Like a storybook cottage, this one-story house in Marietta is nestled into the lot like it’s been there forever, but it’s actually new construction. The front doesn’t quite let on what’s to come inside, but that’s part of the fun. “It’s always a challenge to make a home look smaller and cozier from the street, but proper proportion, simple lines and the use of the right details can accomplish this,” says architect Tim Adams of TS Adams Studio. His clients wanted a shingle-style house with charming architectural elements and classic landscaping, so this stone-and-shingle style in a Cape Cod vernacular fit the bill. Tim designed the separate garage to read like a carriage house, joined to the main house with an enclosed breezeway.

Adams cottage 01Pin
Architectural firm TS Adams Studio and landscape firm Planters Garden delivered the goods when creating this cottage-style home in north Atlanta.
Adams cottage 02Pin
Boxwoods and hydrangeas frame the exterior of the house. The main home is able to maintain its smaller presence by tucking a separate garage off to the side. Dormer windows and wooden garage doors add to the charm of the garage.
Adams cottage 03Pin
Wood architectural accents — in the form of ceiling beams, fireplace mantel, and doors — cozy up the tall ceilings in the living room. Tim Adams designed glass-front cabinets on either side of the fireplace rather than open shelves in the living room. “I think open shelves can be cluttered and challenging to decorate,” he says. “Adding the doors seems to organize things and add a bit of texture to the room.”
Adams cottage 04Pin
Designer Courtney Dickey chose symmetrical sofas from Lee Industries and chairs from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams for a relaxed look in the living room. “We used dark gray on the sofas and a pattern on the chairs with pops of citron for pillows and throws,” she says. “It’s warm and inviting, and the symmetry keeps it calm.” The coffee table is intentionally large, she says, so no matter where someone sits, they can put their feet up.
Adams cottage 05Pin
An existing pool area on the property was reworked to allow it to fit the look of the new house. Bluestone pavers around the pool relate to similar ones in the front of the house.

Inside, the living room has several impressive features. The tall room doesn’t feel overly large, thanks to reclaimed wood beams on the ceiling, a rustic stone fireplace, and shiplap walls. Wooden bi-fold doors link the room to a magnificent pool area, without the usual look of French doors or trendiness of steel versions. “The homeowners didn’t want metal doors,” says interior designer Courtney Dickey, also with TS Adams Studio. “They wanted stained wood doors to coordinate with the beams. Those folding doors bring the outside in and are great for entertaining … with the view of that pool, who wouldn’t want a folding door?!”

Adams cottage 06Pin
A classic kitchen wears shades of white and gray. Just beyond, a barn door leading to the pantry brings in the warmth of wood.
Adams cottage 07Pin
“We used the homeowners’ existing dining room table but decided to update the space with upholstered chairs from Duralee,” says Courtney. “They’re comfortable and great for sitting around talking after family dinners. The sitting room beyond that is a cozy space with seating for four to continue conversations.”
Adams cottage 08Pin
Walls painted in Sherwin-Williams “Balanced Beige” provide a warm backdrop in the master bedroom. Bed is Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, bedding is from Pine Cone Hill, starburst mirror above the bed is Worlds Away, console table is Tritter Feefer, and  loveseat is from Square Feathers.
Adams cottage 09Pin
A tall storage tower in the master bath is great for linens as well as all personal items, says the designer. “It also creates a divide between his-and-hers sinks, giving the homeowners their own space,” says Courtney. “If one spouse is messy the other doesn’t have to see it!”

To create a restful retreat for the two homeowners — both of whom travel frequently for work — Courtney let the established trees and greenery out the window be the focal point, choosing a color palette of soft beige and creams. “All the different textures and soft colors create an interesting yet restful room,” says the designer. A similar calm palette also shows up in the kitchen and dining room, giving a cohesive look throughout. In this house, success comes from smaller choices and tasteful elements, all the ingredients of a cozy cottage.

Thank you to Jake Laughlin Photography for the beautiful photographs.

**********

Find more amazing Southern spaces in our “Homes” section. Click here and prepare to be inspired!

Author: Lisa Mowry
About the Author
Lisa Mowry