It’s been a while since I shared an update from the Tiny Cottage, so I wanted to show how charming it still is. My mom gave me permission to take new photos while I was there recently photographing the Tiny Kitchen, and I’m excited to give you a fresh peek around.
You’ll find many of the sources and similar pieces from the Tiny Cottage throughout this post and listed at the end.
The Tiny Cottage, attached to our home, continues to feel cozier and more personal as my parents live in it—exactly what a home should do over time.
I love the cottage’s thoughtful details: the architecture, the colors and finishes, and most of all the meaningful touches that make the space truly theirs.
At 400 square feet, every inch of the Tiny Cottage matters. It’s fun to see how my mom makes the most of the space while keeping it warm and inviting.
There’s no room for items that don’t serve a purpose or bring joy. Each piece earns its place by how it functions or by the everyday happiness it provides. The house is a happy mix of simple pleasures and meaningful memories.
I remember asking my mom if the Tiny Cottage would be enough. She answered simply, “What more do we need?” and she was right.
A tiny house isn’t always easy to adapt to—it requires intention with every decision—but making a lovely home of any size is about finding peace and contentment with what matters in this season of life.
That mindset is what we celebrate in HomeBody Gathering Place: creating soul-filled homes with more ease and intention. It’s not about the size of the house or having a perfect space. It’s about loving the home you have and the small acts of care that make it your own.
Below are a few recent updates and little moments from around the Tiny Cottage, along with tips you can use to maximize smaller spaces.
My mom loves plants—she has a green thumb just like her mother. I didn’t inherit it, but I try, and I admire how she uses window sills to create a tiny indoor garden.
If you’re building a smaller home, consider deeper window sills. They provide space for plants or displays and visually create the illusion of more depth, even when empty.
They recently added bookcase-benches to either side of the fireplace. These provide storage for books and surfaces for plants, frames, and treasured items—and they can double as extra seating when needed.
Small moment: I noticed a little caterpillar crawling outside the window while I was shooting. A sweet reminder of summertime.
Around Christmas I gave my mom our couch. Their wicker couch moved out to the tiny deck and the leather sofa inside feels cozy and just right. Our family plays musical furniture a lot, so pieces often find new homes within the household.
My dad buys darling handmade quilling cards for my mom on special occasions; they’ve started framing them by the door. I love art that tells a story and holds memories.
She also added blue-and-white checkered throws on the back of the wicker chairs, which look so sweet on the deck. Small textiles like throw blankets go a long way in adding warmth and personality.
My dad’s little trinkets are sprinkled around the cottage—a mouse night light in a tiny boat is both practical and charming—a reminder that small details brighten a home.
My mom often rearranges items to find the right spot. I gifted them a whimsical fish apron that now hangs on the wall as art and storage—double duty is essential in a small space.
A decorative plate displayed in the cottage was a wedding gift from my mom’s mother—an heirloom that adds history and sentiment to the room.
A small cabinet and counter act as an extension of the Tiny Kitchen. If you must leave appliances on display, choose attractive ones—an espresso machine or a pretty toaster can enhance the look rather than detract from it.
They use their TV as a changing art display, which keeps the room feeling like a cozy, curated living space instead of a dark screen.
Their compact oven remains a staple in the Tiny Kitchen—small appliances that perform well are invaluable in smaller homes.
My mom enjoys her kitchen display shelves—everyday items displayed alongside special pieces collected over the years create an attractive, lived-in look.
Several of their blue-and-white canisters were collected years ago from Italy; I’ve listed similar pieces in the source list below.
Thanks for stopping by the Tiny Cottage for an early summer visit. I’ll be back soon with photos from the Tiny Backyard—stay tuned!
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
Under-mount bar sink
Electric cooktop
Blue-and-white square tile backsplash
Ceramic subway wall tile
Classic retro under-cabinet range hood
Sources for fixtures and decor:
Wood bead flush mount light, antique white chandelier, braided rug, quilted ruffle throw blanket, wall planter, blue-and-white checkered tile, blue subway tile, white tea kettle, wood tray TV table, white outdoor sconce, reversible blue-and-white throw, white toaster oven + air fryer, white espresso machine, white retro fridge.
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 Tiny Cottage posts, including the remodel process, in the Tiny Cottage category.