Discover How a Cottage in Ohio Became a Family Guesthouse

The Charming Cottage Transformation Next Door

Sometimes, the best home improvements happen right next door, and for architect Greg Dutton, this was a dream come true. Growing up in Ohio, he always envisioned the abandoned cottage next to his family's farm as a perfect space for visiting friends and family. Now, years later, with his wife Liz Dutton by his side, Greg took the leap to turn this childhood fantasy into reality.

Preserving the Past: The Art of Restoration

When the chance arose to purchase the cottage, Greg and Liz faced a unique challenge: restoring its charm while enhancing its character. They found that the job was more about love and restoration than mere renovation. "This was a labor of love," Greg shared. "The character and quality of the materials in the existing house were irreplaceable," he emphasized, highlighting the beauty of antiques in homebuilding. From the antique heart pine floors to the aged plaster and single-paned bubbled glass windows, every original feature spoke of history and tradition.

Bringing Families Together: A Labor of Love

Working on the house also revived bonds within the family. Greg noted that collaborating with his father during the restoration not only boosted the cottage's charm but also enhanced their family connection. This experience underscores a meaningful aspect of home projects—the opportunities for collaboration and connection they present.

Colorful Choices: Inspired Designs That Speak

The design vision for the cottage turned out to be creatively vibrant. The Duttons opted for a gentle pink palette, inspired directly by the revealed heart pine floors. This decision helped tie together the decor while respecting the home's authentic spirit. They chose Sherwin Williams’ Renwick Beige for the millwork to unify the space beautifully.

Functional Space, Beautiful Design

Every inch of the cottage was designed with purpose and care. The original pantry became a point of inspiration for the Amish-built cabinetry in the kitchen, while unique square Zellige tiles added character to the design. The Duttons aimed for a balance between comfort and style, creating a guesthouse that feels both welcoming and elegant.

The Benefits of Thoughtful Renovation

Greg and Liz's work goes beyond aesthetics. As trends shift towards sustainability, renovating existing structures makes ecological sense. What could have been a simple build instead resulted in a home that tells a story, honoring the past while providing a modern retreat for family and friends.

Join the Remodeling Movement

The Duttons’ guesthouse project exemplifies just one way to approach home improvements with creativity and mindfulness. While every property has its challenges, restoration can lead to meaningful results that respect history and create new memories.

Ready to embark on your own home transformation journey? Whether you're considering a potty training toilet in your bathroom or revamping your entire home, there are limitless opportunities for restoration and style. It's a chance to create something uniquely yours!