The cottage home is an ephemeral concept. Certain factors need to be present, though.
The home should be less than 2,000 square feet. It should appear compact on the inside. Yet it should feel spacious inside.
The entryway should be human-sized and welcoming.
The exterior should use materials found near where the home is built.
The house should exhibit unique craftsmanship that shows the character of the builder and owner.
Sashed windows are almost a must. They keep the home small and inviting, and create a sense of security.
The building should be oriented to take advantage of the sun in the cooler months. In warmer months, it should make use of on-site shade.
Landscaping should be informal but lush. Garden lights emit a friendly glow and give a nice extra touch.
The cottage should have indoor-outdoors areas like patios, porches, and sunrooms to connect it with its natural surroundings.
Other touches include cozy spots for curling up and reading, high-pitched roofs, low ceilings, natural wood flooring, and built-in storage.
A cottage house not only makes you feel at home, but it’s energy efficient and conserves resources with the “less-is-more” principle. It’s the opposite of the wasteful McMansion and the ostentatiousness of too much space and ornamentation. A cottage is meant to feel like home.