Cottage style is known for its light and airy quality, but cottage can also be luxurious, as in this bedroom designed by Jennifer from The Old Painted Cottage.

Jennifer's room uses an elegant, nearly monochromatic palette of taupes and creams, with just a hint of pink. Built around the soft taupe walls, in this case, "Antique Bone" by Ralph Lauren, Jennifer's room is like a sumptuous French hotel.

Jennifer's home has been featured in Romantic Country with good reason. She has a gorgeous home, full of French and shabby country style. Her bedroom is a more romantic, textural space, and when I talked to her about how she made her color choices, this is what she had to say:

What was the inspiration for the room color?
The color was inspired by a bolt of fabric. Seriously. That fabric that I used on the headboard, it served as my color palette for the entire room. I had found the bolt at a flea market and it instantly struck me.

You have a very distinct style—how would you describe it?
My style in general is romantic cottage. However, for my bedroom I wanted it to feel like a luxurious French hotel room. I always dreamed of having a glamorous bedroom.

Which came first, the wall color or the other elements?
It began with the fabric for the headboard, then the wall color next, and then everything else fell into place. I used champagne colored silk curtains and bedding. Cream colored faux fur pillows and a white flokati rug. This room is all about texture, luxurious fabrics and materials.

Once you knew you were going to go with taupe, how did you decide on this particular shade?
Sounds funny, but I really didn't have any plans for this color until I spotted that bolt of fabric at the flea market. Impulsive, huh?

What do you love most about the room?
I love that every time I enter my bedroom, I feel like I'm entering a glamorous hotel room, even though it's just 5 steps away from my office.

That headboard is fantastic! How did you make it?
It was originally a mantle, and it was the true begining of the entire "room project". I'd found it on the side of someone's house and paid $100 for it. It was solid black and very plain. The second I spotted it, I knew it would make a great headboard. I used 4 coats of creamy white paint, added tons of rose /cherub appliques, and I made the tufted insert by hand, and then voila!

How did you do the words above the headboard?
That's vinyl wall lettering! I saw the phrase in a store once, and it always stayed with me.

Where did you find the hanging bedside chandeliers?
They are circa 1930's and I found them at a flea market.

What a luxurious, beautiful, romantic, glamorous room. I'm not sure that I'd have the willpower to get out of bed each morning in a room this sumptuous. What a treat to see. Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing it with us!

About The Designer
Jennifer is an antiques collector and dealer, in the business for over 10 years. She started out selling at flea markets and selling eBay, then started her own website in 2006, which has been very successful. Her blog is like a personal journal for her to share her antiquing journeys and triumphs, neat decorating ideas, funny stories and personal family life. It has allowed her customers to get to know her on a more personal level; "the girl behind the website," and it has opened up many new friendships. You can find Jen at her website, The Old Painted Cottage, or at her blog, also titled The Old Painted Cottage.

Photos in this article are Copyright ©2007 Jennifer ~ The Old Painted Cottage and are used by permission.

I have to say, I think this has been my favorite color challenge so far. All the sunshine and loveliness has been just what I've needed! Thank you so much to everyone for participating, there's some very pretty posts here. Check them out:

Tuija at Russuga Ja Rikkaruohoja (Roses and Weeds)
It’s always a joy for me to see blogs from other countries, and Tuija’s Finnish blog is no exception. Her yellow post includes some lovely photos of yellow flowers and a photo of her charming home.

Emily at Remodeling this Life
I don’t want to make Emily cry this month, so I will avoid telling you how insightful, touching, inspirational and intelligent her blog is. Instead, I’ll just say that her yellow challenge post includes some great wall colors and a fab French-inspired, multi-functional bucket that I’m totally copying.

Lynne Laura at A Romantic Nest
If you like romantic vignettes, then this post is for you. It’s got everything: pretty quilts, tea pots, vintage tole trays. Always a romantic extravaganza at Lynne Laura’s place!

Kate at Sensational Color
Bold yellows and bright companions are found at Kate’s post. Her collection of vintage kitchenware provides the cheery photos in this post. Plus a super-cute pair of shoes!

