Bright, Polished Vermont Cabin

I don’t know a lot about playing poker, but I have been told that a pair of aces is the best starting hand in Texas Hold ‘Em. Architect Joan Heaton was holding the equal of this blessed set — a keen eye for clean, contemporary design and a husband who is a builder — when she started construction with this 800-square-foot cottage in the Green Mountains of Vermont.

Heaton’s footprint for the cottage was set because she followed the foundation of a home that was already on the site. “For me personally, this is an chance to try to construct an extremely small and affordable home,” she states. “I needed it to be open however able to sleep up to six individuals.”

The floor plan is really wide open, but subtle design and architectural choices supply a cozy feel to the bedroom, and windows on each side contribute to the sense of a much larger home. “I was motivated somewhat by fancy resorts where all you need is in one space,” Heaton says. By the appearance of this location, her guests will soon be lining up for bookings.

Joan Heaton Architects

Clean, simple furnishings define the most important living space. The Scandinavian-style sofa is fabricated by Softline and was chosen for its trendy practicality: It converts to two twin beds or a king-size one. “Not only do I like the form of the furniture, but it is slipcovered so I will alter the fabric if I select,” says Heaton.

Joan Heaton Architects

The southeastern exposure provides a welcoming glow as you approach the cottage.

Joan Heaton Architects

To provide the bedroom a cozier feel, the ceiling was lost and drywall was used instead of timber. Drapes provide solitude.

Joan Heaton Architects

Heaton attempted to incorporate as many local woods to the design as possible. The ceilings throughout are walnut, the doors are hemlock, and the window and door casings are ash. “The warm tones of the polished concrete floors complement the rest of the endings,” she states.

Joan Heaton Architects

To carry on the perspective but still allow for ventilation, the kitchen sink is centered between 2 different-size windows. The one on the right opens, while the left portion is fixed. The cabinets are cherry, along with the countertop is slate.

Joan Heaton Architects

“I particularly like the window in the shower. You do not feel exposed, but you get to check out the perspective,” Heaton says. A larger window floods the room with light. Its placement was ordered by Heaton’s want to have plenty of counter space and a big mirror. A wall-hung vanity leads to the room’s spacious feel.

Read more cottage designs

Joan Heaton Architects

A variety of different-size windows (in the economically priced design window lineup by Marvin) capture light and the perspective. “I needed the windows to work from the outside but relate to the inside space too,” says Heaton. A channel rustic profile was used for its rough-sawn bamboo siding.

Joan Heaton Architects

A deck that wraps around the cottage nearly doubles the living room.

More:
Joyful, Earth-Conscious Home in Vermont
If You Love Rustic Splendor
Rustic Chic

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