cute house

published on 16 October 2024

Cute houses are charming, cozy dwellings that pack a lot of character into a small space. Here's what you need to know:

  • Origins: Rooted in Medieval European cottages, blending old-world charm with modern comfort
  • Size: Typically 1,000 to 1,200 square feet
  • Key features:
    • Steep, dramatic roofs
    • Arched doorways
    • Big chimneys
    • Quirky, asymmetrical designs
    • Eye-catching decorative touches

Popular styles:

  1. Cape Cod: Symmetrical windows, steep roofs, shingle siding
  2. Victorian: Fancy gables, stained glass, ornate details
  3. Cottage Revival: Mix of Craftsman, Tudor, and English cottage styles

Why they're popular:

  • Easy to maintain
  • Cozy and inviting
  • Encourage creative design solutions

DIY enhancement idea: Make rustic wood shelves from old barn boards or pallets

Cute houses aren't just about looks - they create a warm, comfortable living space that feels like home.

Exterior Charm

Storybook Style Whimsy

Ever heard of a house that looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale? That's the Storybook Style for you. Take the Spadena House in Beverly Hills. It's so magical, people call it the "Witch House"!

Built in 1921 by Harry Oliver, this house is a real head-turner. It's got rolled eaves and a funky roof called a jerkinhead gable. Fun fact: it started life as a movie studio office before moving to its current spot in 1934.

Cottage-Inspired Curb Appeal

Want to make your house stand out? Try these simple tricks:

  1. Add raised flower beds with winding stone borders. Instant color boost!
  2. Make your own shutters. It's easier than you think and adds tons of character.
  3. Hang window flower boxes. Fill them with bright blooms for a whimsical touch.

Classic Makeovers

Sometimes, all it takes is a little paint to transform a house. Here are two examples:

  1. A 1960s Georgian-style house got a fresh coat of white paint. Boom! Instant facelift.
  2. In Austin, TX, a family went all out. They painted their house white, got a new front door, and had Eden Garden Design redo their courtyard.

"This is the house that makes you stop when walking by and think 'How can I move in.'" - Laurey W. Glenn, Photographer

These simple changes can turn any house into the talk of the neighborhood!

2. Interior Whimsy

Want to make your small space feel like a cozy dream home? Here's how:

Loft Living

Build a loft. It's that simple. Sleep up top, dine down below. You'll save floor space AND add character. Win-win.

Murphy Bed Magic

Fold that bed away! Michael Chen from MKCA did this in a tiny yacht bedroom. By day, it's an office. By night, it's your comfy sleep spot.

Cottage Vibes

Think soft colors and natural textures. Slipcover your furniture for that laid-back feel. Want contrast? Paint white wainscoting below colorful walls.

Greg and Liz Dutton nailed it in their living room. They picked small, light-colored chairs and a low coffee table. Result? The room feels bigger.

These tricks blend style and function. Perfect for your cute, cozy home.

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3. Architectural Styles

Cute houses come in various styles. Here are three that stand out:

Cape Cod Cuteness

Cape Cod

Cape Cod homes are cozy charm personified. Picture steep roofs, symmetrical windows, and a storybook vibe. Shingle siding and shutters? Check. These homes hit it big in the U.S. during the 1950s.

Victorian Whimsy

Victorian homes? They're the royalty of cute. Built from the early 1800s to early 1900s, they're all about the details. We're talking steep roofs, fancy gables, and stained glass windows. They're like a snapshot of the rising middle class's wealth back then.

Cottage Revival Charm

Cottage Revival homes? They're a mix of Craftsman, Tudor, and English cottage styles. Think dramatic roof slopes, arched doorways that say "welcome", and chimneys you can't miss. These cuties took off during the 1920s U.S. housing boom and still turn heads today.

"The classic 'Americana' farmhouse is one of the oldest home styles in our country; the farmhouse has been around since the early 1700s." - Ashley Moore, Moore House Interiors

So, what's your flavor of cute? The simple Cape Cod? The fancy Victorian? Or the whimsical Cottage Revival? There's a cute house style for everyone.

4. DIY Enhancements

Want to add a personal touch to your cute house? Here's a simple DIY project:

Rustic Charm: Repurposed Wood Shelves

Turn old barn boards or pallets into cool wall shelves. It's a great way to add character and show off your stuff. Here's how:

  1. Clean and sand the wood
  2. Cut to size
  3. Stain or paint (if you want)
  4. Put brackets on the wall
  5. Attach wood to brackets

You can knock this out in a weekend. It's an easy way to make your house feel cozier without spending a ton.

"DIY projects let you show off your style without breaking the bank", says Ashley Moore of Moore House Interiors. "They're a fun way to change up your home decor."

Conclusion

Cute houses aren't just buildings. They're little pockets of joy in our daily lives. These charming homes remind us to appreciate the small things and create spaces that make us smile.

Cute houses come in all shapes and sizes. From snug cottages to quirky tiny homes, each one tells a story. It's the little details that make a house special - a colorful exterior, a funny garden gnome, or a hand-painted mailbox.

But cute houses are more than just eye candy. They create a feeling of warmth and comfort that's hard to beat. As they say, "Home is where the heart is", and cute houses have a knack for stealing our hearts.

Here's the best part: you don't need deep pockets to make a cute house. Simple touches can work wonders. A bright front door, flower-filled window boxes, or DIY projects like those rustic wood shelves we talked about can turn any home into a cozy haven.

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