Jill at Bailiwick Designs
You are sure to say “oh” as soon as you hit Jill’s beautiful post. Somehow even a random collection of objects looks elegant in her photos. Her photo of Japanese Kerria branches in a vintage white pitcher is stunning, and it is now firmly planted in my inspiration file.

Mrs. B at Mrs. B Blog
Mrs. B’s blog is always charming and full of loveliness. Her post features lemons from her garden, dishes, and a gorgeous shot of a big yellow rosebush, which looks like a Lady Banks rose to me. Isn’t it pretty?

Annie at Annalunda
I never get tired of visiting Annie’s pretty Swedish blog, Annalunda. She always has the most lovely things: pretty flowers, charming vintage linens, great thrift finds; a girl after my own heart. Check out her lovely yellow collage for this month’s color challenge!

Cinj at Cinj’s Chat Room
Cinj has one of the most creative posts this month, and boy, I’m going to have to go rummage through the kitchen now. I won’t spoil it for you: go check it out.

Susie at Quilt Obsessions
For you fellow fabraholics, Susie starts her post with a scrumptious pile of yellow fabrics in every shade form butter to gold. Then she follows it up with a sunny quilt! Lovely.

Gabrielle at The Heart of the Sea Home
Gabrielle has collected some very pretty photos of homes gardens. Sunny cottagey rooms, elegant French-inspired kitchens, charming homes from her neighborhood: it’s all here.

Jane Marie at Thyme for Herbs
Jane Marie has one of the prettiest soft shades of yellow on her living room walls, and a gorgeous stained glass window. Plus, some of the pretties yellow fabric and the biggest daylily I have ever seen!

Meg at How Did I Get Here?
A bright photo collage awaits at Meg’s place. Yellow flowers and cute pictures of her children are all mixed together in a sunny mélange. Too cute!

Carrie at Oak Rise Cottage
Another unique post filled with yellow flowers in botanicals, paintings and stitchery. What a lovely collection!

Nanette at Freda’s Hive
Ooooh, everything I love in one place: vintage finds, quilts, vintage fabrics and teapots. All my favorite yellows from butter to gold. Yum.

Nancy at With Thread In Hand
Oooh, another one! Vintage plates, gorgeous hand stitching, quilts, yellow threads. All sunshine all day, that’s what I say!

Lisa at Coastal Nest
I don’t know if I’ve a chance to wax eloquent about my wacky blog-o-friend Lisa, yet, so I’m going to now. This girl has more energy than me, which, if you know me, is saying something. Plus, she’s the best online decorator that I’ve met so far, bar none. Seriously, she’s gooooood. Once you hit her yellow post (and do follow the sidetrack to her daughters cottage-cute room), track back to her home page and just wade through the endless photos of fabulousness, some hers and some from others, but all gorgeous. I drool with envy. Seriously.

Erin at Girl with Curlz
Erin’s managed to get everything in here! My favorites are the pretty, pretty “Paris Room” dining room wall and her bookshelf, which is full of creamy yellow books. If only my books were so pretty!

Tara at Days Missed on a Hammock
So, so pretty, an entire dining room room of yellows, creams and gold’s, courtesy of Tara’s parents. I love all the creamy wood and the soft light with the graphic plaid upholstery.

Nerm at Nerm and Kitty
Hand-painted pottery is the theme here, with items from Italy and items from Nerm and Kitty’s own pottery painting adventures. Theirs are so charming it makes me want to try again. If only I had art skills.

Kathy at Count It All Joy
Oooh, another “made for magpie” kind of post. Beginning with a collage of yellow flowers, continuing with a charming yellow teapot and ending with a gorgeous vintage double wedding ring quilt. Sigh!

Lisa at The Tardy Homemaker
Somehow, Lisa manages to find the charm in everyday things, and this post is a perfect example. A cute apron, salt & pepper shakers and lemon thyme are examples of the things you’ll find here. Makes you feel like you could just drop by and have tea, doesn’t it?

Eileen at Eileen’s Attic
There’s lots of lovely things here at Eileen’s post, but my favorite are the photos of the Goldfinches that visit her feeders. These are one of my favorite birds, and such a delight to see in the garden. I haven’t seen any at my new house, but I’m hoping I can entice them.

