Spring House Tour: A Bright and Breezy Beach Cottage
Today my home is ready. If you knocked on my door right now, I would swing it open and welcome you in—everything is cleaned, arranged, and ready to be seen.
The floors are swept, clutter is tucked away, the dust bunnies are gone, and even the kitchen rug is freshly washed. Of course, this is how the house would look if it were only ever used for photographs, but in real life it’s a lived-in, loved home.
I think of making a home much like building a perfect wardrobe. It doesn’t happen overnight. You search for your style, hunt for pieces, try things on, look for bargains, and figure out what works and what doesn’t. It takes time, patience, and often a good dose of hard work. Along the way you collect memories—shopping trips with my sisters are some of my favorites.
The Kitchen
Our kitchen evolved little by little. We tackled one area at a time, and that process is part of what made this place feel like home. If we had started with a perfect kitchen, we might never have learned the lessons that came from rolling up our sleeves and renovating on a tight budget.
Working with a small budget pushed us to be creative: fabric cupboard doors, painted European-style cabinets, and beadboard wallpaper are all solutions born from necessity—and they ended up feeling just right.
Four years after the initial updates, the kitchen still works for us and we still love it. Some rooms have remained largely unchanged because they’re functional and comfortable, while others have evolved more frequently.
The Office (Formerly the Dining Room)
Our dining room used to be one of my favorite rooms, but it rarely got used—like a pretty dress hanging in a closet for special occasions. We decided to turn it into a daily-use space and now it functions as a bright, happy office that inspires creativity and is comfortable for everyday life.
The transformation made the space practical and welcoming. A sliding barn door and a few other changes made it flexible—ready to serve as a work area most days and to return to a dining setup when needed.
The Entryway
The entryway took some experimenting. We tried several paint colors, stenciling, painted stripes, and a painted dresser before settling on a look that feels both pretty and practical. It’s the first impression of the house, and we wanted it to be welcoming.
The Living Room
If the house were a wardrobe, the living room would be my favorite jeans—comfortable, familiar, and much-used. It’s where we unwind, laugh at late-night TV, sip coffee together in the morning, and host friends for games and conversation.
The seating may not be trendy, but it’s perfect for our family. It’s a space that welcomes everyday life, spills and all.
Main Bathroom
The main floor bathroom is small but important. It began with dated colors and finishes, but modest, budget-friendly changes made a big difference. The space is still compact, but now it’s functional and attractive.
With a few well-chosen updates, the bathroom became a room that works hard for our daily needs while also feeling fresh and pleasant.
Explore More
If you’d like to see more of the house, here are highlights you can look up:
- Beach Cottage Master Bedroom
- Basement Laundry & Craft Room
- Shabby Glam Walk-In Closet
Thanks so much for taking a little time to visit my home. I love having you stop by—feel free to peek around, but forgive any small messes; it’s hard to keep everything perfectly tidy all at once.
Have a wonderful day,
Rita Joy
