The petite cottage is only 1,200 square feet but feels more spacious due to the floor plan and clever use of built-ins. “Storage should not be forgotten, especially in a small house, where clutter can quickly overwhelm,” Ross says. One of Chapin’s space-saving designs is a built-in eating alcove, which has a smaller footprint than a traditional dining room table and chairs. A custom built-in dining nook saves space and provides an intimate place for meals. The blue-and-white cushions play into the subtle nautical theme of the cottage.






