June 6, 2023

Greetings!

I can't wait for summer. I love beach days and dining al fresco and just being outside. I enjoy the different seasons, the ensuing change of moods and clothes--and decor that comes with living with all four seasons. Especially at this time of year; it feels good to lighten things up as the days grow warmer and the nights get shorter. My wooly throws get stowed and I put away half my tchotchkes and most of my area rugs.

If you feel a similar need to refresh save yourself a trip to the city and pop into British Cottage. We definitely have the best selection of custom, higher-end American made upholstery in Monmouth County--if not New Jersey at the moment. See for yourself what the interior design wizards from North Carolina have wrought, along with yours truly's unique mix of antique and rustic chic. Questions? Design dilemmas? That's what we are here for. Let's face it, you can only get so much design inspiration from a web site or Pinterest--and it's always better to see (and sit on) furniture in person. We have a few parking spaces behind the store and not to worry. If you can get in we can get you out!

For even more design inspiration take a peek at our latest British Cottage Blog, "Happy Mother's Day". You will catch a glimpse of the recent places we've been and the furniture we've sold to homes from the shores of Long Island to the horse country of aptly named Colts Neck. And be sure to scroll all the way down to the recipe. Keith made us Baked Rigatoni with Lamb Ragu courtesy of the fabulous Ina Garten which took a basic baked ziti and elevated it to a whole other level of taste. Try it, you'll like it!

At British Cottage we have always embraced furniture that is as functional as it is decorative and we've basically completed our transformation from antique importers to an all-around home furnishings retail store. While we will always have a few key antique pieces on hand, we think it just makes sense to add more lighting, artwork, upholstery and accessories to the mix. A mix, mind you, that changes all the time so make sure to keep checking in to see what's new.

Unlike most furniture stores today, most of the items you see in the store are available for purchase. Although our upholstery items are custom, which means you pick out your own fabric and style and place an order, generally if you see something in the store that works, that you can have that right away. (This is where Keith wants me to add a little note about being careful when you come into the store: no food or drink, no slamming pocketbooks or baby carriers on the tables, no putting your feet on the upholstery but I think that should be understood. Right Nettie Spaghetti?)

Our custom upholstery is made by the upscale manufacturer Century Furniture. This is simply some of the best American-made furniture on the market today, and you get to buy it right here in lovely Red Bank New Jersey! And yes, we all know it takes a while to make custom furniture but some things are worth waiting for.

Meanwhile decorating today is all about blending; blending colors, styles, and genres. Nothing looks more boring than matchy/matchy. If you love contemporary upholstery go out of your comfort zone and add something antique or vintage to the pot. Conversely, if you skew traditional, modern lighting or artwork can bring you up to speed in no time. The good news is at British Cottage you can easily find an item to tweak a single room, or multitudes of things if you are furnishing an entire house.

Once you are here we will be happy to take the time to help you figure out exactly what your home requires and do our best to make it happen. The more information you come in with--the easier it will be. Measure, measure, and then measure your space again. We're happy to see photos but make sure you know where they are on your mobile device before you come in. Or shoot us an email

(bcapine@gmail.com); it is easier for us to see your images on the desktop anyway.

While our background is not in interior design we have been in this business long enough to know what should go where. We also know many of the local design professionals and are more than happy to recommend someone if you wish to go that route. And take a look at our British Cottage Blog for helpful hints, recipes and stories about some of the fabulous homes we've helped furnish.

Call, 732 530 0685, if you have any questions, or, even better, are looking to purchase something. We can provide local delivery of any item, whether it be a lamp or a sofa. If you live out of the area we will ship via whatever method it takes.

Cheers,

Tricia and Keith

Here's what people are saying about British Cottage:

LOVE the bed! It’s perfect!

I wanted to drop you a note to say thank you: the couches look beautiful and are very comfortable! Thanks a lot for all the help!

It was a joy to work with you!

"Wow! I love it even more than I remember. "

"It’s perfect! And passes the toddler test!" "Thank you! Can’t wait to see what other goodies I can find from you."

"Sofa looks great. Thanks for your help."

"British Cottage makes decorating easy."

"I love everything in your store, in fact, I could live there!"

"Received them today. Absolutely love them. Thanks so much."