Post Modernism in Interior Design vs. Cottage Romance

Just a short note this morning as I must get ready to start my day. I have been touring my favorite Cottage Blogs this morning (as I so often do) it is always such a pleasant journey to see familiar places and read the latest entries. I was thinking of my college courses in design as I visited these wonderful, whimsical, romantic sites. My college professors (as well as so many in the interior design field) quite frankly pooh-poohed the idea of cottage appeal as a form of "Good Design". It is often seen as "fodder" to many of the upper-echelon of the industry. Post Modernism in all of its sterility is touted as the high road for designers to travel. Clean lines, bold pops of color against neutral backgrounds (often some shade of white). Our projects in college were closely scrutinized to make sure that we were not adding too much "clutter" to the space we were working on. True, in our little valley traditional 18th Century styles still remain the pinnacle of style, but heaven forbid, that too many items should be added as accessories. Still, there is something so charming, so appealing about the romantic cottage look. Even luring serious designers such as Mario Buatto and Rachel Ashwell away from the Ivory Palaces of the design world. To me it is comforting to know that, as long as there are those of us who appreciate the little comforts of life, there will always be a place for Cottage Design. Bring on the Clutter!!!

Have a Cozy Day,
Char

My Portfolio Favorites

But What Will it Cost?

Good morning to all and I hope you had a Wonderful Easter!!! We had a truly Blessed and relaxed day starting at our Church with a very beautiful and meaningful service and then came home and enjoyed a good meal together---ate too much, as usual. I am glad that we don't cook what we call "holiday meals" every day or I would be as Big-as-a-BARN.

Now back to design stuff. Have you ever wanted to do something FABULOUS to your home, but wondered what the cost of construction and materials would be? Wouldn't it be GREAT to know a good ball-park figure even before you call your local designer or contractor?-without having to spend the whole day at one of those BIG home improvement stores? I have found a site that is just for you. At Building-Cost.net you can type in your information, choose your materials and let the magic cost estimator do the rest. It is based on national averages for building costs and can give you a clear picture of just what you are looking at spending for that dream re-do. Check it out at: http://www.building-cost.net/

Meanwhile, I am going to sneak a little bite of that left-over ham for breakfast...YUM-O!!!

Until next time, Stay Cozy!!!
Charlotte

Favorite Things

This morning I have been visiting some of my favorite places this morning. I enjoy stopping by these friendly blogs to see what is new from time to time. I especially like to see what types of decorating and crafts these incredibly creative and talented folks have been up to lately. I have placed a few of them in the side bar in My Favorite Places. Stop by and see what they have been up to for yourself and be inspired.

Stay Cozy,
Char

A Little Poetry

Simple Pleasures
Virginia Borman Grimmer

I like a simple little house

With flowers by the door,

An ample larder for my needs

And not much more in store.

I like a window toward the sun

And doors that open wide,

The trickle of a bath for birds

With feathered friends beside.

I like a tidy nook inside

Where my books and slippers lie,

A cup for tea, a magazine,

And warming hearth nearby.

I like some trinkets on the sills,

White ruffles at the panes,

The comfort of a sturdy roof

To shelter me from rains.

I like the Cozy ambience,

A place of sweet retreat

Where life unfolds along the way

And each new day's a treat.

This poem is one of my all time favorites and the inspiration behind the Cozy Home name for my business, homeschool and my publishing projects. Doesn't it just make you want to cuddle into your favorite chair with a book and a cup of tea?