The cottage was designed to serve as a comfortable, casual basecamp for the property. The focus was on play rather than productivity. Instead of over-correcting, I let the house lead—taking cues from its existing character and choosing to highlight, rather than hide, its charming imperfections.
The cottage already had a quiet voice of its own—it just hadn’t been heard in years. I began by listening through the simplest act of care: a deep, thorough cleaning. By restoring what was already there, its character and charm slowly began to reveal themselves again.
Embracing the cottage’s vintage elements became one of the most enjoyable parts of the process, adding layers of character and history to the space. It served as a gentle reminder that perfection isn’t always necessary—or even desirable—and that a few imperfections can make a home feel more authentic and truly lived in.
When it came to furniture and decoration, the pieces we were able to save included the sofa and the charming floral wallcovering in the kitchen. Everything else was sourced from local antique and thrift shops, as well as garage sales—carefully chosen to evoke a nostalgic, timeworn feel.
Steve and his trusty best friend, Cole Parker, spent many hours at this desk—dreaming, scheming, and bringing ideas to life.
