Classic Cottages: Simple, Romantic Homes

by Brian Coleman, Douglas Keister (Photographer)

Romantic and picturesque, the word "cottage" brings to mind the idyllic charms of the countryside. Who can resist the appeal of a sweet little house, surrounded by wild roses, at the end of a winding cobblestone lane? From Anne Hathaway's cottage, which became synonymous with the innocent charm of the English countryside, to the sturdy Cape Cod, the first cottage indigenous to the United States, Classic Simple, Romantic Homes looks at the architecture, history, design, and decorating possibilities of the many charming cottages throughout North America.
From rolling bungalows to quaint thatched stone huts to nineteenth-century gingerbread gems, cottages in all forms are being rediscovered in record numbers as people yearn for inspiring and appealing housing. Classic Simple, Romantic Homes celebrates the delightful cottage home with the renowned photography of Doug Keister, the insightful and enlightening text of Brian Coleman, and an abundance of historical and cultural information about the charming cottage.
Brian Coleman, M.D., is a practicing psychiatrist in Seattle, Washington. As an old-house enthusiast, he has written numerous articles on historic home design for magazines ranging from Old House Journal to Period Living in the United Kingdom and is the West Coast editor for Old House Interiors. Brian wrote two previous books, Vintage Victorian Textiles and The Victorian Dining Room. He divides his time between New York and Seattle.
Douglas Keister has photographed fourteen award-winning, critically acclaimed books (including Red Tile America's Spanish Revival Architecture, The America's Arts & Crafts Home, and Storybook America's Whimsical Homes of the Twenties) earning him the title "America's most noted photographer of historic architecture." His latest offering from Gibbs Smith, Publisher is Stories in The Complete Guide to Cemetery Symbolism. He also writes and illustrates magazine articles and contributes photographs and essays to other books, calendars, posters, and greeting cards. Doug lives in Chico, California, and travels frequently to photograph and lecture on historic architecture and photography.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published April 8, 2004

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just want a beautiful book with lovely images in which to lose yourself. This book by Brian Coleman does the trick. And were I ever to buy any home remotely close to cottage in style, the photographs of exteriors would also be inspirational for detailing and landscaping.

I've enjoyed every book I've read so far by Brian Coleman. He has a true eye for interior design that is enchanting and tells a story.

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm afraid I cannot really review the text content of this book, as I just got it for the pretty pictures! And it is mostly pictures, which are lovely, varied, and include macro as well as detail shots. My only complaint was that it's a little bit dated; published in 2004, most of the interiors are less "classic" and more "2004".

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yummy houses. All Brian's books are gorgeous.

[Gena Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiration for those of us who can only afford a small home. There is nothing "small" about these wonderful cottages which are big on style and fun!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I please live in ALL of these houses?

Beautifully photographed with detailed desciptions and stories, this is a great book for design.
Or a nice display on the coffee table.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of beautiful homes.

[Juli Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Not as cute as I was hoping.

[Christine McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of photos of different styles of cottages and bungalows from across the country. And a standout section on early campers with beautiful wooden interiors!