Decorating A Small Cottage...real advice for small space living!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ย. 2024
- Yes we live in a cottage. 850 square feet of cozy. While it's not considered a "tiny home," it is small, we downsized, got rid of a lot of stuff, and started over. It was a dream to live on the lake and to live a simpler life.
To see some of our process and how we decided to live an uncomplicated life, watch our video:
• The Simplest DIY FInis...
JR and Lynne own a vintage decor, antiques and diy store in the small town of Medina, NY. JR and Lynne recently acquired the building that was in JR's family for 3 generations!
shop our store at
ellen j goods
435 Main Street
Medina, NY 14103
716-598-1464
or on our website:
www.ellenjgood...
You can follow Lynne on Facebook
/ ellenjgoods.medina
and Instagram
/ ellenjgoods.medina
for more cottage decor, workshops, and diy project tutorials.
Believe it or not, there used to be a time in the early 1980s when a 3 bedroom, 800 SF house was a normal sized house for families! I had one and liked it and it suited us fine. I think as our waistline grew, so did our collective demand for housing square footage.
You are absolutely right! When we decided to do this, we realized we only used a very small square footage area of our bigger home!
I agree! Whenever I tell people I want to have between a 750sf to maybe like 900 sf house built... they look at me like I’m crazy and say things like; “well, it won’t be a selling point if you go too small, you should really aim towards 1100 to 1500sqft minimum...”, and I’m sitting there thinking to myself... too small? I feel like that would be perfect size. 🤔😂
Yes, I agree!!!
I absolutely agree!!!! When I grew up, homes were small..some had only one bath. Everyone was happy and didn’t expect a lot. Didn’t hear a lot about depression, anxiety and suicide like today.
Our world today wants bigger…which they think is better!
So ridiculous!
Indeed. And in Western Europe right now it's still considered normal for a 2 person household. Not at all small. Some even find it quite big :)
And for overfilled cities in Asia, 850 SF would be an unreachable dream. Also all capital cities, like Paris and London, see 850 SF as luxurious excessive living.
We just live in a time where greed has become the norm. We want it and we want it all. Hence bigger houses to store more stuff, we hardly ever use. While I reject minimalism, I totally advocate moderate living. We need to earn less, have more time to invest in others and can give away of ourselves and our resources more easy.
Your cottage is a dream. I love cottages. Their size forces us to consider what we bring into them thereby making them efficient, charming and personal.
isn't that the truth? I really love living small...I can' t imagine having a huge house any more! Thank you so much for sharing your kind comments!
Haha, the shot of the husband with the pillow…perfect sentiment about how men feel about more pillows. Very cute place!
LOL! Thank you for tuning in Rena!
I'd never want to leave the house if I lived there. I can totally imagine how wonderful it must be to sip your coffee in the morning out on the deck. I used to cherish those moments at mom and dad's cottage.
Some days it’s hard! I think some of the best memories are cottage memories 💓
Your home is stunning. This video hit me at the perfect time as I’m thinking about downsizing…. You’re right. It’s just stuff! But your location! Oh my! I am so envious that you are on the water!! That’s my dream! So gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your home with us. I’ve watched this video 3 times!!!!! Your puppy is sweet too.
Thanks for commenting, Laurie! It was scary at first! we knew we had a lot of work cut out for us with selling our stuff, and renovating this place. But we've never looked back! Thank you SO much for sharing your thoughts!
@@ellenjgoods what a lovely home!
@@tobiepierce6814 😊😊😊
Как здорово жить рядом с океаном! Но наверное не безопасно!
@@user-nu6xf3od4h Thank you so much for visiting.
