This cozy turn of the century homestead was transformed into a coastal cool cottage by Tom Stringer Design, located in Harbor Springs, on the shores of Lake Michigan. When the designer approached this project, he wanted to preserve the ‘cottageness’ feel of the home, resisting the urge to completely renovate and ruin the current vibe. Instead, the design team did necessary updates, including a fresh coat of crisp white paint. With the structural integrity of the cottage preserved, the next thing on the agenda was to fill the all-white interiors with color furnishings and decor to breathe life into this playful retreat. Bright pops of color are seen throughout the interiors, including yellows, blues, and greens, which are striking against the white beadboard backdrop and the naturalness of the neutral area rugs. Simple off-white wool needlepoint and sisal flat-weave carpets can be seen decorating the floors throughout the spacious interiors. The goal was to allow the floor plane to reflect light rather than absorb it. The result is a timeless cottage that feels like a breath of fresh air, reflecting the simple character of its retreat destination, a classic summer resort town.

White on white interiors invites the warm coastal light into the home. Bold pops of blue and yellow hues creates a cheerful vibe from space to space. What do you think of this timeless cottage? Is it what you would envision for your dream retreat?

We have featured several fabulous coastal cottages here on 1 Kindesign, we would like to share with you a couple that you may have missed: Coastal cottage home a modern twist in British Columbia and Captivating wooden coastal cottage retreat.

In the breakfast room, a built-in bench allows for plenty of seating during mealtime. Its the perfect spot for the homeowner’s to enjoy a cup of coffee and read the newspaper.

The guest room features a mixture of patterns such as navy strips and modern paisley, infusing a fresh take on nautical style.

The master bedroom showcases exposed beams and shiplap on the walls, creating an architectural interest that is visually pleasing.

Photos: Werner Straube