Once Upon a Storybook Cottage

This cottage is one of 16 custom builds that comprise a magical storybook community in downtown Harbor Springs, Michigan.

- AUTUMN KRAUSE

Fairy tales do come true thanks to the wizardry of Cottage Company. This company built a storybook community comprising 16 cottages, making it the foremost place for clients seeking summer residences or overflow guest cottages.

The cottage seen here is a wonderful example of the design and architectural delights found in the community, called Bay Street Cottages, in the idyllic downtown of Harbor Springs, Michigan.

Kelly Konoske, head of interior design at Cottage Company Interiors, oversaw the interior design for this project, while Jill Nuding, Cottage Company of Harbor Springs' head of construction, oversaw the building aspects.

"The home was designed and built as a spec home, with prospective seasonal homeowners in mind," Kelly explains. "Therefore, the design goal was to allow for the efficient, yet creative, use of space to maximize functionality and aesthetic beauty." The private spaces are clearly defined, but the floor plan still remains open and spacious.

The kitchen, dining room and family room serve as common areas for family members to spend quality time together, so they were designed to be larger, more open, integrated and filled with natural light. Continuity was achieved through the combination of natural colors, natural materials and textured fabrics, which contributed to a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere—and just the place to kick off a personal once-upon-a-time.

STATE OF MIND

Kelly says that "cottage style is more a state of mind rather than a specific design style.

It evokes a feeling, whether that's warm and welcoming or family-oriented and friendly." She "bottles” that sentiment here, along with features that appeal to a modern family, such as forgiving finishes and fabrics, durable materials and timeless designs.