What's In/Out

Happy greetings, cottage buddies!!! I hope you are all having a great day and soaking up all the summer sun you can in those lovely cottage gardens. I have just a small "patch" in front of my little home and the "August Lilys" (an old fashioned name for Hostas) have finished blooming their pretty purple blooms and the tall stalks need to be cut back. Good activity for a Sunday afternoon, huh?

In my spare time (whatever that is==LOL) I love to read magazines and articles by others interested in design and decorating. I often come on articles with lists of what is "In" and what is "Out" in popular culture in reguards to materials and furnishings used in homes. I tend to chuckle a little at these lists as they always seem to guide the reader into thinking that they need to drop everything, shovel out the contents of their homes this very minute and rush down to the local home supply and furniture store so that they wont be outdone by their more contemporary, hip and happenin' neighbors. (Yes, child of the 60s that I am, I said. "Hip and Happenin'-sorry-heehee). I always have to wonder if anyone that read the list has done just that, hmmm. It really rubs my fur the wrong way when I find "the list" in well established interior design magazines as these should, above all others, hold to the time honored philosophy that design is more than just what is "popular" at the time. Here's what I mean; GOOD design is timeless, it is the combining of elements in a seemless flow. The very heart of good design is defined as the client works with the designer to create a space that is not only pleasing to the eye, but works well for the client after the designer has finished and gone on to the next project.
The design should encompass the classic principles of scale, harmony, rythm, balance and unity as well as the elements of line, color, shape and form. The materials selected should be those that add to the balance and are pleasing to the client and conductive to their intent of the way the room or rooms will be used at any given time.

You can see, then why it bothered me a great deal to see hardwood flooring mentioned in the "Out" column on one of these lists this week. WHAT were they thinking, timeless, beautiful, durable, re-cycleable, renewable, linear, wonderful hardwood flooring. I couldn't imagine a cottage without it!!! I think you all know me well enough by now to know how I feel about the cold, all concrete and steel world of post modernism--leave that stuff for prison design. Give me a home that is warm and welcoming with plenty of warm wood tones and natural materials around me (as well as my well-placed tchachkis and trinkets and books). Hardwood flooring-"Out"--INDEED!!! (Harumph). Oh well, to each his own...I think I will go tend to that garden patch now and then have some tea on the porch swing. After my rant I am pretty well spent.

Enjoy your Sunday,
Charlotte

Teas for Summer Sippin'

Hello to all and I hope that everyone had a WONDERFUL 4th of July Celebration! I have been having a calm, quiet Saturday morning and enjoying one of my favorite "guilty pleasures"--a good cup of tea! I wanted to share some of my favorites with you:

Bigelow and Celestial Seasonings lead the pack in my book by way of variety, availability and price. Here are a few suggestions for warm weather sippin'.

Lemon: Need I say more? This classic summertime favorite is perfect with little cucumber sandwiches--quite refreshing!
Camomile: The light, honey-like flavor of this floral based tea is just the ticket to sooth an upset tummy or sooth jangled nerves--aahhh.
Blackberry: mmm, remember picking blackberries in the summer? This tea always takes me back to my childhood and stories of Peter Rabbit. If you decide to share a cup of this wonderful tea with a little one you might want to read the classic Beatrix Potter story with them as well. Treat yourself to a little Bunny Carrot Salad (recipe below) to round out the experience.

Bunny Carrot Salad

1- 8 oz pkg Cream Cheese (well chilled)
Parsley Sprigs (1 per salad for looks)
Finely shredded carrots on a plate
Lettuce or spinach leaves

Shred the carrots as fine as possible with either a grater or food processor. Place them on a plate for later. Cut the cream cheese into four equal portions (2 oz each)
and shape into "carrots". You may want to wear plastic gloves for this step. When you have finished shaping the cheese, roll each one in the shredded carrots. Place a parsley sprig in the end of each to complete the "carrot". Serve on a bed of lettuce or spinach leaves. This is as much fun to make as it is to eat--especially for children; of all ages.

For now, Stay Cozy,

Charlotte

Just My Place to Chat

I wanted take a minute this morning to post a note and say "hello" to all those that take a minute to stop by my little corner of the blog world to see what I am up to. As I was tooling through my posts, low and behold, I came upon some new comments. I can tell you, I LOVE comments!!! That is friendly, heartfelt comments from other bloggers. I was quite disturbed, however to learn that one of my commenters was using my little chatty, friendly blog to advertise a paid informational blog. The blog owner did not have a list of "friends" blogs, the content was all "canned" articles and no where on the site was anything about the owner's profile. Although the content was all about interior design, it was all from the very technical spectrum. Dear readers, I made one committment when I decided to create this little place on the web, it was to keep things chatty and nice and not to intimidate people with all of the jargon that is taught in interior design classes. This is my place to come and just share fun little tips and to learn fun little tips from fellow cottage enthusiasts like myself. I have hidden the comment from the canned blogger and, though I wish them best of luck with their business ventures, I will ask that this not be the place that they choose for FREE advertisement. I do love to link to fellow friendly bloggers with honest, original content. My friends list increases almost daily and I would, indeed, be honored to be listed as a friend on other blogs. Sorry for the bit of a rant this morning, just kind of hit me the wrong way.

