Text by Bethany Adams The transformation of Troy Rhone’s garden six years ago started with two weeks of clearing overgrowth. “It was completely overgrown—in some places, you couldn’t even see the house,” says the owner of Troy Rhone Garden Design. “Everybody thought it was a tear-down house.” Photography by John O’Hagan, Landscape design by Troy Rhone, Styling by Mary Beth Jones Instead, the Rhones made it their own, adding a gabled roof atop the second story and moving the front door from facing the street to the garden. “The entire landscape was completely redone,” Troy adds—and though he ha ..read more

Text by Elizabeth Czapski Here at The Cottage Journal, it’s no secret that we love vintage style for the timeless beauty, storied depth, and one-of-a-kind character it can add to any space. But with Earth Day coming up, we wanted to highlight another, often overlooked, benefit of the aesthetic: sustainability. We were reminded of the value of using vintage goods thanks to a chat we had with Patty Herron, a lifelong lover of antiques who fills her La Grange, Texas, bungalow and distinctive outdoor spaces with cherished pieces passed down and passionately collected, crafted, and curated across d ..read more

Text by Bethany Adams First impressions were of the utmost importance to March + May Design’s Rachel Anderson, who took the lead in furnishing Elizabeth and Jon Macklem’s cottage in the quaint Southern town of Fairhope, Alabama. The home’s open-concept layout left no room to hide, meaning the view from the front door needed to be a memorable one. “It was already such a charming foundation,” Rachel says, noting that the home was built by its previous owner, founder of Fairhope Building Co., who “put a lot of care into it.” Photography by Jim Bathie, Interior designs by Rachel Anderson, Styling ..read more

Text by Holly Seng Nestled in the picturesque Morningside neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia, Tara and Randy Parrish’s 1940s cottage underwent a dramatic transformation—both inside and out. A coat of cream paint brightens the home’s exterior and accentuates the chimney. However, it’s the extensive renovations, which make use of swooping rooflines to expand the second floor, that ensure this home exudes striking charm. Architectural designs by Tim Adams, Interior designs by Courtney Dickey, Styling by Lynn Nesmith “Respecting the original architecture and scale of the home was important,” says ar ..read more

Get a head start on embracing the warmth and splendor that await in the months to come with our new Summer issue! Vibrant décor, sparkling water views, and inviting alfresco tables fill this issue, which celebrates all the sun-drenched appeal of the season. Waterfront abodes serve as relaxing retreats, while colorful designs capture the excitement of a long-anticipated getaway. Glean ideas from expert tips for creating a glorious cottage garden bursting with beautiful blooms. Cherished year-round, the beloved blue-and-white color combo is especially fitting for summer, and we’ve got just the c ..read more

Text by Katie Ellis When decorating with vintage accessories, the garden may not be an obvious choice for creating interesting vignettes. However, when the weather is pleasant, it can be an ideal time to bring the indoors outside. Photography by Steve Rizzo, Styling by Sidney Bragiel, Garden designs by Troy Rhone A table topped with linens designed by April Cornell sets the scene for timeless cottage charm. Complete the tablescape with a bouquet of your favorite blooms, delicious treats, and a freshly brewed pot of tea served in delicate teacups. Photography by Steve Rizzo, Styling by Sidney B ..read more

Text by Holly Seng Bring enchanting cottage charm to your outdoor oasis with the help of these essential elements. Sit & Stay Awhile Overflowing with splendid sights and fragrant floral notes, the beauty a garden brings is meant to be enjoyed. Take pleasure in the fruits of your labor by creating a relaxing place to rest and rejuvenate—whether it be a swing or table and chairs. Wood and iron furnishings are sure to lend classic cottage appeal while cushions add comfort and can easily be switched out. Adventure Awaits Winding pathways foster curiosity as they encourage guests to explore the ..read more

Text by Katie Ellis Nothing says country living quite like a pitcher of fresh lemonade on a welcoming front porch. Make the most of your outdoor living space by creating a room before you even open the front door. Photography by Mac Jamieson Here, billowing white curtains, stained-glass artwork, layered rugs, and a seating area filled with comfortable pillows make this sunny porch feel like a living room. Complete the space with potted flowers and vintage finds, like a glass bottle collection. Photography by Mac Jamieson Gather your favorite country finds—like patinated potting vessels and wat ..read more

Text by Holly Seng Natural is the new neutral, and adding a few woven elements throughout your home is a sure way to bring in warmth and texture—all while blending seamlessly with your existing décor. Woven accents serve as a great design staple no matter the season, but even more so during spring and summer given the relaxed and casual vibes they exude. From light fixtures and furnishings to rugs and vases, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite ways to utilize these versatile accessories. Tabletop Accents Photography by Steve Rizzo, Styling by Sidney Bragiel Often overlooked, texture is the b ..read more

Text by Katie Ellis When the warmth and blooms of a long-awaited spring finally arrive, celebrate the season with an outdoor meal among family or friends. Photography by John O’Hagan, Styling by Dorothy Walton Springtime hues set the scene for this relaxed, verdant tablescape. Mix and match different shades of green, fanciful patterns, and unique textures to create layers of interest. Cabbage leaf-style dinner plates hold cream-colored salad plates painted with a leafy scalloped edge that mirrors the sage green place mats. Photography by John O’Hagan, Styling by Dorothy Walton Stylish drinkwar ..read more