Pillow talk

We at Modern Cottage have a great appreciation for pillows. We quite love the way they easily add so much style and personality to an otherwise boring, bland, or unstylish room...that's in addition to the fact that by their very nature they make a space feel more relaxed, comfortable, and cozy. This affection goes beyond the basics, however - beyond the fabulous solids, stripes, and patterns. We're really loving the more unexpected varieties which can inject playfulness and humor into a space, as well as a glimpse into the personalities of the people they  belong to. Some favorites, from top: a farm-fresh appeal in bold black and white; a clean, mod design in a pleasing shade of blue; and a more textural, linen style with a letter or number of your choosing.

Bin pull fixation

Bin pulls have had a special place in my heart since I was a little girl. In our old, old house growing up we had these cool built-in wooden bins (literally) that pulled open below the counter top in the large pantry, complete with honest-to-goodness bin pulls. As I recall, we stored the good stuff in there: Fruit Loops, Trix, Rice Krispies. So while we're always on the hunt for a really perfect bin pull, we have our tried and true styles at the ready. From the top, Restoration Hardware's Gilmore pull, quite thick and heavy and available in several finishes. Next, a classic shape in a more delicate, thin metal - available off and on at Pottery Barn (this is probably what they looked like in the old house, once you got through all the layers of white paint!). And more recently I found myself drawn to the the third one, RH's Duluth pull. It's a nice twist on the classic bin pull - a bit more squared and modern, and a lot more interesting. As we start our next project, I can guarantee the Duluth will get some serious consideration.

Modern Cottage soul

Things have been a bit insane as of late since we're moving. We're right in the thick of it, packing, loading, unloading, decorating, repeat. We're doing it in stages, organizing as we go - much easier that way (and it also helps that the new house is only about a mile away from the old one). So we're going from one Modern Cottage to another. Well... sort of. We are moving to a fabulous house with the heart and soul of a Modern Cottage ... great lines, engaging spaces, fabulous architectural details. Some of the interior finishes however leave something to be desired. It will be fun to post on our progress as we modify the design bit by bit. For now we leave you with Scout and his favorite part of the new house: the giant wrap-around porch. He has always dreamed of being a porch dog. Doesn't he look good on it?