Love to all, Stay Cozy,
Charlotte

Get Organized, Get Happy

When you think about your favorite places to visit what is the first thing that comes to mind. You probably have memories of pleasant times and experiences that had while you were there, right. Now think about what makes the experiences pleasant and the nature of these surroundings. Were the areas well organized or cluttered. How would the experiences change if the areas became cluttered and unorganized? Our emotions are affected by our surroundings. It is much easier to focus on our thoughts in a space that is well organized and free from clutter. This does not mean, however, that the area needs to feel sterile and cold. Keeping a few well placed accessories that give depth and meaning to a room will lend to a feeling of well being and contentment as well. Striking a balance between stark minimalism and packed to the rafters is the key to creating a wonderful welcoming cozy home.

As Always, Keep Cozy,
Charlotte

Simple Touches

Hello to all and hope you are having a BEAUTIFUL DAY! We have sunshine here this morning and the wonderful scent of spring fills the air. I hope you have been inspired to spruce up your home a bit for the new season as summer is quickly approaching and we will all be spending more wonderful time outdoors. Little things such as changing out floral arrangements or hanging lighter window treatments can have a big impact on the appearance of your home for the warmer months. If you can, change out your heavy wool area rugs for lighter feeling sisal or cotton versions. Slip covers in light cotton or cotton duck fabrics also lend an air of summer to a room. Place big bowls of selected seasonal fresh fruits on the kitchen counter or dining room table for snackers as they pass by. Put some summer sounds on the radio or CD player to create a relaxed or energized ambience in your home. Change the scent of your home by exchanging the spicy tones that are used in the fall for lighter floral or fruit scents. The smell of your home is just as important as the appearance as you create long standing memories for your friends and family. These memories, by the way, should be your ultimate goal as you create home around you. They are the very reason that drives us to decorating, organizing and creating that haven known as our unique version of a Cozy Home. Remember as you move from room to room to think about how the sights, smells and sounds will impact the people that mean the most to you.

Until next time,
Stay Cozy,
Charlotte

Inspiring!!!

The earth is bursting with splendid COLOR in my little corner of the world. My mother's yard looks like a prim English Garden with beautiful flowers in every color. Her lilac bush was FULL this past week-end and she has the most beautiful lipstick red tulips that I have ever seen. I should also mention that our Azalea bush is getting ready to pop and that the fruit trees across from us are in full regalia with lovely pink and white blooms. If there is any one season that simply inspires us to create beauty aroud us in our homes, it is, in my humble opinion, Spring. From the first light haze of green on the trees to the last petal that drops from the flowers, the earth never seems more ALIVE!!! Take the occasion to look at all of the beauty around your little corner of the world this spring season (if you are in an area where it is now spring) and take your cue from all that you observe. Then get busy and CREATE!!!
Hugs,
Charlotte

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?

Fresh looks

The most popular look in most every home decorating magazine today is the look of simplicity. Clean clear lines, uncluttered tables and simple color schemes rule the pages of nearly every publication from the most traditional to the avant guard. To achieve this look, start with freshly painted walls in a light, neutral tone such as off white or light tan. Add furnishings with straight lines and solid fabrics in a slightly deeper, coordinating tone. Tan, aqua and blue tones are the most favorable and fabrics used are often micro-fibers and twilled cotton blends for their ease of care. Select your accessories carefully, a few go a long way and make sure they are of a medium to large scale as too many tiny trinkets will cause even the most carefully coordinated room to feel cluttered. The accessories should fit the overall personality of the region or emotion that you are trying to create within the space.
Remember, the most important thing to remember is to keep it simple. For more information, look to sources such as Coastal Living or Real Simple magazines. You might also check out The Not So Big House books by Sarah Susanka for further inspiration.

Hope all is Cozy at your home,
Char

New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!, I hope that everyone had a Wonderful Christmas with friends and family gathered close around you. I LOVE the Holidays but am ready to get started on a New Year and anticipate LOTS of GREAT things to happen here at our Cozy Home. I will be adding new decorating tips this week as well as giving you the latest on what is new with my Design Business. This should be an exciting year!!! I pray that you will be blessed with God's Love, Mercy and Peace all through the coming year.

Until later, Stay Cozy,
Char

Saturday Decorating Idea

I want to try to add an idea for home decorating each Saturday. This week I want to focus on making quick changes to any room for the Fall season. No matter what color palette you have in your rooms, there are coordinating tones for each season that can be changed. Fall in particular has a wonderful range of hues that can be used to change the mood of your decor to warm and welcome your friends and family in from the outdoors during this wonderful time of year. Change out lighter summer throws for ones that are a little heavier. Lap blankets are great in family rooms especially during football season. Use candles or room scents that reflect the season. Scents that are spicy, woodsy or those that have a hint of musk notes add to a cozy ambience rather than the floral and fruit fragrances used in the Summer months. I have one son that loves Sandlewood and Patchouli, these are examples of woodsy fragrances and Apple Pie, Cinnamon, Clove or Allspice are great examples of the spicy scents. Bring in touches of fall flowers to any room with wreaths on doors or over fireplace mantles and also with arrangements for tabletops.

Until Next Time, Stay Cozy,
Charlotte

A Day at Cozy Home

Welcome to my little corner of the world. This is where I come to post about my little Cozy Cottage in WV and about life as a work at home mom. I am a 40-something veteran mom and interior designer who has recently been bitten by the sewing-bug after not sewing for some 20 years. Stop by from time to time to see what is new. I will try to get some pictures of my home and some of my projects up soon. Be patient with me, however, sometimes technology gets the best of me.

Char