Bee Cottage

I love the magazine House Beautiful.  Last year they followed the renovation of "Bee Cottage;"  one room an issue until its completion.  The owner, and design enthusiast, Frances Shultz carefully decorated each room in a playful and inviting scheme that still has a traditional cottage element.  

Perfect little storybook exterior

Every detail of the house and property was thought out: notice the bee cut out in the gate.

Bowers of flowers

Blue and green is a classic combination, but Frances wasn't afraid to make them bold.

 

Her collection of Staffordshire ware is perfectly highlighted on these shelves.

Garden green never looked so fresh

Two shades of green for the drapes:  I must remember this idea.

     

Lattice, stripe and floral.  I must say that while it is pretty, it is a bit frenetic for me.

A funky half canopy adorns the bed in the master.

A weird little nook has been transformed into a functional and beautiful vanity.

Softer shades in the guest bedroom.

Now this is gutsy, but somehow it works.  Frances said that she was channeling Bunny Williams with the choice of the dog lamps.

"Bee" is everywhere...love it.

Frances highlights the odd ceiling in the bathroom with the striped paint treatment.

The galley kitchen looks so fresh:  No upper cabinets and an overall light color scheme helps the space feel larger.

Plates are perfect in the kitchen as art, but the color on the chairs really makes the space pop.

A teal ceiling in the butler's pantry....hmmm I think you will see this treatment again somewhere soon!

Frances says that the dining room is her favorite room in the house.  I think it is a real departure in terms of color, but it still has that garden feel with the botanicals and the bird cage light.

I like how the large mirror is just leaning against the wall:  It gives it a more interesting and casual feel.

The fabulous backyard.  I am in love.

I have taken so many ideas from this patio space that I can't wait to use.