Floral Fascination - Decorating with Flowers






There are always flowers for those who want to see them
~ Henri Matisse


Hello Cottage Friends,


Whether outdoors or indoors, flowers are always visible here at A Joyful Cottage. After all, what would a cottage be without a smattering of floral lovelies?




Although we're officially now in the fall season, my flower garden is still going strong. No signs of fading yet; I have plenty of flowers available for cutting.

We've been collecting cobalt blue glass the last few years and I enjoy displaying it in our cottage. Here I've mixed it in with some of my potted plants and flowers in the garden window. 




Sometimes just a single bloom in a simple vessel can make a bold statement.




Fresh flowers from our cottage garden can be found in our sitting area, too. I especially like to place them near Dennis' sculpture.


In Good Hands sculpture by Dennis Reinke






















The photo below, taken in our last home, illustrates how I surrounded Dennis sculpture with potted geraniums, creating a mini botanical garden. This is something I plan to do again.



The Awakening sculpture by Dennis Reinke


My favorite floral arrangements are those that look like they were casually gathered on a summer walk. Like this bouquet of fresh flowers in our bathroom.  The style and size of the cut glass vase is ideal for this space.






Here's another pretty bouquet on my studio windowsill. I used one of the small bottles that resides here to hold a few delicate blooms. The charming pillow was a housewarming gift from my blogging friend Jo of Anne's Attic Design. It's her creation, and I love all the handmade flowers that embellish it. I keep it in this special place, above my desk, where I'm constantly reminded of her kindness and generosity. (Gorgeous pillows like this aren't just for sofas, chairs and beds, you know.) 



Long after my cutting garden has surrendered to Jack Frost, flowers will still brighten the rooms of our cottage via the decorative accessories I use. This rose tea cup is English bone china. Can you believe I found it in the "free" box at a local thrift shop? It's in perfect condition. 





A pretty French box holds my vintage hankies and hand embroidered pillowcases. Loads of flowers here.




My love affair with flowers is evident in the vintage plate and demitasse cup on our decorative stove hood shelf. 






Finally, our bedroom is a flower garden in repose.




Instead of a headboard, my husband's stunning Water Lily oil painting takes center stage above our bed. 


Water Lily oil painting by Dennis Reinke

Mixing and layering floral patterns gives me the quaint cottage charm I love.





I've only just begun. As I continue to decorate our new cottage, you can bet more flowers will show up.

So tell me, do you decorate with flowers? 




22 comments

  1. So pretty!! Your kitchen window sill looks beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful Nancy. I love the window sill and all the beautiful flowers and plants. That will be so much fun to change out for holidays too. Love seeing your sweet little cottage come to life.
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's official, I have a "thing" for facets and flowers, thanks to you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the way you use flowers in your home. Yes, I do use flowers - but not enough of them! I love floral plates and fabrics and pictures. I have to balance my sweetheart's love for the outdoors and things of a manly nature so I don't have as many floral accents through my home as I could. I'm happy with that, though. Dennis's sculptures are incredible! What a treasure.
    ~Adrienne~

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nancy, these pictures should be in Victoria magazine!

    These are my favorite kinds of flower arrangements, like you've clipped little blooms on a walk outside. The different odd little containers are right for them, but of course that little cutglass vase looks just right on your pretty bathroom sink. And your dust ruffle is almost exactly like mine except mine is a darker olive background. But my goodness you have the amazing sculptures and paintings of your husband for a backdrop! You've inspired me to go out and see what's left in my garden!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nancy your cottage is being filled with loving energy and coziness - looking very pretty. I love the vibrancy of cobalt and use the Tynant water bottles myself. A singular fleur can create a sense sensation and I oftentimes admire the aesthetic of one. All your bouquets and floral fabrics add warmth and beauty.
    Please tell Dennis his Water Lily oil painting is magical.
    Enjoy your weekend,
    xoxo,
    Vera

    ReplyDelete
  7. So lovely, pretty, delicate, genuine . . . perfectly cottage!
    Your husbands sculptures are so tender, beautiful . . .
    I usually have fresh flowers in our home.
    There are many places to tuck a vessel of "freshness and color!"
    Amazing the "cheer" it can bring to my day when I walk into a room and see flowers.
    Just like the "cheer" of your post . . .
    So lovely . . .

