Living Large in Small Spaces - Santa Cruz Cottage

Santa Cruz, California is the location of today's featured small space and home to interior designer Scarlett Fiona Reed.


Front Exterior




Welcome to the eighty-third post in the series
"Living Large in Small Spaces".


Situated on Schwan Lagoon, the interior of Reed's 500 sq ft cottage is filled with antiques and vintage finds. Originally a food safe, the large antique cupboard behind the sofa now serves as a craft cabinet.



The serene color palette is perfect for the nature-inspired decor.


Living Room



Everywhere the eye travels it meets with delightful vignettes.


Living Room Detail


I've said it before and I'll say it again, natural light is critical in a small space. The large windows in this home really open up the rooms and enlarge them visually.


Living Room



A corner of the living room serves as a home office. Collected dolls add a whimsical touch. I doubt I'd get much work done if I had this view. (Notice the binoculars on the desk?)


Living Room

Painted floors add so much character. The color is Duxbury Grey by Benjamin Moore.

Living Room

Corner windows create a lovely spot for dining in the kitchen.


Kitchen


I love these botanicals held by old clipboards found at a flea market. Such a great idea.


Kitchen Detail


A "funky 60's" upper cabinet was replaced by an old galvanized shelf.

sKitchen

Feeling that the new granite backsplash in the kitchen didn't fit her vintage style, Reed covered it with linen. The house is a rental, so the glued-on linen is easily removed, if necessary.  (She lives alone and feels the white linen is "not too scary", she can always add a new patch if one gets stained.) 

She also added a vintage mirror to another portion of the kitchen.


Kitchen Detail


The charming mudroom holds extra dishes, as well as outerwear.

Mudroom

A small hallway is home to an antique mirror and sweet vintage attire.


Hall way


The pedestal sink was a salvage yard find.


Bathroom


The bedroom is a mere 88 sq ft. Reed designed a queen-size bed with extra height to accommodate storage baskets. An old gate was repurposed into a headboard.


Bedroom


A conch shell doorstop fits the beachy atmosphere.

Exterior Detail


Outdoor seating invites relaxation and conversation while watching the lagoon and its wildlife.


Backyard View


See more of Scarlett Fiona Reed's cozy home here.

I'm glad you could join me in touring this charming cottage. I must confess that the more I scrolled through the photos the more I loved the home and its location. This will remain one of my very favorite small spaces that truly lives large.

On another note, I've decided that this post will be my last at A Joyful Cottage. At least for the summer, most likely indefinitely. I've been thinking and praying about this decision for awhile, so when I was offered out of the blue a part-time job at a local retail nursery (my dream job) I knew the Lord had answered my prayer. It's time to close down the blog and move on to other things. (I've still got a long bucket list in my pocket.)

I've accomplished everything I set out to do at A Joyful Cottage and I feel I'm ending on a very positive note. So, for now I'm. . . 



I'm going to leave A Joyful Cottage blog up; not taking it down. Who knows? Things could change and I might be back. I plan to utilize my Instagram account more now and will enjoy posting photos of our continuing progress with landscaping, repurposing projects, and other cottage happenings. I hope you'll visit me there.

Thanks so much for all the encouragement and warm fuzzies you've showered on me these past few years. I've made some incredible friendships through blogging and don't regret one minute I've spent at the keyboard.

So, from here on out I'll be a "follower" only. Somehow I don't mind one bit. 

Hugs,






49 comments

  1. *******YOU WILL BE MISSED*******
    Thank you for the special trips and looks, into some very special homes.
    I hope this isn't good-by but see you later....

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  2. My Dear Sweet Friend, I am going to miss you like blossoms in springtime. You have not just brought your followers these beautiful cottage tours, but you have brighten our lives with your sincerity and faith. You have a captivating warmth that spreads through your posts and although I wish you the very best with your new part-time job; I will truly miss your presents here in blog-land. Please don't loose touch. God bless you.
    Connie :)

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  3. Good luck with the new job! It's good to change prospectives in life, especially if that's what our heart desires the most.
    I was so much looking forward for your 'living large in small spaces' posts every Saturday!

