Studio Explosion

You know those posts of gorgeous studios that belong to creative bloggers?

This isn't one of them.

Nope.

This is a post about my studio. My studio that looks as though Hurricane Katrina has been resurrected within its walls. As though my studio has regurgitated upon itself.


My studio December 18, 2016


I remember when my creative space was tidy and organized (I posted a tour here).

And pretty.

My studio a year ago.



Then a creative lightning bolt struck and I needed additional stuff to bring all my ideas to fruition. And before long I ran out of room to store all my stuff in total. Because, you know, my room is 9' x 10' and there's only so much a girl can do to fit her abundant stuff in a tiny space.

”Around Here, However We Don’t Look Backwards For Very Long. We Keep Moving Forward, Opening Up New Doors And Doing New Things… And Curiosity Keeps Leading Us Down New Paths.”
Source:QuotesJunk.com

This past Sunday Anne at My Giant Strawberry blogged about the re-arrangement of her lovely studio and gave a tour here. As I commented to her, it was a timely post for me to read. Expanding creative endeavors have made my original studio design obsolete, and I feel stymied by the clutter. 

Image result for where did all this clutter come from meme


I've got a new plan for my studio. It's going to take awhile to get it just the way I want it, but at least I've taken a crucial step. I moved my counter-height table away from the corner, opening up a wall for more storage space. Before I go any further I need some storage bins that are currently stowed away in our white shed. I wasn't up for trekking through 18" of snow at frigid temps to fetch them. Maybe today, as it's supposed to warm up. 

So for now I'm still moving things out of the way to get to things that are too far away because I don't have the right things for my things to be close to my things.

Did you get that? 







A Joyful Cottage Christmas 2016

Welcome to our 2016 Christmas cottage.




In keeping with our simple lifestyle, I've taken a minimal approach to decorating at A Joyful Cottage this year.






A nature-inspired wreath hangs on our door.






Potted rosemary is dressed in plaid and accessorized with a burlap "Merry Christmas" star. If we happen to brush the rosemary as we enter the cottage we receive a pleasant scent as a reward. 




The fireplace is the focal point of our cottage, so it's where I expend the most Christmas decorating energy. You'll find the whole story of my mantel transformation from its every day look to Christmas splendor at Wayfair, and have a chance to see the pretty Christmas mantels of seven other bloggers.




A tablecloth done in Swedish weaving covers the dining table.  (You can read more about the tablecloth in last year's Christmas post here.) It's one of our favorite possessions.




In line with the Scandinavian simplicity, the centerpiece is a humble wooden bowl filled with rag balls, pine cones and a tiny wreath.




I've had this nativity for almost twenty years. It wouldn't be Christmas without it.





The little cubby where I keep cookbooks receives some attention, too. 




I like to make small seasonal changes on my stove hood shelf.




The snow globe I received last year from AnnMarie of Musings of a Vintage Junkie reminds me that I've made wonderful friends through blogging.





One of the collages I made hangs on my studio door.






Finally, the teeniest of tiny Christmas trees. . .nestled next to the plants in my garden window.



This is Christmas 2016 at A Joyful Cottage. Uncomplicated and relaxed. 

Life is good. God's in His heaven -- all's right with the world.

May you enjoy a peaceful and hope-filled season.



Sharing with Home for Christmas.


Living Large In Small Spaces - Kent Cottage

Now that I've returned from my hiatus, I hope you're ready to jump back into the weekly series Living Large In Small Spaces.

This charming cottage in Kent, England popped up on my screen while searching online for Christmas decorating inspiration. Once I saw it I knew it would be the right home to share during the holiday season. 




Kent Cottage
:Photo by Chris Snook- Browse shabby-chic style home design ideas



Welcome to the eighty-fourth post in the series
"Living Large in Small Spaces".



Kent Cottage


The duck egg blue door opens into a romantic and whimsical cottage. 


Kent Cottage


Exposed beams, nooks and crannies. . .everything I crave in an old-world cottage.



Kent Cottage



The cottage has few windows and small rooms. Light colored walls, ceilings and furnishings brighten the space, and mirrors reflect the light and give the illusion of depth.

Kent Cottage


There's an elegant informality about this room.


Kent Cottage


Exposed aged brick makes a nice contrast to the light walls and adds warmth, as well as character.


Kent Cottage


The furnishings have a fairy tale quality.

Kent Cottage



I have to say that I love the Christmas decorations in this cottage.


Kent Cottage


Some natural and rustic, some sophisticated and refined. . .little surprises everywhere.


Kent Cottage
Kent Cottage


A beautiful crowned swan under a cloche lends an air of enchantment.


Kent Cottage
Kent Cottage
Kent Cottage
Kent Cottage

Unfitted kitchens like this one remind me of my grandfather's cottage kitchen, where as a child I spent many happy Sunday afternoons playing gin rummy and drinking 7-up. Maybe that's why I'm so drawn to them.



Kent Cottage


Notice the scalloped edges of the table's top? So interesting.

Kent Cottage


Now this is what I call a cottage kitchen.

Kent Cottage

I'm ready to start a star collection after seeing all the ones displayed in this home.


Kent Cottage


There's seems to be a lot of storage in this small kitchen.


Kent Cottage


Two bedrooms upstairs possess as much charm as the rest of the cottage.

Kent Cottage



I really like the patchwork quilt in this bedroom.


Kent Cottage


Kent Cottage
Kent Cottage
Kent Cottage


I like the fact that the bed is unpainted. It's a beautiful piece and deserves to stand out against all the white, in my humble opinion.


Kent Cottage
Kent Cottage
Kent Cottage
Kent Cottage


Is it possible to have too many pillows?



Kent Cottage



I hope you enjoyed seeing this cottage in Kent as much as I did. (Warning: Like me, you may need to scroll through the post a few times to catch all the delights.)


Kent Cottage


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Join me next Saturday for another post in the special series


Living Large in Small Spaces

See more home tours and small living ideas in the 
Living Large In Small Spaces Series here.