Living Large In Small Spaces - Hydrangea Cottage

Seventeenth post in the series 
"Living Large in Small Spaces"





A Joyful Welcome to you!

I'm so happy you're here for another edition of Living Large In Small Spaces.  Today I'm featuring a cottage that I discovered several years ago when we were first considering a move. The timing for purchasing a "new" home was all wrong, but I surely did love this small space. 

I call it Hydrangea Cottage in honor of all those gorgeous blooms that hug the front entrance.



The 1200 square foot cottage was built in 1930.




And remodeled in 1980. The dining room opens to the living room.




I appreciate how the owners furnished this room. Note the scale of the furniture in this small space. The welsh cupboard is really large, but as the room's focal point the commanding presence works. 

They also hung the artwork high, which visually raises the ceiling height. The addition of crown moulding in this room would complement the welsh cupboard, and bring balance to the space.  (By the way, I'd have to change out the ceiling light.)



The rest of the furniture is much smaller in size, yet there's still room for four people to cozy up, and the little tables provide places for drinks and snacks. 



I really like this kitchen.  It's small, but very functional and has loads of charm.  Great farm sink!




The plate rack is perfect for this kitchen. Not using upper cabinets makes the room appear larger.




It's likely that there are hardwood floors under the carpet, don't you think?  Considering the age of the cottage, I believe the chances are good.


The bathroom was updated in a wonderful vintage style. I'd replace the plastic lotion bottle. . .(smile).



It wouldn't take much to make this laundry room sing. Start with front load machines under a wood counter. The windows overlook a garden, which could make folding laundry a lot more enjoyable.



The attic serves as a hobby room. It could be so charming with wood plank on the walls and ceiling. 




The wisteria covered trellis on the back patio, and window boxes make we sigh.



And look what we have here.  A guest cottage.





I thought this would make a nice artist studio.



Maybe serve as both a guest cottage and an art studio.  (What about that bed? )









 Honestly, I'd put the guests in the house and sleep here!



The property has a lovely back yard with a shady spot for lingering in the summer.


Okay friends, I'm anxious to hear your thoughts on this small space. The costly renovations have been completed.  What would you add or change? Or maybe it suits you just fine as it is. Do tell!


Join me next Saturday for another post in the special series

 Living Large in Small Spaces


See more home tours in the 
Living Large In Small Spaces Series here.



From the comments I've received, many
people have been encouraged by the homes and lives shared here.
If you live in a small space I'd 
love to feature your story, too.
Send me an email and let's collaborate.
(See the "Contact Me" page for my email address.)



47 comments

  1. Wow! It's so pretty, Nancy! Just the few minor changes that you mentioned and it would be a little dream house!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's the beauty of a small home, isn't it? Minor changes can make a major difference.

      Delete
  2. Very pretty and I am in love with the guest cottage too! The bed in there is gorgeous even though it would cut into the studio space. I am way to messy to have anything pretty in my studio. Just a bunch of shelves and tables in mine.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your creative space sounds like Dennis' art "studio" in our apartment, Gigi. :)

      Delete
  3. I love the grounds and guest cottage on this property. It has an English feel to it. xoox

    ReplyDelete
  4. Another cute home, I'd find myself sleeping in the guest cottage also. Actually I'd want to live in there. Love that headboard. The changes you mentioned would make such a difference especially the upstairs. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nancy,
    The cottage is very quaint and full of charm. It takes a playful spirit to paint tomato red walls in the cute kitchen. I agree with your suggested changes ... But it is the guest cottage warms my heart. It is where I'd prefer to sleep and create in.
    I adore this series of yours and appreciate the opportunity to have a cottage tour on Saturday's.
    xo,
    Vera

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Nancy...so many cute things about this property...I love the little end tables used in the living room, and the way they have made great use of the small space. BUT... I so want that little guest house!! We operated a BnB when we lived in Hanna, and I so want to do another guest house on this property...seeing great little building like this guest house always get my wheels turning!! Thnks for sharing .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure, Dawna. I have several friends who have guest houses on their property that they rent out as vacation and weekend retreats. It's a great little business for them. This little guest cottage would be perfect for that.

