Without the generous support of our sponsors, this beautiful project would not be possible. From consulting with the build/design team to shipping goods to the location on time, we are forever grateful to each sponsor. Please visit their websites and social media pages to learn more about their high-quality products and excellent service.
Thoughtfully curated architectural products delivered directly to your door. A bespoke source for anyone wanting to beautify their space with hard-surface floors and wallcoverings. Visit alexanderjames.shop.
A national company with the soul of a family business, Architectural Surfaces is a leading importer and distributor of natural stone, engineered stone and tile for residential and commercial applications. Visit arcsurfaces.com.
Founded in 1877, Cherokee Brick is made in their Georgia and Mississippi plants. You won’t find another building material with a lower life-cycle cost than brick. With durable protection from fire, wind, water and mold, it is one of the best investments you can make for your home. Visit cherokeebrick.com.
Heritage Tile offers exclusive collections of ceramic tile and stone solutions that bring together natural materials, authentic forms, and timeless traditions. Restore your prewar period home with historically authentic subway tile and personalized porcelain mosaics. Experience the elegance of a made-to-order marble mosaic with complementary glazes. Create a space of serenity with architectural Japanese ceramic tile. We care about the craft. Explore the portfolio today: Subway Ceramics, Marble Mosaics, Viva Tile, and Zen+Clay. Visit heritagetile.com.
Mullican Flooring was founded in 1985 along the banks of the Greenbrier River in Ronceverte, West Virginia. Bill Mullican produced beautifully crafted hardwood floors from prime local timber and established Mullican Flooring as the premier brand of hardwood flooring. That tradition of legendary craftsmanship continues today. Visit mullicanflooring.com.
Since 1916, Oatey Co. has provided reliable, high-quality products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries with a commitment to delivering quality, building trust and improving lives. Today, Oatey Co. operates a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network to supply thousands of products for professional builders, contractors, engineers and do-it-yourself consumers around the world. Visit oatey.com.
“Comfort made simple” is the company’s motto and they live up to it with innovative, reliable and efficient heating and cooling options for any space. MRCOOL® DIY® ductless mini-splits are the only true DIY HVAC on the market. Visit mrcool.com.
Handcrafted shutters are made to order in the USA and made to last. With over 25 years of experience, this husband and wife founded business offers over 100 gorgeous shutter styles to choose from and ship their goods nationwide. Visit scshutters.com.
For over 60 years, the Parker family has been handcrafting furniture in North Carolina, upholding the heritage of exacting standards in every stitch, staple, cut and joint. Mantle strives for a standard of quality that’s worthy of life’s moments, where every detail is refined to enhance the everyday. Visit mantlefurniture.com.
Hoodsly began when it became apparent that there was a need in the kitchen industry for a range hood that could be personalized without the need for a cabinetmaker. They proudly source all materials in the United States and all the hoods are made in North Carolina. Visit hoodsly.com.
From ceiling tiles and beams to wall panels, backsplashes and moldings, Decorative Ceiling Tiles has everything you need to elevate your space. With easy ordering and worldwide shipping, they even offer free quotes and estimates on materials for your project. Visit decorativeceilingtiles.net.
Providing products that blend style, design and safety for your bathroom, Willow specializes in the timeless beauty of natural wood. Visit willowbathandvanity.com.
Putnam has been a leader in the rolling ladder industry since 1905. Originating in New York City, Putnam Rolling Ladder became a symbol of achievement, adding layers of prestige, functionality and design to homes. Synonymous with timeless heritage, sophistication and enduring-quality, rolling ladders are a beautiful addition to any home. Visit putnamrollingladder.com.
Ruvati was formed around il bello e il buono, the beauty and quality of Italian style. Ruvati exceeds expectations for style and performance by crafting a unique selection of quality sinks that evoke the classic beauty and sophisticated elegance of Italian design. Based in Austin, Texas, Ruvati’s commitment to excellence has resulted in products that are known for lasting beauty and unparalleled performance. Visit ruvati.com.
Founded by the mother-daughter team of Sharon Canale and Gabriella Meshon, this bustling company specializes in mixing old with the new to help their customers create unique rooms with a hint of the past and the promise of the future. Visit cottonandcrete.com.
A uniquely thoughtful company, Ginger Sparrow collaborates with makers in India to combine modern design with the creative talent of the master craftsmen guiding generations of artisan communities. Crafted with a soul and a story, their products are made exclusively as small-batches collections. With collections that capture the seasons, their textiles and pillows provide the perfect warm and cozy touch to any home.
Visit gingersparrow.com.
