Tour a Cute California-Cool Cottage With Tons of Neutral Touches

Back when Amanda and Thomas Wade were newlyweds house-hunting in Pasadena, California, this 1,100-square-foot cottage was an easy sell because it was adorable and in a walkable neighborhood. Twelve years and two kids later, the two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom setup had become less adorable. The kitchen felt cramped, and the Wades wanted room for out-of-town family to stay overnight. “A lot of homes in our neighborhood are small, so people either move on to something bigger or remodel,” Amanda says. She and Thomas took the reno route, growing the house to four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,700 square feet. They tapped designer Amy Peltier to create a chill coastal feel, with plenty of blue and white, and playful touches. Says Amanda, “It was the perfect house for us then — and with all of the changes, it’s perfect for us now and for many years to come.”

From the moment you step into the home, there’s an irresistible California-cool vibe. Shiplap-inspired paneling, light French oak floors and a jute mirror by Jamie Young are a little beachy, while a graphic rug by Feizy brings modern flair. A built-in bench, baskets and hooks create a dream mini mudroom.

Although the living space didn’t get bigger, raising the ceiling from 8 feet to 10 feet made it feel like it did. Amy hung drapes close to the crown molding to emphasize the height. The couple already owned the tan sofa, and light wood accents perked it up, including a bobbin chair by CR Laine and a mini coffee table by Dovetail with an open base that works well for the compact area.