A fresh coat of paint, new lighting and a new look in the living room and kitchen.
We are in planning mode for a refresh in the little cottage over here. From freshening everything – to updating things. And today it is all about ideas and inspiration for the new look.
Can you believe that I haven’t shared anything out in the little cottage since I did this styling in autumn? What have I been doing? haha. Honestly though- that is because the little cottage has been a bit full of storing things for my daughter while she moved into a new place. So, I didn’t do too much decorating or anything during winter while they moved. But with the last of the stored items going to her new place in a couple of weeks, I am getting back out there and giving the cottage a bit of a refresh. ( Using older photos for reference to remind of where we are starting for the post today to give you an idea. ) Today it is all about what is on the agenda- and a bit of a ‘mood board’ to share some of what I have in mind.
Mood boards are great because you can save snippets of inspiration and put things together to give yourself an idea of what direction you want to go in, what goals you have or what look you have in mind. With a mood board- it is merely saving elements you like and not everything that is on the board will end up in your room. There might be just one detail you take away from a whole snap of inspiration- but it is one that is important to you. So let’s start at the first project out there- which involves a paint brush and likely a whole lot of mess.
Fresh Paint
The little cottage is all white – from the walls to the ceiling to the floor. A simple white backdrop is easy to live with and easy to change decor and details at whim. We are refreshing the paint out here so that means an opportunity to update the color as well. Originally, we went with a simple off the shelf cottage white. I am thinking something with a tad more of a hue for the new look.
A place to sit
We have had a mish -mash of this and that chairs in the cottage- including a slipcovered sofa and stools. My oldest son needed sofas and chairs when he was visiting last year- and so, he loaded up a truck full of random furniture and decor to take home with him including several pieces from the cottage. So, currently- that living room is a bit bare. Instead of something large- I am thinking 4 chairs for a small seating area- but may also go with a settee to mix things up.
Lighting
Currently, we have a chandelier in the living room and 2 chandeliers in the kitchen area in this space. This is one large room so everything somewhat flows together as far as lighting goes- so cohesive style is key. But I am changing all three of these lights and adding one more.
With the little cottage leaning a tad more masculine in decor most of the time- I am changing the look of the lighting to reflect that as well.
Accents
Vintage rugs, artwork and plops of pillows and dainty tables- we are kind of giving everything a bit of a mix and mingle. I am using mostly what I have on hand and just repurposing it here but there will be a couple additions- and I am planning on incorporating more natural touches here and there.
Colors/Details
Thinking of bringing in some rich, moody colors like this arrangement of flowers- and a backdrop of beautiful simplicity to let the details shine. a bit of brass, bling, linen and nubby textures. Warm patina and natural woods with vintage old world finishes. Vintage on repeat and maybe a sprinkle of the unexpected.
We won’t be touching the original patina on the cupboard in the kitchen but looking to change things a bit in there by changing other things. The concrete painted floor is worn a tad but I do like the look and so that will likely stay painted white and as is as well.
Here is a general ‘mood board’ to give you an idea of textures, colors, details and style.
Sources: Emily Henderson, Etsy, Pottery Barn, Chez Pluie, Lamps Plus, French Country Cottage
Stay tuned for how things come together and the new look in the next few weeks.
And today is the LAST CHANCE TO ENTER to win a $500 shopping spree to Lamps Plus. Have you entered yet? You can share each day for extra entries. You can enter in this post here.
And you can grab your copy of my new book here.
Happy Monday all
Beth says
I am excited for you to change Things up. Refresh is always exciting. I love you lacanche range and kitchen CHANDELIERS. Will miss THem. Any chance you are selling?
Courtney says
Hi! Thank you! The Lacanche & chandeliers are in my kitchen in our home and not being changed- the little cottage is a guest house. Hope that helps!
Teddee Grace says
Oh, a real change of pace! It will be interesting to see how you give this your own twist.
Courtney says
Thanks Teddee!
cassandra e says
I adore the little cottage. (okay, I don’t have caps lock on again!)
When i first discovered blogs way back when, I would just kind of land in places probably from link parties. It’s long before I became a follower or subscriber. Anyway, I used to get confused between the cottage and the main house. I didn’t know you had both. I pinned a photo from the cottage so long ago, but could never find that room in your house. I’m not sure if any of this makes sense…but it was kind of funny when i put it all together. And all of that to say, I think the cottage is actually the first blog post i ever saw of yours. I could live in the cottage. have so much fun updating. i may miss a few things. I may love a few new things.
Cassandra E says
I see the caps lock comment will not make sense…when I type out my reply it’s in all caps, but once posted, it’s not. Funny that!
Courtney says
Aww that is so neat! Yes- two separate houses. The little cottage is across the lawn a bit. 🙂 And a lot of people have been saying something about caps lock being on- it must be a glitch of some kind. 🙂
Teresa See says
Just received your book on Saturday it is beautiful!!!!
My new coffee table book.
Congrats!!!!
Courtney says
So glad you like it! Thank you Teresa!
Virginia Scanlan says
Love the chairs on your mood board. But don’t you need a hide-A-bed for guests?
Courtney says
This is just the bottom of the little cottage – the bedroom is in a separate area.