Transforming a Bump Out into a Cottage Inspired Entry Space

When we were forced to stay within the existing footprint of the cottage it left us with a bump out where a window used to be. I had many thoughts about how to use this space. One was to fit our large dresser in the space. After some thought, I came upon the idea of creating a small entry. The space was wide enough for a door and deep enough to make a decent recess. In this post, learn how we created a cottage inspired entry, that’s functional yet pretty.

Components of the Cottage Inspired Entry

Our cottage inspired entry had to perform a number of functions. The space is 1.5m wide and 1.2m long so I knew I had to be astute in my choices. I needed:

• a place to store coats, scarves and bags
• storage for our shoes. We don’t like to bring muddy boots into the house
• a shelf for decor
• a rug to catch Bonnie’s wet paws
• a pretty door lock to elevate the cottage look

What We Did

The first thing we did after painting was install the radiator to heat the space. Having used these throughout the house we love the traditional aesthetic and the way they keep us cosy but not uncomfortable.

My plan was to install a peg rail with a shelf above the radiator. This would not only add some interest to the wall but create a little moment for decor and a place to store hats and coats. Because the cottage is small, it does not have many opportunities for a decorating moment. And, I wanted to create one. To make the peg rail, we purchased a premade peg rail from Bunnings and used the pegs on a board Gavin made to recreate the look of our window sills.

To decorate the shelf I added three photos from our time at the farm. I customized the frame by making a matt for each one with leftover wallpaper from the guest bedroom.

The next task was to make a boot tray for shoe storage. Gavin used timber scraps to construct a little flat tray big enough for four pairs of shoes . I glued cabinet knobs on the bottom, painted the tray and added white pebbles to the inside. This works well to collect dirt and water and save the tiled floor.

Yes, I could have purchased a bag of wooden pegs online. But the cost of buying and paying for postage made them almost the same price as buying a premade rail. We took the pegs off, saved the pine for other projects and screwed the pegs into the rail. Then, I painted the rail the same colour as the wall so add texture rather than colour.

Final Touches for the Entry

Next, I also added a Ruggable X William Morris rug in sage and pink tones. The colour brings the green tones of the kitchen down onto the floor. The rug also prevents Bonnie’s paws from bringing mud into the house. Being washable, it’s perfect for this area. I added a bunch of dried statice, tied with a bow, a reusable shopping bag and my got to straw hat, a summer essential.
We finished the space with a traditional rim lock from TradCo. The detailing on this door lock adds the perfect finishing touch to a cottage inspired entry.