For years we imagined building a backyard cottage for my parents to live in near our Seattle home. That original plan didn’t come to pass, but the dream is finally coming true in a different way. I’m excited to share the progress and the tiny cottage choices my parents made to make this space work for them.
They’re building a charming backyard cottage that’s attached to our new house. Below I’ll recap how we arrived here and give a peek at the design and construction progress so far.
First, a quick recap of how we got here.
A little over a year and a half ago, as we entered the empty-nester phase, my husband and I faced a choice: stay in Seattle or move. We loved our previous home and could have stayed, but when we discovered a small, sweet house on an island about an hour and a half away, it felt like the kind of place we’d always wanted. The water views, short walk to the beach, the small town atmosphere and nearby destinations made it the right choice for the next chapter.
We invited my parents to consider moving with us. Initially the tiny lot and small house didn’t seem suitable for multi-generational living, and we almost passed on it. But after more conversation and reflection, the location and lifestyle proved compelling.
We discussed dreams, long-term goals, timing, needs and resources. Ultimately we decided the house was meant to be ours and that we could make it work for everyone. It required planning, space-saving design and a few compromises, but that’s one of the joys of a smaller home—you learn to focus on what matters most.
Because the lot wasn’t large enough and zoning wouldn’t allow a separate structure, the backyard cottage became an addition. My parents designed every detail themselves and once permits and approvals were secured, construction began.
I’m thrilled they’ll have a lovely place to call their own and that we’ll all be close—literally under the same roof. They’ll enjoy the neighborhood, the small town and life by the sea with us nearby.
Below I’ll share photos of the progress so far and some details about their space.
Q: Will your parents’ addition have their own kitchen?
A: Yes. They opted for a sweet, partially enclosed kitchenette. The kitchen sits along one interior wall with three windows facing the backyard. A vaulted ceiling helps the small kitchen feel airy and bright.
They ordered compact appliances suited for small spaces and selected design details that give the kitchen a European cottage feel—think blue cabinets, a blue-and-white checkered tile backsplash and a vintage-style fridge. I’ll share a mood board for the kitchenette soon.
Update: The kitchenette mood board is coming soon.
We just had the back windows installed—what an exciting change. They bring so much light into the space.
Q: How many square feet is the backyard cottage?
A: The addition measures about 400 square feet—the maximum footprint allowed on the lot. What began as a plan for a bedroom and bathroom grew into a self-contained cottage with a kitchenette, a main sitting area and a bedroom nook. Fitting everything in required careful planning, but it includes everything my parents need.
The sitting area also features a vaulted ceiling to enhance the sense of space. Walls and ceilings will be finished in white beadboard, and the flooring matches ours—European white oak—for a cohesive flow between the homes.
The large windows fill the space with natural light, even on cloudy days. The sitting room will include a frame-style TV, a coffee station—because they love coffee—and a cozy electric fireplace to warm chilly evenings.
The exterior will complement our main house and the neighborhood. The addition features white board-and-batten siding to match parts of our home, a metal roof, a cheerful blue exterior door and a decorative siding detail at the peak. It will feel like a small coastal cottage that fits right into this seaside community.
We look forward to sharing more updates as the backyard cottage takes shape and the finishing touches are added.
More posts about our remodel:
The Beauty of Soapstone Counters (+ why we chose them for our kitchen)
Kitchen Renovation Update: Floors, Cabinets, Sink, Hardware and More
Kitchen and Dining Room Renovation Update! Projects Have Begun!
Our New Kitchen Design Mood Board (and five questions that helped me make decisions!)
Adding Character in a Kitchen Remodel: The Tale of Our New Range and Faucet
My New Kitchen Floor Plan + Parents’ Addition and Exterior Elevation
5 Design Books I Love for Remodel Inspiration