      Delete
  7. I think I would cozy up in the guest cottage immediately, I loved its charm.
    I agree, do away with the ceiling light in the main living room, no doubt one of the first things visible.
    I liked the small kitchen with out high wall cupboards, it does make the space seem larger.
    I really liked the large hutch and would love to take a closer look at what is inside . . .
    Lighter interior colors might create more openness, but then, if you like red, you like red!
    I think what I liked best about this cottage was the entry door and also being greeted by a lovely color assortment of hydrangeas. The charm of the Wisteria under the pergola would draw me in too!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Brilliant idea about the laundry room. I never would have thought of that! Filing that one away for future reference. ;)
    Love that butcher block kitchen island, too!

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a sweet little house! Thanks for sharing it Nancy! xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  10. You can live well in 1200 sq ft. Love the outdoor space and the charming guest cottage too!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Adorable. I think it's lovely. I have the same fabric in my kitchen...in the red, of course! Your laundry room description sounds very charming and pleasant ~ much better than the cinderblocks I stare at every day! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow if this were for sale I would yell SOLD! How cute is this place. What a cute place I would love to have to put my touches to it. That guest cottage sold me on this place. Love the outdoor space too.
    Happy Week End Nancy. Another great place.
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  13. Everything about this is beautiful and looks so wonderfully cozy! I want to experience curling up on one of those red couches!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The only thing that's missing is a crackling fire! :)

      Delete
  14. Evening Nancy, I love your posts!! This little cottage is adorable~~~I see a few things in it that remind me of mine. The guest house is a dream...I could live there! We are putting a pergola on the one side of the cottage this summer...can't wait! Blessings~~~Roxie

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh wow, I think it is PERFECT! I adore that guest cottage, and the wisteria out back. In the house I'm loving that walnut stepback cupboard and the bathroom is wonderful!! Very cute! Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
    Happy Sunday!
    Gina

    ReplyDelete
  16. Nancy - I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on what you would do to change things a bit, and I loved every one of your suggestions. I have to admit that the hydrangeas in front and wisteria in back would have sold me, hands down. The cottage and guest cottage both are absolutely darling, although the guest cottage had a special simple charm to it! Enjoyed touring the cottage tour with you, and honestly, I can't think of anything to add to the suggestions you mentioned! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. I really do like this cottage but just a few changes would be to my taste; removing all of the carpet, perhaps putting in a wood-burning stove if practical; but everything else is lovely. The guest cottage is my favourite!!!!.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. The carpet needs to be removed and a fireplace or wood stove would be a big plus!

      Delete
  18. Good morning sweet friend! I totally enjoyed this charming tour and it makes me tickled with ideas to see how such a small space can be loaded with charm. I think the owners did a fabulous job. The use of one tall piece in the living room and keeping the rest to a smaller scale is an excellent strategy for allusion of larger space. The kitchen with its farmhouse style sink and plate rack is SO COTTAGE! And that precious guest cottage; I'd sleep out there in the summer and even have a "slumber party" and pitch tents and have friends come over for a night out under the stars.

    The only thing I'd do is very minor. I personally would paint the walls white (yep, I'm a white cottage lover!) and I'd replace any reproductions with antiques or vintage, and I'd have less things to make the cottage even more open and spacious. And of course, I'd have fresh flowers all spring and summer long, then bring in small amounts of nature during the colder months. That's all I'd do.

    We have so many small cottages in our area and our neighbors across the street also have a darling 1930s cottage that they renovated as well. Updated plumbing and cabinetry in the kitchen and baths and a good paint job have their sweet home so charming.

    How I LOVE YOUR SERIES! MORE MORE MORE! Anita

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very pretty and very inspiring. Other than a few minor transformation (I would tone done the colour of the wall in the kitchen), it's really nice. I love the attic room and the guest cottage as well.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lovely!

