Keep it green

As we approach summer, naturally more focus goes to our outdoor spaces...and for good reason! What is better than dining alfresco or simply enjoying a lazy day in the sun with a stack of great magazines? I can almost taste the watermelon...and hear the ice rattling around in a tall glass of lemonade. So why not surround yourself with beautiful plantings, Modern Cottage style? Our rule of thumb: Keep it green. The Modern Cottage garden uses color sparingly, and instead relies on an abundance of lush green plants and shrubs, with accents of the most beautiful chartreuse-colored varieties to add that crisp, modern edge. We also go for almost any white bloomers, so long as they are not too fussy (French tulips planted in small groupings are a favorite). Happy planting!

Cottage Bliss!

After several exhausting and exhilarating weeks, we have finally completed the Modern Cottage transformation of this darling Cape Code home built in 1950. Perfectionists that we are, I can only now say it is complete (meaning the very last items in our process - faucets polished, paint meticulously touched up and so on - are finished). We started with a home in very sad shape but with great potential... and were even able to recycle several elements to keep things a bit greener! Below are a few additional photos...so take a tour, we'd love to hear what you think.

Peonies in bloom...

Now in their third spring, my beloved peonies are putting on the most spectacular show. Amazingly grand blooms are larger than life - warm, sun-kissed coral and densely layered, blissfully pure white. With their simple, uniform leaves and gorgeous single blooms, peonies are right at home in any Modern Cottage garden. Added bonus: the cut stems last several days and smell divine!

Great finds - Loving these products

Recently came across these online while planning the interior re-design of a charming 1950s Cape Cod cottage. Won't be using them in this particular project, but can't wait for a project where we can... the vintage appeal of a bin pull in sophisticated (and unexpected) clear glass - perfect for a Modern Cottage. And the pendant light - I'm in love. We've used galvanized plumbing parts before in our design; such a great way to get a little modern-industrial appeal in a rustic, cottage-friendly metal.

Sweet little birdies

I'm seeing birds everywhere these days! No complaints here - we've enjoyed having the wire trio in our entryway for a few years now. There's just something sweet and welcoming about them. A few other favorites: a hand-formed trio with tiny eyes, a set of earthy, wooden sparrows, and a very organic, a bit more modern family of birds in glossy white. Set on a shelf or ledge, they are sure to bring a smile (and a feeling of spring) into your Modern Cottage.

Get an extra dose of joy with fresh photography

Art is a vital part of any Modern Cottage. Great photography, simply framed, can add a crispness and life to your space. Choose images that make you happy or affect you in a positive way, whether family photos or works by esteemed photographers. The important thing is the feeling and flavor they add to your cottage. I particularly enjoy these images by photographer Kristine Sitko. The subject matter and color are spot on -- and the interpretation quite modern.

Spring is here! Dress up your porches and patios

Springtime always puts us in good spirits. The sun comes out (well, sometimes - we are in Seattle after all) and our favorite trees and shrubs begin to transform from bare twigs to green-leafed and flowering things of beauty. What do we also love about spring? All the fabulous new spring and summer product, including these planters from CB2 - a modern shape in cottage-friendly corrugated steel.