, she and her husband, Buddy, got to work. True to her friends’ words, the renovation was no small undertaking—but armed with Beth’s can-do attitude and Buddy’s contracting license, her vision soon became a reality. “The house was built in 1942, and it was built to be the…
