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, Galvan, along with her husband Jose, moved back to her home state of Michigan in 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-style life 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—son Copeland Beau.

Whether it’s in her books, at her store, or in her home, Galvan is all about cozy. But cozy just isn’t a color palette or a certain fabric pattern or knickknacks—it’s about the totality of things. It is a lifestyle (check out our feature on the Danish concept of hygge to see how an entire nation gets cozy). Says Galvan, “Cozy is about transforming our own little corner of the world into a private refuge – not a place of perfection, but a place of peace.

”So how does she do it? What goes into the cozy farmhouse design style—and how can you incorporate some of that into your own home?

Read on to discover more details about her design decisions, how windows and doors are helping to create her aesthetic, and her tips for bringing the farmhouse look to your own home.

Bringing in the Big Guns

Windows were one of the first things that came to mind when Galvan considered which design elements could reflect the look and 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,” Galvan said.

She also chose this grille pattern for a series of Andersen® hinged inswing patio doors, which are repeated throughout the first floor. This includes a set of patio doors providing 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 said.