C O T T A G E W H I T E

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Owen Simon
5 years ago
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1 Out of TIME Melding eras and taking design inspiration from a classic timepiece gives this cottage fresh appeal. B Y D I A N A T U R O W S K I P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y T H E C O T T A G E C O M P A N Y O F H A R B O R S P R I N G S A N D B E T H S I N G E R P H O T O G R A P H Y 92 C O T T A G E W H I T E S u m m e r C O T T A G E W H I T E S u m m e r

2 PERCHED ON THE SHORES OF LITTLE TRAVERS BAY in Harbor Springs, Michigan, Good Deeds is a classic shingle-style cottage. Once a Victorian gingerbread style house, it was transformed in every way into an authentic Northern-style cottage with the help of designer Vee Mossburg of The Cottage Company of Harbor Springs. What had been the great room was transformed into a dining and reading room. The expansive windows and large mirror provide maximum light and lovely views. Categorized books are easily accessible for guests to enjoy. Building Blocks Nearly every wall, ceiling and floor is paneled in wood, keeping the house stylistically authentic to the region. Most of the houses in the area were built around the turn of the century, before the days of dry wall, so wainscoting in all its forms abounds. Beadboard, shiplap and various types of paneling cover surfaces throughout this home. The neutral color palette both reflects the seaside setting as well as creates a calm and relaxing environment for the homeowner, a busy entrepreneur. The inspiration piece was a Mora clock handmade in Sweden. It sits in the foyer near the circular staircase and sets the tone for the entire cottage. All blues in the house take their cues from the clock. The clock creates the soul of house and its colorsevoke a feeling of serenity, Vee notes. In an effort to capitalize on the home s classic architecture, the cherry floors were refinished through an onerous four-step process to appear walnut. Most of the remaining floors were painted, including in the sunroom and checkered floor of the guest room. A Study in Light Vee and the Cottage Company team carefully considered the lighting in each room. They made sure all the windows were oriented toward the view, and in addition to replacing all the windows, they also added new windows in some rooms. The top row of windows on 94 C O T T A G E W H I T E S u m m e r C O T T A G E W H I T E S u m m e r

Antique accessories add character to an updated and neutral room. The large open kitchen is the perfect place for intimate family gatherings or entertaining.

Vee and her team used Benjamin Moore Hayseed in varying intensities based on each room s natural light to give a uniform look throughout the house.

3 Antique accessories add character to an updated and neutral room. The large open kitchen is the perfect place for intimate family gatherings or entertaining. the staircase, for instance, are new and were added to make the home feel more like a lighthouse. The light was also a factor in determining paint color. Vee and her team used Benjamin Moore Hayseed in varying intensities based on each room s natural light to give a uniform look throughout the house. Strategically placed large mirrors mean that both the light and the view are visible from any seat in any room. What was once the great room is now the dining room and library. A cleverly placed large mirror on the back wall appears to be another window. It is framed by large built-in bookcases filled with categorized books and accompanied by a library ladder so that guests may choose a book and relax in a nearby chair. In the center of the room sits an antique drop-leaf table that can be converted into a comfortable dining table. The woodburning fireplace perfectly suits the cozy room. The updated yet timeless style of this waterside Michigan cottage adds to its appeal. The classic architecture, mix of pieces from a variety of time periods and the soft seaside tones will keep this house enjoyable and stylish for years to come. See Sources, page 128. C O T T A G E W H I T E S u m m e r

The rustic white chandelier adds light without blocking any natural light or

4 A Swedish Mora clock in the foyer by the circular staircase inspired the d cor and palette for the entire house. The rustic white chandelier adds light without blocking any natural light or overwhelming the space. It perfectly finishes the sitting area. 98 COTTAGE WHITE Summer 2016 COTTAGE WHITE Summer

5 An outdoor porch was enclosed to make this sunroom. The stone fireplace brings in a cozy, rustic element. 100 COTTAGE WHITE Summer 2016 COTTAGE WHITE Summer

6 BRING IT HOME Designer Vee Mossburg offers advice on how to recreate this classic cottage look. Tackle the architectural details first. I don t believe you can get the look without the molding and trim, Vee Mossburg says. It is critical. You can t fake that stuff. Buy a lessexpensive sofa if necessary and put the money you have first into the architecture. This will also bring the most resale value to your house, she claims. Vee acknowledges that many say updated kitchens and bathrooms are most important, but she adds that the architectural details are just as important for your house to get maximum value. This detail is also crucial to creating the sophisticated cottage style showcased here. Ask yourself, How do I want to feel in this space? Let that set the tone for the palette. Do you want a relaxing and serene environment of primarily neutrals? Or do you want to use bold, vibrant and energetic colors? Think about how the space will be used. Will you primarily entertain or have family gatherings? Use items from a variety of time periods. You don t want the house to look stuck in time, whether that s the year it was built or most recently redecorated. Use some new pieces, some antique items and some just a few years old. In this house, the homeowners needed a curved bench for the entryway. Finding an antique to fit was impossible, so instead they had one custom made by a local carpenter, who used 200-year-old river wood. The result is completely different than if they had purchased a new one. Make the space personal. While this was Vee s final piece of advice, she was adamant that it is not the least important. Save a tenth of your budget for the finishing touches and accessories that make the space your own. These can be antiques, photographs or other items collected in your travels. Use things that bring a smile to you, she says. Large works of art add the only bright pops of color in the otherwise neutral living room. 102 C O T T A G E W H I T E S u m m e r C O T T A G E W H I T E S u m m e r

7 The master bath is a mix of pale blue, gray and silver, blending it seamlessly with the bedroom. The mirror over the tub reflects the natural light. Painting the walls and ceiling the same color makes a room feel cozy and elegant. C O T T A G E W H I T E S u m m e r

nautical blue and white d cor, painted floors and shiplap walls.

room. By keeping the other colors subtle, the pattern is the focal

8 Use things that bring a smile to you. A large guest room has a classic waterside cottage feel with its nautical blue and white d cor, painted floors and shiplap walls. A painted checkered floor is a great way to add pattern in any room. By keeping the other colors subtle, the pattern is the focal point. 106 C O T T A G E W H I T E S u m m e r C O T T A G E W H I T E S u m m e r

Choose Paint Colors and Schemes

Choose Paint Colors and Schemes When you re decorating your home, choosing the right paint colors is the most important decision you ll make. As fun as choosing colors can be, this part of the planning