After a nationwide search that led to a wonderful Top 10 and a delightful Final 3, Krystle won your hearts and votes to become the creator representing Cottages & Bungalows’ style this year.
Hello, friends!
I am beyond thrilled and deeply honored to introduce myself as your 2025 Cottages & Bungalows Brand Ambassador! This opportunity means so much to me, and I am excited to bring you along as I share more of our cozy home, DIY projects and decorating adventures.
From the moment I picked up my first issue of Cottages & Bungalows, I fell in love with the timeless charm and inspiration it brings to every page. To now be a part of this incredible community is a dream come true. I’ve always believed in creating spaces that feel warm,
inviting and full of heart. I cannot wait to share with you even more tips and inspiration to bring that same feeling into your home, friend.
Throughout the year, I’ll be sharing ideas that reflect my love for cozy country cottage living, from seasonal décor and DIY projects to recipes and home styling tips that bring comfort and joy into every corner of your space. I’m so excited about the journey ahead, and I can’t wait to share this adventure with you!
Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. It’s because of you that this dream has come true. Let’s make 2025 a year filled with creativity, coziness and cottage charm. Let the cozy adventure begin!
Cheers, Krystle
Get to Know Krystle
Join 2025 Brand Ambassador Krystle as she opens the door to her charming country cottage, sharing heartwarming stories about her family, their adventures and the little moments that make their house a home.
- My husband, Garrett, and I have been married for almost 18 wonderful years. He’s a proud USMC veteran, and together we’ve built a life full of love and adventure. We’re blessed with two incredible teenagers, Hunter and Haylee, who fill our home with laughter and joy. My mom, Tina, also lives with us, which is such a blessing; the kids love having their Mimi around every day and it’s so nice having my Mama here every day too.
- Our cozy cottage in Raeford, North Carolina, is shared with our two sweet dogs, Ally and Atlas; three cuddly cats and 12 delightful chickens, adding a bit of farmhouse charm to our home. This was the first house we’ve ever purchased, and we have spent 11 wonderful years in it.
- I’m passionate about creating warm, inviting spaces and I love sharing my country cottage style through my blog and Instagram.
- Christmas is my absolute favorite season to decorate for: I love transforming our home with twinkling lights, festive greenery and vintage holiday treasures.
- DIY projects and budget-friendly décor are close to my heart, and I adore helping others create spaces that feel like a true home.
- Antiquing and thrifting are some of my favorite ways to find unique pieces that tell a story and add character to our home.
- Our home is filled with layers of texture, from soft linen throw pillows to woven baskets and wooden accents, all of which make it feel inviting and lived-in. I draw a lot of design inspiration from nature, using natural wood, dried florals and earthy tones to create a calming and enjoyable atmosphere.
- We are a family that cherishes travel and loves experiencing new cultures. Exploring different countries allows us to connect with diverse traditions, savor unique cuisines and create lasting memories together.
- We have a quaint beach house in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, where we spend a lot of time soaking up the sun on the boat and enjoying the beach life. We have plans to move to the beach permanently this year and build our dream home. I can’t wait to take you on that adventure too!
- I believe that every space should have something personal, whether it’s family heirlooms, antique finds or pieces that remind us of our favorite memories and our favorite people.
- Giving back is a core value of mine, and I enjoy volunteering with nonprofit organizations like Lasagna Love and The Letter Project, finding joy in spreading kindness and connection.
- Writing has always been one of my deep passions, and I’m currently working on my first home décor book, which I also can’t wait to share with you!
To catch a glimpse of Krystle’s charming cottage life, follow her on Instagram @krystlemarienickels. As your 2025 Brand Ambassador, she’s excited to share her journey with you. Don’t forget to follow @cottagesandbungalows for a sneak peek of what to expect in her upcoming weekly Friday story shares, “A Cottage Life with Krystle,” starting this month.
Curious about previous years’ Brand Ambassadors? Browse here. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of cottage inspiration!
