Innehållsförteckning för Cottage Bliss 2014 från Victoria

I believe that cottage living is a state of mind. The architectural design of the bungalow is one way to define this favored lifestyle, but almost any residence can be suited to cottage décor, regardless of its exterior. Happy memories can be the root of interior-decorating choices. Perhaps cozy, cluttered rooms remind you, as they do me, of Grandmother’s house or the home of a favorite aunt. In lavishly patterned prints often used for curtains and slipcovers, I see the faded, well-loved room where, as a child, I spent many weekend nights tucked in Granny’s feather bed. Dwellings filled with paint and furnishings in a neutral palette transport me to beachside family-vacation spots. Whether your preference is romantic florals; clean, spare rooms; or an eclectic mix, choosing cottage décor offers…

“ A guest never forgets The host who had treated him kindly“. —HOMER In her 1922 book of etiquette, Emily Post described the perfect hostess as a “combination of seer and angel.” With these attributes in mind, first consider the needs of guests—basic and otherwise. Clever touches and sweet surprises make stay-over visitors feel especially welcome. This page: Plush towels in ample supply and seasonal spa and bath products are musts for the powder room. Although most people will bring their own toiletries, a “just-in-case” supply of toothbrushes, lotions, and shampoos can prove useful. Provide robes, slippers, or even lounging pajamas as take-home tokens of the visit. Opposite: Guests will appreciate a bedside carafe of fresh spring water for sipping.…

When Patti and Bob Vanderlyn decided city life wasn’t their cup of tea, they sold most of their possessions and hit the road. But they had no idea their journey would lead them to the fulfillment of their dreams. After spending months looking for the ideal location in Fredericksburg, Texas, the duo stumbled upon 38 acres surrounded by the absolute solitude and peaceful aura of nature. Christened Rose Hill Manor, the property now boasts six buildings offering luxurious amenities, soothing spa treatments, and elegant fine dining. “We get satisfaction from helping our guests have a getaway That improves Their lives”. —PATTI VANDERLYN…

“Perfect tranquility wth in consists in The good ordering of the mind, the realm of your own”. —Marcus Aurelius…

This inviting home mixes traditionally refined architectural elements with sumptuous details in sun-drenched rooms made for casual, comfortable living. Balanced and unfussy, the design starts with a simple palette and finishes with a sense of beautiful livability. Using the same creamy wall color throughout makes the modest space feel more expansive and warmly welcoming. Clean and simple, a white-on-white scheme instantly brightens rooms and combines easily with shades of blue. A splash of mellow blue-gray on the kitchen-cupboard doors and drawer fronts, opposite, contributes a casually elegant touch. Subtle blue-and-white outdoor fabric gives the living-room chairs, above, a look of handsome durability. The black wrought-iron light fixtures placed throughout the home create a unifying effect. Space-saving, practical accessories, right and far right, double as decorative elements. “You should always be…

“Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see”. —Thích Nhat Hanh…

Somewhere in time, someone brought the lilacs to Mackinac Island, Michigan. They grew with wild abandon, some stretching three stories high toward the sky. Like blushing brides, they carry their ethereal bouquets of innocent whites and passionate purples on branches as wide as vintage hatboxes. “The air is clear because There are no automobiles, and at night it’s so quiet That you can hear The gentle churning of The water as The freighters pass by.” —Becki Barnwell…

“It’s hard to find true vintage pieces in good condition, so we re-create the look,” says Hilde. Accessories from stemware to gilt chandeliers chorus this nostalgic theme. The entrepreneur and her husband, Samuel, travel Europe to find timeless, enduring pieces to complement their line. Even the fragrances and candles offered here are Pom Pom perfect. “When we started our business, I poured my own candles,” Hilde recalls. Details remain a matter of personal pride for her as she thoughtfully selects all the merchandise displayed in her shops.…

“Into The shadow white chamber silts The white Flux of another dawn ….“ . —D. H. Lawrence…

“Nantucket! Take out your map and look at it. See what a real corner of The world it occupies; how it stands There, away off shore….” —Herman Melville “To be overcome by The fragrance of flowers is a delectable form of defeat.” —Beverley Nichols…

South from San Francisco, Highway 1 meanders slowly past picturesque towns, leading travelers on this winding road to glimpses of a slower-paced way of life and a multitude of mesmerizing vistas. The majestic convergence of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur, California, creates a rugged landscape that provides quiet hospitality for those seeking rest and rejuvenation. The hills of this largely undeveloped region are sparsely populated, but its residents are vigilant and passionate about preserving the natural beauty that surrounds them. Respectful of the terrain, the local accommodations often appear hidden to the untrained eye, but down a long driveway and around a bend are some of the most spectacular inns and hotels on the Pacific Coast.…

The shop’s wares are arranged as one might place them at home, such as clear-glass apothecary jars with antique French binoculars and tiny ceramic dogs, above. A timeworn mirror hosts a collection of Civil War–era medicine bottles with a feather embellishment, inset. A display of blue-and-white kitchen items, opposite, features an enamelware pan and a household scale. A child’s tea set, petite saucers, an old tobacco tin, and books add to the tableau. “Our joy in collecting These treasures is…our delight in decorating with repurposed or timeworn articles and the pleasure we find with our customers who share our passion”. —Joy Phelps, co-owner…