The Natural Cozy Cottage

The elements for creating a cozy home

- By Shirlie Kemp. Photography by Shirlie Kempt at Cico Books

An excerpt from the book, The Natural Cozy Cottage: 100 Styling Ideas to Create a Warm and Welcoming Home, by Christiane Bellstedt Myers.

A pitcher full of roses or heavily scented lilacs, the fragrance of woodsmoke and damp leaves, and a piece of glass worn smooth by the waves: all these objects bring delight and connect us to the natural world. We are slowly realizing that life's simple pleasures are more fulfilling than accruing vast amounts of possessions. The earth has limited resources, and we must use what is on offer with respect and dignity.

Creating a natural cozy cottage begins when you start working alongside nature. I throw open windows and doors to let in the fresh air at all times of the year. Imagine the scent of freshly cut grass in the spring and summer or the evocative tang of a wood fire on a cold winter's day. Natural light, too, is instantly uplifting, creating a cheerful ambiance that artificial light cannot compete with. If a room is dark, reconsider the wall colors and window treatments. Mirrors can also make a room feel brighter by reflecting the available light.