Cottage Design

It's snowing here right now! 

I am just not ready for winter, quite yet. 

I should be thinking of practical snow related things.

Where are the shovels? 

I need snow tires!

Who's turn is it to shovel the driveway?

Where did I stash all the hats and mitts?

But...

I can't because I am surfing the net for pretty pictures of cottages.

We are thinking of building a small cottage on a lot we have owned for a few years in Nova Scotia.

We want something affordable (cheap would be nice) and appropriate for renting out most of the time.

There is nothing I like better than coming up with plans, especially if it involves solving a problem or two.

My main goal was to incorporate everything we wanted all within a fairly small foot print.

Here's what I am thinking...

  I would love to do something a little more modern, but because it is on a private road we need to keep the exterior design in keeping with the existing cottages, some of which are 100 years old.

 

I came across this Portland home in the New York Times owned by Brian Faherty owner of Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

I really like his use of horizontal shiplap paneling and all that barn board is amazing. Thinking I might have to steal a few ideas!

 

Lovely Little Island Home

This tiny home was designed by Jessica Helgerson for her family of four. It is located on Sauvie Island in the Columbia River near Portland Oregon. This little house is a mere 540 square feet and was originally built in the yearly 1940's as a place for shipyard workers. Jessica and her husband renovated the home to include a great room, new bathroom and sleeping loft.
I really appreciate the the layout and the materials used in this home and would love to replicate some of the features in a cottage.

I love the wood paneled wall in the kitchen, also the horizontal painted paneling used throughout the house.

The built in sofas in the great room double as beds for guests.

The ladder leads to the parent's sleeping loft.

 The 'master bedroom' loft.

 The children's bedroom.

 The new roof is a green roof, planted with a variety of moss and ferns collected along the Columbia River.

Love of the Week

I haven't done a 'Love of the Week' for ages and ages.
I came across this California beach house and knew right away that it would be perfect for this series!

This second home was built over 30 years ago and was recently remodelled by Scavullo Design. I love the understated and unfussy beach vibe. The mix of a few well chosen beach inspired accessories with modern elements is just perfect. I especially love the tulip table (my favourite table, ever) the exposed beams and those sliding doors!