Blog - The Lilypad Cottage

September 15, 2021 By Kelly 13 Comments

Lake House Neutral Guest Bedroom

I’ve been putting off sharing this lake house neutral guest bedroom, because I don’t feel like it’s quite complete. I’m still on the hunt for a few more accessories, different wall art, and who knows what else! Ok, and I probably should have steamed the bedding too… ;) So, let’s just call this reveal 1.0. I like to collect things for a space over time, rather that hurrying to fill it up. Let’s be real, it’s looking SOOOO much better than when we started!

First let’s take a look back. To refresh your memory, these bedrooms are tiny (if you recall the entire house is 600 sq ft).

Before –

Lots of old dark paneling and dirty dropped ceilings.

Lake House Neutral Guest Bedroom

After – ahhh so bright, light, and cozy!

There is not a lot of room to move in here, but I think we made it as functional as possible given the limited space.

I knew I wanted to paint all the walls white to brighten up the space as much as possible. I thought a contrasting trim would add a little more dimension and interest.

Replacing the ceiling was a huge change too! I promise I will be blogging about that at some point, but it isn’t quite done. As with lots of building materials, I’m running into supply issues at the moment. So stay tuned for all the nitty gritty details of our pretty new ceiling.

Of course swapping out the old falling apart windows brightened things up in here as well.

I wanted to keep the color scheme really neutral with lots of tone on tone grays.

I had this Serena and Lily bedding in my linen closet and it works perfectly over here. I added a cozy throw, and it’s now Charlie’s fave napping spot while I’m working in my office.

This back wall made the most sense to position the bed on. I added the drapes on this wall to help make it a focal point, and work with the width of the headboard.

Inexpensive bamboo shades provide a little privacy as well.

I found some fun vintage wall art at a local antique store. I love the character it added to the space.

These prints will probably end up in the living room as I’m thinking something a bit bigger would be better on this wall. Again version 1.0 here.

Since this cottage is so small I tried to add touches of black and brass in every room to give it a cohesive feel. I have to say decorating a space that you can stand in the middle and see every single room has been a bit challenging. There has been some definite trial and error!

This gorgeous rug really grounds the space and pulls it all together. Plus it’s SO soft! It really tones down the dark wood flooring.

As you can see things are moving right along at the guest cottage. We aren’t quite ready for guests to snooze here, (besides Charlie) but we are close!

Guest Cottage Bathroom Design Board

Wow, it’s been so long since I did a guest cottage update that I can’t even remember at what point I left off! We have made a lot of progress this summer, and now that my kids are back in school I have time to tell you all about it. Today I thought I would share the guest cottage bathroom design board that I’ve worked up. All of these items are either here or out for delivery. Hopefully we will be able to make this design board a reality in the next 2 weeks!

I already shared our fun tile transformation earlier this summer. Remember the before?

and after!

Well now I’m ready to add all the fun stuff. I have to say I’m a little jealous of the design in here, and it has me itching to update the primary bathroom in our house. Shhhh, don’t tell The Mr.

GUEST COTTAGE BATHROOM DESIGN BOARD

SOURCES: Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Just click on the BOLD links.

This tiny space is the perfect spot for fun wallpaper. Since the rest of the cottage is white painted paneling, I really wanted a touch of pattern and color in here. I wasn’t looking for anything too busy, since the tile already has a bit of color variation in it. After an extensive search I finally happened upon this simple floral pattern in green. I think it’s going to work so well. I’m hoping to hang it next week, so cross your fingers for me.

Wallpaper

Now that this is a small windowless room, I’m trying to keep things bright and neutral with touches of antique brass. This mirror and light were perfect for the small amount of wall space we have.

Mirror

Light

I opted for a little more pattern play with this subtly striped shower curtain.

Shower Curtain

I’m not a huge bath mat fan and typically go for a pretty rug instead. I love the subtle sage and neutral pattern of this one.

Rug

I’m really excited to see this come to life after working so hard on all the tile. It’s been killing me not to finish it! We have been waiting on kitchen counter tops all summer, so the plumbers can come back and do the finish work. The counters will be installed next week, I can hardly wait!

