The Pieces That Make the Cottage Feel Like Home

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There's something about walking into a space that just feels right — where everything is warm and considered and nothing feels out of place. That's what Ray and I were going for when we designed The Mountain View Cottage in Harpers Ferry, WV.

We didn't want it to feel like a rental. We wanted it to feel like someone's home — because it is.

Every piece of furniture, every throw pillow, every item on that kitchen island was chosen because we genuinely love it. And over time, guests started asking about the details. The rug in the living room. The barstools at the island. The little things that make a space feel lived-in and loved.

A Welcome That Feels Like Home

When you enter the cottage after a full day out in Harpers Ferry, it's nice to walk in and feel greeted like a warm hug. We placed an oversized dark wood clock in the entranceway — because when you arrive somewhere new, full of excitement and ready to explore, something as simple as the time can completely escape you. Alongside it hangs a framed West Virginia artwork piece, just a quiet reminder that you're in this wild and wonderful place.

Every piece of decor in the walkway and living room was chosen with one intention: to remind our guests to slow down and breathe it all in.

The Living Room

The fireplace was built by Ray — custom mantle and all. Funny story: while we were installing it, every single one of the gems inside tumbled out. Those little gems are what give the fireplace its warm glow when it's on, and I spent nearly an entire afternoon on my hands and knees hunting them all down. Worth every minute.

The chaise sofa almost didn't make it either. We went back and forth, nearly talked ourselves into ordering something else — but I had my heart set on it. The size, the way it fit the space perfectly, the color, and that chaise section where I knew I'd want to curl up and stay all weekend. Every time we're at the cottage, that's exactly what happens.

On the coffee table you'll find a beaded rope decor piece and a little brass cricket. Our kids actually helped us pick those out. They felt strongly that other families would appreciate having a "love rope" — that's what they called it — and they wanted to leave a "pet" in the house for other families to enjoy. The cricket has been a quiet little resident ever since.

The living room rug was chosen for function first — it's washable, which is a non-negotiable for us — but we also love it for the intricate medallion pattern and how soft it feels underfoot. We wanted everything in this space to be intentional and inviting. Not so precious that guests feel like they can't touch anything, but considered enough that it feels like somewhere you'd genuinely want to spend time.

The Kitchen

The kitchen has that warm rustic cabin feel — wooden cabinets, generous counter space, and an almost unreasonable amount of storage both above and below. But the real heart of it is the island. Every time we arrive at the cottage, the first thing that happens is my purse lands on the island. Then the kids' toys. Then the snacks. Then everything else. It is just that kind of space — a natural landing spot, designed for gathering without even trying.

Shop the Cottage

Because so many guests have asked where we found these pieces — from the clock in the entryway to the blankets piled in the basket (which we talk about in our First 5 Minutes post) — we put together room-by-room lists so you can find them easily.

• The chaise sofa everyone fights over, the washable rug, the brass cricket — shop the pieces that make this room feel like home. Living Room
• The island everyone drops everything on, the barstools, the kitchen pieces we use and love every single visit. Kitchen

Check back as we continue to add more rooms.