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your cut flower bouquets are so pretty, Nancy. I love all of the colors together. You definitely have a green thumb :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. The flowers you have displayed are so dainty and complimentary in your space, Nancy. Each photo looks like it belongs in a coffee table book. Flowers in the bathroom are my favorite. They are a bit unexpected in that room...and so even more appreciated! Everything looks just perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  10. So beautiful! I love all the floral patterns in your home too!

    Have a wonderful weekend! xox

    ReplyDelete
  11. I once went to a weekend event called Flower Camp. Three days of 'arranging for the joy of it' with Nancy Ross Hugo.
    She is a kind and inspiring teacher, naturalist and author of several books and a blog on windowsill arranging.
    So yes.....I most definitely love to drop flowers in to all kinds of vases.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Flowers add so much beauty to a home. I love your garden window sill! I smiled when I saw your single zinnia in the blue bottle. I have one in a similar orange bottle on my mantel. Your home is lovely Nancy!
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh Nancy, when I think of how you and Dennis started building this house, and now to see it photographed with all your GORGEOUS personals, it is like watching an oil painting being painted, a poem being written.....each room I'm sure is as sunny and colorful as these snapshots, and I am THRILLED that your nest is fluffed up! I LOVE FLOWERS and like you, our fall has not quite taken into full color, and it's even HOT! Unusual for Minnesota! But we are enjoying flowers as well, and why not!

    Your kitchen sink and that lovely shelf above it....ohhhhhh my! AND, Dennis's sculpturing talents and painting! What a gifted man. Love to you dearest Nancy! Anita

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a lovely post and home and your husband's sculptures and painting are beautiful. I love your style and all of the flowers are wonderful additions to any room.

    Have a great weekend ~ FlowerLady

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh my heavens Nancy, what's not to love!! What lovely flowers everywhere! I'm loving your cottage decor, it's so full of charm and so delightful. I can feel it! What a gorgeous painting your husband created, it's wonderful!
    Happy Saturday~
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh my heavens Nancy, what's not to love!! What lovely flowers everywhere! I'm loving your cottage decor, it's so full of charm and so delightful. I can feel it! What a gorgeous painting your husband created, it's wonderful!
    Happy Saturday~
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi.....a cottage without flowers / isn't..yours are certainly beautiful..as is the work by Dennis..he's a true artist..it must be Fabulous being in your new home an enjoying putting on the finishing touches..bet you're already thinking about Christmas..an what beauty you can bring to your cottage in your first yr..hope you have a wonderful weekend.!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Every area of your pretty cottage is brighter for the flowers....so pretty! I don't decorate too much with flowers since I am allergic to a lot of them. My daughter recently brought me pollen-less sunflowers (my favorite) and I could enjoy those for a week or so.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello,
    I am still cutting fresh flowers from my garden too. I have several vases of flowers all around the house. I do enjoy it. During the winter months, I cut fresh greens from our pine trees. It just adds a touch of nature.
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
  20. So pretty Nancy and I love your garden window. I know you will have so much fun changing it with the seasons. I've enjoyed watching you add your personal touches to your cottage and can't wait to see what else you have to share.

    ReplyDelete
  21. So pretty Nancy and I love your garden window. I know you will have so much fun changing it with the seasons. I've enjoyed watching you add your personal touches to your cottage and can't wait to see what else you have to share.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I enjoyed so much seeing more of your cottage thanks to your pictures of your darling floral touches.

    ReplyDelete

Your comments bring me joy! Thanks for stopping by.