Instagrammers.....

I love Instagram for so many reasons...mainly I love that it encourages us to capture those everyday moments and observations that might otherwise be overlooked or forgotten.  What can I say, I am a lover of life's small moments. So today, I thought I would share some of my small moments with all of you. I have titled each of them appropriately. 'Joy' The photos above were all taken...

Young House Love Lighting ......inspired space.

Have you seen the new Young House Love lighting collection at Shades of Light? It really is  fantastic and very reasonably priced.  I was particularly smitten with the 'Large Globe Light' pictured above, it comes in SEVEN colors!   While I gravitate to a more traditional design aesthetic  in my own home, I am at heart a design-junkie who appreciates all kinds of...

Lake House Design

I have been working with a client in Minnesota over the past couple months.  The family of six recently purchased their 'forever' home - located very near a lake where they enjoy boating and swimming. The great room is the first room you see when you walk in the home. The design was inspired by the client's favorite piece of art {included above}.  The room needs to be a comfortable...

Fiddle Leaf Fig: An Update

See those black edges on my precious Fiddle Leaf Fig {aka the most  frequent flyer in any well designed space}...... After some research I found out those black edges are due to OVER-WATERING!  Oh Fiddle Leaf Fig, this is a first for me.....usually I kill plants because of under-watering. See how much I love you? I am determined to make you beautiful and design magazine...

Loving: Antique Rugs

via First, thank you for all your kind comments on my new blog design. I was so overdue for an updated look!  I am still learning my way around - it's almost like driving a new car!  Now, let's get this party started.... via My love for using vintage objects in design is well known around here.  However, I have not often used antique rugs. But that's all about to change! There...

Welcome to the new Forever*Cottage!

I am so thrilled to unveil my new blog design!  It was so long overdue.  This new design in more 'me' and gives focus to my decorating business which, I am happy to say, is growing and giving me so much inspiration!  This little blog has grown slowly and steadily over the years, provided me with friendships that distance and life would have otherwise made impossible and most importantly,...

make this...

Long ago, I was a member of the Junior League, a wonderful women's service organization that does great work in each chapter's local community.  I was fortunate to be a part of Junior Leagues in Minneapolis, MN, Morristown, NJ and Portland, OR and volunteer for some really great and worthy organizations. Besides serving as catalyst for pairing smart and accomplished women with not-for-profit...

On blogging and decorating.....

Obviously, it has been difficult getting back to a normal blogging routine this week.  No excuses, but I have had a sick girly home, visiting parents, the need to clean a dirty house, do some laundry etc.....{just living the dream!}.   My blog is "under construction" - a blog designer is working on something new and fabulous for me.  It was time!  As much as I loved...

Client Project......'Finishing Touches'

I was hired by a friend to help her 'finish' her kitchen and family room - now mind you, this friend's home is gorgeous and many would think, "whaaaaaat"?????  Why does she need a designer? However, I am finding lots of homeowners are good at what I call the 'big stuff' - couches, tables and rugs but struggle with how to really make their space feel cozy and personal. This particularly...

Sparkle.....please watch and pass along!

My friend Suzanne, from Privet & Holly, posted about her sweet cousin and her battle with leukemia.  Campbell "Soup", is 7 years old and would like nothing more than to meet singer Carrie Underwood. Go HERE to read Suzanne's post that provides additional beautiful details of a  special little girl's dream! No better reason to break my blogging break. Be back Monday...