Creating a Cozy Cottage: Liz Marie Galvan Talks Farmhouse Style

When it comes to creating a cozy family farmhouse, designer, author, shop owner, and lifestyle blogger Liz Marie Galvan of the White Cottage Farm blog is an expert.

A born-and-raised farmgirl from Michigan, Liz Marie and her husband Jose moved back to her home state 2014 and set to work restoring an 1840s farmhouse to its former glory—one project at a time.

Combining her love of French and English country style with an appreciation for functional American design, she’s bringing to life a cottage-style farmhouse look that’s uniquely her own. And it IS a true farmhouse lifestyle for Liz Marie and Jose, who share the space with their dogs and cats, sheep, goats, alpacas, bees, and, of course, their precocious little design helper and son, Copeland Beau.

For Galvin, cozy is more than a color palette or fabric pattern. It is an intentional lifestyle that allows her to feel comfortable and calm in her home (check out our feature on the Danish concept of hygge to see how an entire nation gets cozy). “Cozy is about transforming our own little corner of the world into a private refuge," says Galvin. "Not a place of perfection, but a place of peace."

So how do you create that cozy, farmhouse aesthetic in your own home? And what role do design choices, like windows and doors, play in bringing it to life?

Bringing in the Big Guns

Windows were top of mind for Galvin at the start of her home restoration journey. She knew this update would reflect the look at feel of the original home. 

“Most people don’t think a lot about the aesthetics of windows—window treatments, yes, but windows...not so much,” points out Galvan. “But windows themselves can be a game-changer.” 

“When I think of early architecture, I instantly think of divided-light windows,” Galvan said. “One of the key parts of our renovation was to use a historically accurate grille pattern. So every window and door we’ve added to the house has simulated divided light grilles, bringing a sense of history to the space both inside and out.” 

But even though Galvan knew the window style she was after, she was stumped about where to start.

“So, I couldn’t help but do what I’ve always done… give dad a quick call to get his opinion. We both take home renovation seriously, and he’s got so much experience. 

“He’s a builder supplier. He sells everything under the moon when it comes to building a house... He sells to local builders from West Michigan Lumber. Outside of supplying material, he is pretty creative and very knowledgeable about all things to do with houses and renovations. And if he doesn't know the answer, he always knows who to call. He has given me some great ideas and steered me away from some of my too-crazy ones. He's always in the know of the newest and best products, so naturally it's our first go-to when it comes to a new project... making sure it's dad approved,” she says.

And, of course, she says “It definitely helps that he knows my style and my dreams for my home.

And so what did dad recommend?

“Working with Andersen was the only option,” she smiles.

And with that advice (exceptionally wise advice, if we dare say), Galvan tag-teamed her window and door project, with our sister company Andersen Windows handling the lower level and Renewal by Andersen tackling the upstairs.

For the lower level, Galvan chose Andersen^® Windows’ white 400 Series double-hung windows with a colonial grille pattern. White matches the interior color palette (all the walls and floors are a soft white), and the square grille pattern mimics the divided light windows from the 1800s. “The grilles really bring the farmhouse to life, both inside and out. It’s just so classic American farmhouse to me,” Galvin says. 

She carried the grille pattern design into her patio doors, selecting Andersen^® hinged inswing patio doors throughout the first floor to create consistency from room to room. One set of patio doors provides easy access to the rear patio and pool area. And when Galvan’s planned pool house is built, it too will include a hinged patio door to mirror the look of the main house. The repetition of form, color, and pattern is all part of creating a look. “Cohesion is important in my designs,” Galvan says.

The window upgrade not only complemented the historical period of the home's structure to define the look, it also eliminated the drafts and performance issues she was experiencing from the original windows—a good reminder that rustic charm does not mean sacrificing modern comforts. 

When Galvan and her family first moved in, nearly every window was either non-functional or “screeched so loudly you didn’t want to open them.” They were drafty and lacked proper insulation, making the home feel chilly and noisy. Since the renovation, Galvan says the house is noticeably quieter, and they can more easily maintain the temperature. 