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  4. Oh, Nancy! Cheering you on in your new pursuit. It sounds intriguing. But OH how I'll miss these inspiring Small Places! You make it mighty tempting to set up an Instagram account. However, I am as spread out on the internet as I dare to be. Hope our paths cross again now and then. (Or as I sometimes say when parting with friends...."Here, there or in the air!") Blessings on you, your fine husband and Joyful Cottage.

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  5. Oh, we will miss you in blogging land and the little cottages you share. I understand how life gets busier though. Many bloggers have migrated to Instagram, and that is a wonderful way to share and keep in touch too! Good luck to you, Nancy, and thank you!

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  6. I understand the dream job thing. I started my dream job recently, part-time in the local library, and I am thoroughly enjoying it!! My poor blog hasn't been touched since I started. I just wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed your blog though. I love small houses and the ones you have shared are wonderful. Thank you! And enjoy!!!

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  7. Love it! The chair's cover makes it look like it's wearing a dress. :)

    I will miss your blog posts. Have fun in your new job!

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  8. Nancy, I'm going to miss your Cottages and watching the updates on your own special Cottage. Much luck on the future and I'll keep your link open in case you drop back in. Barbara

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  9. I love your blog, and hate for you to stop posting. I haven't used instagram, I have it, but never think to use it. I'll have to try to check it out more. I've really enjoyed your small cottage series and enjoyed seeing your home being constructed. Good luck on your new job, and enjoy this chapter of your life. God bless!

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  10. Nancy, I was going to say that I wasn't sure what I loved more, this cottage or her name...Scarlett...but now I am focused on your news. I am so sorry that I will not be seeing your lovely posts pops up in my feed, but I understand your desire to enjoy real life with your sweet husband in your very own sweet cottage. Real life has been calling out to me too lately and I have been cutting back (without regret, I might add). I am so glad that our paths crossed and we have become friends. I don't think our meeting was an accident! :) I will look for you on Instagram and I wish you all the best as you begin your new job! How fun! Big hugs to you my friend. xoxox Kim

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  11. How wonderful for you to get your dream job. God is good. I have really enjoyed this living large in small spaces series. Will be following you on IG.

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  12. How wonderful for you to get your dream job. God is good. I have really enjoyed this living large in small spaces series. Will be following you on IG.

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  13. Oh Nancy I will miss you so much but I understand. I do not know how to use instagram but now I will have to learn. I wish you many blessings. Debbie

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  14. Thanks for sharing all the small homes you found..as well as your own build..I'll miss having you in my inbox..as a garden girl myself..I understand..nothing like having a job..that isn't actually a job..best of luck with all you do..an I'll try to think to go on instagram..I'm not into that an tweeter..but I'll check in as I think of it..I'm thinking your landscape will be marvelous..all those wonderful goodies at your fingertips..have fun.!!

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  15. Nancy,
    I will miss your posts but totally agree that sometimes life takes us on a different journey. Your part time job sounds wonderful. I know you will be so happy with that. Happy New Week my friend.
    love ya,
    Kris

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  16. My darling friend,

    I know the feeling of having to say good bye to a chapter of my blogging life. Now, I am an occasional blogger and I still follow, but it takes time to adjust to not keeping a constant flow of posts....there is something about blogging that stays with you: THE PEOPLE. I will miss you, but I am glad you will be a presence on Instagram, which I'm really enjoying. It's now a YEAR since I've been on Instagram, and that too has opened so many new doors.

    That is a dream cottage, right on a body of water. SWOON!

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  17. Oh NO! You are going to be so missed! It has always been a real joy to see your posts.

    God's continued blessings on you as you start this next chapter in your life.

    Love, hugs and prayers ~ FlowerLady

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  18. Well, Nancy, you certainly ended on a high note with this post! I can see how it's one of your favorites.

    Congrats on your new dream job! I'm glad you'll be leaving your blog u. It will be a great reference and source of inspiration for those of us who've followed along as well as many who will discover it in the future. Thank you for always sharing your life so openly and warmly. May God's richest blessings be with you and Dennis and you keep checking off that bucket list. I look forward to "seeing" you sometime at My Place.