Ellen, I came to realize in my early 60’s IT’S JUST STUFF! But I smile at my lovely treasures until I sell and replace them with another lovely treasure. Life is good💕
Ah, yes. So true. I do the same! But I could give it all up in a heartbeat, if I had to . 💓💓💓
Hi Ellen! I love your little cottage on the water (My dream too, by the way)! But most of all, I love your philosophy! I, too, have been planning for a downsize. It is almost surprising to see how few possessions we need to make us happy and how freeing it feels to get rid of a lot of "stuff" we never use or even look at (all stored behind doors or drawers somewhere). The life we live, the people we love, and the memories we make together are what's been important as we get older and look back to take stock of our lives -- not how much stuff we have accumulated, or how we have kept up with the "Joneses" (sometimes living beyond one's means to do so and worrying about all that debt we are accumulating). At the end of life, no one wishes they had worked more hours at work, or accumulated more "things". The good deeds we have done for others, the memories we have made with loved ones, and the time we have spent making peace with our Maker are ALL that becomes important at the end. So the lesson we can learn is to let go of "stuff" and concentrate on what is really important with the time we have been given in this life. Thank you for being a living lesson in what's important in this beautiful life we have been given. Much love and peace to you and your family.
Hi Sandy! I’m so happy you stopped by! Thank you very much for your words💓
So sweet and charming!
Lynn, you have most prettiest and cozy cottage by the water. I just love everything about it.
Thank you Cheryl 💓
I love that large open area when you walk into your cottage, PERFECT!
Thank you for visiting! I think that open area makes ALL the difference!
Yes. And it gives her the opportunity to directly set the tone with holiday display, fitting the season. Very nice entrance, indeed. Well done, Ellen!
Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us.
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Bravo! Love so many of your venues! Going to watch it again! AND I will share!
Thank you Deborah! We appreciate you sharing!!! 💓
I am in love with your place!!!! My dream cottage. Your aesthetics are fabulous!!!! Dreamy ❤️
Thank you sweet lady!!!!
What an adorable home you have. I love it
Why thank you! I’m so happy you stopped by for a visit 💓
Watertown NY native here. As soon as I saw the opening footage of the video I said OMG....it looks like back home and it must be somewhere close to the Town of Pamela!!!! So glad I found you. It takes me back.
We are so glad that you found us too Kris, thank you for stopping by! We sure hope you come back!
I enjoyed the tour so much.
Thank you
What really makes your cottage..besides your decorations..is the fact it has its own character..it’s very comfy n lovable...may you both enjoy it for many years..🌻
Thank you Donna. We plan to be here for many years 💓
Lynne ...could this get anymore DREAMIER ❤️❤️❤️.
Do you get to go to the cottage in the winter also? I know being up in Oswego during winter time , Lake Ontario was a Monster ! LOL!!! I was the Instructor for the Winter Colorguard at our daughters school back in the 90’s and I would go to Irondequoit NY for meetings and stay for 3 days, usually in the Fall and I would always seek the Lake shore for peace .... How I love that Lake !
You are right on the water .... I can almost hear the peace and feel the renewal of the soul being on the water !
THANK YOU .... THANK YOU for sharing with us ! Incredible ..... what an amazing space you created !
Jayne, we live in our cottage year round! Yes, Lake Ontario can be beastly in the winter... and it can be quite calm and quiet. Our family LOVES marching band! We go all over to see our grandkids’ competitions!
Everyone deserves A cottage by the sea. Your home is charming, welcoming, not precious. It is lived in. Just lovely. Thank you!
Thank you Nancy. Much love to you💓
Absolutely love your home! This is totally my jam, and that view! 😍😍😍
I’m so glad you like it!!!!
Wow! What a beautiful cottage and gorgeous view too! Everything about it is so charming. Thanks so much for sharing ❤️
And thank you, Kathleen, for sharing your kind thoughts! We really do appreciate you following along!
Absolutely adorable! Love your style!, Love the views!! Love the fur baby too... 😋
Thanks! It's not home without a dog! I appreciate your comment so much!
I’m in love with this.. 😍
That makes me happy, Lori! 💓
Absolutely beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for sharing! 💗🎨
Thank you for coming by. I really appreciate your kind words💓
That was beautiful!
Thank you my friend 💓
Perfection 🍃💞🍃
Thank you my sweet friend 💓
One of my favorite verses at the end! Thank you!
Thank you for listening and being here with us!
❤️❤️❤️That was adorable!
Awww! Thank you Jayne!
What a beautiful, cozy sanctuary 💗. We downsized a few years ago and I wish we had done it sooner! All that stuff is stressful to maintain and clean. Your cottage is amazing. You need to create your own line of decor. Your style is classic and calming. Thanks for sharing! 👏👏👏
Thank you Theresa! How sweet! Isn't downsizing the BEST!!!! We have never looked back.
