When it comes to decorating cottages and homes, it is helpful to have a variety of ideas that can make your home or nature retreat a little more special, unique and one which utilizes space well.

Havens and Hideaways: Cozy Cabins and Rustic Retreats was very enjoyable to read. Not only did the text and photographs provide interesting and useful construction and decorating ideas, but the “Havens and Hideaways” themselves were interesting. A few of the retreats featured include an island get-away in New York, a barge in England, a summerhouse on the Isle of Wight, a watermill in France, a barn in Vermont and a railroad wagon in Scotland.

Havens and Hideaways not only looks at some unique places where their creators “get away from it all,” but it also contains many thought-provoking and useful decorating ideas.

Cottage Retreats: Decorating Ideas for Every Mood is a useful book for anyone who has, or is considering getting, a cottage. Written by Lisa Jill Schlang, this book contains considerable practical information on cottages. While most of the ideas pertain to cottage interiors, there are some helpful ideas pertaining to decks, porches and patios as well. 

Besides 135 colour photographs illustrating some very unique and attractive cottages and cottage rooms, Schlang’s informative book contains numerous practical decorating suggestions and how they can be attained. Unlike many of the “cottage books” on the market, Cottage Retreats is mostly about  modest cottages that feature low-maintenance, comfortable interiors.

Cottage Retreats is composed of six chapters (Tranquil, Romantic, Cozy, Nostalgic, Rustic and Whimsical) that explore distinct settings in and around the cottage. In the chapter entitled “Cozy” Schlang offers the following practical advice pertaining to “accessories.”

“Less is not more for a cozy retreat. You want to create a very lived-in look. Filling your rooms to overflowing with comfortable furnishings, charming accessories, and collections steeped in sentiment will go a long way toward achieving this effect. You’ll want to have plenty of space to display objects you’ve gathered over the years – ones that bring back fond memories and have stories to tell. These cherished possessions will bring a personal touch to your cottage.” (page 74)

Besides the considerable decoration information contained in this book, Schlang also offers useful entertaining and decorating tips in numerous sidebars. Some of the topics addressed in these sidebars include: colour tips, storage tips, mixing patterns, hosting a tea party or theme party and having a picnic.

Whether you’re planning on building your nature home or your cottage could use some redecorating, you will enjoy and benefit from Schlang’s decorating knowledge and thoughts pertaining to cottage living.

Cottages, Cabins & Chalets: An Owner’s Companion is a practical journal-style book that offers good advice along with areas to record your cottage information. The first section, “Welcome to Our Place,” provides three pages where the cottage’s location and history can be recorded. Pertinent information on closing up the cottage can be kept in the last section “Closing-Up Checklist.” In between these sections numerous topics are covered on such things as: the electrical system, the plumbing system, cooking, garbage disposal, weather, boats and first aid. The information and advice provided by the authors, combined with areas where you can write your personal information on these subjects will result in a comprehensive cottage manual of your special nature retreat.

One part of the book that I was disappointed with was the title of the section “Pesky Pests.” The attitude that some animals are “pests” is one that our species needs to eliminate if we are to develop a respectful relationship with the natural world.