The Soulful Cottage

Far from folksy, today’s cottages are simple and airy yet layered and enlivened with personal details. Learn to recreate this soulful style at home with best-selling author Fifi O’Neill.

Lived-In Style 31.Aug.2024

SOULFUL COTTAGES have their very own evocative characteristics, each chosen for its emotional connection to the things that matter most in your life.

It’s not about following design rules but about imbuing your home with comfort, inspiration, joy and, ultimately, a sense of belonging. From unique architectural features to furnishings, meaningful displays, heirlooms, fabrics, palettes and more, all facets of a soulful home have a deep meaning that resonates with your inner self.

Surrounding yourself with deeply personal items heightens the senses and creates a visual journal that communicates the soul to a room. Whatever their provenance, from family heirlooms to newly acquired pieces, their worth is sentimental rather than monetary. It stems from a personal relationship.

These decorative choices often elicit memories and milestones of our lives. Lightly blemished and gently peeling wood, painted surfaces and patinated metals lend an air of history and stability, while texture and tone contribute a sense of place for a truly timeless look.

When all the elements come together to tell your unique story, they encourage a sense of harmony, permanence, intentionality and humanity. In turn, these qualities establish the aura that is the very essence of a soulful interior.

UNIQUE FEATURES. Soulful cottages are usually (but not always) older than those built in recent years, which means they often come with architectural character that conveys a sense of history. Many of the homes featured in this book have one-of-a-kind features that their owners have embraced for their period charm.

FAVORITE FURNITURE. Though they might express varied styles––rustic, country, coastal, vintage or romantic—soulful cottages share an affinity for a homey, warm and personable aesthetic. And nothing illustrates their singular identity more than the furnishings that give each one its authentically warm and welcoming environment.

MEANINGFUL ART. Our homes are our refuges, places where we can rest, but they should also reflect who we are. The artworks with which we decorate our spaces are one of the distinguishing aspects that most clearly express our individuality.

HEIRLOOM OBJECTS. An heirloom is typically defined as a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations, but these treasures can come in all shapes, forms and styles. They are essentially pieces that have withstood the test of time and trends. Heirlooms may also have a specific connection to a person or a different time.

TIMELESS LAYERS. The most inviting rooms show the right balance of textural elements through furnishings, objects, materials, finishes, fabrics and colors. Layering pulls together these individual elements to form a cohesive overall look that makes a room feel uniquely personal and inviting. Simply put, layers are decorating gold.

PRETTY PALETTES. The transformative power of color is unparalleled, and when it comes to soulful spaces, soft and undeniably pretty watercolor shades are favored for their soothing and tranquil ambiance. By their very nature, these hues’ gentle and muted demeanor makes them the mainstay of cottage style.

Color schemes, collections, souvenirs, art, furnishings, cultural influences or time periods, anything is fair game as long as the items you choose resonate with your emotions through their significance or legacy. It’s an approach that transcends aesthetics.

SOULFUL STYLE. Perfection is not the goal; it’s all about how your decor supports and uplifts you, and fosters an inner harmony between you and your space. Simply put, when your home makes you feel happy, comfortable, connected and at peace, you have found your style.