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  19. i must admit to a gasp! reading your news. but really? i understand .. it's something i've considered as well and may follow through with at some point in time. please know how you've blessed others in the blog world - in a myriad of ways. i'm thankful God has blessed you with that sweet dream job at the nursery! i'm sure your creative and kind ways will go far in establishing an integral relationship at the nursery and with the community. blessings dear friend. :) hugs.

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  20. I adore your small cottage series...this one is oh so charming! So sorry you're ending this phase of your life, but I understand completely...sounds like a wonderful opportunity has come your way.
    Mary Alice

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  21. Nancy, I've enjoyed stopping by your blog. Perhaps it will come as a surprise to you that one of the things that has most inspired me is your story of lost love, which hits close to home for me. You showed me there is hope for happiness again, and I am finding that as well. God's Blessing to you - you're a special person.

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    1. Joanie, thank you so much for sharing this with me. I can't tell you what it means to know that I was able to encourage you, even in a small way. Losing a love is so very difficult. It's heartbreaking and no one can understand the pain unless they've been there. I'm so happy to read that you're finding hope and happiness again. I pray somehow our paths will cross once more. Love and hugs to you ~ Nancy

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  22. You will be missed, but enjoy the new job! Thanks for all the wonderful cottages your brought to us.

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  23. I will definitely miss the gorgeous cottages that you share and your stories, but I completely understand your decision. I suspect I won't be too far behind you in leaving blogland but I'm not quite there yet. Enjoy working at the nursery - what fun! xoxox

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  24. A BIG THANK YOU for so many wonderful posts and so much eye candy. This is sad news for me but I extend my heartfelt good wishes to you in your future endeavors. Maybe this will indeed be only a hiatus and we will get to welcome you back one day. BLESSINGS!

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  25. I only recently discovered your blog and enjoyed reading through it immensely. Sorry to see it end, but I wish you good luck in all your future endeavors.

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  26. I will miss your blog, Friend. But I am thrilled for you in finding your dream job! Please stop by once in awhile and update me on how it's going. You are going to do great!

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  27. I'm just back from vacation to read your news. I will miss the lovely place you've created here, Nancy, but a dream job is a dream job. Anyway, I've started following you on instagram so I can keep up with all your news. A kiss and a hug.
    Amalia
    xo

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  28. Having just recently found you, I am quite sad although I do understand as I retired from teaching last week. I'm not on instagram sadly. How about pinterest??

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    1. Yes, I'm on Pinterest.

      https://www.pinterest.com/nancyreinke/

      Thanks so much for all your encouraging words. Always loved your visits!

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  29. Hi dear Nancy ,, esa casa de campo es una belleza y está emplazada frente a un lago,, u sueño echo realidad ,,
    que tengas un buen día
    Cariños

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  30. Oh, I will miss you! What a fun job to have and I am happy for you. Just followed you on Instagram so I can visit with you and see your sweet cottage from time to time. I wish you many blessings at your new job and all that you do with your time. <3

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  31. What a sweet home.
    I'm happy that you have found a dream job for retirement. I will really miss your blog; it's one of my favorites. It's comfortable and approachable. I've been blogging at the one I have now for four years, and this time of year is slow, and I think people are changing platforms, but I think there is a place for blogs that take things slower and realistically, with comfort and home in mind. Best wishes. I will miss you. I follow you on Instagram. Maybe you will use it more, because you are focusing on plants. I like using it for mostly outdoor and garden. xoxo Su

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  32. Congratulations on landing your dream job, Nancy!! I have really enjoyed following your blog, but I know exactly how you feel about putting it on hold indefinitely. I feel there just aren't enough hours in the day to keep up with a blog while I'm working, and frequently take long breaks myself. I wish you health and happiness!

    Vickie

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  33. What a beautiful cottage to end with, Nancy.

    Congratulations on your dream job. I can only imagine all the beautiful plants you'll be able to bring home with you, too. :)

    I have to admit that I'm a bit sad that you won't be blogging, but I completely understand your decision. I never even knew you were on Instagram. Jumped on and followed you there. I'll be glad to be able to keep up with the lovely things you're doing in your home and garden.

