Text by Holly Seng
Step across the threshold of Amber Reatherford’s cozy cottage in Germantown Hills, Illinois, and you’ll find yourself warmly embraced by its quiet, peaceful aesthetic where layers of soft textiles mingle with cherished vintage finds. The home’s soothing scheme is further enhanced this time of year as seasonal accents draw inspiration from the property’s surrounds.
“We live in a natural, wooded area, and I just wanted [the decorations] to be a continuation of that,” says Amber of the swags of greenery and assorted trees thoughtfully placed throughout the home.
Not only does the scenic property inspire her holiday décor, but it was what sold Amber and her husband on the home 37 years ago. Nestled on 3 acres at the end of a cul-de-sac in a quaint neighborhood, the location offers the couple the best of both worlds. “Our driveway goes down a hill to our home, so we are removed and have total privacy, and yet there’s still people around—which suits my husband,” says Amber, who considers herself to be a country girl at heart.
In the living room, soft blues and muted greens add subtle dashes of color against the creamy beige-and-white backdrop. The flocked tree takes on a woodland theme with birds gracefully perched on branches and sparkling icicles that hint at the blanket of freshly fallen snow beyond the windows. Gently worn vintage pieces in light wood tones warm up the space, bringing unparalleled charm. “When I go look for new, nothing has as much character as an older piece for me,” says Amber. “I’m always drawn to the vintage pieces.”
From antique mirrors and porcelain plates to furnishings dolled up with a fresh coat of paint, Amber’s eye for one-of-a-kind finds exceeds the available space in her home. Taking her ever-growing collection to Etsy, Amber offers those who share a similar affinity for timeworn treasures the ability to shop her favorite finds through her page, Lost and Found Cottage. “It really blesses me and makes me happy to see these pieces finding homes instead of being discarded,” she says.
For the vintage wares that remain in Amber’s home, there are few things she loves more than styling a vignette on display spaces like the mantel. Ice-blue, forest green, and gold glass trees mingle with oyster shell and bottle-brush varieties. However, it’s the Nativity statue gifted to Amber by her youngest son that takes prominence. “I absolutely love celebrating what Christmas is all about—the birth of Jesus,” says Amber. “That’s really an important thing for me.”
From tranquil mornings spent taking in the serene surrounds to Christmas Eve, when the walls are filled with laughter as Amber and her husband welcome their sons and their growing families for a traditional dinner and time exchanging gifts, the interior’s pared-down palette creates a heartwarming haven for the Reatherfords to call home. “Neutral colors just have a more calming effect for me,” says Amber. “When I walk [into] my home, I can take a deep breath—and I love it.”
To see more of Amber’s style, visit her on Instagram at @lostandfoundcottage.
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