I ordered myself this desk and I’ve been using the space as my office all week (which if you remember was part of our plans.) The chair is just one of our dining chairs that I lugged over here, while I wait on the smaller one I ordered. Sure, I still need a million things, (including outlet covers) but we’ve come a long way.

Same view from this spring…looks a little different!

I have to say it has been SO nice to have a separate office space to head to everyday. I’m still getting organized and waiting on bookshelves and furniture to arrive, so look out for that design board too. My back is already thanking me for working at an actual desk instead of the couch with Charlie perched on my shoulder.

Charlie is ready for some lounging furniture over here as well. Although my little office assistant does enjoy watching the boats go by out the french door. It feels so good to be back to work after a fun summer with my kids. In the next few weeks I will wallpaper the bathroom, tile the kitchen backsplash, landscape, and decorate. Ahhh all the fun stuff is finally happening!

Posts you may also like:

Guest Cottage Design Boards

Lake House Guest Cottage Bedroom Designs

August 2, 2021 By Kelly 2 Comments

Wayfair Save Big, Give Back Sale Faves

I’ve been pretty quiet the last few weeks on the blog. I’ve been busy soaking up summer with my family. We are down to the last few weeks before my kids head back to school, and then I’ll be back with all sorts of fun guest cottage updates! I wanted to pop in today, because I’ve partnered with Wayfair to share one of their best sales of the year. It’s the Save Big, Give Back Sale!

I have SO many favorite pieces from Wayfair in my home, most of which are included in the sale. There are tons of great items on sale at up to 80% off. The best part is 10% of the profits will be donated to help eliminate Homelessness. Wayfair has partnered with Built for Zero, so you can give back while saving. At Built for Zero they believe homelessness is a problem that can be solved, and they help communities prove that every day. I love the idea that shopping this sale can help others create a home just right for them!

I’m linking all of my favorite picks from the sale below, but I thought I would share a few of my favorite Wayfair items around the house.

SOURCES: Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Just click on the BOLD links.

The upholstered bed in our bedroom is hands down my favorite purchase ever from Wayfair. We have had it 3 years now I think? The quality is great, and it looks so much more expensive than it is.

I also really love this lower profile option they have now too. At the guest cottage the beds had to be situated beneath the windows, so I was on the lookout for lower profile beds. This would have been a great option!

I actually used this platform bed in the smaller of the two rooms and I love it.

My daughter’s bed is part of the sale as well. We had so much fun redoing her room last summer. This bed kicked off the whole project.

Her nightstands are another fave! They come in a ton of different colors now too.

I absolutely love the look of these Adirondack chairs. We love our white ones around the fire pit, but these black ones are gorgeous and have a fun modern edge. They are actually available in 41 colors!

This iron bed looks vintage and comes in tons of fun colors. We used a similar one for my nieces bedroom. I guess with furnishing the guest cottage I have beds on the brain!

Come to think of it we bought our mattresses for the guest cottage from Wayfair too. They have several options included in the sale, but we like this pillow topped hybrid.

I love a good round mirror and this one we have hanging above our fireplace comes in several different color options. I’ve had it a few years now and I still love it.

Our basement rug is probably the most purchased item I’ve ever linked. I totally get why, it’s so pretty. So excited it’s back in stock, grab it while you can!

Our leather chairs down here are on sale too.

Oh and I bought this gorgeous runner for my kitchen this spring. I shared it on Instagram, but I don’t think I’ve shared here. I love the subtle colors in it and the price point cannot be beat at under $70.

Wow my quick post is turning into a long one, ha! So I’ll stop blabbing on and link to all my faves below. You can shop the entire Save Big, Give Back sale here too! Happy shopping!

July 20, 2021 By Kelly

Lake House Guest Cottage Bedroom Designs

Greetings from the middle of Michigan summertime, the most glorious time of the year! Things are still a little stop and go over at the guest cottage. I’m planning an update post next week! Today I thought I would share the design boards I’m sloooowly pulling together for the bedrooms.