Upstairs, the designer chose double-hung windows from Renewal by Andersen. “I love double-hung windows for their ventilation capabilities,” Galvan says. She feels confident opening the upper sash (glass panel) in son Cope’s room knowing fresh air can flow through, and he can’t reach the opening.

But the biggest selling point for the designer: double-hung windows are easier to clean from all stories (an important factor for someone who washes their windows once a month). “With the release of two clips, I just tip the windows inward and easily clean them from inside the comfort of my home.”

Windows are an important part of a home renovation, but often go overlooked. Galvan emphasizes starting with what matters most, function and structure, ("especially if it's older like ours") before focusing on decorative details. She also recommends working in stages. Living in a constant remodel can feel frustrating, so the designer recommends prioritizing family needs and functions.

If you’re considering a window replacement project, Renewal by Andersen offers start-to-finish Signature Service, from design to installation, so you have one dedicated team guiding you through each step of the process. 

However, if you’re not quite ready to embark on home improvement at that level, we have four fast farmhouse fixes from the Queen of Cozy that you can start today.

Go natural... 

Natural wood, that is. If you are searching for the perfect table, picture frame, or bookshelf for your farmhouse vibe, use natural wood for a finish. 

Says Galvan, “Natural wood really evokes that old-time feel. In our home we have wood flooring in every room, but you can also bring in natural wood kitchen cabinets, dressers, trim and so much more.”

To be eco-conscious while nailing the weathered look, consider sourcing locally reclaimed lumber, where possible. You can continue the wood motif by adding shiplap accent walls or even shiplap ceilings to certain rooms.

Reuse and repurpose

Vintage or reclaimed pieces add character and history. Whether antique or reproduced, these elements help create a layered, lived-in feel.

Galvan uses rustic farmhouse fabrics like grainsack, tobacco baskets, chicken nesters, farmhouse signs, barn wood and more. About 80 percent of her home’s furniture is antique or vintage, she says.

Antiquing is not only fun, but when you find that perfect treasure, there may be a touch of triumph involved. However, if the treasure hunt starts to feel more like a search for a needle in a haystack, consider going the “faux antique” route. Many stores sell convincing reproductions.

Layer with textiles

From table runners to rugs; throws to poufy pillows, textiles can transform a room with minimal effort on your part. Breezy fabrics like percale and linens are ideal for warmer months.

As the weather cools, heavier fabrics bring comfort. And before you get to snuggling in your favorite reading chair or couch, be sure to add some pillows. 

“I’m looking for pillows with lots of cozy texture and rustic cozy colors. Pillows are great ways to bring fall into your living area without needing to purchase a bunch of overtly fall décor,” suggests Galvan.

If you want to amp up the cozy factor, do that by picking large euro pillows. As an added bonus, pillows can be easily changed using removeable covers—saving you storage space, and making cleanup easy (especially if, like Galvan, you have kids or pets, or llamas).

Mood music

Never underestimate the power of music and the influence it can have on a space. Liz Marie loves to be surrounded by sound, and recommends finding a good speaker to set the tone--both visually and acoustically. Her Marshall Stanmore speaker has a retro vintage look that goes perfectly with their theme of “cozy farmhouse neutral.”

“In our home, I love playing music to make our space feel more relaxed and set the mood for a happy calm space. Our go-to playlist is called Cozy White Cottage on Spotify!” 

Sneak Peek

Want to see more of Liz Marie's project? Find out what happens when two of our favorite influencers team up. In this episode of At Home With Laurie, HGTV's "House Counselor" Laurie March visits with Liz Marie and and Jose to go behind the scenes of the restoration project at White Cottage Farm, pick up some design tips, and more!

Stay tuned for our showcase of Liz Marie's newest project with Renewal by Andersen: her family of door designs in the new Ensemble® Entry Door Designer Collection.