I have always felt a close affiliation with cottage homes. They’re quaint, welcoming and warm. The home design reminds me a little of Winnie the Pooh meets every single romantic comedy set on the east coast. A cottage is small and it’s the epitome of cozy dwelling. It feels old-fashioned and modest, accompanied by holiday decorations and long Sundays at home.
Which explains why this coastal cottage in Wayzata, Minnesota is making me feel like I need a plush throw blanket, a good book and a nap within its warm corridors. The house is ideally a perfect structure, built with good bones and a versatile front yard.
This project was an inspiring one. The designer had to win the trust of a client who had been disappointed by three previous contractors. So, they began by moving a full row of cedars in the front of the home to expose a sense of brightness and openness. Because that’s what good design can do.
Need some inspirational cottage home insights for your own home? We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to how this home was renovated to become as breathtaking as it is today through aesthetic notes, design tips, core home renovation needs, functional elements and quality craftsmanship.
SOFT AND PEACEFUL
When the homeowner was working with our designer, they stressed the importance of having an open space that would soften the structure of the home. The goal to reclaim the front yard as a peaceful haven was a key element in the design. The landscaping design set out to emphasize and brighten the pathway to the front door. The paving to the cottage house and the backyard was also improved with a charming cobblestone.
ENHANCED FUNCTIONALITY
First things first, adding a gated arbor and shrub-lined clay paver walkway aided to the convenience of the journey into the home, leading guests with natural ease. Who knew some shrubs could add so much functionality! Also, the shrubs enhanced the privacy of the home, making it seem quaint and tucked away. The former stepping stones were jumbled and a little confusing, but featuring a lighted path from the front entry to carriage house made it instantly easier to use and maintain. The owner also requested the plants be easy to maintain (Writer’s Note: I HEAR YOU) so the flower beds and window boxes were filled with automatic irrigation and Mom’s Design Build made sure the plants were hardy in amended soil.
Oh what joy some non-fussy plants can bring! Cute, new gates were added to the fencing to keep the pups safe in the yard, a necessity for the owner.
COUNTRY GARDEN AESTHETICS
Aesthetics are key, especially with cottage home design. Roses were planted in the flower beds to create a floral European feel. The clay paver walk with bluestone diamonds evoked another quaint touch, something the homeowner initially requested and loved. Gentle angles were chosen for the home instead of continuous curves to make the home’s complex structure remained the hero. The charming gate and low, natural stone water fountain created a serene, non-flashy element as well.
Quick Tip: When you’re looking for cottage home inspiration, look to what inspires you in other countries! The homeowner truly loves UK design and the designer utilized that throughout the design.
CRAFTSMANSHIP AND SOLUTIONS
The bold decision to remove the big, stuffy pines in the front of the home made all the difference within the upgraded design of the home. Tying together the exterior paint and the outlined fence tied everything together and created an open, yet cozy concept. Quality craftsmanship through and through is equally as important as the design itself; the carpenters custom-built the gated arbor according to plan.
The new home was a gallant success. The homeowner loved the peaceful upgrade and now refers to the curbside swath as her “private oasis.” See more photos of the home here.
A QUICK LIST OF IMPROVEMENTS:
Removed pines from the front yard
Added well-crafted walkways with patterns and angles to naturally usher guests into the home
Reoriented the existing fencing to maintain smooth, gentle angles, adding contrast to the home with lots of personality
Added charming elements including a new front gate, a natural stone water fountain, a rose garden, ball caps on the white picket fence and crisp, white paint
Added a shrub lined clay paver walking path
Added a new, lighted path to the carriage house
Ready to curl up next to a bed of flowers and read poetry? I am! The upgraded cottage home truly makes you feel cozy and warm. I’m imagining a fire crackling inside throughout the winter and long summer afternoons sipping iced tea near the tranquil fountain. So, what in-home design inspires you? What’s your next project?
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