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Farm Caretaker's Cottage Turned Cozy Getaway

February 23, 2017

A complete overhaul by Kelly Mittleman turns what was once a caretaker's dreary cottage on a Connecticut horse farm into a cozy getaway for the farm's new owner.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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Caretaker's Cottage Turned Getaway

Built as a caretaker's cottage on a Connecticut horse farm, this home now serves as a guest cottage, Airbnb rental and a private retreat for the property owner. Rust red exterior paint gives the house a subdued touch of color for an updated take on traditional barn red.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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An Airier Alternative

The homeowner was adamant about not having a permanent island in the kitchen, so designer Kelly Mittleman instead placed a table that can double as counter space but can also be easily moved to create a more open space. Using a table in place of cabinetry also helps maintain the airy feel of the room.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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Cottage-Style Color

The homeowner also wanted his home to be infused with color. In the kitchen, Mittleman had the cabinetry handpainted with a soft green Farrow and Ball paint to add color in a way that maintained the farmhouse cottage style of the home. 

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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Pattern and Color

Cheery fabrics, such as the cushions and pillows on this window seat, introduce more color.. Varying pattern scales add visual interest.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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A Farm (Kitchen Ceiling) Raising

The ceiling throughout the main floor of the home was raised during renovation, taking advantage of an open attic space above. The small change added space above the cabinets in the kitchen, making the room feel even more open and airy.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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Let the Light In

Bare windows and open passages between rooms let ample natural light flow throughout the home, keeping it bright and airy in spite of the darker walls.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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Knotty Pine Wall Panels

Existing knotty wood paneled walls were kept in place when during the renovation to maintain the modern country feel.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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A Balancing Act

Mittleman also had the ceiling in the living/dining room raised. The extra space helped balance the heaviness of the wood wall paneling.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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Jazzing Up the Room

The natural wood provides a backdrop to the owner's colorful artwork depicting a jazz club scene. Mittleman discovered the artwork stashed in the main home's basement and knew it would be a perfect fit for the space.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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Rethinking a Room

What was once a dark, dingy room is now a bright TV room. Mittleman relocated the opening to the room to let in more light. Old grain sacks hang on the wall as a nod to the horse feed once used on the farm.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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Bathroom Makeover

The bathrooms in the cottage were completely redone. A mosaic-patterned floor was selected to honor the homeowner's Indian heritage.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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Sunny Reading Nook

A sunny corner is the perfect spot for a cozy reading nook. Naked windows allow ample light in during the day, and personal reading lights take over at night, making this the perfect spot for hours of relaxation.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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Bohemian Bench

Natural light reflects off of the crisp, white walls and whitewashed ceiling. Assorted pillows add another colorful punch.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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Found Objects

Mittleman found the pitchfork now adorning the hallway wall while looking around the property. "In the loft of the barn there were a lot of great farm tools. We found that pitchfork, and we put it on the wall, and it was just cool," she says.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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Touch of Teal

A beautiful, teal velvet headboard with tufting brings a touch of glamour to the bedroom. A stool serves as a nightstand, furthering the home's understated farmhouse style.

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Farmhouse Mixed With Modern

The wall paneling and light fixtures in the second room maintain the farmhouse feel, though a sleek vanity and faucet fixtures add balance with a modern touch.

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Photo: Jane Beiles. From: Kelly and Co. Design
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Custom Touches

The shower doors were hand-fabricated and so heavy that three people were needed to carry them into the bathroom. The floors are outfitted with radiant heat functionality.