Nothing is more central to a decor style than well-chosen lighting fixtures. Whether we are going for a dramatic look, romantic, or casual; the right lamp, sconce or ceiling light enhances the overall look of a room. Here are a few of the different styles of lighting fixtures you can find at the Cottage.
Here’s some of the beautiful things we saw in Provence… We shipped a load of goodies and we’re expecting them soon, but this enamelware set was so pretty it had to come home with me!
The story of enamel cookware begins in the 1760s in Germany. Enamelled cookware came to the US after Western Europe. Around 1850 Americans began to own enamel-lined culinary utensils, but they were very plain, nothing like the colourful mottled surfaces that were yet to come. The Stuart & Peterson foundry in Philadelphia was making enamel-lined […]
Some of us had moms who kept their perfumes and lipstick and other essential items on lovely little mirror trays on their vanities or dressing tables. How fun it was to tinker around a bit with those glamorous lady things! In honor of the mirror tray, here’s a few of the beautiful variety available at […]
Gazing balls, mirror balls, or lawn globes are said to have originated during the 13th century created by artisan glass blowers in Venice. A beautiful addition to any garden, they were also believed to ward off evil, or bring good luck. Popular in Victorian England, they […]
We are well into the season, and if you live in the country or travel through the countryside you’re sure to see the frisky first signs of Spring: baby animals! These endearing little lambs are a favorite reminder of everything that comes with Spring: joy of renewal, much gentler weather. Long regarded as symbols of hope, tenderness […]
We love these antique French iron crosses circa the 1800’s! They are rare, heavy, and beautifully ornate made of solid cast iron. These crosses were commonly seen in the countryside of France, where they were used in small churches to mark graves, along roads, or as silent guardians of vineyards. They make a stunning addition to any garden, equally lovely […]
The “fleur-de-lis” (flower of the lily) is a stylized lily or lotus flower. Traditionally representing French royalty, this association arose from a legend that an angel gave Clovis, king of the Franks, a golden lily upon his conversion to Catholicism. In the twelfth century, one of the French monarchs began using the fleur-de-lis on his […]
We found some great items on our last trip to France, which we shipped home and are now available for you to see… stop by and feast your eyes on the beautiful objects we bought with you in mind!
On rainy days we love to curl up with a good book or to watch a movie if we have the time right? And what’s more comforting than our favorite spot… all soft, warm and inviting us to sink in and relax? That’s when we realize our favorite pillows are the icing on the cake! […]