Home

[Oznell]

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! 

[Imaoldhippie]

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

[phoenixbrd]

@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!

[Foxxee]

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. 

[RetRN]

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. 

[nyc1]

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

[KathyM23]

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.

[Somertime]

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

[Patriot3]

Adorable.  Like everything about it.

[spiderw]

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!!!!!