Fun with color

While Modern Cottage style generally embraces soft, understated colors for use on walls and larger scale upholstered pieces, it also relies on pops of vibrant color here and there to add freshness, fun, and energy to a space. These jolts of color can take many forms, from brightly-hued plants and produce to interesting artwork and accessories (like these great antique books in a charming color grouping). To keep the Modern Cottage crispness and simplicity, choose just a few favorite colors and repeat them throughout your home.

Modern Cottage wedding

The Modern Cottage aesthetic can be revealed in so many unexpected places. For example, we were out walking recently on a beautiful Saturday afternoon when we came up on a historical building in our downtown area. Originally built in 1922, the building has wonderful lines and is wrapped in crisp, white beveled siding. Task-minded bodies were moving about the outdoor patio and grounds in preparation for an evening wedding ceremony. And at the patio, just outside the French doors, two people were hanging giant moss covered letters – the initials of the bride and groom we presumed – which contrasted so simply and beautifully with the classic white structure in the background. As we took in the scene it seemed to hit us at the same time since we turned to each other with wide eyes. I’m not sure which of us said out loud what each of us was thinking: “Modern Cottage wedding!!”. We didn’t stick around to confirm our declaration, but they were certainly off to a great start. Isn’t it a beautiful building? And you can get the fabulous moss letters on (of course!) Etsy.

Sunny, happy art

Modern Cottage style is all about taking advantage of natural light and finding ways to bounce it around interior spaces to promote a fresh, airy feeling. Maybe that’s why we’re so drawn to these cool prints by artist Leah Giberson. I love how she plays with light and shadows – it seems like she captured these scenes at the very best part of the day. Plus they have such a fun, mod vibe. These are two of our favorites, from the colors to the composition (have I mentioned we have a minor obsession with chairs?). You can almost feel the warmth of the sun on your skin just by looking at them, like they’re beckoning you to climb in, take a load off, and just bask away.

Ahh, Summer...

You may have wondered, what exactly is the Modern Cottage way of life? It's about enjoying the simple things…remembering what is most important and living accordingly. It’s an impromptu game of badminton on a huge back lawn with sunlight filtering through the trees (and a combination kid/dog cheering squad – the kids are keeping score as well, you'll notice). It’s also about beauty and function and the best things in life: laughing out loud with family and friends, eating delicious food, exploring new and interesting places, and always returning to a fabulous ‘home base’ where you are surrounded by colors, objects, textiles, and design which genuinely make you feel at peace, at home, at ease, or more simply: happy. What better environment in which to share all those ordinary, day-to-day moments which add up to a well-lived life? Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July holiday.

Modern Cottage Style: Park City, Utah

One of our favorite places to visit is Park City- not only for its scenic beauty, charming Main Street, and relaxed atmosphere, but also for its innovative architecture. In Old Town, you'll find these incredible resort-style ski homes that are part cottage and part modern, often with a bit of lodge influence mixed in. The smaller lots dictate modest facades, which means the details really count; The focus is on beautiful front doors, garage doors, and fixtures, as well as materials that will withstand all that snow during winter (think rockery, metal roofing, concrete, and steel). These are a few homes (and garages) that caught our eye... some vintage, some new, each with its own distinct personality. We couldn't resist also capturing a few images from Old Town. Enjoy!

Currently loving: Driftwood

Imagine my delight when I happened upon this most interesting piece of home décor: a driftwood sculpture if you will. It was love at first sight as I promptly whisked it away to the cash register. I love the tone of the wood and its organic feel…plus it’s so pleasingly quirky! (Available at Ravenna Gardens).

And since I can’t resist a truly unique star (yes, I do realize you can have too many…which brings me to my shopping and decorating rule, A.B.E – Always Be Editing) I might just make an exception for this charmingly imperfect driftwood version. I envision it being casually leaned against a wall in a fantastic, beachy Modern Cottage.

Adding vintage flavor to your Modern Cottage

The Modern Cottage shows a joyous appreciation for all things vintage cottage – they’re simply reinterpreted in a modern way. Of course, vintage finds and antiques must be used sparingly, lest you diminish the ‘modern’ aspect of your cottage. However, when thoughtfully mixed with newer pieces, the combination will express just the right balance of Modern + Cottage. Above, an incredible pair of French metal chairs; An old bulb crate weathered to a silvery grey, transformed into wall art - a display ledge of sorts - accented by a jubilant starfish; A fabulous antique industrial-style lamp, re-wired to glow beautifully. It’s all about finding pieces that add beauty and a sense of history –a respect for original design - to your Modern Cottage. And when you find an amazing piece that’s both beautiful and functional? Pure Modern Cottage bliss :)