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[Oznell]

Now for the simple side-- let's take a rest from what the "ornate" decorators are doing, just to peek in, by contrast, on those who just 'whisper' holiday.

Have posted the Gardener's Cottage before.  She's much more minimal in her Christmases, than most onliners.

You might remember her small, sweet cottage in other seasons:

Some Christmases, there's just a drift of greens from the garden, festooning the kitchen chandelier--

 

Or just a bright poinsettia--

A tiny tree, in a passageway--

Magnolia leaves, berries....

She thrifted the cozy Pendleton blanket in a yellowed bag, only to discover at home its black, white and deep pink scheme echoed her living room colors--

Or, with a quick switch-out, her red chinoiserie pillows pump up the volume--

Another way-- huge basket of poinsettias on the armoire, small tree, little wreath on the mirror--

That pretty mirror she found at a yard sale, and had glass cut to fit it--

I like the subtle way she adorns her varied collection of mirrors, here again with winter's magnolia leaves....

A charming display of vintage Christmas cards, fanning out.

Anyway, that's how she marks Christmas, with mostly natural elements, and a minimum of fuss.  To me, although I need just a little bit more 'sentiment' around me, her choices look airy and pleasing.

If you missed seeing the year-round cottage before, here's a refresher.  Since it's small, except in the wallpapered bedroom, she's created an off-white envelope of Benjamin Moore's "Simply White".

All her little vignettes show a delicate discernment--

The Gardener's Cottage switches up her living room periodically, swapping out furniture, blankets, and art--

When the armoire isn't sporting baskets of poinsettias, it has piled vintage suitcases...

The bedroom's wallpaper is a bit too much for me, but at least it has that faded, vintage look.  I like the feeling of being in a treehouse, but this is just too visually demanding for me....

Even the smallest rooms are charming, like the pantry. Nice to be so organized!  Love her tile:

I admire the cottage's clean, restful look, infused with her low-key personality.  Reminds me of old, old California, small towns drowsing amid lemon groves and Spanish missions....  

[SactoSue]

What a lovely cottage.  My eyes were instantly drawn to the very nice rose garden in front.

I think she shows a lot of discipline in limiting her Christmas decorating.  I think that white sofa with the long ottoman with the black and white tartan throw is perfect for setting the Chrismas theme.   All it needs is a bit of red,  or foliage that has an evergreen look and red berries or flowers. 

There's a bit too much white in some of those photos for me: White walls, white ceiling, whiteslipcovered couch, white slipcovered side chairs.  It might just be the photograph.

I really like that bedroom wallpaper.  It does have a nice vintage floral look to it. 

[We rescue cats]

I love the way she lulls one into the simplicity of the cottage and then adds in the surprise of the chinoiserie pillows and that gorgeously ornate frame on the mirror! It seems to be a cottage filled with surprises, some small and simple others large and ornate, around every corner. LOVE IT!!!

[Citrine1]

What a pretty little cottage.  I'd love to get my hands on this home and redecorate.  It's way too understated for my tastes.  She could do so much more with this space.  Well, to each their own!

[JudyL]

In one picture the living room armoire looks white and another it looks black.  Is it the same armoire?  Just curious.  I like it although I would add a bit more color.  All the white is not my style.  I'm also curious where in CA she lives as the cottage reminds me of something you'd find further into Northern CA.

[Judaline]

I like the kitchen. Simple. Homey. 

[CarolinaGirl88]

Lovely and peaceful. I am a fan!

[wagirl]

that is wonderful and very relaxing----

[GingerHead]

@Oznell 

What an adorable cottage and yard. If I were a single lady, I could and would love living in a place like that (I need more room and space/distance with a DH,haha).

Sometimes simple is better....refreshing, light, no excess=mind freeing. I just want to say...ahhhhh.

I love it all but quick standouts for me are:

*her use of decorative mirrors. I find I prefer a pretty mirror over a picture most times because of their beauty and simple and reflective qualities.... pictures can be more limiting and tie you to a certain theme and I don't want to be tied down!

*That Magnolia arrangement really caught my eye, so simple but so perfect.

*I love potted and lighted trees and she has a cute one by her window.

*Beautiful and comfy with the big squishy couches and chairs. I love beauty but it must be comfy because I love being comfortable even more.

*That pantry makes me happy....Goals!!!!

Thanks for another Lovely!

[Marsha2003]

I love seeing homes with overwrought holiday decor, with sentimental holiday decor and with quiet, somewhat minimal holiday decor.  All the styles are full of joy in different ways.  

I'll never be a minimalist, but my holiday additions this year are pared back from what I do in some years.  I added some holly to my dining room chandelier, grouped some white poinsettias together and displyed some candles and greenery.  This year, I skipped the glittery and colorful items.  I think it's nice to change up how my house feels during the holidays from year to year.