Cottage Residences

In the context of 19th-century American design, "Cottage Residences" refers to a book published in 1842 by Andrew Jackson Downing. This work applied principles of landscape and architectural design to create aesthetically pleasing and functional homes for modest homeowners. Downing, a prominent horticulturist and landscape gardener, collaborated with architect Alexander Jackson Davis, who illustrated "Cottage Residences" and other of Downing's books.12

The style promoted in "Cottage Residences" often featured what became known as cottage furniture. This mass-produced furniture was typically made of softwood, painted in light colors, and sometimes decorated with floral motifs. It was an affordable option for rural homes, offering a complete bedroom suite at a lower cost than traditional mahogany furniture.3