A VINTAGE SEASIDE COTTAGE RENO: DOCUMENTING ITS PAST

We’re gearing up to kick-off the interior updates to a centuries old craftsman style cottage on the Southwest Shore at the start of the New Year. By gearing up I mean designing non-stop, all of the new interior wall and ceiling treatments, new built-ins as well as fully redoing the kitchen and bathroom.

The cottage itself was built in a simple craftsman style and retains most all of its original details with plumbing and electrical updates added over recent decades. The interior layout is basic and simple consisting of one open space for the living/dining/kitchen and partitions around the bed and bathrooms.

The open living area features a huge wood burning fireplace that I’m pleased to say will remain wood burning. I'm always thrilled to meet fellow real wood fire enthusiasts!

Original doors and floor boards from the turn of the century will all remain. Some are painted, some are are not….

Our goal for the new work is to create a interior with simple by-gone charm that remains authentic to the original cottage. New and improved from a modern day perspective but not stripped of vintage character.

Vintage sink, aged brass taps, peeling paint and real patina.

A kitchen so charming its a shame to replace these original buil-tins with new cabinets and counters, but ultimately its worth the sacrifice - to have counters, some drawers, a larger sink and a dishwasher will make full-time living here more practical and enjoyable.

The homeowners have fantastic style and an extensive collection of the most interesting vintage and antique accessories. A few of them they inherited with the cottage but many are their personal treasures that they so artfully display and use.

This is just a small sampling of the incredible collections and charming character that currently inhabit the cottage. Before all of this is packed away, or taken down forever, I was sure to take the time to photograph it all - for reference in the new design but also because it is SO worth documenting. Places like this are becoming as rare as those special people who value their authentic character and relevance. It will truly be a joy to work with these owners in embracing all of this home’s 1920’s seaside personality.

Stay tuned for the circa 2021 version.

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