Farm Caretaker's Cottage Turned Cozy Getaway

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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February 23, 2017

By: Beth Rucker

From: Kelly and Co. Design

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Photo By: Jane Beiles

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.

From: Kelly and Co. Design

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.

From: Kelly and Co. Design

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.

From: Kelly and Co. Design

Pattern and Color

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

From: Kelly and Co. Design

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.

From: Kelly and Co. Design

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.

From: Kelly and Co. Design

Knotty Pine Wall Panels

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

From: Kelly and Co. Design

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.

From: Kelly and Co. Design

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.

From: Kelly and Co. Design

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.

From: Kelly and Co. Design

Bathroom Makeover

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

From: Kelly and Co. Design

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.

From: Kelly and Co. Design

Bohemian Bench

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

From: Kelly and Co. Design

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.

From: Kelly and Co. Design

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.

From: Kelly and Co. Design

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.

From: Kelly and Co. Design

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.

From: Kelly and Co. Design

Kelly and Co. Design

Farm Caretaker's Cottage Turned Cozy Getaway

Related To:

Shop This Look

Caretaker's Cottage Turned Getaway

An Airier Alternative

Cottage-Style Color

Pattern and Color

A Farm (Kitchen Ceiling) Raising

Let the Light In

Knotty Pine Wall Panels

A Balancing Act

Jazzing Up the Room

Rethinking a Room

Bathroom Makeover

Sunny Reading Nook

Bohemian Bench

Found Objects

Touch of Teal

Farmhouse Mixed With Modern

Custom Touches

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