Elizabeth at My Crafty Mess
My favorite thing from Elizabeth’s post is the collection of quilt and thrifted pillow cases on her iron bed. What a charming, charming collection. Nicely done!

Linda at Linda Quilts Too
I know what you’re thinking: quilter = fabric. But Linda surprised me with a pretty collection hand-painted pottery and a pretty sunset photo instead!

Tammy at Play for a Moment
Daffodils, apothecary jars, vintage metal garden chairs…but none as sunny as the smiling little boy! A treat to see.

Karen at Messy Karen
Karen claims to be messy, but I just see lovely vignettes in her post, one kitchen themed and one crafty. If you like food and yarn or fabric, you will get your fill here!

Lorrie at Fabric Paper Thread
Flowers and fabric and style, oh my! :-) Lorrie always has something in her posts that catches my attention, and this time it is the lovely butterfly print in her fabric photo. Of course, the yummy treat at the end doesn’t bother me, either…

Jane at Sew Create It
While Jane has the usual suspects from a quilting, renovating Mom, I must say her photography is fantastic. What a great eye. The cute childs scribble and the scrummy fabric you expect to be good, but the well-used spirit level and the full dumpster? But guess what? They do, thanks to Jane’s fantastic eye.

Laura at Shore Chic
I think Laura has the most original utensil holder EVER. I can’t describe it, you’ll just have to see it. And while you’re there, check out the stained glass window in the bathroom that lets in light from the next room. What a great idea! And since Laura is doing her home on a budget, like me, I loved reading up on everything she’s been up to. Nice!

Katie at Harrington House
Katie has another one of those blogs that makes me jealous. In a good way, of course. But she’s just got such fantastic taste and a gorgeous, old-fashioned house, and everything is so lovely. Sigh! This post is, of course, beautiful as well, including photos of her home, her cute guest bathroom, pretty flowers and more.

Kim at Niesz Vintage Fabric
You probably recognize Kim’s name from the recent feature of her green living room, and here’s another room of hers: pretty, pretty yellow and white bedroom. I’m in love, and check that super-cute mantel headboard!! So creative!

Sara at Anyone Can Quilt
Get ready for some eye candy. Sara’s got mad photography skills and this collection is adorable. Vintage aprons, linens, quilts and fabrics, oh my!

Shannon at Bless Our Nest
You can’t go wrong with yellow floral mixed with red-and-white gingham, and Shannon’s got that combo right up front where you can enjoy it. The rest of her post is just as cheery with silk drapes, kitchen towels and more.

Kullervilla
Kullervilla always surprises me with a unique twist and great photography. This month, my favorite photo is the shot of the shrub with yellow flowers (Scotch Broom?).

Kris at Dandelion Quilts
My favorite thing on Kris’ post is the crocheted baby blanket. Being a crocheter myself (and not a knitter, so far), I always love seeing crochet featured. And the yellow and white colors are so charming.

Jill at Forever and Ever House
Last months’ green challenge drawing winner is back again with another great post, this time all about her upcoming kitchen renovation. Yellow and white is my favorite color combination, so I love what Jill’s planning. Though I don’t envy painting all those cabinets!

Bronwyn at Whippet Good
Of course, you know I love the fabric. Bronwyn has got some winners here that she’s displaying using embroidery hoops. I think my favorite is the one with the dresses. Love that.

Katie at Preppy Cricket
Katie says that yellow was her favorite until she had a baby, and now she’s all about pink. Pink has always been my favorite color, but I have to say, yellow is definitely my favorite decorating color, by far. Anyway, Katie’s got vintage yellow tile in her bathroom, and I just love it.

Marie at Watch the Wind Blow By
Marie doesn’t seem to think her yellow collection is very exciting, but I love it. From a charming hand-painted sign, to cute hanging candles, to creamy fluted bowls and lemons on display, this is a great collection. Make sure you check it out!

