It’s been a while since I shared an update from the Tiny Cottage, so I thought I’d give you a fresh peek at how charming it still is. My mom kindly let me take photos while I was there shooting the Tiny Kitchen for another post, so I captured a few new corners to show you.
Throughout the post you’ll find many of the items and similar options used in the Tiny Cottage, with more sources listed at the end.
The Tiny Cottage (attached to our main house and just 400 square feet) gets cozier and more personal the longer my parents live in it, which is exactly how a home should feel.
I love the thoughtful details everywhere—beyond the sweet architecture, colors, and finishes, it’s the meaningful touches that make the cottage feel like theirs.
In a Tiny Cottage every inch matters, and it’s delightful to watch how my mom uses each space thoughtfully while keeping things visually charming.
There isn’t room for items that don’t serve a purpose or bring joy, so everything earns its place—whether by function or by the happiness it adds to daily life. The result is a warm mix of practical pieces and treasured memories.
I once asked my mom if 400 square feet would be enough, and she simply replied, “What more do we need?” She was right.
Living small isn’t always simple—it takes intention and thoughtful choices—but making a lovely home is really about finding peace with what matters in this season of life.
That spirit is what we celebrate as HomeBodies in our HomeBody community: creating soul-filled homes with intention and ease. It’s not about square footage or perfection; it’s about learning to love the place you’re in and the small daily acts that make it yours.
Below are a few recent updates and small moments from around the Tiny Cottage, plus tips for making the most of compact spaces.
My mom loves plants—it’s a family trait—and she’s turned several window sills into a tiny indoor garden. I didn’t inherit the green thumb, but I try! If you’re building or renovating a small home, consider deeper window sills; they give you space to display plants or decor and help create the feeling of more room.
They recently added bookcase-benches to either side of the fireplace. After living in the cottage for a while, they realized they wanted more surface space for books, plants, frames, and keepsakes—these pieces fit perfectly and can double as extra seating when needed.
Side note: I noticed a little caterpillar crawling outside the window while I was shooting—small moments like that make visits fun.
A while back I gifted my mom our couch and their wicker set moved out to the Tiny Deck, which looks adorable. The leather couch that’s inside now is cozy and lovely—our family tends to rearrange furniture often, so things tend to find new homes.
My dad delights my mom with small handmade quilling cards, and they’ve started framing them by the door. I love art that tells a story—these pieces feel personal and sweet.
She also added blue-and-white checkered throws over the wicker chairs, which look so fresh and inviting. Little swaps like that add charm without cluttering the space.
My dad sprinkles his little trinkets around the cottage—one favorite is a tiny mouse night light riding in a little boat. These small, whimsical items make the home feel lived-in and loved.
My mom often reorganizes to find the right spot for things. I bought them a cute “fish” apron that now hangs like art on the wall—double duty is a smart approach in a small home: practical and beautiful at once.
A decorative plate displayed in the kitchen was a wedding gift from my mom’s mother—heirlooms like that bring warmth and history to a small home.
A cabinet and counter act as a useful extension of their tiny kitchen. When appliances must be left on the counter, choose attractive ones—like their pretty espresso machine—to keep the space feeling curated.
They also use the TV to display artwork when it’s not in use, which softens the visual presence and keeps the room feeling like a cozy living space rather than a dark screen.
The tiny oven remains a favorite—compact appliances can be both practical and charming in a small kitchen.
My mom enjoys styling her kitchen shelves with everyday items mixed with special pieces collected over the years. The effect is both practical and pretty.
Several similar blue-and-white canisters and pieces are listed in the source list below—some are family heirlooms and others were collected during travels.
Thanks for stopping by the Tiny Cottage for an early summer visit. I’ll share photos of the Tiny Deck and backyard updates soon—stay tuned for more small-home inspiration.
Languid Blue (Sherwin-Williams) cabinet paint color
Beadboard walls
Butcher block countertops
Floors: European white oak
Oven with air fryer
Automatic espresso machine
Classic retro white fridge and freezer
Faucet
Undermount bar sink
Electric cooktop
Blue-and-white square tile and ceramic subway tile backsplash
Classic retro under-cabinet range hood
Sources for above:
Wood bead flush mount light /// Antique white chandelier /// Braided rug (often used in the entry) /// Quilted ruffle throw blanket /// Post box wall planter /// Blue-and-white checkered tile /// Blue subway tile /// White tea kettle /// Wood tray TV table /// White outdoor dusk-to-dawn sconce /// Blue-and-white reversible throw blanket /// White toaster oven + air fryer /// White espresso machine /// White retro fridge
More sources and images are shown below.
See more posts about the Tiny Cottage:
Spring in the Tiny Cottage: A Reflection on Having Less in a Cottage by the Sea
The 400 Square Foot Tiny Cottage Tour at Christmas
See all posts on the Tiny Cottage, including the remodel process, for more photos and details.