    Wonderful use of space. Feels like home! Love that painting above the bed...and also the guesthouse! How cool is that??

    ReplyDelete
  21. Dear Nancy!! Parece casa de cuentos .. Muy bonita ..Espero que tengas un buen fin de semana juntó a los tuyos
    Cariños

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Siempre disfruto compartiendo pequeñas casas, Angélica. Gracias por su visita.

      Delete
  22. Very cute little home! I love your ideas and I would definitely do something with the upstairs attic room. Could be a dream master bedroom!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I agree with Anna Marie, turn the attic into the master. I would move all the furniture in the guest house into the master too. Love the back yard, especially that nice shade tree. I can see myself sitting there in the morning with a cup of coffee and doing my devotions while I run my toes through the soft grace. :) That would be heaven. Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  24. You had me at "Hydrangea Cottage" :) I love the red decor. Wood floors would be a nice touch. But the best parts are definitely the outdoor spaces and guest quarters/studio! Charming!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I so agree, Julie. The guest cottage drew me in immediately, as did the patio and gardens.

      Delete
  25. Hi Nancy,
    What a charming name for this beauty. Love it!
    I agree with you; I'd sleep in the guest house. Lol
    Linda at Beautiful Ideas

    ReplyDelete
  26. You have had so many wonderful comments I don't know that I can add anything. The cottage is charming and I totally agree with all the changes you mentioned. I do think they were very creative with the sink in the cottage.. I love decorating and looking at houses so I really love this series...One day maybe we can talk about using our little mountain house in your series....Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Nancy, another sweet cottage that, with a little TLC could be grand in its appeal. Firstly, I'd get rid of all the carpet, aside from the fact that I'm allergic to dust, it would open up the space and let those MIA wooden planks shine. Secondly, I'd create more unity re: colour, both on the walls and existing design scheme. Since the furniture consists of rich walnuts and reds, I'd soften up the kitchen's walls with either a subtle, creamy yellow or white, and accent with red and white checks, gingham, or florals, very similar to what is already happening in the lovely guest cottage. The garden, with all its greenery and beautiful flowering shrubs, is the perfect respite, and I can imagine many pretty teatimes here, in the warmer seasons.

    Thanks for sharing this little diamond in the rough!

    Have a wonderful week,
    xx
    Poppy

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi,
    I agree with you on your updates. I had to chuckle about the light fixture. :-) And lotion! You are so fun.
    I love the idea of the guest cottage. The yard and gardens are fun and I could see myself working away outside. :-)
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love the bathroom vanity!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY.
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  30. Another beautiful small space....I am thinking it's just about perfect! Who needs a big house ? Not me, anymore for the two of us" you have certainly tweeted my curiosity :). Hmmmmm ! Maybe ...that's something to think about! I just LoVe all the hits of red ! My favorite color!
    Hope you are having a great week! Thanks again for posting an awesome blog!
    Hugs Marg.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love this cottage. It helps that it features two of my favorite flowers...hydrangea and wisteria. Love the red in the living room, and LOVE that the wood of the hutch and the trunk has NOT been painted white and distressed!

    ReplyDelete
  32. What a cute little dollhouse! I agree the ceiling light would go also the carpeting. The kitchen is darling. It has great bones. The upstairs room would probably be the area I'd really go to town on. It has such potential to be very cozy. I see an old bed with a feather bed, duvet, fluffy pillows and yes I'd probably wallpaper in it a vintage style real wallpaper not vinyl covering. I LOVE that hutch!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your ideas for the upstairs room sound charming. Thanks for sharing.

      Delete
  33. The cottage is so cute Nancy! Yup, I'd be pulling up those carpets and keeping my fingers crossed. lol! Love the sweet guest house, studio too. I wouldn't have any problem moving in there. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete

Your comments bring me joy! Thanks for stopping by.