Cottages and Bungalows October/November 2022

WHEN I WAS A KID, we had a big yard full of beautiful oak and maple trees. When they let go of their leaves for the year, my diligent father spent hours raking them up. But before Dad hauled them away, he made a humongous pile for me and my siblings to play in. The crispy, crunchy, earthy-smelling pile was so much fun to run through, jump into and bury each other in. Along with the massive blanket forts we constructed on the clothing lines, the time spent frolicking in the leaf pile is one of my fondest childhood memories. Another wonderful autumn experience for me is wandering through a farmers market (or even up and down the grocery aisles) when the bounty of pumpkins, gourds, ‘mums, zinnias and vegetables, in their…

cottagesandbungalowsmag.com A Fresh, Colorful Fall Thanksgiving Table See how bold colors, metal accents and seasonal bounty all play key roles in creating the perfect Thanksgiving table. A Ghostly and Glam Halloween Party This year, throw a Halloween party filled with chic touches and transform your dining room into a gorgeously Gothic locale. Crafts: DIY Cement Pumpkin Bowl Beautify your autumn décor with an unforgettable centerpiece you can pull out year after year. Follow the easy, step-by-step instructions to make your own pumpkin bowl. Festive Fall Cocktails Fall is the best time for a cozy night in. Light a fire, start a fresh soup in the crockpot, and make a signature cocktail all your guests will remember. Create a Vintage Feast Set your table with a mix of flea market finds and natural elements for a bounty that’s truly memorable. Follow us…

Thatch roofing is a traditional roofing method using straw. It originated with indigenous peoples such as the Maya and Aztecs but is now associated with the charming cottages scattered throughout the United Kingdom. Before the late 1800s, thatch was the only common material in the U.K. that could be used for roofing. This meant most homes in the country, especially in agricultural areas, had thatched roofs. Most thatched roofs are made from one of three main materials: water reed, long straw or combed wheat reed. The way the thatch is laid out creates a “stitching” type of pattern. In short, a layer of thatch is held in place by a "fixing." Then, more layers are added on top and are driven through the layers beneath. Depending on the method of thatching used…

Cozy season is finally here, friends! Crisp nights by the fire, hot apple cider, falling leaves, pumpkins and—you guessed it: outdoor movie nights! What better way to celebrate the season than to host a festive evening under the stars while watching your favorite fall flicks! HOW TO CREATE AN OUTDOOR FALL MOVIE NIGHT Movie nights are an autumn tradition for us, so I’m “spilling” all my tips and tricks on how to make the most memorable outdoor movie night occasions for your family and friends. SET THE SCENE Scope out your yard or patio to find an area that has a large backdrop. For us, it’s our tall privacy fence. Next, set up your screen and projector (we purchased ours as a kit from Amazon). If you don’t have a large wall or fence, there are…

Hoselink was founded more than 20 years ago by Australian innovator and family man, Tim Kierath. Still a family-run business, Hoselink provides first-class service and more than 150 quality products for gardeners in both Australia and the U.S.A. Hoselink’s new range of solar lighting options are easy to self-install, and they turn on automatically when the sun goes down—no electricity needed. Above, Kara displays the Fiesta Solar Festoon Lights in Warm White that feature 25 glass bulbs. The motion sensor solar path lights emit a dim light continuously from dusk until dawn; and when motion is detected, a brighter light is triggered for 20 seconds to brighten the way. “The lights are super-easy to install, are of excellent quality and emit a lovely and cozy warm light,” Kara says. TO SEE A WIDE VARIETY…

Originally found secondhand, this sideboard was the exact size I needed for my living room, and I could see through all the original dark-red paint to visualize what I genuinely wanted. Transforming this piece with new hardware and loads of white chalk paint took a bit of time, but it was easy. Now, this sideboard has that perfect vintage look I was after and adds to the all-white style that’s dominated by a large wall of collected mirrors, all of which are painted white or soft, neutral tones. I like to keep everything white and bright in the whole room, as you can see from my collection of ironstone and light furnishings. When it comes to the top of this sideboard, it’s the perfect spot to add a little bit of soft color.…