Sky-Blue Paint Coats This Renovated Cottage in Cheery Color

Mary Kate leveraged her background in interior design to carefully select building materials that fit her budget without sacrificing style. She chose economical options like butcher block and classic subway tile, which allowed her to allocate funds for special splurges. For instance, in the kitchen, she used affordable paneling for the backsplash, but did not hesitate to invest in Carrara marble countertops. "One moment can make a room," she says.

After nine months of construction, Mary Kate and Ben were ready to move into their newly expanded home. They made it truly theirs by adding treasured family heirlooms from Ben’s grandmother, unique lamps and decorative plates picked up at the Round Top Antiques Fair, and comfortable upholstered seating to create a warm and inviting space.

English design served as inspiration for Mary Kate, who fell in love with the shade Parma Gray from Farrow & Ball. However, due to budget constraints, she matched this hue with a more affordable option. She used this soft gray-blue on the trim, fireplace mantel, and kitchen cabinets inside the home, and applied it at 50 percent saturation on the exterior. "This was my first time making decisions on my own place," she shares. "White would have been safe, but to me, blue is a neutral color. I thought, You can never have too much blue."

front of cottage style house with addition of dormers

Nathan Schroder

Collaborating with an architect, Mary Kate added symmetrical dormers to enhance the front of the cottage. "The dormers make the living area feel light and airy. We face north, so we have a nice glow without the intense heat from the sunlight," she explains.

"Painting the exterior blue was a real shock to my eye. I needed time to sit with it and adjust to change."

cottage style family room with brick fireplace and painted blue mantel, vaulted ceiling, upholstered chairs and sofa, rattan armchairs, and floral drapery

Nathan Schroder

To add volume to the cottage, Mary Kate and Ben raised the ceiling. In keeping with her color theme, she painted the living room mantel and all trim in her favorite shade of blue. Custom-made sofas and chairs by a local upholsterer enhance the room, with a Frame TV cleverly disguised as art above the mantel. Mary Kate sourced budget-friendly fabric from Etsy, which was professionally crafted into drapes at just $5 a yard.

cottage style kitchen with light blue cabinets, butcher block island, carrera marble countertops and paneled backsplash

Nathan Schroder

The vertical lines of painted paneling lead the eye upward, creating an impression of spaciousness in the kitchen. The use of neutral tones, including a sealed butcher-block countertop on the island and elegant marble surfaces, harmonizes with the room’s design. Plates serve as quick, affordable art for the walls, adding a touch of charm.

arched doorway to bedrooms with baby playing with toys in hallway

design office from converted garage with black/white flooring and painted block walls

Credit: Nathan Schroder

An inviting arched opening leads to the home’s addition, where you’ll find the primary bedroom, a vibrant nursery, two bathrooms, a convenient pantry, and a compact laundry room.

Mary Kate and Ben converted the garage into a functional office space. They retained the original cinder-block walls but elevated the room's style with checkered floor tiles and woven shades. Mary Kate, who works remotely for Katie Davis Design, an interior design firm in Houston, has established a growing client base in the Texas Hill Country.

"I love the concept of a smaller home with spread spaces and how to it forces you to live closely."

powder room with marble counters, white cabinets and large print yellow wallpaper

Nathan Schroder

The wallpapered bathroom is designed to serve both guests and children comfortably. Mary Kate aimed to create a space that feels like a "fun powder room."

cottage style bedroom with blue headboard, blue/white linens, round gold chandelier, and soft blue draperies

Nathan Schroder

To complement their blue headboard and bedding, Mary Kate selected crisp white paint for the bedroom walls and trim. She opted for budget-friendly striped fabric for the window treatments, noting, "Custom fabrication makes cheap fabric look expensive."

outdoor living space of cottage style home with firepit, pergola over back patio and seating area

outdoor dining table with blue floral tablecloth and green metal chairs

Credit: Nathan Schroder

The Carls utilize their outdoor dining area for hosting gatherings, enjoying candlelit dinners on at-home date nights, and relaxing Saturday lunches. A freestanding pergola provides shade, while loose pea gravel offers easy maintenance and prevents weed growth.

Ben took charge of converting the backyard into an additional entertaining "room," complete with a patio, firepit, and putting green. It has become a gathering spot for friends and family to enjoy golf tournaments and college football games on the outdoor television.