LAKE HOUSE GUEST COTTAGE BEDROOM DESIGNS

First up, the main bedroom which is a whopping 2 ft bigger than the guest bedroom. Let me backup and remind you this whole house is about 600 sq ft. The bedrooms are…ahem…cozy. We were able to squeeze a queen bed in here and not a whole lot else! I snagged this bed on prime day. It was surprisingly easy to assemble. I’m really happy with the way it looks especially for the price.

I shopped my house, and I’m using our Serena and Lily winter bedding. Unfortunately it’s no longer available, but I found a really similar set at Target so I’ll link that below. A small bedside table and lamp will provide a place to set a book or charge a phone. That’s about it! Minus some window coverings, art, and accessories that I will add in down the road. I should probably finish painting first…you know me I’m ready for the fun stuff!

SOURCES: Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Just click on the BOLD links.

All of the rugs I’m using in the guest cottage are from Boutique Rugs. I actually have a coupon code for you to use for 60% off your order. My code is KELLY60.

Rug – you can use my coupon code KELLY60

Wall Color – Simply White by Benjamin Moore

Trim Color – Rockport Gray by Benjamin Moore

Over in the slightly less roomy bedroom we had to go down to a full size bed. This metal and upholstered bed is at a great price point, and it took 5 minutes to put together. You just unfold it and use 4 screws to lock it in place – love it! I picked up this cute striped bedding at Target and love the subtle stripes. These are my favorite cozy blankets from Target. We have the gray one and it’s so soft, so I picked up the Clay colored one too.

Again just enough room for a small table, lamp, and a rug to lighten up the dark floors.

Rug – you can use my coupon code KELLY60

Wall Color – Simply White by Benjamin Moore

Trim Color – Rockport Gray by Benjamin Moore

That’s where I’m at so far. I’m still dreaming up the living room and kitchen area. Oh the kitchen! The cabinets are in and they are coming to measure countertops later this week. Like I said update coming soon!

Other Guest Cottage posts you may also like to check out:

Guest Cottage Design Board

Guest Cottage Exterior Update

July 7, 2021 By Kelly

Guest Cottage Exterior Update

I’m alone in my house (minus my sidekick Charlie of course) for the first time in what feels like years! My youngest is off at camp, the Mr. is back in his office, and my daughter is with a friend. Feels like the perfect time to check in with you all after a busy holiday weekend filled with friends and family. Also, I may be trying to keep myself from stalking the camp facebook page for photos of my baby (ok fine, so he is 10 years old, but still my baby). If his first trip to sleep away camp is any indication of how college drop off will go, I’m just going to go ahead and sign up as his roommate now. I’m sure he will be good with that?!? ;)

Anyhow, let’s bring you all up to speed with the guest cottage progress!

GUEST COTTAGE EXTERIOR UPDATE

BEFORE

NOW

It’s been one step forward, two steps back over there. We lost our contractor, the roof was leaking (onto the brand new ceilings I might add), and nonstop rain caused some humidity issues we need to address. I won’t bore you with the details of our little money pit over there today though.

Let’s focus on the positives! We were able to find a siding guy to take on a quick side job and finish up where our contractor left off. The outside is looking ca-ute! Well, minus the fact that the landscaping and yard is still a mess after the huge storms passed through.

Ignore that and focus on my adorable french doors and fresh white siding! Ahhh it makes me so happy to sit on our deck and look out at this little cutie house now. I still want to add window boxes, lights, and possibly shutters on a few of the windows. The landscaping will be getting an upgrade soon too!

BEFORE

NOW

I painted the doors Rockport Gray by Benjamin Moore. I wanted the french doors to be the same color on both sides when they are open. Rockport Gray was a pretty close match to the cabinets that will be installed (someday hopefully) in the kitchen. I love the warm gray tone.