Hi again. I loved this video (1 of many of yours). Currently I live in a 330 square foot basement. This doesn’t include a bathroom, laundry room, kitchen or the utility room. I have my living room, bedroom and craft room all here with a walk out basement. This gave me hope that I can think a bit differently about my space. I don’t have much wall space because of all the doors and windows, I’m so happy to have them. How you layered your treasures on the walls has inspired me to do some of this. Thank you for being so open about your wonderful little cottage by the sea. Toni in Beautiful Colorado
Hi Toni! It’s always challenging to make things work in a small space! I know you can create a lovely , personal space. Thank you so much for following!
My sister and I just watched it again. You’re one of the best!
❤! I think the projects are part of cottage life and what I loved about it. Limited space so you only had around what you truly love and put more thought to what you do with your space. Cottages like yours are what is so special and what I love about that region of NY.
Yes, Danette! That's true! Actually, being a homeowner, it's always projects to be done! I used to stress about it, but now I don't so much....I can't stress when I'm home! That would totally defeat the cottage lifestyle!
I love your cottage! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for following along, Carrie!
You inspire me soooo much! I love your style and energy!
Soul Sisters!!!!! I feel the same.
I love the saying,, he drew me from deep waters. It brought me to tears.. how sweet..
Oh… and it’s so true! I was once drowning in sin 💓
Really cute. Cottagy and so darn comfortable . Just seeing the water. Put my heart to a stop and just look.
We do love it here. Thank you for visiting! 💓
Lynne and JR You both have done such an Amazing job on the cottage . If it’s walls could talk they would be feeling blessed. You have taken such loving gentle care with every nail and board to build the strong and beautiful restoration we see today . Thank You so much for sharing it with us today . It truly is a work of art and your advice is much appreciated. Lastly the view is priceless most definitely one of Gods masterpieces .❤️
Love you.... you are a great source of inspiration to ME!
Such a lovely serene home. Ellen you have created a haven. Thank you for sharing and passing along wonderful decorating tips.
Thanks Linda! I hope it was at the very least a little helpful!!!! 💓
Oh I love your home Lynne - it's beautiful! It gives such a sense of warmth, welcome and peace! So very happy for you, JR and Chance to live in such a magical and special home and. oh my goodness those views - a true blessing!
Lourdes, I do hope that some day, you'll be able to visit in person! Much love to you!
@@ellenjgoods Oh me too Lynne. Thank you! Much love to you too!
I had a LIFETIME of collections too when we downsized to a 1,258 sq. ft condo. I had a 2,800 sq. ft home, a 750 sq. art studio with a porch and a huge pole barn, a pool house on 5-country acres - ALL decorated, all collected.... I let over 85-90% go and somedays I do miss them. But it was necessary as I did not want to die and leave all that for my two sons to go through and or toss. As you say everything functions well. I needed a LOT of money to pay the property taxes on our new to us condo so selling most everything made that possible. I needed to simplfy my life and downsizing made that possible. QUALITY of life not QUANITY is what counts in our senior years.
Thanks for sharing your experience Donna! 💓
Wow that view is all you need !!!! I love all the coastal touches throughout!
Thank you!
Gorgeous 💚💚💚
😊
Love your cottage!! I live in a small home and find it so hard to decorate it. You have done a beautiful job on your home ❤
Don’t you love the simplicity of living small? 💓
Love your home. I use large crocks with wood tops as bedside tables etc. Lots of storage in all of them. All end tables have to have storage when you don’t have space. Thanks for sharing. I have watched this video several times.
Thanks for visiting! I love the crock idea!!! 💓
Loved the tour of your sweet home. Especially loved the vintage sign over the back doorway...."He drew me from deep waters". I too live in a smaller-ish home (1200 SF) and am really coming to love the simplicity it brings!
Thank you so much for commenting! JR and I need to remind ourselves constantly that we have so much, and need so little. 💓
I just watched your video twice - this is such a beautiful little home! You are an inspiration to me, as someone who recently moved into a 600 sq. ft. cottage. I also have to mention how much I appreciate the Bible verse you ended with - thank you!!
