It’s been a while since we’ve shared an update on the Tiny Cottage, so I thought I’d show how charming it still is. My mom kindly allowed me to take photos while I was there shooting the Tiny Kitchen, so I’m excited to give you a peek around.
Throughout the post you’ll see many of the sources or similar items—check the bottom for details.
The Tiny Cottage, attached to our home and just 400 square feet, keeps getting cozier and more personal as my parents live in it—just as any home should.
I love the thoughtful details here: the architecture, colors and finishes are lovely, but the meaningful touches—objects and arrangements that reflect their life—make it feel uniquely theirs.
In a tiny home every inch matters, so it’s fun to watch how my mom makes the space functional and incredibly sweet at the same time.
There’s no room for items that don’t add value, so each piece earns its place—either by serving a purpose or by bringing everyday joy. The result is a happy blend of simple pleasures and meaningful memories.
I once asked my mom if the Tiny Cottage would really be enough. She answered simply, “What more do we need?” and she was right.
Living in a tiny house requires intention—thoughtful decisions about every element—but creating a lovely home is really about finding peace and contentment with what matters in this season of life.
That mindset resonates with the HomeBody Gathering Place community: creating soul-filled homes through small, intentional acts of care. It’s not about size or perfection, but about loving the home you have.
Here are a few recent updates and small moments from the Tiny Cottage, plus tips for making the most of compact spaces.
My mom loves plants and has a green thumb—something she inherited from her own mother. I did not, but I try, and I admire how she uses window sills as a tiny indoor garden.
If you’re building or renovating a small home, consider deeper window sills. They give you room for plants or displays and visually add depth to the space—every inch helps.
They recently added bookcase-benches on either side of the fireplace to provide storage for books and surfaces for plants, frames and small treasures. The pieces also double as extra seating when needed—perfect for a small home.
Fun note: there was a little caterpillar outside the window while I was shooting—nature keeps us entertained.
Around Christmas I gave my mom our couch, and the wicker sofa moved to the tiny deck where it looks adorable. The leather couch fits perfectly inside—our family loves playing musical furniture, so pieces often find new homes.
My dad often buys my mom small handmade quilling cards for occasions like Mother’s Day. They’ve framed several near the door—art that carries a story instantly warms a room.
She also added blue-and-white checkered throws over the wicker chairs, which are both practical and charming. Accessories like these make the space feel curated and comfortable.
My dad’s little trinkets—like a mouse night light riding in a toy boat—add charm and personal meaning throughout the cottage.
My mom rearranges often to find the perfect spot for things. I gifted her a whimsical “fish” apron that looks adorable hung as wall art—always aim for double duty in a small space: functional and beautiful.
A decorative plate on the wall was a wedding gift from my mom’s mother—small heirlooms like this make the space feel rooted in family history.
A cabinet and counter serve as an extension of the Tiny Kitchen. If appliances must stay visible, choose attractive ones—like their pretty espresso machine—to keep the look tidy and intentional.
They use the TV to display artwork when it’s not in use, which keeps the room feeling warm instead of having a dark screen dominate the space.
They still love their compact oven and use it frequently—small appliances designed for smaller kitchens can be both practical and stylish.
My mom enjoys her kitchen display shelves—everyday items mixed with special pieces collected over the years create an inviting, lived-in feel.
Several blue-and-white canisters similar to hers are listed below in the sources—some of hers came from trips to Italy over the years.
Thanks for stopping by the Tiny Cottage for an early summer visit. I’ll share photos of the tiny deck and backyard soon—stay tuned for more updates!
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
Ceramic subway wall tile
Classic Retro Under Cabinet Range Hood
Sources for above:
Wood Bead Flush Mount Light /// Antique White Chandelier /// Braided Rug /// 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 Sconce /// Blue and White Reversible 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 posts on the Tiny Cottage (including the remodel process).