The Cottage Journal Spring 2021

STYLE WITH HEART Spring is the ideal time to shake off the winter blues and breathe new life and color into your cottage décor. As we highlight dwellings across the country, we hope you delight in not only the unique cottage-style ideas for decorating but also the personal stories that make these spaces come to life. In “Cottage Refresh” on page 25, a couple’s Virginia cottage features plenty of window light complemented by new wood flooring and blue accent colors. Interior designer Alexis Dattoli also used indestructible fabrics and natural leathers that age well to create a family-friendly sunroom. More unique highlights are included in “A Detailed Redesign” on page 45, where you’ll see an updated historic cottage with a fresh look and an extraordinary history in Washington, DC. With the help of…

As warmer temperatures emerge, bringing with them a welcomed breath of fresh air, the time has never been better to reevaluate your home’s décor with sustainability in mind. Discover simple ways to create an environmentally conscious cottage in Home for the Soul: Sustainable and Thoughtful Decorating and Design by Sara Bird and Dan Duchars of The CONTENTed Nest. The duo founded The CONTENTed Nest as a way to create inspiring and engaging images and share the stories behind them. Dan’s experience as an interiors and lifestyle photographer coupled with Sara’s editorial eye as an art director and stylist ensures the team is well-versed when it comes to recognizing captivating design. Throughout the book’s 176 pages, you’ll find countless dwellings that embody an eco-friendly mentality while reflecting the personality of their inhabitants. As…

When homeowners Rian and Matt McClevey bought their Fairfax, Virginia, Colonial-style house back in 2011, they were attracted by what Rian describes as “great bones and a nice-sized yard with lots of mature trees.” At the time, the couple had only one of their three children, but their intention was to put down roots in the area. Back then, Rian was working for a national housebuilder, where she became friends with the firm’s senior interior designer, Alexis Dattoli. Their friendship stood the test of time, and in 2019, Rian hired Alexis, who had since started her own firm, to help renovate the family’s home. “We were finally able to focus on fully redesigning the home to meet our personal style; we wanted a place that would be beautiful but also kid-friendly,” says…

In much of interior designer Kristen Nix’s work, you’ll see a variety of wall coverings. From soft, subtle textures to brightly colored patterns, she loves them all. “I feel like nothing changes a space like a wall covering,” she says. So, working with client Erin Donahue Tice was a dream come true, because Erin just so happens to love wall coverings as well. The two made a dream design team, working together to transform Erin and her husband’s 1936 quintessential cottage. Starting with the formal living room, Kristen opted for a neutral grass cloth wallpaper that brings texture to the room and complements the sisal rug. Considering the room’s small dimensions, Kristen chose a more subdued wall covering so as not to overwhelm the space. She also tweaked the furniture arrangement…