This little cottage is so stylish and daring, it’s almost too hard to imagine a rabble rousing family of four with a dog moving into it. But that’s what Lisa Murray says her family is still planning to do while they are remodeling the front house.
The 360-square-foot cottage is out back and was the first to get attention after they purchased the Los Gatos property a year ago. Lisa is nothing if not whimsical and avante garde. And the cottage reflects that.
The “trophy” over the tiny fireplace is a Lucite deer head illuminated by a string of blue LEDs. The wall above the master bed has a lit arrow that looks like a midway sign at a fair. Even she admits getting a kick out of the “creepy” side of a circus (and has a few framed pictures of circus rides on the wall, too.) But those things are the extras.
And it’s amazing how she pulled the fundamentals together for a beautiful, cohesive mix of modern and vintage, traditional and “circus-y.” Blue and white tiles from Portugal frame the fireplace and the kitchen backsplash. A floral love seat (a hide-a-bed) sits across from small red Ikea barrel-back chairs (with Pierre Deux throw pillows.)
She’s made great use of a very small space, with a tiny dining table in the main room and a Queen size bed with a watermelon-color frame from Anthropology in the bedroom.
Now let’s see how good it looks after the hubby and kids and dog move in. Stay tuned to the family adventures to come. (I can only imagine what the main house will look like! This woman’s got it going on!)
Lookiloos is following the adventures of the Murray-Hinkley family remodel. Scroll down for a list of Lisa’s splurges, bargains and resources on her cottage remodel. Or click below for the most recent stories:
Lisa Explains Los Gatos Remodel
Los Gatos Family Takes on Major Remodel
Update:
This post is featured in the San Jose Mercury News Home and Garden section here.
Here’s the complete slideshow:
Recent Posts
I really loved this cottage that Lisa Murray designed! The colors are warm and inviting, and yet vivid and bright. She meshed together so many concepts and textures, and they all go together beautifully. This is the kind of cottage that anyone would love to stay in, or to have a cocktail party in. I look forward to more updates on the development of her main home. She has inspired me to do a makeover for my own home, even though I know I could never match her artistic expertise! I wish her the best of luck in the big project to come!
Sincerely,
Kathryn Beyers
Outstanding designs. I love her use of unique design concepts, and create a beautiful interior out of such unique pieces. If you ever find her designs again, or have other amazing designs like this one, be sure to drop me a line at Furniture and Design Ideas.
That is an amazing cottage! Lisa is an incredibly talented designer. I can’t wait to see the main house remodel.
So glad that my sister sent me this link. Its so refreshing, I want to move in………
Very nice cottage Lisa. I love your choice of colors and design. I would imagine this is a fun place to be in. As a guest house (in the future) you will have a hard time getting freinds and family to leave. Good luck with the rest of your renovations.
Please view my youtube link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6zbGYUa0Vg
I will continue to follow this project
Amazing Amazing and words can not describe it. Lisa I knew you are very talented and I love what you have done with the cottage. Did most people know what it looked like??? I can not wait to see what you do to the house. I drive by the house and knew you are up to so many good things. Miss you guys. Hugs.
Nothing Lisa does or creates surprises me, she is incredibly talented woman. I am glad to see she still travels with her “Pierre Deux” fabic, no home should be without it. You go girl!!!
I love how Lisa Murray remodeled the cottage. Her taste is outstanding. The way she has used the colors and textures is very unique . I can’t wait to see how she does her main house. Lisa is a very talented designer that mixes functunality with beauty in an amazing way. I am looking forward to follow this project.
I am so glad that in this time of recession, this family can afford to splurge on decorating temporary quarters.
Dear Peacefully,
Actually this “temporary” living quarters will become the home office/ design studio for Lisa when everything is complete. It makes sense to highlight her talents in this way. Now she has a mini show room…instead of just photographs of her work.
Sincerely,
Desiree
[...] Take a tour of the cottage at Lookiloos. [...]
Where can I get the lucite deer head? I love it!
I LURVE the cottage. What a great use of the space! Is it really ONLY 360 square feet!!??? Unbelievable. I would love to see the layout/floorplan. Simply AMAZING! Pure talent.