Welcome to Cottage Dreaming, A Blog for Cottage Lovers...

Currently, with economic concerns impacting how we live and where we live, cottages will, I predict, have a comeback. They are usually smaller and more compact, but pack a lot of comfortable living space. A canvas wall hanging in the Spring 2012 "The Lakeside Collection" says it well: "Love grows well in Little Houses." This was true throughout the history of the United States, until the past 50 years, and it is true currently.

No offense, anyone, but a family of five in a three story, 10 room home has to work harder to keep in touch and to interact. That same family, in a five room, one story cottage or other small house, is closer, both in proximity, as well, I would suggest, as in emotional closeness. For this reason, as well as for economic necessity, small, cozy homes will be the prominent choice for middle income families in the future, as well as for empty-nesters and individuals who prefer a small home to an apartment or condo.

I love cottages of all kinds. My favorite cottage is one made of stone with a steeply pitched roof. I prefer a cottage that is close to water, whether it is a lake, bayou, coastal area or river. However, a cottage located close to the center of a commercial neighborhood is also appealing to me.

If you love cottages or other smaller homes, please join us in all things cottage, here at Cottage Dreamer. Thousands of small homes are out there ready to be custom-fit to your needs. They abound in small towns as well as in cities throughout the U.S.

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Pleasant day-dreams! Phebe


Friday, March 9, 2012

Spring Project - Bathroom

Finally, I have my  Cottage indoor spring project finished - new towels and other accessories for my bathroom.

It was planned as a simple and inexpensive redecorating in which I just changed out some accessory colors. 

I reported last blog that I had chosen two colors that make me feel really happy this year - Robins Egg blue and brown.  To those, through this process, I guess I've added a third, cream.  Things change as decorating goes along, doesn't it?

I didn't have a lot of money to invest and thought a change of colors might help.  My bath is fairly new - my house was built in 2005.  The cabinets are dark alder wood, counter tops, tub and shower walls are cream marble, and walls are an aged golden color - finished in a rough plaster over drywall with rounded edges throughout the house.  The house was built and designed to look like an older English cottage. 

Amazingly, it has been fun to choose towels and other accessories.  I found textured towels appealing this time.  (Last time I chose all white towels - pretty bland). The covered containers on the large vanity are in blue and brown print.  One container has birds on it so the cute little ceramic birds begged to go home with me from "Tuesday Morning."   Use of such containers to place bath items and makeup limits clutter on countertops and makes them easier to clean. (from "Circle of Moms.com.-see below for link) 

These photos below are of my smaller second vanity showing the new towels - the towels are hanging on the heated towel holder (from Bed Bath & Beyond) - one of my favorite luxuries that has become a necessity for me over the 4 years I've had one.
 
Not only is it wonderful to grab a warm towel when getting out of the shower on a cool morning, but the heated towel bars also dry your towel and washcloth
and are great to dry delicates, sweaters, and other items you have laundered or scarves or mittens that  were rained on.

I wish you could feel the texture of the bath towels and washcloths.  I fell for the beige bubble design ones and had to have them although they didn't really go with my color scheme. 
(They were also purchased from "Tuesday Morning." )

My commode cover and rug are in Robins Egg blue - (purchased from Wal-Mart).  I'm still looking for some wall accessories, including a picture to hang in the "water-closet."  I have a shelf over the large vanity which you can partially see in the first photo,  which has remained totally empty during my five years here.  I plan to put my collection of teal "Blenko" WV hand-blown glass on the shelf and in the window over the whirlpool tub soon. 

My few new items have made taking a shower and using my bathroom much more enjoyable. 

The striped step-out rug is "Better Homes & Gardens" brand from Wal-Mart.
This morning I enjoyed one of the "bubble" washcloths.


Until next time I'm wishing you soothing, enjoyable bathing experiences also.

Phebey

for some good cleaning tips:  http://www.circleofmoms.com/article/5-tips-keeping-bathrooms-clean-03068?trk=digest_editorial_3068&email_enc=lsOqzdecp8zcpsLVzZTEoqY%253D&email_src=1331338849bcfe0024d770baf84db8ab670c042eed&template_name=digest_weekly_2&subject_id=950f1561cb53014b243b26db9f35227b%3A0&has_fb=1#_