Oh, Chris! Thanks!!!! Oh my gosh! It sounds like your cottage could be considered a tiny home! Don’t you love how uncomplicated it is to live small?
@@ellenjgoods Yes - I absolutely agree! I love my little home, and the financial freedom in living smaller too.
What a truly wonderful 'H💙ME' you both have created. You can tell immediately that this was woven together from kindred souls, wrapped in love and a sense of joy while giving each detail a warm hug and a huge amount of respect, appreciating your life together. I can absolutely imagine walking through your front door would feel like a warm and enduring embrace from a special loved one.
Your words are beautiful and it’s so Special to me that you shared a visit at our cottage. I hope you have a beautiful day
What a wonderful tour and great tips! I love your cottage, Lynne. Thank you for the glimpse and for the Scripture at the end. 💞
Thanks sweet friend! I'm so glad you noticed...we have learned to trust completely that we have all that we need and more.
I fold my pillow covers and other embellishments and tuck them under the sofa and chair cushions. This way I know exactly where to find them. Your home is very charming.
That’s such a great idea!!! Thank you for sharing 💓
I have watched this about 4 times. I love this little place! Great job.
Awww so glad you enjoyed it that much Janette, thank you!
Thank you for sharing your home and stories. Just beautiful Lynn. I sure adore you, you have such good energy.
💓💓💓thanks for following along!
Oh Lynne...I had to watch this twice too see all the goodness! What a beautifully-curated little cottage. I'd love to see another tour of the cottage and see all the goodies up close. Thanks for providing ongoing inspiration with everything you touch! 🤍
Hi Julie! I will def share more cottage tours in the future! Thank you for your kind words💓💓💓
What a darling, cozy, comfy adorable cottage. Thank you Lynne for sharing it with us. All the hard work & love has paid off in more ways than one.
We do love this little place. I can’t wait to share our next projects!
Enjoyed this video when I discovered you sometime ago, noticed the small sea shell decorated box, but wandered away with the closing notations. I am in my 80’s and for way too many years we have collected sea shells, from coast to coast, shore to shore, friends visiting tropics or whatever, sea shells. Fortunately our grandsons love them also, so some are rehired, but boxes, rubber maid containers we have SHELLS. Finally got a good look at the box and husband is making a box, hopefully we are successful.
Thank you for being here with us! So much fun collecting shells and it makes it even nicer that your grandsons love them too. Enjoy making the box, it will be amazing!
Your video production is par excellence! Kudos! I live in an 864 sq. ft. Prairie Ranch house built in 1945. In 1987 an attached 624 sq. ft. two car garage and shop was added on. I have a picture window in the front with a view over an 8’ x 20’ porch and two paper mulberry trees. My back view is 100’ of lawn and then a 1/4 acre animal pen with goats and horses. Past that is a huge playa lake that is home to thousands of migratory ducks. I love my little house in West Texas, and I’ve never felt comfortable in large houses. Everyone is different of course, but I feel like big houses own you - that you have to buy so much furniture and “stuff.” I’m in my early 60’s and it’s just me, no reason to have a house stuffed with things that my family will have to dispose of when I pass. I use the second bedroom as an office. I still work as a 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math teacher, so I have a large corner desk with lots of space on top to spread out the school work. The whole house is just a neat size for me and the occasional guest.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! We love that we can utilize outdoor space when weather permits. I’m sure you find the same thing with that front porch! Your location sounds lovely. Wishing you a great year ahead.
Your cottage is my dream. My husband & I are on the hunt for either a vacation home or an actual home dependent on price, location & size. Thanks for sharing your fabulous ideas and home.
Hi Lisa. I hope you find the perfect home of your dreams. We have never ever regretted the choice we’ve made. Thank you so much for stopping by. 💓
Love, Love this cottage. Thank you for sharing. We are down-sizing in the next six months from about 4,000 square feet of antiques and lots of vintage items to 2,000 square feet open floor plan. We are building a bardo. I am doing a cottage theme also. It is so hard deciding what I can keep and what to sell in my booth. I realize the older I get, less is better and I don't want all this stuff to clean anymore. This gave me so much inspiration. I so needed this today. I can do it and you make it look so good.
