FROM THE EDITOR
Do you ever have home envy?
I know I sure do. Scrolling through Instagram, going down the rabbit hole that is Pinterest or flipping through magazines can leave me longing for a larger home, a better view, a cottage at the beach, a farm with chickens, a modern pool, a vintage kitchen, a charming brick fireplace, walls of shiplap and All. The. Things!
Realistically, we know we cannot have it all in one home (although that would be amazing, right?). But we most certainly can make where we are and what we have the best it can be. We can create our own version of dreamy!
In this, our annual Dream Cottage issue, we have the pleasure of touring homes that have become their owners’ dream one way or another (page 34, 48, 62 and 92). Whether roomy or smaller, we can glean wonderful inspiration from them and apply it to our own spaces.
Even if you’re not planning large structural changes, home improvements can be made in ways that make an impressive difference. We’ve rounded up the latest in top-notch lighting, tile, and hardware, and how about some paint? Three paint experts weigh in on what colors they see in our future (page 24). We also visit a Women’s Retreat in honor of the Infant Welfare Society in Illinois, which personifies a woman’s life in her home (page 116). A place for all things feminine and soothing is their answer to the man-cave.
Not to be forgotten, bedding snuggled its way into this issue—cushy pillows, heat-regulating blankets, the finest sheets, stylish accessories and fun color combos (pages 16, 18 and 131).
And at long last, drumroll please…. we are proud to reveal the full Project House 2020 in all its beautiful glory (page 78). In conjunction with our sister publication, American Farmhouse Style, builder Scissortail Homes and designer Pencil Shavings Studio, we are thrilled with the result and hope you will be, too. In addition, we’re giving you a sneak peek into our Project House 2021 with Tennessee-based
Garden Gate Homes!
And last, but surely not least, we are thrilled to announce our 2021 Brand Ambassador, Toni Mogensen, whose first column is on page 10. We searched the country for someone to bring fresh cottage style and inspiration to you, and we are delighted that Toni will be with us throughout the year both here and on our Instagram, Facebook and website.
Our hope is that this issue will give you a lift towards imagining and creating your own dream home!