It seems that this blog has been taking on a bit of a mixture – some family, some DIY, and probably not enough of the future cottage!  I thought it would be helpful to explain a little more about each level of the cottage and how the rooms are positioned + why we decided to have certain features (such as a pool!).  My fantastic IT team (aka: Craig, my husband) is working on getting me some software that will allow real-time video recording while I design with my computer programs.  That’s going to be really fun to work with in the future, but it isn’t quite ready  yet – so for now I will give you the text + graphics version.

I’m going to start out the series today with the Main Level of the cottage (*Keep in mind that for now these are shown as just basic spaces without detail/colors added… in fact, no windows are being shown yet either.  The details will come, I promise!) Use the image below as a guide as you read through the descriptions, and take a look at our Pinterest boards (which are linked at the end of each room description).  They show some inspiration images I have found for each space.

{FRONT PORCH}  (This is likely to be one of my favorite spaces).  My vision for the porch is complete serenity – a place to sit and read, listen to nature.  I also want it to have a fun vibe – with pops of color.  It will be the main point of entry for guests, and probably at times for our family as well.  (PINTEREST)

{ENTRY}  Entering through the front door, to the left is a space for a small bench and some coat hooks overhead.  I’m thinking of incorporating some special artwork, maybe some family photos.  I would love for this space to be a glimpse of the life of our family.  The piano will probably also be in this space, along the other wall. (PINTEREST)

{DINING ROOM} I am dreaming of some partial height walls between the Entry and Dining spaces, perhaps built in cabinets for books or special collections.  Our table will need to be large, obviously, maybe a rectangular farmhouse style?  I definitely want to find a cute antique hutch to place along the wall.  Filling it with amazing glassware would make me SO happy!  (PINTEREST)

{LIVING ROOM} As mentioned in this post, the living room will be the place of gathering in our home.  It will be given the most detail attention for sure.  There will be vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, and TONS of windows.  The windows facing the backyard/ wooded area will be accented by a lovely window bench, something I have been dreaming of for years.  The window bench will be made of two slip covered twin sized mattresses (maybe tufted?!) and will serve as extra sleeping space for guests (and also probably naps for us! yay naps!) (PINTEREST)

{KITCHEN} Open to the dining room and right around the corner from the mudroom, the Kitchen is in a prime location.  Right now I envision it as an all white/ mostly white space, with maybe a colored tile back splash.  It will have a large center island – eeeee!!! – and a entire wall of pantry cabinets.  I have been finding all sorts of fun storage ideas on (PINTEREST)

{GARAGE} This will be the very first attached garage that our family has ever experienced.  I personally have seen so many examples where the garage overtakes the look of the house, and when planning began I was thinking that the cottage would surely have a detached garage.  However, soon after bringing {K} home, we realized that it made the most sense for her sake that the garage have direct access to the home.  And so, with a little more designing, I was able to come up with a solution that kept the garage somewhat ‘hidden’ from view – though it will cause more expense for a longer driveway.  Worth it I think! (PINTEREST)

{MUDROOM} Since our marriage 15 years ago, Craig and I have lived in three different houses and not one of them has had a proper mudroom.  This space is more important than ever now that we have a large family.  As described in this post, I dream of a well organized space with lots of storage and functionality. (PINTEREST)

{MAIN BATHROOM} I am probably way more excited about the location of this bathroom than I should be.  The thought that we will be able to just walk in from outdoors and use the bathroom or wash our hands without having to track through the entire house just makes me giddy!  It will be a 3 piece (toilet, sink(s), shower) bathroom and will also serve as the bathroom for the main floor bedroom. (PINTEREST)

{MAIN BEDROOM} We hesitate to call this the ‘master’ bedroom because that label evokes the idea of a very large space with an attached walk in closet and bathroom.  It will be our bedroom, but won’t have all the bells and whistles that are considered the standard these days.  We decided to make this room a little smaller so that more square footage could be devoted to the common living spaces (kitchen, dining, living room).  Despite it’s small size though, it will still have plenty of style.  See our inspiration for this space by clicking on the link! (PINTEREST)

That’s it!  7 rooms + the garage and front porch.  Simple!  I’ll be back next week to describe the second level!

In the meantime, check out ALL of Arrow Hill Cottage’s Pins!