That’s a big move!!! Trust me, once you are through it, you will SO enjoy the downsize. We brought very little to our cottage because of the open floor plan and smaller space. I had to have the exact right pieces to fit and function 💓
very very cute , funny enough me and my husband are empty nesters and we are about to add a lot of square footage to our home. We entertain a lot and have lots of friends and family. I am going to addon a big bedroom bunk house for the grandkids. adding to already large kitchen and adding to dining area too. And making my bathroom into a walk in closet and adding a bigger bathroom. We cannot wait .
Enjoy !
Lynne thanks so much for sharing so inspired. I live in a cute condo farmhouse style that is only 1250 sq feet, so this gave me some good ideas for decor and how to switch things out. Thanks for sharing, your cottage is wonderful.
Oh my gosh! Isn’t it the best living in a small space? We love it so much. I hope you have a beautiful day! 💓
I also live in an 71 yr old small home, but I love old homes with character! We decorate with neutrals also, and many cottage type decor pieces. Thankfully we have a basement with plenty of room for storage. Love your cottage home!
I’m so glad you decided to visit our little cottage! Thank you for your lovely comments!
I love this video Lynne ❤. Your cottage home says so much about you and JR...Relaxed, friendly, stylish and beautifully curated, yet comfortable like a warm hug ❤. Thank you for sharing. Love, Michelle ❤
Hi my friend! Home should always reflect who we are, right? I’m so happy you are here with us! 💓
I LOVE your cottage and how you have decorated and furnished it!
Thank you so much for visiting our little cottage 💓
You have a very similar lifestyle to me and my husband, it’s a never ending adventure. We live off grid in the Rocky Mountains in a small cabin/cottage loaded with ever changing and uncommon found and created treasures both inside and out. I’m an artist, have owned a special event and theme party Co. then later a shop similar to yours. People like us don’t just live in a house, we create an environment. Keep sharing these delightful videos, and thank you for everything you give us in your instructional videos. I think Anne Smith just doesn’t get it and never will, poor Anne. “The home should be the treasure chest of living” Le Corbusier.
You are a genius decorator!!❤️!! I loved every room!❤️ 👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for visiting our little cottage, Joan.
Your souls are beautiful and your love of each other is real.Thank you.
Thank you so much Gwen!
I love your beautiful home dear❤we made our little home very cozy with soft lighting, fireplaces, bamboo trees and a waterfall in the foyer. Motion sense operated candles on the stairwell as you move the ithe steps light up. Baskets more organized areas. We love our cottage. Our family with the fancy rich homes never want to leave...lol
Gerri! Your home sounds absolutely enchanting!!! I can understand why your guests want to stay! Thanks for visiting us here 💓
Oh it's gorgeous alright, I could just move right in. Living on the water is an every day celebration... You are living a dream!!!!!!
Thank you for stopping by for a visit! We do love our little home.
Exceptionally cozy and beautiful. Enjoyed!
Thank you so much for visiting our little home.
You gave no idea how much I love your home and how you have decorated it. I could be happy there.
Thank you! I’m so happy you came by for a visit! 💓
@@ellenjgoods ❤️
🤍Wow your home is just beautiful, a look I love it made me so happy to see how you decorate and all your lovely pieces - fresh, cosy, chic just beautiful 🤍what a wonderful home you and your husband have created 🥰😊💗
Thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing your space! Beautiful! I did a similar thing in moving to an old mobile home last fall. I gutted it, and have been rebuilding ever since. My cottage on the sea looks a lot like yours! :)
Oh my GOSH! I've always wanted to do that! You can make such charming little homes from mobiles! Thank you so much for sharing!
Seeing your home was so refreshing to see, since the general size of American homes is so much more typically larger that the average home in the UK. You have been extremely blessed in this life and I was grateful for the reminder to be content with what the Lord sees fit to have blessed me with.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Marian! We do love living small and uncomplicated 💓
Your old Brownie Leader is soooo proud of you. You were always one of my favorites.
Jan!!! How wonderful to see you here! One of my favorite memories is making little thumbprint animals in the oak Orchard cafeteria during Brownies! 💓💓💓💓
Your video truly blessed me , such love and warmth came across. The blessings of The lord be with you
Thank you sweet Kay. This means so much to us s!