Rhondi at Rose Colored Glasses
Rhondi's blog is one of those rare finds that has both beautiful quilts and a beautiful home. Her yellow challenge features two gorgeous collages of yellow photos that truly make you feel like you're standing in sunshine. She also has a second yellow post showing her Spring re-fresh of her living room and it's just fantastic. Makes me want to go completely redo my living room!

Gretchen at New Every Morning
Here's a crisp, sophisticated take on yellow with yellow, black and white and touches of red. It gives the yellow an old-world look. And check out those "labor of love" glazed walls, too. Yikes, I bet that was a lot of work! :-)

Jane at Five Minutes of Fame
I think Jane has the most complete color challenge post I have ever seen! She has managed to ferret out every scrap of yellow in her life from top to bottom. There are vintage linens, glass and pottery; fruit, flowers and foliage; everyday items and more! Amazing! I especially love the yellow flowered teacups. So charming.

Dee from Red Dirt Ramblings
Last, but never least, is Dee's post from Red Dirt Ramblings. Naturally, you'll find lovely yellow flower photos here, but take a moment to read some of the posts on her blog. If you like intelligent, witty, charming and useful gardening posts, you've just found another blog to add to your must-read list. I do.

That's all of our participants, but I know what you've been waiting for... the drawing! So here we go...

Drumroll, please.

The winner is....

Emily at Remodeling this Life!!! Congratulations Emily!

And if you did a yellow post and I missed it, please e-mail me or comment here. The drawing is already done, but I’ll still include you in the round-up. So let me know!

Aside from white, yellow is one of the most often used cottage wall colors. It can be bright and cheery, warm and cozy, or as in this gorgeous dining room designed by Cindy of My Romantic Home, pretty and romantic.

Cindy's room uses a classic palette of yellow and blue, which is often associated with Provincal decorating. But with a softer, creamy yellow, in this case, "Havana Cream" by Behr, and lots of white, Cindy's room is a romantic cottage dining room to die for.

This is even more impressive when you learn that almost everything in Cindy's house has been bought at garage sales, flea markets and thrift shops. By having an unerring taste and a lovely sense of style, Cindy has created the romantic dining room of my dreams. When I talked to her about how she made her color choices, this is what she had to say:

What, if anything, inspired you in choosing colors for the room?
My inspiration came mostly from reading a lot of decorating magazines. I've always been drawn to blue and white decor with yellow walls. I think they just go together so well.

How would you describe the style of the room?
I love Shabby Chic, French, and English decorating and I think my home is a combination of all of those. I buy what I love and it all seems to work well together.

Did you pick the wall color first or the other elements first?
I've been decorating with blue and white for almost 20 years so I had most of the elements first. For years I've lived in apartments where I wasn't allowed to paint the walls. This is the first place that allowed me to paint and I knew before I even moved in that I was going to paint it yellow.

Once you knew you were going to choose yellow, how did you pick this particular paint color?
I heard on a decorating show, I believe it was The Christopher Lowell Show, that you should pick a shade of yellow that is about 2 or 3 shades lighter than what you think you want. Also you should chose a yellow more towards the orange side of the color wheel than the green side. If you look at the paint chips in the store you will see that yellow is sandwiched between the orange and green...go more towards the orange.

Did you test colors?
I bought a quart of the yellow I thought would work out well and painted one wall. I was shocked that it looked like highlighter yellow. It was so bright and GLOWING! I went back to the store and lucked out with my second choice. I think yellow is the hardest color to get right!

The room is just so lovely, not just the color, but everything in it. Where did you find all of those gorgeous things on a budget?
I found the chandelier at a garage sale for $25 and I rewired it myself. The hutch I found on Craigslist, the table was a hand-me-down from my parents and the chairs, believe it or not, I found on the curb in my neighborhood.

So many great tips! Fortunately for us all, Cindy publishes all of her finds and projects on her blog so we can all learn her best secrets. I am constantly inspired by Cindy's decorating, and I hope you are, too!

About The Designer
Cindy is a single mom with a son in college and a daughter in high school. She has always enjoyed decorating but have been limited by her budget. In order to have the beautiful home she desired she has learned that it's possible to decorate with items from thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, and discount stores. She recommends being creative and leting it evolve over time. You can find Cindy at her blog, My Romantic Home.

