Feeling "At Home" in Your Modern Cottage
At dusk, the view through this house designed by Stuart Silk Architects creates a warm and inviting entrance. Photo by Benjamin Benschneider
You’ll benefit when everything in your home has a place. Photo by Sean Airhart
Our Homes Set the Mood
It all begins the moment you step through the door. You immediately feel “at home”—perhaps it's a sense of relief or a comforting sigh. Your space meets your needs and offers a welcoming embrace. With a place for everything, your home balances practicality and beauty effortlessly. It’s more than just a house; it’s your modern cottage, designed for relaxation and ease.
A Place for Stuff
After coming through the door, there is a place to put your keys, drop off your mail, take your shoes off and hang up your coat. There's even a place for kids' backpacks and sports equipment. This room, whether a mudroom, side entry or formal hall is your first impression. And, it should make you smile, while leaving the outside world behind. If this space does not feel welcoming, or at least functional, then it is not "just right" for you.
Knowing there's a place for all of your stuff is good for your well-being. This space needs to be calming. It also should act as a recharging station for the soul, giving you mental energy to conquer making dinner and helping with homework. Stress comes from disorder and not having just the right place to put all of your things.
An open foyer offers a bench to sit for taking off or putting on shoes. Photo Courtesy of DeForest Architects
It's Your Choice
Some people prefer to keep their belongings tucked away in a closet or locker. For instance, while you might have a designated spot for your coat, once it’s hung up, you may not want to see it anymore. On the other hand, some individuals find comfort in visibly seeing the hooks where their coats belong.
An open space can sometimes feel chaotic instead of calming if it doesn’t align with your lifestyle. The photo on the left shows a neat and orderly environment with everything tucked away, but is this practical for your family’s daily routine?
Ultimately, the choice to display your items or keep them hidden is a personal one. Some people thrive in a lively, cluttered space, while others find peace in having everything neatly out of sight
This mudroom by SKM Design offers a place for all of the stuff. Photo by Julie Bidwell
Your Home Should Work for You
There are plenty of solutions that can work for you, but be mindful not to choose ones that might hinder your flow. For instance, while you may envision neatly placing shoes in cubbies in a closet, a simple basket by the door might suit your style much better.
Your modern cottage should not only accommodate all your essentials but also reflect the unique traits and daily habits of everyone in your household. Consider a “day-in-the-life” approach to identify design enhancements that truly align with your lifestyle. At the end of the day, good design is only good when it works for you.