BEFORE

NOW

We painted the interior trim the same color as the exterior doors and the walls Simply White by Benjamin Moore. It’s looking so much brighter in there now! Ignore the ceiling at the moment. I promise I will give you the scoop on that soon. Like I mentioned before – new ceiling + huge thunderstorm + leaky roof = @#$%! We will get it worked out and then I will report back.

In other news, my flowers absolutely loved all the rain and are looking gorgeous!

Another new development – we strung solar lights above the fire pit area and it may be my fave thing ever.

We have been loving fires out here on the weekends. This addition to our yard has made all the headaches with the house worth it. The Mr. has been enjoying showing off his Boy Scout fire-building skills too.

Another perk – we have perfectly spaced hammock trees now and my kids have been taking full advantage. This new hammock is so cute and comfy.

I snapped this in between rainstorms last week and had to share it with you. Somehow this has turned into a photo dump post, but I’ve missed chatting with you all!

I think that’s it for my quick check in. I’m going to try to work on my design boards for the bedrooms as well so I can share those soon too. Hope you all are enjoying your summer!

GUEST COTTAGE DESIGN BOARDS

GUEST COTTAGE RENOVATION PLANS

GUEST COTTAGE PORCH MAKEOVER

SOURCES – Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Just click on the BOLD links.

Gray paint – Rockport Gray by Benjamin Moore

Siding – White by Mastic

Windows – NorthStar

Doors – Home Depot

Hammock

Solar lights

Bedroom Light

Adirondack Chairs

June 15, 2021 By Kelly

Guest Cottage Remodel Update

Time for a little guest cottage remodel update! We’ve run into a few snafu’s (as one typically does with a 70 year old house) so things have been slooow going. I finally have some exciting progress shots to share today. This post is mostly quick before and current progress shots. My kids are waiting to get on the boat, so I’m rushing to get this typed and out to you all.

First up the french door is in. Oh happy day this has changed the entire look of the space!

BEFORE

PROGRESS

All of the new windows are in as well. GAH it’s just so darling I can hardly stand it.

You may notice the siding is now yellow. That is not the new color choice, its the old original cedar siding (which is in horrible shape). Long story short, we have to replace all the aluminum siding that was added on in the ’70s. Thankfully it’s a small house, so it wasn’t too $$. The fresh white siding will look so nice and crisp. On instagram several people liked the yellow, until I showed them how awful it looked with our main house. Trust me, white is the way to go!

BEFORE

PROGRESS

BEFORE

PROGRESS

I’m not sure if I shared this new utility closet we added to the back of the house? Now it’s insulated properly, so we shouldn’t have any frozen pipes. It also allowed us to get the hot water heater out of the bathroom. Don’t mind the wrong color siding and the test gray paints on the door. I promise it will all be right soon!

BEFORE

PROGRESS

The new double window in the kitchen added so much light as well as balanced the whole look of the house. Also don’t worry about that crazy ceiling I will be tackling that soon too!

On the inside I’ve been a busy little bee, which is why I’ve been quiet on the blog. I’ve been squeezing tiling the bathroom in between running my kids to various sports camps and activities.

BEFORE

PROGRESS

Can you believe it’s the same space? The layout was so crazy before!

We picked up all of this tile at Floor and Decor a few weeks back. I’m so happy with how it turned out. Fair warning, this herringbone tile was a beast for me to lay, especially when nothing is level or straight in this old house.

I’m on the hunt for some fun wallpaper for the rest of the walls. It’s the only drywalled space in the house so it feels like a great spot for some fun paper.

That’s it for now! Our contractor is working on the siding as I type. I’m hoping that now the new windows are in I can get a jump on painting all the paneling next week!

Just a little reminder that I tend to be a bit more sporadic in posting in the summer time with my kiddos home. Between hanging with them and squeezing in some work next door, it’s been hard to find the time for my computer too. I’ll definitely keep you updated with the guest cottage remodel progress as I can!

SOURCES:

Wall tile

Floor tile

You can check out more posts about our guest house plans here –

Guest House Renovation Plans

Guest Cottage Design Boards

Guest House Progress and Fire Pit

June 2, 2021 By Kelly

Black and White Staircase Gallery Wall

I think over the course of our marriage, the Mr. and I have faced three great tests of our marriage…

Trying to fit a queen boxspring down a spiral staircase in our first apartment.

