Cottage Charm

Thank you everyone for your kind words of support regarding yesterday's post, it means the world to me!

Recently I had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful waterfront cottage in Maryland.  Everything about this home, including the grounds, was completely charming! (Remember you can click on any photo to enlarge it!)

The homeowners have lived here for years on this family land, and their love for it is evident!  

Nothing has been overlooked, even the sheds are delightful!  

And look at that view from the back deck!!

As soon as I saw this wonderful little turquoise adirondack rocker, I knew this was some place special!

On the day I was there, I was given the grand tour by one of the most hospitable and lovely women I've ever met.  For months, people had told me that I just had to go photograph this darling house, but when I phoned the owners to see if they would be interested I got my favorite reply.  "Oh our house isn't anything special," I was told by the lady of the house, known as Puddin to her friends and family.

Ever gracious, and very modest, Puddin assured me that her home was just a small little cottage that no one would really be interested in seeing.  In my years as a writer covering homes, I'm always happy when a homeowner responds this way.  Believe it or not, these are always the best houses!  The ones where people swear that their home isn't worthy of being featured anywhere, are always the most beautiful!  And the people who occupy these houses are always as wonderful as their homes.

As soon as I drove up I knew I was in for a treat!  But after taking me around the yard, it was when I stepped through the back door and into the kitchen that I knew Puddin's house was something special.  A wonderful mix of old and new made this small kitchen sing with personality!

And the blue and white color scheme, cherished pieces of pottery, and fresh white cabinetry with delft hardware gave this space loads of cottage charm!

The most amazing part for me was how Puddin and her husband had put their heart and soul into this home where they raised 4 children!  Over the years, they have made changes to the interior, adding moldings and trim, but the house has never been enlarged, so it maintains its wonderful cottage character in its small footprint!

The dining room, located just off the kitchen, is another testament to Puddin's great sense of style!  

The blue and white theme continues in this room with a white china cupboard, chairs, and huntboard.  Blue and white toile curtains and striped wallpaper add color to the room without overwhelming the space.

A crystal chandelier, antique wicker chair, beautiful round oak table, and mix matched chairs combine elegance and country charm in the room! 

Glass doors lead to a deck on the water side of the house and allow great flow for entertaining!  Even the covered portion of the deck sports a chandelier!

A collection of flow blue china plates, platters, pitchers and cake stands is beautifully displayed along with a few ironstone and crystal pieces to create a striking focal point in the dining room.

On the painted white huntboard, treasured accessories are paired with two black candlestick buffet lamps topped with seagrass shades for some added warmth and texture.

The living room, located just off the entryway, is another wonderful space with a plethora of design ideas!  

I love the little chairs arranged around the shabby chic coffee table, and the bright lime green end table!  An old chippy pediment and classic Robert Furber prints add interest to the wall above the sofa.

Slipcovered furniture (created by my friend Sheryl Tart, of The Vintage Source) works beautifully in this casual sophisticated room.  

Bright pillows in an array of colors and fabrics were made by Puddin's sister and add the perfect pop of color to the neutral furnishings.  A seagrass rug adds contrast and texture, while a blue rug defines the cozy seating area in front of the fireplace.

Nautical artwork, shore bird carvings, and a collection of seashells pay homage to the home's waterfront location.  While crystal candle scones, crisp white woodwork, and graceful wing chairs maintain the traditional look of the living room.

Not afraid to mix tradition with a little fun and comfort, this comfy wing chair sports a flirty little ruffle and the ottoman, pillows, and floral quilt all say "sit back and relax a while!"

A large armoire and matching bookcases conceal the television and provide space for displaying favorite mementos and family photos.  Wicker baskets, beadboard detailing, and light paint color give these pieces a definite coastal feel.

A glass paneled front door with sidelights and plenty of windows provide the living room with ample natural light.  Hardwood floors, a neutral wall color, and natural woven shades are juxtaposed against the colorful painted furnishings, window treatments, and pillows found throughout.  A coat rack provides the perfect spot to hang Puddin's many gardening hats!

A gorgeous antique pine cabinet allows more space to display the couple's blue and white china collection.  Down the hallway to the right of the cabinet are two bedrooms.

The guest room is a study in feminine beauty, with touches of romance can be found scattered all around the room.  A crystal chandelier, soft pink walls, vintage bed, and delicate netted canopy all add to the romantic feel of this wonderful guest room.

A beautiful matelasse slipcovered chair, antique chest of drawers painted a soft green, and floral curtains and bedding help complete the look.  I love that Puddin shares the same magazine addiction that I do...just look at that wonderful stack there in the corner!  What a wonderful reference library she has!

With the help of family (it's good to have sons who are also carpenters!), Puddin and her husband converted what had once been a small bedroom into a sitting area off of the guest room.  More vintage and antique furniture and a petite crystal chandelier make this space the perfect spot to send an email or sit and write a letter to someone special.

Floral bedding in pinks and greens is accented by blue ticking stripes, giving it a wonderful homespun feel.  Side tables compliment the stunning vintage bed and give guests a sense of being hosted at a marvelous bed and breakfast or country inn.

I hope you've enjoyed this little tour of the wonderful home Puddin shares with her husband, children, and grandchildren.  And just in case you were wondering if Puddin's bathrooms are as charming as the rest of her home, they are!

Every square inch of this home has been lovingly decorated by one of the most sweet, generous, and humble women I've ever come across.  And to think she didn't think anyone would want to see it!!