Welcome back to the Tiny Cottage in spring. Our last official visit here on The Inspired Room was at Christmastime, and many readers have asked for a spring update — so here it is. My parents moved into this Tiny Cottage, added onto the back of our home, after our renovation finished late last summer into fall.
It’s always enjoyable to see a space change with the seasons and to watch each stage of the journey unfold.
My mom, like me, enjoys refreshing the home for each season. She rearranges pillows and swaps small accents to welcome spring. The result feels fresh and intentional.
Every inch of the Tiny Cottage by the sea was designed by my parents with purpose and care.
Although construction wrapped up last fall, settling into the Tiny Cottage has begun a new chapter of making it a true home. It’s been nearly three years since we moved into this neighborhood and about a year since construction began on the cottage addition. I’ll share more tips about downsizing and creating a multigenerational home as we learn more — and I hope to interview my parents for their perspective on tiny living.
I love sharing our home journey, so below are some thoughts on downsizing and photos that capture spring in this sweet cottage.
A source list appears at the end of this post.
Our family has lived in both large and smaller homes, and each has its advantages and challenges. There’s no single perfect solution for everyone. We chose to downsize thoughtfully, deciding to share property and live more simply rather than upsize. That choice fits our life and priorities.
Our main house is 1,900 square feet; the Tiny Cottage is 400 square feet. Choosing a smaller home brought trade-offs I considered carefully: less yardwork and maintenance, lower expenses, and fewer possessions. Though limited storage can be inconvenient at times, having less often brings clarity and freedom.
Downsizing can simplify life. Simple doesn’t always mean easy, but it allows intentional living. When space is limited you learn to make decisions: this or that — not both. That boundary can feel restrictive at first, then liberating as it highlights what truly matters.
Fewer choices mean fewer decisions and less accumulation, which opens up time and energy to enjoy the possibilities the space offers — caring for a small yard, tending a cozy home, creating play areas for grandchildren, and savoring life by the sea.
Living small encourages creativity and intentionality. It prompts you to let go of the unnecessary and make room for essentials. Defining what’s essential is a thoughtful process that often yields greater appreciation for the things you keep.
Choosing beauty and meaning in a small space matters. Sometimes that means fewer objects; sometimes it means investing in a few well-chosen pieces that enrich daily life. The Tiny Cottage blends collected memories with new ones, and that combination gives every square inch special significance.
Small touches make a big difference. I bought my mom a hanging ceramic wall pocket for Mother’s Day; she enjoys swapping flowers and small displays. A digital picture frame is another small item that brings daily joy — new photos and videos of grandchildren cycle through, connecting them to family moments without taking up space.
Dad has his own little trinkets placed around the cottage too. We buy less now, but the things we give and keep carry meaning. Practical and whimsical items, like a mouse night light riding in a tiny boat, add personality and warmth.
We’ve been focusing on the outside as spring arrives. My parents have been planting and landscaping the backyard. The garden is small, but we’re making the most of every nook with window boxes, flagstone paths, birdhouses, bubbling fountains, small bridges for dogs and kids, and cozy hideaways. It will feel like a secret garden as plants fill in over time.
Everything worth having takes time to grow. Even the smallest spaces can bloom into something beautiful with patience and care.
Recently we partnered on a short video filmed at the Tiny Cottage and backyard during a Mother’s Day gathering. It was a rare collaboration for us and a fun way to share a glimpse of family life here.
Thank you for following our home adventures and for supporting The Inspired Room. We’re grateful you’re here.
You can find all previous Tiny Cottage posts in the Tiny Cottage category on The Inspired Room for more tours and details.
Entry and Sitting Room Sources:
“Post Box” Wall Planter
White Porch Light (Dawn to Dusk)
Chandelier (Antique White)
Round Braided Rug
Fireplace: Jotul Brand in Sky Blue
Chairs / Table / Sofa: Home Depot Hampton Bay
Blue and White Checkered Tile on cabinet top
Espresso Machine
Toaster Oven
Frame TV
Leather Chair (swivel at secretary desk)
Digital Picture Frame
Mouse Brass Lamp
Bedroom Sources:
White Wood Bead Semi Flush Mount Chandelier
Ruffle Blankets at End of Beds
Kitchen Sources:
White Retro Range Hood
White Retro Fridge/Freezer
Copper Handle on Kitchen Cabinets
Copper Kitchen Knob
Kitchen Undermount Bar Sink
White Ceramic Cooktop
White Kettle
Kitchen Blue Subway Tile
Copper Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder
Toaster Oven with Air Fryer
Espresso Machine White and Copper
Wood Folding TV Table
Nap Time Sign
Paint Colors and Floors:
Walls: Simply White
Kitchen Cabinets: Languid Blue (Sherwin Williams)
Floors: European White Oak (engineered, matte finish for a casual beachy feel)
Bathroom / Laundry Sources
Bathroom Faucet in Brushed Nickel
Bathroom White Onion Light
Subway Tile in Bathroom (Arctic White or similar)
Washer/Dryer Combo
White Cabinet Knobs
Toilet
Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light and Heat
Bathroom Medicine Cabinet with Light and Defogger
Find many Tiny Cottage sources in the Tiny Cottage Amazon folder and see previous remodel posts and the story of how we decided to move in with my parents in the related posts archives.