Wallpapering our first home’s kitchen,

and now hanging this gallery wall over the staircase…

Black and White Staircase Gallery Wall

I’m happy to say there were no Rinzemas harmed in the making of this gallery wall, but it was close. ;)

Let’s just say we didn’t use proper OSHA approved safety precautions when hanging this gallery wall. The important thing is, it’s done, we survived, and we are still on speaking terms!

All joking aside, I’ve been wanting to incorporate more family photos somewhere in our house. We have made so many great memories over the years, that I was determined to actually print a few and display them.

I was ready for a change from the oar wall that has been here for 4 years as well. This seemed like the perfect spot, until I realized just how hard it was going to be to hang. Major kudos to the Mr. for getting the math just right!

I grabbed these frames at Target about a month ago, and they’ve been sitting in the entry staring us down ever since. We finally decided to tackle it this weekend. One thing that made it easier was using velcro command strips vs nails or screws.

I’ve used these for gallery walls before, and they are so much more forgiving if you need to make little adjustments here or there.

Just be sure you use the correct size for how heavy your frames are. These each weighed 5 lbs but we used the command strips to support 10 lbs just to be on the safe side.

I’m so happy with how this black and white staircase gallery wall turned out! It makes me smile every time I walk by and see the photos. It really refreshed our whole entry.

I know there were a lot of fans of the oars. Don’t worry I think they will find a new home at the cottage next door. Speaking of the cottage next door, I was hoping to give you all an exciting update over there because the windows were delivered last week. Unfortunately, we are hitting a little snafu. It’s a long story, but now we need to reside the whole thing too. So BIG update coming, hopefully next week (fingers crossed)? It’s a bit of a mess now, but it’s going to look SO cute in a week or two.

SOURCES:

Wall color – Extra White by Sherwin Williams

Frames

Tile – Slate floor by BuildDirect

Light

Bench

May 28, 2021 By Kelly

Guest Cottage Porch Makeover

I have another fun outdoor space to share today with this little guest cottage porch makeover. Actually, I should say it’s a partial makeover. The new windows should arrive later this week and then it’s really going to look different – can’t wait!

Guest Cottage Porch Makeover

For now the seating got a major upgrade thanks to Sunbrella. I’m excited to be partnering with Wayfair and Sunbrella today. Wayfair has a huge selection of Sunbrella products. They have great patio furniture, umbrellas, and pillow options to choose from. My love for Sunbrella fabric has been well documented here on the blog over the years. It’s just the best for our outdoor spaces because it’s durable, weather resistant, and fade proof! All must haves here on the lake.

Let’s take a look back at where this patio started…

Yikes, we have definitely upgraded the seating!

This cute wicker loveseat is the perfect size for our small guest cottage patio. The gray tone of the Sunbrella cushions is going to look perfect with the new gray french doors and shutters that will be installed.

Our first guest has already made himself right at home…

The matching coffee table is a really nice size as well. This patio has lovely afternoon shade all summer, so I think this may be the perfect spot to sneak away.

I added these subtle patterned Sunbrella pillows as well for another layer of comfort. These pillows are perfect because they come in a pack of 6 – no need to try to mix and match! I don’t need all 6 for this small space, so I actually keep a few out by the fire pit too.

Charlie thinks the extra pillows work great right here for afternoon napping.

Modeling can be exhausting…

We also leveled the pavers and gave them a fresh coat of semi-transparent concrete stain. Some freshly planted flowers for a little color, and this eyesore is well on it’s way to being a cute little lakeside oasis.

I’m linking all of these Sunbrella products I used below, as well as a few other favorites from Wayfair I’ve found! You can shop all of Wayfair’s Sunbrella products here as well.

SOURCES: Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Just click on the BOLD links.

