topic Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE in Home

RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

Oznell — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 14:25:21 GMT

A former Southern Living design editor found the forlorn 800 square foot 1943 cottage, and made it into her home, complete with window boxes, painted shutters and bench. The metal awnings could not be removed without much difficulty, so they got some painted cheery stripes.

A Dutch door is so welcoming.

She did go with mostly white inside-- but in this case, a small, formerly dark cottage, it's a considered, intentional choice. Benjamin Mooore's creamy "White Dove" on the walls, (which is more visibly off-white in real life) and Farrow and Ball's "Shaded White" on the floors.

Her enclosed back porch adds to the living space, and hides a laundry area that formerly had to live in the garage!

See-- this is the ingenuity that I enjoy in small-space dwellers. The pretty lilac curtain hiding her "laundry" coordinates with her porch furniture upholstery, tying it all together.

She has some wonderful rattan and wicker, like this adorable settee.

Love the eclecticism of her living room-- the formal mirror and handsome antique dresser with comfy, linen-looking fabrics. The simple fabric shades and campaign-style tea table are right up my alley, and further the cottage feeling.

I also love the way she used symmetry, in the paired prints, pillows and paired chairs-- to me, that always lends a certain "calm" to an eclectic interior, helping it to be cohesive despite the diversity of styles.

Pretty silver in her glass cabinet, which doubles as a bookshelf.

She went with colored walls in the dining room. Here's the before and after. The peachy paint is "Summer Melon" from Benjamin Moore with a gold glaze. A white wicker pendant light that she painted and wired herself is so 'cottage'.

More soothing symmetry in a small bedroom with pretty lamps and quilts.

This I thought was really neat. She turned a falling-down garden shed in the yard into a studio-office, giving her more living space, and an extra dining area when wanted. Floor is slate. Very cute.

I so respect that this homeowner took a small neglected house, and doing much of the upgrading herself, made it into a home that truly seems to reflect her individuality. It all has a breezy, "pavilion" feeling to me.

It's fun to know what a homeowner has in mind when creating their place. This one, Zoe Gowen, gives us the inspiration that's been in her head since childhood:

Design Inspiration ”I’ve been subconsciously re-creating my favorite spot in my childhood home since I left it at age 18,” Zoë says. “It’s a shrimp-colored living room with a big chintz sofa where I read all of my books.”

The 'shrimp colored living room' she remembers must have morphed into her melon dining room!

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

Imaoldhippie — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 14:29:03 GMT

I love every inch of it. What a lucky gal!

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

phoenixbrd — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 14:38:35 GMT

@Oznell Thanks for sharing this amazing transformation. I love everything about it...the front awning and the flower box, the colors used, the furniture chosen...first-rate job!

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

Foxxee — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 14:49:30 GMT

She did a lot with only 800 square feet. Wow!

While I don't like all the colors she used, I have to admit, she's very talented.

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

RetRN — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 14:51:06 GMT

I think it is absolutely adorable, I love small homes. I think they feel so cozy.

With a small home you really prioritize what you like and need. They speak to me of a humble person.

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

nyc1 — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 14:56:02 GMT

Not my style at all but appreciate the good taste, colors and pieces she chose.

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

KathyM23 — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 15:12:09 GMT

I love this little house. It is cozy and homey feeling. I could never live in a little space because I have too much stuff and I don't see any how there could be much in the way of closets, etc in such a ittle space, Other than the storage issue I love everything about it with one exception and that would be the rattan ball light in the office. Would have to change that for me, but I guess it does go with her decor.

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

Somertime — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 15:35:54 GMT

This is darling! Puts a smile on my face. You can see the joy she had in creating this lovely space! Thanks, Oznell

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

Patriot3 — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 15:40:30 GMT

Adorable. Like everything about it.

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

spiderw — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 15:58:04 GMT

What a lovely home! It is filled with many appealing items, furnishings and touches that give it warmth and invites you in. I love the closed back porch with the lavender rattan furniture, that would be my reading room!! The settee is so pretty and the wall hanging behind it fits in beautifully with its colors. Very nice designed home!!!!!

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

Marsha2003 — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 16:14:48 GMT

The exterior improvements were genius! I don't know how the awning paint will hold up, but the striped treatment improved the look so much.

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

stevieb — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 16:20:33 GMT

Of course there are things I'd have done differently but this is very sweet... I have always adored them and so do, especially, like the Dutch door and its color...

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

Tuffcookie — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 16:22:37 GMT

Stunning!

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

twinsister — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 16:24:16 GMT

Love it! She did a great job and it looks so cozy. The metal stripe awnings on the outside remind me of vacationing as a child in the Catskills in the 1950's.

Thanks for sharing @Oznell.

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

ECBG — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 18:35:19 GMT

What a talented lady! Everything has such a beautiful flow!

Delightful!, Just a smile!

Thank you!

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

Katcat1 — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 19:26:17 GMT

I like it inside and out; however, I would remove all the excess plants in front of the cottage. The window boxes are enough. Maybe one potted plant but rest need to go. I was surprised to see all the furniture in the living room so it was a nice amount of space.

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

DREAMON — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 19:28:06 GMT

I think she did a great job with this adorable cottage..I love a cottage.

Purples are not personally my favorite colors in a home but changing the purples to blues, aquas, or greens would make it perfect for me.

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

sometimesQVCaddict — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 19:57:31 GMT

While I'm still not a fan of all white walls, I agree in a smaller space lighter is better! I also love the use of color in every space so it's not a total wash out of nothingness. It's very cheery & bright! And I love the plants outside on the steps & porch! It gives the home a cozy feel, perfect for a cottage type home!

Also HUGE kudos for not razing to the ground & building new, but lovingly restoring the original structures.

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

CANDLEQUEEN — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 20:16:04 GMT

Super cute and a great use of the space. I don't care for purple either, so would substitue another color, but all in all it is super cute and has nice flow to it!

Re: RESCUED SMALL ALABAMA COTTAGE

jannabelle1 — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 22:56:29 GMT

What a wonderful smaller home! She did an amazing job in creating a cozy, warm and inviting home!