Cottage Down the Hill: My Home Reveal
Ledger and Ladder Studios’ latest project, #CottageDownTheHill, is finally here! It just happens to be my personal home. I am thrilled to guide you through each room of our newly remodeled 1970s home, conveniently located down a hill in Richardson, TX.
In case you missed the backstory of how this cozy cottage came to be, let’s take a trip back in time! Mr. Wright and I purchased the house in August 2023. We were originally supposed to close in July, but just a few days before, the house unexpectedly flooded. Despite this setback, we decided to proceed with the purchase because we loved the location. This obstacle turned into an opportunity for us to make the house our home.
The remodel began immediately, as we were in a temporary rental and had to move out by October 2023. Yes, I did exactly what I advise our clients not to do—design during construction and live in the house during construction. Thankfully, everyone survived. We finished construction in April 2024, and completed the installation literally the day before we shot the photography with Sarah Linden Photography. Before we go any further, let’s take a peek at what this place looked like before…
We know you’re eager for all the specifics, and we’re here to answer your questions! We’ll follow up with blog posts on paint colors and flooring. If you’re interested in the sources and products, sign up for our newsletter here. Those details are going to be provided exclusively to our newsletter subscribers.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the after…
ENTRY
The entryway is the first room any guest sees upon arrival. Since this space sets the tone for the rest of the home, our goal was to keep it open, functional, and charming. We didn't make many changes, but we did add checkerboard flooring and a fresh coat of paint. The new flooring effortlessly enhances the cottage charm of the space.
LiVING ROOM
In the living room, the fireplace serves as the focal point and had been painted white at some point. When the house flooded, the drywall surrounding the hearth had to be removed, revealing beautiful warm brick underneath. I became determined to remove the white paint. After consulting with several professionals, I decided to tackle the task myself. Despite not being a big DIY enthusiast, the 16.5 hours it took were worth it. The restored brick adds so much character to the space, and I love the result.
DINING ROOM
The dining room is one of my favorite spaces in the house. Although it’s small, it packs a punch with its cozy, intimate, and charming atmosphere. This room has truly transformed our family dinners. We make a concerted effort to gather for dinner most nights of the week, no matter how hectic life becomes.
KitCHEN
Just looking at this kitchen makes me eager to whip up some homemade dishes! Although I'm not the best cook, this kitchen inspires me to give it a try. We made significant changes to maximize the space without increasing the square footage. We replaced a window with a door that leads to a kitchen garden and relocated the opening to the dining room, adding an archway. The only elements left in there original location are the sink and butcher block countertop. I love how we combined marble and wood on the island and chose warm tones throughout the space to complement the home's existing charm and character. She’s a beauty if I do say so myself.
That wraps up the Before and After of our home, Cottage Down the Hill. We have more highlights on the way, so stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, I hope this offers some inspiration for your own design projects!