The Regal Brands family of companies produce decorative hardware products ranging from vintage interior handle sets and hinges to cabinet hardware to luxury home entrance sets. As the parent company of Nostalgic Warehouse, Grandeur Hardware, Ageless Iron and Viaggio Hardware, the name ‘Regal Brands’ lends credence to the breadth of styles, quality of workmanship and tradition of excellence we strive for in everything we produce. Visit regal-brands.com.
The Steves family’s commitment to quality has earned them their strong reputation among homeowners and builders. Established in San Antonio, Texas, over 150 years ago, Steves & Sons is now an industry leader of manufacturing interior and exterior doors. Still a family business today, they are committed to craftsmanship and style while building on the tradition of environmental respect and responsibility.
Visit stevesdoors.com.
A Warm Texas Welcome
The exterior rendering of our Project House Austin is full of classic English cottage charm and architectural details that add character, while modern touches root it firmly in the present.
Things are coming together for our Project House in Austin, Texas, helmed by the dynamic brother and sister duo,
Melissa Olson and Brent Green of Cottage & Key Design Studio. In this issue, we bring you an exclusive look at the plans for the exterior of the home. Carefully crafted curb appeal requires thoughtful design, an eye for detail and maximizing materials to not only create the best first impression of the home but also present an introduction to the look and feel of the
interior. The team at Cottage & Key presents a mood board demonstrating key elements selected to do just that. “Our main goal for the exterior design is to create a timeless yet modern English cottage aesthetic that reflects simplicity and warmth,” Melissa says.
English Inspiration
From the get-go, the exterior design of the home evokes traditional and charming cottage vibes—with a slight twist. “We are inspired by the classic and charming beauty of English cottages,” Melissa says. Painted siding is flanked by a brick façade by sponsor Cherokee Brick painted in White Dove, giving the home an instant cottage feel. An arched doorway and gable roofing provide charming architectural elements as well as traditional louver-style shutters from sponsor Southern Crafted Shutters. “However, we wanted to modernize the look, so we incorporated clean lines, large windows and a neutral color palette,” Melissa says.
The landscaping is another nod to the English countryside—“particularly the Cotswolds,” Melissa explains. “Lush greenery and flowering lavender plants create a charming and inviting ambience. The neutral palette of the home presents the perfect backdrop to let the natural elements shine. “This softer paint color provides a beautiful contrast against the natural elements,” she says. “The creamy color makes the landscaping pop and highlights the architectural details of the home.”
Welcoming Details
Another component of a successful exterior design is one that instills a sense of “home” and comfort. “We carefully selected each element to create a cohesive and inviting exterior,” Melissa points out. The front door from sponsor Steves and Sons makes a statement at 8 feet tall and with ¾ glass, creating a visual connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. “The sandstone color, a contrasting neutral beige, adds warmth and depth to the exterior,” she says. Soren exterior wall sconces from sponsor 1-800 Lighting provides another inviting touch. “We chose them because of their classic, cottage-like lantern design,” she says. “These substantial sconces are a statement piece, adding a touch of elegance to the home’s exterior. As the sun sets, their warm, ambient light creates a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for evening gatherings on the front porch.”
Outside In. “The exterior design of the home is intended to be a preview of the character and charm that awaits inside,” says Melissa Olson of Cottage & Key. This mood board illustrates this principle with several elements. The brick hints at the herringbone floors inside, while the arched entrance is a nod to interior arched openings and cozy nooks. “The overall aesthetic is one of warmth and timeless elegance, a feeling that seamlessly transitions from the exterior to the interior,” Melissa says.
First Impressions
Don’t let your home’s exterior be a mere afterthought. Create a design that exudes a welcoming feeling and blends seamlessly into the interior design. Melissa Olson at Cottage & Key offers the following tips to consider for eye-catching curb appeal.
- Grand Entrance. Your front door is the official entry into your home—make sure you choose one that makes a statement. “A well-chosen front door, especially one with a striking door handle, can make a big impression and instantly elevate your home’s curb appeal,” Melissa says.
- Illumination. An easy way to freshen up the look and feel of your exterior is by leveling up your light fixtures. When making your selections, just make sure you choose pieces that complement your home’s size and scale. “A good rule of thumb is to choose lights that are proportional to the size of your home’s features,” Melissa says. “Outdoor entryway lights should be positioned at eye level. The center of the light source should measure 5-1/2 to 6 feet from the ground and the size of the fixture to be 1/4 to 1/3 the height of your front door.”
- Lovely Landscaping. There is no doubt that changing up the landscaping of your home will transform its curb appeal. “Even small changes, like adding a few colorful plants or trimming existing bushes, can make a big difference,” Melissa says.
Follow along on Instagram with @cottageandkey and @cottagesandbungalows to watch the progress of Project House Austin.
