When my partner and I moved into our tiny, charming apartment, we knew we wanted to infuse it with personality and warmth. Our living space is modest, just about 900 square feet on the second floor of an old house, but that has only pushed us to be creative. Our journey of turning this small apartment into a cozy, stylish haven has been incredibly fulfilling, blending a love for cottage, French, and farmhouse decor into what I call “clean cottage” style. Today, I want to take you through each room of our home and share the choices we’ve made to transform this space into something special.
The Heart of the Home: Our Living Room
The living room is where I spend the most time decorating. I love how easy it is to change up the look with the seasons or even just on a whim. For someone like me, who adores vintage and flea market finds, the living room is a playground of sorts. It allows me to mix and match to my heart’s content. As an antiques dealer on the side, I have access to a constant flow of unique pieces, which keeps things fresh and fun.
To give the room character, I’ve incorporated several architectural salvage pieces like old doors and windows. These elements add depth and interest, making the space feel storied and layered. Our sofa, a second-hand find from Goodwill, is given a new lease on life with a white slipcover from Target, making it the perfect neutral base. The two club chairs from One King’s Lane and a coffee table from JC Penney round out the main furniture pieces, all in harmony with the clean cottage aesthetic.
Adding Seasonal Charm with Colors and Accessories
While my default palette is a soothing combination of whites and neutrals, I like to play with color, especially as the seasons change. For instance, with summer approaching, I’ve introduced pops of blues and aquas throughout the living room. These little touches can breathe new life into a room, especially when you’re working within a rental’s constraints and can’t make major changes like painting walls.
A Tiny Bathroom with Big Charm
Our bathroom, though small, is full of character, thanks to its original tile and painted beadboard. Storage is a bit of a challenge in this compact space, but I’ve found creative solutions to keep everything tidy and accessible. One of my best finds has been a tall glass-front armoire from Target, which serves as the perfect storage solution for bathroom essentials. The mix of old and new, practical and decorative, keeps the space feeling both functional and beautiful.
Utilizing Every Nook and Cranny: The Hall Linen Closet
One of my secrets to making a small space work is to maximize every available storage opportunity. Our hall linen closet is a perfect example of this. It not only stores our linens but also serves as a catch-all for books, magazines, cleaning supplies, and even party decor. For someone like me, who loves to collect vintage kitchen linens, baskets have been a lifesaver in keeping things organized and adding a decorative element to what could otherwise be a purely functional space.
Bright and Airy: Our Light-Filled Kitchen
The kitchen is another favorite of mine, largely because of the three large windows that flood the space with natural light. When we first moved in, we installed white shelves to provide both storage and display space, which has proven invaluable. One of my most cherished pieces in the kitchen is a vintage white church pew that I found at a local antiques show for only $69. It serves as a unique and cozy spot for breakfast, adding both function and charm to the room.
A Sanctuary to Unwind: Our Calm and Serene Bedroom
Our bedroom is a personal sanctuary, a place where we can relax and recharge. It is designed with a calming palette of whites, grays, and silvers. After a long day, there’s nothing like coming back to a room that feels serene and soothing. Our bed was a splurge when we got married, but the dressers are from my childhood bedroom, making them both sentimental and practical.
Recently, I added two French leaded glass windows to either side of the bed, creating a symmetrical and visually interesting backdrop that complements our bed frame. A small vanity tucked into the corner provides a dedicated space for my makeup and hair products, keeping everything neat and within reach.
Decorating on a Budget: Flea Market Finds and Thrift Store Treasures
One of the most exciting aspects of decorating in the clean cottage style is that it doesn’t require a huge budget. Almost all of the accessories in our home come from flea markets or antique stores. I spend many weekends hunting for that perfect piece that will add a new layer of charm to our space. The key is to mix high and low, old and new, to create a look that feels collected over time rather than overly styled.
Tips for Decorating a Small Space with Clean Cottage Decor
Living in a small space has taught me some valuable lessons about decorating efficiently and effectively:
- Focus on Light Colors: Light and neutral colors create an airy, open feel that can make a small space seem larger than it is.
- Incorporate Vintage Pieces: Mixing in vintage and antique pieces adds character and a sense of history.
- Use Multifunctional Furniture: Choose pieces that can serve multiple purposes, such as a storage ottoman or a bed with drawers underneath.
- Maximize Vertical Space: Adding shelves or tall storage solutions like our glass-front armoire helps to keep things organized without crowding the floor space.
- Rotate Accessories Seasonally: Refreshing your decor with the seasons doesn’t have to be expensive. Repurpose items you already own to give your home a new look.
The Journey Continues: Looking Forward to Our Next Adventure
While we love our little apartment and all the memories we’ve created here, we’re also excited about the future. We’ve just begun the house-hunting process, and while it’s a bit daunting, it’s also thrilling to think about the possibilities. Our first home has taught us so much about our style and what we value in a living space. No matter where we end up, I know I’ll continue to blend antique charm with clean, simple lines to create a home that feels warm, welcoming, and uniquely ours.
Thank you for joining me on this tour of our home. It’s been a joy to share the space that means so much to us and to offer some inspiration for those who also love the clean cottage style. If you’re passionate about home decor, vintage finds, or simply making a small space feel like home, I hope you found some helpful ideas here. And if you ever want to share your own house tour, I’d love to hear from you!