Photos in this article are Copyright ©2008 Cindy ~ My Romantic Home and are used by permission.

Prunus serrulata "Kwanzan"

Of all the flowering trees, none is as romantic as the ornamental cherry "Kwanzan," (Prunus serrulata "Kwanzan"). Like many cherries, it has a lovely, graceful vase-shape form, attractive bark and good fall color, but is best known for its stunning display of showy, double pink flowers that envelop the tree in late Spring, covering the tree in what look like tiny floral dresses. After flowering is another spectacular show as millions of petals shower down from the trees in a pink, whisper-soft snowfall.

I’ll never forget the first time I saw this breathtaking tree in flower. I had rented my first ever house and knew nothing about the two trees out front except that they were enormous, nearly fifty feet tall. A friend identified them as flowering cherries, so as the rest of the neighborhood trees bloomed, I waited and waited. By the end of April, when other trees were finished and leaves began to appear, I gave up on having flowering trees.

A few warm days later, as I drove up the road to the house, I nearly wrecked my car. The two trees, which I now know were two of the largest "Kwanzan" I had ever seen, had bloomed in entirety, creating a canopy of pink frills. Later, when the bloom was finished and the snowfall of petals covered the yard in pink, I spent the entire weekend watching this unbelievable, straight-from-a-fairytale show, waiting for the elvish lady or medieval princess that was sure to appear at any moment. Those trees won my heart that year and I have loved them ever since.

Details

• USDA Zone: 5-9
• Mature Height: 30'-40'
• Mature Spread: 30'-40'
• Bloom Time: late Spring
• Fruit: None
• Habit: Vase-shaped with spreading, rounded crown.
• Growth rate: Medium
• Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Tolerant of many soils, but prefers moist, well-drained soil
• Water: Somewhat drought tolerant; should not need supplemental water once established

Though the "Kwanzan" has a reputation for being easily stressed, relatively short lived and susceptible to disease, its spectacular show makes it worth these possible limitations. Crowns of this tree are very similar, making it an excellent candidate for lining walks or drives. It is also an excellent specimen tree and can be planted in containers or used for Bonsai. "Kwanzan" flowering cherry blooms in late Spring, up to two weeks later than other cherries. New leaves are bronze colored, then turn to dark green for the summer and yellow to copper in fall.

April is my favorite month of the year, and not just because it has my Birthday in it! It's also the month in my area that Spring officially springs and the sunshine starts to be fairly reliable. It's the month that I start thinking sunny thoughts and start craving yellow. Lots and lots of yellow! So, just in the nick of time, here's our Color Challenge for April. You guessed it: yellow!

To participate, here's what you do:

1. Put up a post featuring yellow from your home or garden. Make sure to include a link back to this post.
2. Leave a comment here with the URL of your yellow post. Please, leave me the URL to the specific post, not just to your home page. I get confused easily! :-)
3. That's it! On the evening of May 4th (a week from tonight), I'll close comments, draw a winner, and post a summary later next week.

I just love doing these--it's so fun to meet and see so many people each month! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! :-)

And, as always, here's a few things from my home to kick things off:

This quilt is one that I bought rather than made, but I just love the pink flowers on the yellow background and the scalloped edge. (And get a load of that gorgeous cherry tree blooming in the neighbors' yard!)

You've all seen my thrifted garden painting before, but I can't help but show it again. It's one of my absolute favorites, and it's sunny yellow flowers brighten my spirits every day.

The other thing that makes me smile is the warm glow of the lamps on my desk. They look so welcoming and cozy.

And of course, you can't talk about yellow without talking about the cheery Daffodil! I'm having my first Spring in the new house, so I didn't know I had these until they popped their sunny heads up.

Last, but not least, you may have noticed the photo at the top with the strips of yellow fabrics. I cut those over a year ago for a quilt that I intend like to make but still haven't. But my loss is your gain! :-) The lucky random winner of the yellow challenge will win a custom made pillow cover featuring these fabrics!

I can't wait to see what you all come up with! :-)