fresh cottage style

With the temps well below freezing, we’ve been holded up at home while baby girl gets over this nasty head cold, but I have to say, I’m not minding this unusually cold weather one bit!  I know a lot of you are buried under mountains of snow and are totally over it, so I thought today I’d post a bright and cozy fisherman’s cottage to get us thinking of spring and warmer weather!  Good things come in tiny packages and this little gem, belonging to interior designer Stephen Shubel, is no exception.  Despite its tiny footprint, the house lives much larger thanks to a neutral color palette, bold black and white accents, a ton of natural elements and a great mix of antiques from all over the world.  No kitschy beach decor here; it’s fun, fresh and sophisticated and I absolutely LOVE it!

The black contrast piping on the living room chairs is a beautiful touch and the built-ins are a great way to add interest to a small space.  I would swap out those black stools for a pair of seagrass cubes, but otherwise it’s absolute perfection!

A great mix of antiques and books on the built-ins:

The little galley kitchen is so light and airy and I love the dishes and glassware in an antique hutch in place of upper cabinetry:

This little nook is my favorite spot in the whole house.  Bold black and white rugby striped curtains frame a cozy niche for reading or housing guests and the added storage underneath would be a major bonus in a small house such as this one:

Oversize photographs in simple black gallery frames are a lovely contrast in the stairwell.  The hanging light, jute runner and rope handrail are lovely but subtle nautical touches:

A chic dressing area and closet:

This workspace is divine – a cowhide rug, an antique chair and desk and an amazing inspiration wall are so elegant. 

A cozy little outdoor spot; I can almost smell the salty air from the sea beyond!

Here are my picks for getting a similar look:

Black and white pillow / Oversize clam shell / Seagrass basket / York slipcovered armchair

Seagrass cube / Black and white striped rug

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!