Home Home Decor Ideas A North Carolina Mountain Cottage Gets A Magical Transformation By Southern Living Editors Updated on January 31, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Helen Norman Almost everything about the 1940s mountain house that architect Norman D. Askins discovered more than 20 years ago delighted him. He was intrigued by the unusual site with a secluded meadow in the front and wide mountain views behind it. He was charmed by the cottage details and the long front hall with interesting vistas. All of these details captivated the architect's eye. However, it had some shortcomings too, such as dull gray shingles, dark pine walls and floors, and dated interior decor. The quaint escape needed some much-needed love and attention – and it challenged Askins to do what he loves most. 01 of 09 Seeing Magic In the Mountains Photo: Helen Norman "It was a wreck when I first saw it, but the bones were there," says Norman. When he brought his wife, decorator Joane Askins, to the house years later, they joined forces, combining their talents to bring out the home's natural beauty and charm. Shingles: HardieShingle 02 of 09 Creating A Colorful Cottage Garden Photo: Helen Norman Bursts of vibrant flowers, including purple coneflower, violet cranesbill, blue catmint, and white and lavender phlox, punctuate the boxwood hedges and sculptural obelisks. 03 of 09 Carving Out An Elegant Space Photo: Helen Norman The dining room walls are painted Stonington Gray by Benjamin Moore (HC-170). Tieback curtains at the doorway was a smart decorative solution for creating separation between the dining room and the adjacent kitchen. China pattern: Tower in Pink by Spode; available through replacements.com. 04 of 09 Putting Your Collection On Display Helen Norman In the foyer, the front door's Gothic-style archway frames Joane's classically Southern collection of blue-and-white delft tile and flower-filled ginger jars. Wall paint: Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore (HC-173) 05 of 09 Prioritizing Meaningful Touches Photo: Helen Norman It was important for the couple to bring in pieces they loved and to lean on the landscape for inspiration. A symmetrical display of artwork surrounds an antique gilded mirror. Painted furniture and upholstery in mossy tones mimic the colors that can be found in their mountain setting. Wall paint: Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore (HC-173) 06 of 09 Combining Old And New Photo: Helen Norman With the stone fireplace, the walls and ceiling clad in painted boards, and the cabinets made from salvaged window sashes, the renovated kitchen exudes old-farmhouse charm. Wall paint: Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore (HC-173); Countertop: Carrara marble. 07 of 09 Embracing The Beauty Of Simplicity Photo: Helen Norman Simplicity at its finest: A painted wood valance dresses up the porch window. Linen White by Benjamin Moore (912); benjaminmoore.com. Wicker chairs: mainlybaskets.com for retailers. 08 of 09 Making An Entrance Photo: Helen Norman This Roman-style bust draped with fiveleaf akebia vines rests at the opening to the lawn and dining area, reflecting a juxtaposition of home and garden. 09 of 09 Enjoying Every Inch Of The Outdoors Photo: Helen Norman Living "walls" made of boxwoods, hostas, and hydrangeas create a cozy and secluded outdoor dining room adjacent to the obelisk-dotted garden. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit