While we never need coaxing to peek inside another sweet country cottage (feel free to call me MRS. PEEPERS, fellow peepers!), a new book provides one more delicious excuse. Fifi O’Neill’s THE SOULFUL COTTAGE (CICO Books, 2024) with photography from Mark Lohman (and also others) tours character-rich homes created with intention and authenticity.
Fifi O’Neill’s SOULFUL COTTAGE & Rustic Romance
Today I’m spotlighting two of my favorite projects in Fifi’s book you’re sure to love. While these cottages caught my eye, all of the homes are worthy of mention.
My favorite soulful cottage is the author’s own Sarasota, Florida home. You can’t miss Fifi’s style in her kitchen above, and just look at the character of her cottage’s exterior on the book cover:
What an enchanting sky blue! The other darling project highlighted here is STORYBOOK COTTAGE in Leiper’s Fork. We booked a stay at this getaway in the country near Nashville so it is a treat to see it on these pages.
Blue Paint Color in a Cottage Bedroom
While I am not certain of the exact periwinkle blue in Storybook Cottage’s bedroom, since I saw it in person, I can offer an educated guess. SW 6240 Windy Blue is similar:
There were so many fabulous details to note during our stay in that Tennessee cottage, and what a bonus that you will score dozens of ideas simply by ordering Fifi’s book!
Should you decide to book a stay at Storybook Cottage, do tell them I sent you. Also, don’t miss Patina Home & Garden, the Giannetti’s shop located in Leiper’s Fork.
Fifi O’Neill’s Florida Cottage
How cheerful are the colors throughout her own home? She experimented with pretty coastal blues and romantic rosy pinks.
“My home is the keeper of my memories. I can get inspired by just about anything as long as it speaks to me.” -Fifi O’Neill
Storybook Cottage in Leiper’s Fork
To rescue their “storybook cottage,” Sarah and Michael McConnell enlisted Kim Leggett of City Farmhouse in Franklin, TN. A grand chandelier hung from the cathedral ceiling adds so much vintage character and is a bit unexpected with the living room’s less glamorous elements.
Even though the cottage is just 800 square feet, it lives large thanks to a sleeping loft and a tranquil color story.
Harmony of Nature Indoors & Out
I love how this bedroom in Fifi’s cottage so beautifully reflects nature blooming outside. (And notice how just a bit of tender turquoise exterior in the window strikes just the right note!)
While this bedroom leans toward the feminine, there’s an understated natural mood in here with blushy pinks that live like neutrals.
“A home should be a poetic mix of contrasting elements that work together in harmony. It’s not about displaying things just to be looked at.” -Fifi O’Neill
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
“When all the elements come together to tell your unique story, they encourage a sense of harmony, permanence, intentionality and humanity.” -Fifi O’Neill
Humble Cottages With Grand Appeal
In a design world full of grand homes dreamed into being with bottomless budgets, THE SOULFUL COTTAGE is set apart in its celebration of the humble.
No matter what style of decorating you admire, isn’t it refreshing to know there are folks everywhere creating from their hearts and souls to please themselves rather than collect fans on their social feeds?
Find THE SOULFUL COTTAGE here.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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