As we say goodbye to 2022, it’s the perfect time to look back on the trends that delighted and inspired us throughout the year. From bold colorways to fresh takes on beloved aesthetics, we’ve shared countless creative spaces this year, many of which inspired us to update our own homes. Check out a few of our favorites and find out what we’re hoping to see more of in 2023!
Katie Ellis, Editor
Stylish Breakfast Spaces: This summer, my husband and I moved into our newly built cottage in North Alabama. One of my favorite elements of the home is the cottage-style breakfast nook, complete with built-in drawer storage and ample seating just off the kitchen. From wallpaper to upholstery, there are so many ways to add style and charm into a new build, and this kitchen nook round up served as a source of great inspiration as we made choices to add our stamp of personality to the home!
Transform Your Breakfast Space with These Inspiring Spots and Fresh Flavors
Vintage Texas Charm: Just before the pandemic of 2020, I had the opportunity to travel to Round Top, Texas, for the Original Round Top Antiques Fair. While there, I had the privilege of meeting homeowners Linda O’Neal and Rob Rosenbaum at a dinner, and as we shared stories of home and travel, they described their impeccably stylish labor of love they’d created just down the road in Greenvine, Texas. A few days later, they invited me to visit their home and tour their picturesque lodging and event venue they’d created on their piece of Texas paradise. The White House on the Hill was inspired by quaint rural church buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries, and its sister site, an original cedar barn, has received a stunningly sophisticated renovation. The property is gorgeous, layered with vintage charm and romantic cottage style, and their story of restoration is beautiful. So, it was such a joy to finally share their spaces with our readers in the pages of The Cottage Journal’s special issue, Vintage Cottage.
Tour This Country Haven Steeped in Elegant Vintage Charm
Bethany Adams, Managing Editor
Green Décor: Blue will always be a cottage-style favorite, but I’m partial to spaces that go heavy with shades of green. My own home makes ample use of hues like sage and pistachio, and the effect couldn’t be more relaxing—which is why I adore the attention the color has received this year. From kitchens cabinets to botanical prints in the bedroom, I’m hoping to see more in 2023!
Our Stylists’ St. Patrick’s Day Picks Will Have You Going Green
Wallpaper: The increasing popularity of peel-and-stick wallpaper over the past few years has led to a resurgence in spaces surrounded by eye-catching patterns—without the hassle of traditional wallpaper. This year, I’ve seen a slew of bold and beautiful designs that have left me in love with the revival of this nearly abandoned design element, spanning every style you could think of. One of my favorite projects, this South Carolina home shows off wallpaper’s versatility in adding personality to any room, whether it’s by layering texture into a staircase or creating a statement ceiling in the dining room.
This Cozy South Carolina Historic Home Offers a Glimpse of the Past
Elizabeth Czapski, Associate Editor
Coastal Grandmother: After marrying a Navy officer in 2017 and living in a couple different coastal towns since, I’ve really adopted this aesthetic in our homes over the last few years. Being a lifelong lover of the beach, as well as soft blues and neutrals, I naturally gravitated toward this look, and it was fun to see it go viral this year.
Embrace Your Inner Coastal Grandmother with These Serene Spaces
Bold-colored Kitchens: We happened upon a home with a slate blue kitchen a few years ago, and I immediately fell in love with it! I’ve always appreciated the look of a classic all-white kitchen, but this was a refreshing departure I didn’t know I was looking for. When we moved and decided to build in 2021, we went with a similar shade, and we’re still loving it. It’s been cool to see this trend take off with so many distinctive colors.
The Beautiful Kitchen Behind The Nostalgic Crumb Baking Blog Is a Feat of Function
Holly Seng, Assistant Editor
Butler’s Pantries: There are few things I love more than setting a table and prepping a delicious meal—whether it be an everyday dinner or special gathering with friends. The kitchen is my happy place and the heart of my home, but I’ve always found myself fascinated by the idea of one day having a butler’s pantry. Designer Maggie Griffin shares with us a few favorite butler’s pantries she and her team have designed along with expert design tips. Beauty meets functionality in these inspiring spaces.
Designer Maggie Griffin Offers Fresh Butler’s Pantry Inspiration
Eye-catching Islands: There’s something special about the light and airy aesthetic of a white kitchen that lends timeless charm, but I’m all for keeping things interesting with an unexpected deviation that packs a colorful panache. As the central gathering spot in most kitchens, the island serves as a stunning focal point which only becomes more prominent when painted a contrasting hue. No detail is overlooked in this kitchen where Roman shades featuring a fresh floral pattern tie together the scheme seamlessly.
Designer Katy Anderson Gives This Kitchen a Refreshing Transformation
