I was browsing online recently when photos of a small coastal cottage in Carmel stopped me in my tracks. The look of that little house is almost exactly the long-term vision I have for my own home.
This cottage is currently sale pending in Carmel. I love the town — have you been? The home captured me because of its cozy proportions and classic cottage details.
But behold… do you see what I see? Beyond the charming Dutch door, the paneling, built-ins, and vaulted ceiling, there is one detail that made my heart skip a beat.
Right in the center of that living room sits the twin of my fireplace (minus my bookcase, but still — so similar!). Seeing it gave me confidence that my fireplace can fit beautifully with the cottage direction I envision. Painted white, it reads simple and cottagey — a reminder that small changes can have a big impact.
That said, I’m still considering a few updates to my fireplace and living room, which I’ll share in a future post.
The Carmel cottage is inspiring me. It has so much character and charm.
One step at a time, right?
When you’re working with a budget (or just living life), it helps to have a long-term vision and short-term plans to get there.
Updating your home over time doesn’t have to mean living in chaos for years. While projects can feel overwhelming at times, planning and taking breaks between tasks allows you to make progress without stress.
Timeless Tip: Make simple changes that fit your budget and timeline and that you can complete with a reasonable standard of quality.
Below are a few cottage-style suggestions you can implement over time.
1. Start with a clean slate.
Before investing time and money adding character, simplify any competing or dated features so you have a fresh backdrop. That might include repainting walls, updating an unattractive brick fireplace with paint, or replacing dated carpet and light fixtures.
If you can tackle the big, messy projects first — refinishing or installing hardwood floors, adding architectural details — that’s ideal. But it’s not always possible to do everything at once, and that’s okay. Do what you can when you can.
With a clean backdrop you’ll be better able to plan future improvements and to see which cottage elements will make the most impact within your budget.
2. Focus on simple updates.
Once the basics are in place, small updates can quickly create a cottage feel. Think classic bamboo blinds, shutters, or uncomplicated curtain panels for windows; cottage-style furniture, rugs, and cozy lighting; and easy-to-swap accessories, artwork, and hardware.
3. Add cottage architecture.
Although it’s ideal to address architectural changes first, sometimes you must work within what you already have. That can be a good thing — once the space feels cleaner and cozier, major renovations may become less urgent or more focused.
When you’re ready for larger projects, possibilities include installing wainscoting or wall paneling, adding simple crown molding, replacing floors with timeless hardwood or tile, changing windows or doors, or even reshaping openings — for example, turning a square doorway into an arched one. You could also add a vaulted ceiling or exposed beams if your structure allows.
Have you renovated a house all at once, or added character over time?
A few final thoughts on cottage style
I’m always inspired by charming seaside cottages and classic beach houses. If you love this style, keep a list of ideas and small projects you can complete gradually. Over time those thoughtful, manageable changes add up to a home that feels intentional and lived-in — but not rushed.
Remember: a clear vision, paired with realistic, incremental steps, will get you to a cozy, character-filled home without overwhelming your life or budget.
If you’d like, I’ll share updates as I make small changes to my own living room and fireplace — and you can decide which ideas might work for your home, one step at a time.