Stunning Decor & Well selected pieces! The cottage is a beauty; the view is a gift from God!
Thank you for stopping by, Eva! It’s truly a beautiful place💓
Beautiful cottage ! I love it ! Giving up Stuff for that view is well worth it! ❤️❤️❤️
Right? We’ve never regretted it! Much love 💕
YOU MELT MY ❤!!!!! HOW BEAUTIFUL!!!! 💞❤️💗💕
You are so kind!!!
We’ll done, you two! What a happy surprise to see your tour in my feed this morning! ❤️
I’m so glad you could visit this fine day!!!
Pleasing space with such a beautiful back view
Thanks so much for stopping by, Linda! Wishing you a happy weekend! 💓
Absolutely beautiful home and video of your efforts. But the best part has to be your sweet "pupper". 😁
I’m so happy you came by for a visit! Yes, our dog is a great guy 💓
I thought I was the only person on earth living without trim, and with an insulation wall in my laundry room. So, thanks for showing that along with all the beautiful goodness of your home.
😂 Nope! It’s easy to show the pretty stuff, right? We still have lots of work to do. Thank you for visiting our little cottage 😊
This absolutely gorgeous!! You are such a creative and artful decorator! Your cottage is beautiful and would be perfect for me!! Thank you for sharing....
Sonya, thank you so much for visiting our little cottage! We love our home. 💓
I want that view. Love the shutters in the bedroom. You are very talented Ellen
Thank you so much!
Beautifully spoken! A cozy home where love abounds.
Yes, thank you for tuning in Kathy!
Love your little home - it certainly doesn't feel cramped in any way. It's warm and welcoming! I'm just south of Lake Ontario - Hi "neighbor"!
Well hello there! Thanks for visiting! 💓
wow... every frame had me pausing to linger over every little detail. If anyone could see that view, they would be happy to downsize tomorrow. This is a true sanctuary. and you have the vision to make it the magical cottage of which dreams are made of.
You are so sweet to comment! Thank you for stopping by 💓
Love your cottage. Beautiful ironstone collection 🌸💕you use the IOD stamps beautifully
Thank you for visiting! I just love all of my ironstone. 💓
I LOVE your cozy, beautiful cottage!!!
Thanks for coming by!
Love it and your precious pup!!!!
Thank you 😊 💓
What a gorgeous location. I'd be sitting on those lawn chairs three hundred and sixty five days a year (yes ... with a parka but still!)!
Thank you! In a parka or a raincoat! Thanks for visiting!
Wow, the lake is right THERE!!! What a beautiful home you've made!
Yes! It sure is!
I just love your cottage ❤ Thank you for sharing your beautiful home !
Thanks so much! 😊 Thank you for tuning in!
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this video. I'm going to watch it again!
Thank you! Please share additional video of your laundry!
I’m so happy you stopped by! Our laundry room makeover will be such a huge relief 😊
I love your cottage and seeing how you’ve styled your treasures. You are such an inspiration!
Hi Valerie! Thank you so much ! 💓💓💓
I love your cottage. It is so warm, inviting and cozy. That view of the water. Wow. Great job.
I’m so happy you came to visit our little home! We do love it and are always amazed at that view 💓
So lovely and well done ! The view is amazing ! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Shana, thank you so much for stopping by our little cottage. 💓
So beautiful and comforting. 💖
Thanks Linda! We’re getting ready to settle in for the winter!
Wonderful and magical. Love the look and advise. Blessings.
Amazing what a great job you did on your home. It is so beautiful and you put things together so wonderful!
Thank you for visiting, Barry. 💓
Thank you for sharing. I actually love the smaller home (but tiny is too extreme for me). Recently, I downsized to 899sqft. and I am so happy with my decision. I shared my excess among several thrift stores and kept what meant the most to me. As I toured your sweet home, a poem came to mind. Bless you.
Our cottage is about 850 sq ft and it’s just right. Some of those tiny homes are like living in a camper! Thanks for visiting!
We just moved to a smaller space and your home is so inspiring! I like the idea of multiple purpose...I could do better with that.
It’s a challenge for sure! Right now, I am trying to work out a way to create an art studio in my teeny home! Thank you so much for visiting. 💓