via Historical Concepts
It’s been more than a decade since we moved out of our little English cottage in the Eastmoreland neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. Time has a way of moving quickly, but the memories of that house remain vivid. It sat in a neighborhood I had always dreamed of: tree-lined streets and charming older homes. Ours was one of the smaller houses, yet I loved living there. My sister still lives nearby, so I visit the neighborhood often and remember the life we made in that cozy home.
We made so many warm memories in that cottage. It wasn’t perfect, of course, but it held so many important moments. It’s where we brought our son home, and I spent years watching my nephew—who is five weeks older than my son—during the day while my sister worked. Four kids in that small house felt snug and right; it became a place full of laughter, small adventures, and family routines.
At the time we lived there my parents were only a few blocks away. I remember walking to my mother’s house with a double stroller and our girls riding their bikes just ahead. Summers meant lemonade stands, block parties on the street, and neighbors who felt like extended family. Those ordinary, everyday moments are the ones I miss most.
Our little cottage
The photo above is of the actual house I’m writing about.
The small bedroom pictured isn’t mine, but it’s a good representation—so charming, isn’t it?
We put our daughters together in the largest bedroom so they could share, and we took the small main-floor bedroom. It was so compact that our bed had to sit diagonally, and we even converted a linen closet in the hall into a closet for my husband. That cramped layout could be frustrating at times, but the room felt cozy and romantic—just like the rest of the house.
Over the years we lived in three other small, older homes around Portland that I loved as well. I miss each of them, and sometimes I wish I could reclaim them all. Still, whenever I think about that little cottage, a warm feeling returns to my heart. We made it a home, and it gave us a lifetime of small, meaningful moments.
If you’re inspired by small spaces, browse the bedroom selections in the images below to find ideas for creating your own cozy retreat.
Have you ever had a house that felt especially cozy? Share a few favorite memories of that home in the comments—we’d love to hear them.
Happy Valentine’s Day, lovelies.
Art from my New York Times bestselling book Love the Home You Have
(Downloadable art quotes are available with the book.)
If you haven’t read the book yet, consider treating yourself to a copy this Valentine’s Day. I hope it inspires you.