Small urban cottage first home

Rattan Dining Chairs - 2025 Design Trends

Transformative Design: A First Home Reimagined

This small urban cottage, purchased by a young couple as their first home, was a blank canvas stripped to the studs. With guidance from In Detail Interiors’ designer Libby Kees, this space was thoughtfully reimagined, blending budget-friendly interior design solutions with strategic splurges to create a personalized, dog-friendly retreat.

Organic Modern Kitchen Design

The kitchen captures the essence of organic modern styling, pairing muted green kitchen cabinets with marble countertops for a timeless yet contemporary look. Brass hardware and fixtures add warmth and sophistication, while the range and hood anchor the space with a modern edge. A sculptural vase filled with dried foliage takes center stage on the island, offering an organic texture that contrasts beautifully with the polished surfaces.

Woven pendant lights and matching barstools with rich wood frames enhance the kitchen’s cozy, natural aesthetic. Every element, from the striped Roman shade to the arch design of the display cabinet, reflects a thoughtful balance of functionality and style, perfect for showcasing vintage-inspired home decor like family heirlooms and barware.

Subtle Sophistication in the Bathrooms

The home’s two bathrooms extend the theme of organic modern design while embracing elements of cottage-style home renovation. The primary bath, part of a former garage turned into a spacious primary suite, features a dual vanity with fluted cabinetry, marble countertops, and shiplap paneling, creating a luxurious yet approachable atmosphere.

The shower walls are clad in zellige tile, whose handcrafted texture pairs beautifully with the hexagon mosaic tile floors and terracotta bathroom tiles. These rich materials add depth and warmth, while vintage-inspired bathroom details, like brass fixtures and encaustic floor tiles in the smaller bath, ensure timeless charm.

A Home with Heart

This home exemplifies thoughtful home transformations with practical features like dog-friendly wood floors and an emphasis on quality finishes. By incorporating vintage details and optimizing every design decision, Libby turned this young couple’s first house into a beautiful, livable space that honors their story.

At In Detail Interiors, we know great design is about more than aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that feel deeply personal, functional, and timeless. If you’re ready to turn your house into a home, we’d love to help you write your own story.

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