Cozy Elegance:The Final Reveal

Take a tour with us of our completed Project House Austin to see a blend of calming neutrals, layered textures, a thoughtful modern layout and loads of English cottage charm come together to create the perfect, cozy retreat.

All good things must come to an end, and all the hard work on our Project House Austin has reached its final crescendo – and we couldn’t be more thrilled to show you the results!

Siblings Melissa Olson and Brent Green of Cottage + Key Design Studio began about one year ago casting a vision for the then empty lot. The inspiration for the home design was largely drawn from a traditional English country cottage but recast for a modern layout and flow. The team labored tirelessly to bring this vision to life, working hand in hand with our excellent slate of Project House sponsors to select just the right pieces and finishes for the home. The result is a seamless blend of coziness, character and functionality.

**Cozy Comfort.** The living room space is brimming with warmth from the wood beams on the ceiling from **Decorative Ceiling Tile**s and engineered hardwood floors by **Mullican Flooring**. Depth and a slight moody flavor infuses the space with the dark grey sofa from **Mantle** **Furniture**, balanced by lighter linen chairs and coffee table from Four Hands. One of the main focal points of the room is the faux fireplace and the beautiful diamond-shaped Moroccan stone inside the firebox from **Alexander James Tile**.

The Journey & Bumps in the Road

Melissa and Brent, the dynamic duo behind Cottage + Key Design Studio, brought together their talents and experience in construction and interior design to bring this new build to life. To visualize each space and craft a carefully cohesive design, they first created AI renderings of each space, complete with design mood boards for a clear picture of the elements and pieces from our wonderful team of sponsors that would embody the vision for this refined yet cozy cottage home.

Cate Black LLC is a full-service interior, branding photography and videography firm based in Austin, Texas. Cate Black has a bachelor’s degree in photography, 18+ years of experience and has been featured in multiple design publications. Her team prioritizes creating highly engaging marketing content—from capture to platform—for interior designers that elevate and grow their brand. Visit cateblackphotography.com.

We got a glimpse of that process by zooming into the details of a handful of rooms in our Project House. Starting with the living room, the first space you see when entering the home, Melissa utilized materials and selections that would give the feeling of a “warm hug.” We then turned from a large gathering space to the smaller but hardworking spaces of the pantry and guest bathroom, where Melissa did not sacrifice either functional consideration or design cohesion.

**Heart of the Home**. The open floor plan allows us to move directly to the kitchen, full of elegant and functional features like the gorgeous countertops by **Architectural Surfaces**, farmhouse sink by **Ruvati**, range hood by Hoodsly, counter stools by Troutman Chair Co., and topped off with light fixtures from **Capitol Lighting/1-800Lighting** that truly elevate the space. Gorgeous wood flooring by **Mullican Flooring** grounds the space.

Construction began and we learned about the importance of proper placement of plumbing and electrical elements, as well as how essential quality products and materials are even if they are not visible. Melissa and Brent shared the inspiration and vision for the exterior of the home, and how to create a timeless and charming curb appeal for a good first impression. Our last visit focused on the guest bathroom and how good design is all about creating special moments with details.

Practical Comforts. The light and bright palette, combined with warm touches and relaxing and inviting textures, gives the home a quintessentially cozy look and feel while maintaining a sophisticated style. Behind the scenes, HVAC system by MRCOOL® and plumbing products by Oatey Co. provide quality products that are the foundation to the functionality of the home.

While the project overall was fairly smooth and uneventful, there were some challenges the team faced, especially in the end as they worked to bring together all the exterior finishes. The cause was that age-old, uncontrollable nemesis – the weather. “The spring rain felt like it would never stop, and it definitely tested our patience and timeline,” Melissa says.

“While there’s no magic wand for drying up a construction site, we learned to be incredibly strategic with our workflow, shifting focus indoors and being ready to seize every dry moment. There were many long days, but seeing the exterior finally come together after battling the elements was a really rewarding feeling.”

**A Neat Nook.** Tucked behind a pocket door by **Steves Doors**, the pantry and breakfast nook boast of a fun and elegant ladder from Putnam Ladders, wicker chandelier by Capitol Lighting/1-800Lighting, and herringbone flooring by Mullican Flooring. A cute breakfast nook includes a table cloth made with fabric from Ginger Sparrow and rounded cane chairs from Cotton & Crete.

Style & Function

As with any home design, creating the ideal marriage between practical considerations, like storage, flow, and maximum use of limited square footage, and aesthetic considerations was a key part of Melissa and Brent’s process. “Maintaining design cohesion throughout the house was so important,” says Melissa. “We kept a consistent vision of the European cottage aesthetic and repeated thoughtful details throughout. While each room has its own personality, they are all united by the underlying European cottage style.” Their process was simple but thorough. “We began by considering how a family would naturally flow through and utilize each space, ensuring furniture layouts supported both functionality and connection,” she says. “Then, we layered in character and depth through carefully selected decor and accessories, ensuring each element spoke to the overall vision.” None of this would be possible, of course, without the contributions of our amazing team of Project House sponsors.