Sunbrella Rattan Coversation set

Sunbrella Pillow Set

May 27, 2021 By Kelly

White and Purple Flower Window Box Flowers

It’s been a rough start to the flower season here in MI. Late snow, freezing temps, then swinging straight on into the 90’s. So a typical spring for us I guess, ha! My flowers were looking a little sad from all the crazy weather. Now that they have had a few weeks to recover (although they still aren’t where I’d like them to be), I thought I would quick share what I planted this year.

White and Purple Flower Window Box Flowers

I always love a mix of purple and white with some fun greenery thrown in.

This year, I threw a little bit of everything in there. No plan, just grabbed what I liked at my local nursery! Cherry Valley Greenhouse is my fave for you locals.

I did a mix of Geraniums, Verbena, Lemon Licorice plant, Petunias, Bacopa, Calibrachoa, Petite licorice plant…and the kitchen sink ;)

Oh and my boxwoods are looking a little shaggy and misshapen. I’m letting them fluff up a bit before I trim them.

I love the silvery color of the Petite Licorice plants mixed in with all the white and purple.

I’ll have to do an update post later this summer when everything fills in!

I’m also itching to add window boxes on the cottage next door, but I guess I should wait until the new windows are actually installed first. An update on the guest cottage patio is coming up tomorrow. I know 3 posts in one week, who am I? :)

You can check out how we made these planter boxes in this post here – Window Boxes that Won’t Fall Apart

And all my window box tips and tricks here – How to Get Gorgeous Window Boxes

May 25, 2021 By Kelly

Lake House Outdoor Furniture

It is finally the most perfect time of year to live in Michigan and I could not be happier! My kids have a few weeks left of school and then we will be on the lake all day every day. You may have noticed our old patio furniture was relocated to the cottage next door. I was making way for a fun makeover with Crate and Barrel. I’m so excited to be partnering with Crate and Barrel on our new lake house outdoor furniture today!

Lake House Outdoor Furniture

I still remember registering at Crate and Barrel when the Mr. and I got married a million years ago. One of our first purchases for our apartment in Chicago back in the day was a big Crate and Barrel rug that we bought on Michigan Ave…and then promptly realized we would have to carry all the way home on the train. Their quality furniture and decor has long been a favorite of mine (our gorgeous bedroom nightstands are a recent fave find) and I am thrilled with how our patio turned out.

My goal for the patio was to make it a cozier spot to hang out for our whole family. Before we really only ever sat down here when we were using the old fire pit table. I wanted it to have a living room feeling where we could spend more quality time.

The Abaco Outdoor Sofa was the jumping off point for this design.

I love how comfortable this sofa is – seriously just as cozy as our living room sofa. These are not your typical flimsy outdoor cushions.

The Abaco is also super durable with the wicker base design. The Sunbrella cushions are really easy to care for.

It’s the perfect spot to curl up with a good book and enjoy the sunshine and lake view.

I loved the idea of the sofas facing one another like a living room, but wanted to add some accent seating as well.

The Regatta Grey Wash lounge chairs are the perfect fit.

I like the wood ladder backs as they aren’t too matchy-matchy with the sofas. They coordinate perfectly. I added Sunbrella lumbar pillows in White Sand for extra comfort.

My favorite new item may be the Millstone Coffee table! It looks like concrete, but it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to move around.

I always love a good outdoor rug to dress up our boring concrete patio. The Hesper Striped Rug grounds the space nicely, and gives it that living room feel.

Of course I had to add a few accessories. These simple Navy Sunbrella pillows are the perfect pop of color out by the lake.

The rope detailing on the Calas Lanterns is so pretty. You may find these inside my house when the summer is over.

Let’s not forget the star of the show – these Sphere planters.

I shared a little sneak peek on my instagram stories the other day, and my inbox about blew up. I’m just as obsessed as you!

They are just so unique and fun. I popped hanging baskets in them that were filled with Bacopa, Verbena, and Lemon Licorice plants.

I’m so happy to have such a comfortable place to spend time with family and friends this summer. I’ll link all the Crate and Barrel products I used below as usual. You can also check out all their outdoor seating options here as well.