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Summer Living Blogger Home Style

Welcome to Our Summer 2016 Home Tour: Embracing Layered Living in #thecottagebungalow

Hello, wonderful friends and fellow design enthusiasts!

Happy Thursday, everyone! It’s that exhilarating time of year again for the much-anticipated Blogger Stylin’ Home Tours. A couple of times annually, our incredible blog friend, Lindsay from The White Buffalo Styling Co, brings together a passionate community of design-obsessed individuals like myself. She invites us to open our doors and share an intimate look into how we’re currently styling our personal sanctuaries. It’s been an immense honor to participate in this inspiring event since its inception a few years ago, and I’m thrilled (and a little surprised she hasn’t grown tired of me yet!) to be invited back for the Summer 2016 edition. A huge thank you, sweet friend, for including me once again!

We’re already on day four of this spectacular home tour showcase, which means you’ve undoubtedly encountered some truly breathtaking spaces. What I adore most about this tour is the sheer diversity – every participant brings their unique home style to the forefront, offering a rich tapestry of inspiration that can spark countless ideas for your own dwelling. If you’re currently making your way over from my fabulous friends, Chelsea and Cate, at Style Mutt Home, then a heartfelt WELCOME to our corner of the internet! I’ve been following their journey on Instagram for quite some time now, and I absolutely adore their genuine spirit and impeccable style.

For those of you who are new to my blog and haven’t joined us before, allow me to extend a warm welcome to #thecottagebungalow. Our journey here began just two short years ago when my family and I made a significant life change. We traded in our larger, newer construction, builder-grade home for a more intentionally downsized existence. Our new haven? A charming 1940s cottage bungalow, roughly half the size of our previous home but with a million times more character and potential. It has been a challenging, yet utterly amazing and profoundly rewarding experience, and we are pouring our hearts into transforming this house into our dream home.

This spring has been a whirlwind of renovation mayhem for us, and honestly, we still have a considerable amount of work ahead. Therefore, this won’t be a “complete home” tour in the traditional sense, as many areas are still in various stages of transformation. Instead, think of it as a special peek into the select spaces that are currently free from dust and debris! And, to be completely transparent, by “spaces,” I primarily mean our living room, because, truth be told, it’s the only area that feels truly put together at the moment. But fear not, this beloved room tells a rich story of our design philosophy and serves as the vibrant heart of our evolving home.

Stepping Inside Our Beloved Living Room: A Heartfelt Welcome

A warm and inviting entry area, hinting at the vibrant boho-eclectic style within the cottage bungalow.

A panoramic view of the living room, showcasing a rich tapestry of colors, patterns, and layered textures. A different angle of the living room, highlighting a cozy seating arrangement with vintage finds and global textiles.

Our living room holds a very special place in my heart; it is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite space in our entire home. And no, it’s not *just* because it’s the only room that’s even remotely finished and photo-ready! What truly captivates me about this room is its incredible sense of layering. With each new element, each unique piece added, the space becomes richer, deeper, and more intrinsically “us.” This layering process isn’t just about adding more things; it’s about building depth, character, and a narrative that truly reflects our family’s personality and our journey in this charming bungalow.

A close-up of a vibrant corner in the living room, featuring art, plants, and an array of textured cushions.A styled side table vignette, displaying a curated collection of antique books, a unique lamp, and personal mementos.

Another view of the living room, focusing on the interplay of natural light and the carefully selected furniture pieces. A focal point in the living room, possibly a juju hat or intricate wall art, demonstrating global influences.

Embracing Maximalist Boho-Eclectic: Our Signature Style

If I had to label my interior design aesthetic, I’d confidently describe it as boho-eclectic, with a strong lean towards unapologetic maximalism. When it comes to decorating our home, my personal motto is unequivocally: “more is more.” Forget the minimalist trends; here at #thecottagebungalow, we live by #gimmeallthethings. I have an insatiable love for vibrant color, and you’ll find no stark white walls within these creative confines. Instead, I gravitate towards moody, saturated hues that create a sense of warmth and intrigue. Color, pattern, and texture are the holy trinity of my design approach, intertwining to create a rich, sensory experience in every corner.

The thrill of the hunt is a fundamental part of how our home comes to life. You’ll often find me happily scouring flea markets, antique fairs, bustling estate sales, and even the digital treasure trove of Craigslist. These are my preferred hunting grounds for unique, soulful pieces that contribute to the story and character of our home. Each vintage find, whether it’s a timeworn rug, a beautifully aged piece of furniture, or an unusual piece of art, brings its own history and personality, adding invaluable layers to our eclectic narrative. This approach allows us to create a space that feels collected over time, rather than simply purchased, fostering a truly authentic and deeply personal atmosphere.

Details that Define Our Home

A curated entry vignette, welcoming guests with a glimpse of the home's distinctive style and personality.

A sweet dog, Fiona, relaxing amidst the colorful and textured decor of the living room, adding a personal touch. A cozy and meticulously styled corner, showcasing unique decor items and comfortable furnishings that invite relaxation.

As you can see from these glimpses, the rooms around here are in a constant state of flux, continuously changing and evolving with our tastes and finds. This dynamic process is part of the joy of creating a truly personal home, and I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed this quick peek into our living space’s current Summer styling. It’s a snapshot of where we are right now, filled with the warmth and vibrancy that define our cottage bungalow lifestyle. Thank you all so incredibly much for taking the time to stop by and share in our home tour journey!

The inspiration doesn’t stop here, though! Your next exciting destination on this incredible tour is Bright Green Door. Head over there next to discover how Jess is infusing her home with the spirit of Summer. And if you happened to miss any of the previous stops on the tour, I highly recommend starting from the very beginning with our wonderful host, Lindsay’s own beautiful home. You absolutely won’t want to miss a single moment of the incredible creativity and diverse styles showcased throughout this event!

For daily happenings, behind-the-scenes peeks into our ongoing renovations, and more inspiration from #thecottagebungalow, be sure to follow me on Instagram. You can find all our adventures and evolving style at @sgardnerstyle. I love connecting with you all there!

Here’s a complete list of all the fabulous homes participating in today’s leg of the tour. Make sure to visit each one for a full dose of summer styling inspiration:

  • My Sweet Savannah

  • Jennifer Rizzo

  • Circa ‘34

  • StyleMutt Home

  • SG Style

  • Bright Green Door

  • A Creative Day Blog

Until next time, my dear friends, keep creating beautiful spaces!

Xo-Shavonda