A **Putnam Rolling Ladder**, **Mullican** flooring and a sweet swath of **Ginger Sparrow** fabric to hide the microwave, all make this pantry an amazingly versatile space.

Statement making hardware from **Regal Brands/Grandeur Hardware** add the perfect finishing touches.

Off the living room, the guest bedroom, designed to be a home office, once again features flooring from **Mullican**, doors from **Steves Doors**, and simple but charming furnishings by **Four Hands Furniture.**

The primary bedroom and bathroom, designed to be a relaxing and rejuvenating escape, showcase lamps, milk glass and brass fixtures and wall sconces from **Capitol Lighting/1-800Lighting.** Furnishings are from **Four Hands Furniture**, freestanding tub from **Ruvati,** white oak doors from **Steves Doors**, and vanity from **Willow Bath and Vanity.**

**Connected Spaces**. In the back of the home, the mudroom and laundry room continue the cozy cottage feel while also providing practical considerations as two hardworking spaces. In the mudroom, a custom cushion with textured fabric from **Ginger Sparrow** pops, and adds European charm. The laundry room’s eye-catching custom tile floors from **Heritage Tile** continue the countryside cottage feel, with added authenticity having been crafted in France. A rolling laundry basket from **Cotton & Crete** is a functional as well as stylish finishing touch. This area opens to the attached garage at the rear of the home.

**Smart Storage.** Built-in shelving nestled in the hallway, between the office and guest bedroom, allow creativity to flourish with books, art, and baskets for storage.

**Stay Awhile.** Off the living room lies the guest bathroom, featuring another white oak door from **Steves Doors,** hardware from **Regal Brands’ Grandeur Hardware l**ine, and scalloped lighting from **Capitol Lighting/1-800Lighting.** Italian tile graces the floor and walls from **Alexander James Tile** and complimenting the vanity from **Willow Bath and Vanity**. A fabric shower curtain from **Ginger Sparrow** adds a finishing touch of texture and warmth.

Design Do’s and Don’ts
by Melissa Olson

The Do’s

Mix Your Metals. “Strategically mixing up to two metal finishes (like your favorite polished nickel and brass) adds depth, visual interest, and prevents a space from feeling monotonous,” Melissa says. “Be intentional about where you place each metal to create a balanced and sophisticated look.”
Visualize. “Absolutely crucial is visualizing how you and your family will actually live in each space,” she says. “Consider your daily routines, entertaining needs, and individual family member requirements.”
Embrace Pattern. “Pairing a fun, eye-catching pattern with a timeless tile shape (like subway or hexagon) is a fantastic way to inject style without overwhelming the space or dating it quickly,” she says. “This offers a balance of trend and longevity.”
Prioritize Quality. “While it’s tempting to save money initially, prioritize investing in high-quality foundational elements like flooring, well-constructed furniture for high-traffic areas (like sofas and dining tables), and durable countertops,” she says. “These are the workhorses of your home and will contribute significantly to its long-term comfort and aesthetic appeal.”
Layer Lighting. “Plan your lighting in layers: ambient (general illumination), task (focused lighting for specific activities), and accent (decorative lighting to highlight features),” she says.

The Don’ts

Rely on Contractor Design Advice. “While your contractor’s expertise is invaluable for construction, their design sensibilities may not align with your vision,” she says. “Avoid making significant design decisions based solely on a contractor’s preference, as it can lead to a disjointed or uninspired result.”
Underestimate Storage Needs. “Plan for ample storage in every room, considering things like linen closets, pantry space, mudroom organization, and bedroom closets,” she says. “Well-planned storage contributes significantly to a feeling of calm and order in your home.”
Follow Trends Blindly. “While staying current is appealing, avoid incorporating overly trendy elements that might quickly feel dated,” she says. “Instead, focus on timeless design principles and introduce trends through easily changeable accessories like pillows, artwork, and smaller decor items.”
Neglect the Exterior. “Remember that curb appeal is important, and the exterior of your home sets the first impression,” she says. “Consider the landscaping, hardscaping, exterior finishes, and lighting as part of your overall design plan to create a cohesive look from the outside in.”
Rush Planning. “Take your time in the initial planning and design stages,” she says. “Rushing decisions can lead to costly mistakes and regrets later on. Invest the time to thoroughly consider your needs, wants, and budget before construction begins. This thoughtful approach will ultimately lead to a more satisfying and well-designed home.”

To see more of Project House Austin, click here!