    Wishing you all the best. I'm glad to have had the chance to connect with you while you were still blogging.

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  34. Oh Nancy I will miss you and your beautiful small places. I will follow you on Instagram and if you keep A Joyful Cottage up I will enjoy re-visiting your small places. That’s a wonderful job opportunity, good luck, I’m sure you will love it. x

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  35. Well, I had lots of comments about the little cottage, but they all flew away when I read your last paragraph! Oh dear Nancy, you will be MISSED! I have enjoyed your wonderful cottage posts all these months, although I do understand what you mean about blogging, as my life has gotten fairly busy in recent months and I haven't posted as much either. I wish you well in your dream job... enjoy every moment!!! Please do keep this blog open, and continue to share as life permits... you are a friend I treasure very much, and hope that we can still keep in touch. I am not on Instagram, but did sign up to follow you on Pinterest :) Many hugs, blessings and well wishes for you!!

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  36. That cottage is enchanting. I'll miss your blog, but I understand the need for a break.

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  37. Hi Nancy. I've been away from the blog for several weeks while we settle our living situation and come back to find you are gone. So happy that you landed your dream job but I'm sad that you won't be blogging. You will definitely be missed. Best of luck to you, my sweet friend. I hope you enjoy your new job. Hugs...

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  38. Nancy, I have been ill and missed this post as I'm trying to catch up tonight! I'm sorry to read about your Hiatus but am so happy that a special opportunity has opened for you! When God grants a wish, What Delight!! May you continue to find JOY in all you do and live each day to it's fullest! Happy Adventures to you! Hoping to connect now and again. I'll look up your Instagram account! Blessings, Cindy xo

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  39. Nancy. I understand the need to go away from blogging for one needs extra rest sometimes. I have enjoyed your post immensely. I love cottages and hope that some time in the future you can came back. Hugs!!

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  40. Hope you have been enjoying your break Nancy, and taking on new and inspiring projects.
    As for this sweet Santa Cruz cottage what a charmer, and view that only enlarges life itself.
    I adore every aspect of her style, and gathered and collected pieces, the storage food safe wow! And the metal galvanize cupboard is calling out to me! Something I would love to use in my laundry pantry space.
    The mud room is something I have always wanted, there is just something so nostalgic about a mudroom verses a garage entry.

    I am going back to see a bit more of her home featured, I am intrigued at how large this small cottage lives, and to think I thought Imwas living small with just under 1,400 sq ft.

    This assures me I could go even smaller :)

    See you soon dear.

    Xx
    Dore

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  41. You are missed on your blog Nancy but I hope you are continuing to enjoy a busy life and will perhaps post again some day.

    Hugs - Mary

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  42. I wish you the best! I will miss your lovely blog but you must go where your journey takes you. :-)

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  43. I am glad you left your blog up. I enjoy coming back over and rereading your posts on cottages. I do miss all your wonderful posts, but understand how life goes.

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  44. Nancy, I am not sure why this is suddenly showing up on my blog list, but glad that it did.
    Hope you decide to continue blogging at some point.
    I don't know if you ever saw the post I did that included the Firmoo glasses or not. I love them! Thanks for having the giveaway.
    https://mimi-inthemiddleofnowhere.blogspot.com/2016/05/sunday-supper-tablescape.html

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  45. What? I came by just in time for your good-bye?!?!! God bless you, Nancy. I have enjoyed following you and your journey. I have been away from blogging for a while but hope to get back to it on a more full time basis soon. The break was needed as we dealt with illness and life changes.

    This was a wonderful small living post! Good luck to you and God bless- xo Diana

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  46. Dear, dear Nancy! I messaged you on Instagram, and I saw that you came to my blog, but I had remembered that you no longer blog. I wanted to take a chance that you might see my comment here. THANK YOU my dear friend for coming to visit. I sure miss your blog, for your cottage shares always were a lift every Sunday morning. Blessings to you and I pray you and Dennis are well! Anita

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  47. Hi Nancy,

    Lovely to visit you and see the beautiful cottage - thanks for sharing.
    Sending hugs and well wishes
    Carolyn

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