The Chic Country Cottage: Honoring History Through Fresh Design
- Joshua Allen Design Team
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Some homes tell a story the moment you step inside. Nestled in Marlborough, Mass, this charming family home has been lovingly passed down through generations — a place where memories were made, traditions were built, and the heart of the home has always remained the same. When our clients approached us about updating it, they made one thing clear: the character and history of the home had to stay. Modernization was the goal, but preserving their family’s legacy was non-negotiable.
What resulted is one of our favorite transformations to date — a cozy, personality-filled, cottage-chic renovation that beautifully blends past and present.
Design Goals: Cozy, Colorful, and Full of Personality.
The clients envisioned a warm and welcoming cottage-chic design that felt playful yet deeply rooted in the home’s history. They craved color, glass details, and plenty of natural wood tones — especially those original elements that had been part of the family’s story for decades.
A few sentimental must-haves shaped the design direction:
A large, functional island to bring family and friends together.
The original wood shiplap in the kitchen — a beloved architectural feature that simply had to remain.
Grandma’s corner hutch and the charming “grandma’s window” over the sink — iconic pieces of family history that no one wanted to lose.
Bathrooms that reflect the home’s time period, but with an infusion of bold personality (hello, wallpaper!).
We loved this direction from the start — especially because the clients weren’t afraid of embracing “different.” Playfulness, femininity, texture, and warmth were all welcome in this home.
Designer Favorites; Small Details, Big Impact.
Every project has standout moments, and this one had many.
A Pink Bathroom That Sings
The soft pink paint paired with the patterned wallpaper is unexpectedly delightful. It feels whimsical without losing historical integrity — exactly the balance the clients wanted.
Glass Lighting With Vintage Soul
The glass elements in the kitchen fixtures add a nostalgic glow. They feel like heirlooms while still offering a fresh touch of elegance.
A Delicate, Feminine Backsplash
We fell in love with this backsplash the moment it went up. It’s unique, soft, and subtly playful — perfectly suited for the cottage-chic vision.
Overcoming the Challenges of a Historic Home.
Homes with history often come with quirks, surprises, and structural puzzles. This one was no exception.
The Great Flooring Mystery
The kitchen’s linoleum floors hid an unknown beneath — and we held our breath while uncovering it. To everyone’s delight, we found solid hardwoods in fantastic shape. A true hidden treasure.
Updating the “Skeleton”
Old homes require behind-the-scenes love. The electrical, structural components, and general “bones” needed extensive attention. By the end, everything was restored, repaired, or fully replaced, ensuring the home was as sound as it was beautiful.
Space Planning in a Compact Kitchen
Countertop and cabinetry space was limited, but we made it work — and the custom island proved to be the hero, offering storage, workspace, and gathering space all in one.
Final Thoughts: A Project that's Close to Our Hearts.
This was a return project for clients we absolutely adore, which made the experience even more meaningful. Their openness to creativity — from color choices to quirky details — made the entire design process a joy.
We’re grateful to have been trusted by our loyal clients once again to bring new life to a home filled with history. The finished result is warm, heartfelt, charming, and unmistakably them. Take a look at some of our favorite shots of the completed spaces, or check out the entire project gallery here.
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