Southern Cottage Charm: Our Home Featured in The Cottage Journal!

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: Our home has been featured in the September 2018 issue of The Cottage Journal: Southern Cottage! It’s an incredible honor, and I’m still buzzing about it.

I’ve received so many kind messages from you all, and I truly appreciate the support. It’s been a busy time, what with finishing the nursery and tackling our fall projects. Life has been a whirlwind, and I apologize for the delay in sharing this exciting milestone.

(And as a side note, as you may be reading this, we were also preparing for Hurricane Florence. We’re praying for everyone on the East Coast affected by the storm.)

What I’m particularly proud of is that the magazine used all of my own photographs! If you’ve followed the blog for a while, especially if you read last week’s post on Photographing Interiors, you’ll understand why this is such a special moment for me. Capturing the essence of a space through my own lens and seeing those images in print is a dream come true.

It’s amazing to think that when I started this blog four years ago, with those early, less-than-perfect photos, I never imagined they’d grace the pages of a national publication. It’s a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.

The issue is dedicated to Southern homes, and I’m deeply honored to be included among so many beautiful and inspiring spaces. If you love Southern style as much as I do, you’ll absolutely adore this issue. It’s filled with homes that embody that breezy, timeless elegance, while still feeling cozy, relaxed, and modern.

While I appreciate the farmhouse style, it’s refreshing to see a variety of decorating approaches in this issue that deviate from that trend while still acknowledging a touch of that primitive country life. It highlights the beauty of diverse styles.

This experience reinforces the idea that you don’t have to confine yourself to a single style just because it’s popular. Every home is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a way that reflects the personalities of the people who live there. Your home should tell your story.

When we moved into this house last year, I felt a bit lost. (Honestly, I’m still figuring things out most days, since I have no formal design training!) Our brick colonial home didn’t exactly fit the “shiplap farmhouse” aesthetic. Yet, the journey of making this house our own has taught me so much.

It’s taught me to listen to my heart, to forge my own path, and to let my home guide me. Embrace the beauty that’s already there and create a space that truly reflects your family. Don’t be afraid to veer off the path and find your own style. Let your house be a reflection of who you are and what you love.

Because, ultimately, who cares if your home decor isn’t trendy or “in style”? If your home is your sanctuary, your happy place, that’s all that matters. Don’t worry about what others think.

Be true to yourself. Explore those yard sales and thrift stores, and silence that inner voice that hesitates to pick up a paintbrush. Dive in and make magic happen if you have a passion for creating a home. Decorate with what you love and what makes you happy.

There’s a unique satisfaction in finishing a project, stepping back, and proudly saying, “I made that!” It’s a glimpse of the joy that comes from creating something beautiful. It is an amazing feeling.

Happy homemaking, everyone. Be bold. You never know where this journey may take you. Embrace your unique style and enjoy the process of creating a home you love. Let your creativity flow and let your home reflect your personality and style.