1st Project of the New Year- Little Cottage Updates

While I work on my Reflections and Goals for 2021 post that is coming your way- there is a bit of construction chaos and noise going on out in the cottage.

We are tackling a big project out in the cottage this year. In fact- we have already gotten started and have been making some messes out there. I shared the updated lighting in the little cottage HERE- and more has changed since then. Think counters and sink area.

The little cottage project involves several spaces. The kitchen, the bathroom and the outdoor living area in the cottage backyard for starters. Then we have some finish work on the closet areas in the bedroom to tackle. Basically, we are redoing almost everything in the cottage in the next couple of months- and it is long overdue.

So what are we doing exactly? Well, aside from making messes- we are making things more functional and fresh but maintaining the vintage feeling and original aspects of the cottage.

The Little Cottage Bathroom

Over the years we have done bits and pieces that needed some updating- but we always had bigger plans for renovations. The bathroom is one place where we are ready to tackle those bigger renovations- as in we are tiling today and tomorrow. The bathroom has always been a bit of a mess- things really didn’t function super well out there- and it is on the small side so we kept it kind of simple. Since we haven’t had any guests in the past year- it really hasn’t gotten much use.

But my oldest son and his fiancé might be staying with us a bit when they move back to California- so now it the perfect time to give it a new look. Let’s take a look back at where we were- you might remember these photos from my first book. It really hasn’t changed too much since then.

Subway Tile Wall

And what is on the design agenda? Well, I am going with a classic, vintage feeling- subway tile on the walls and brass fixtures. We are updating the shower are with tile-and leaving it as a walk in shower (no enclosure) which will still be usable if we decide to bring in a clawfoot tub (if I can convince the husband lol)

This photo is of one of our main house bathrooms and we used marble here- I am planning on traditional subway tile for the cottage. We used a white subway tile in our main house kitchen before renovating it and it was such a clean simple look.

Sink / Vanity

We have an antique sideboard that we turned into a vanity currently- though have since changed the faucet. But the best part here is that we are planning on updating the entire sink area with a major score vintage find that I can’t wait to share with you.

Lighting

This is what is currently in the bathroom.

Currently we have these vintage inspired sconces- I am debating between simple more modern brass fixtures and something more French vintage feeling. And just might add a chandelier for a bit of drama. The little cottage is much more masculine than the house is in feeling-so it is fun to flex those design muscles out here.

3 Ideas when renovating the bathroom

Since we are doing a big overhaul on the entire cottage- we have set aside budget for each space accordingly. The bathroom is definitely getting a nice facelift- but we are actually not spending too much to tackle it. Here are 3 ways we are keeping the look classic and the budget in line.

Keep it Classic

A classic simple look- and incredibly inexpensive- Subway tile is a beautiful addition to any bathroom. I love that it never goes out of style- and you are only limited to your color and design ideas. We are using a classic white with white grout.

Go Multi function

A shower and tub combo or a multi function shower head or faucet for example- instead of separate areas. That helps allow for the bathroom to be more functional for guests as well as keep a small space feeling more open.

Vintage & Repurpose

Though reproductions are great- I usually find that the lighting and bigger elements like a vanity, etc. that I fall in love with are pricey. And especially knowing that I would love a vintage even more- I tend to scour all the favorite sources to see if I can find something. First place to look is the Re-Store- they have a ton of vintage house elements- from sinks to hardware to furniture and decor and their prices are incredible -especially compared to reproductions.

Stay tuned for an update on the kitchen and bathroom and all the details on one of my most favorite architectural salvage finds ever going in the cottage. Spoiler alert- I loved it so much I actually bought two of them (the seller had 5!)

Happy Saturday all.