A Sweet Sentimental Depression-Era Cottage in Atlanta

updated Apr 14, 2019

A Sweet Sentimental Depression-Era Cottage in Atlanta

updated Apr 14, 2019
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Bedrooms
Square feet

1400

Sq ft

1400

Name: Jess, Zach, and Roxie Monette
Location: East Lake — Atlanta, Georgia
Size: 1400 square feet
Years lived in: Owned 3 years

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Take a visual stroll through a bohemian dream in a 1938 “American Small House.” Jess, curator of Scoutmob‘s maker shop, has filled her home with charming family mementos and handmade goodies, lifting this depression-era cottage into its serene style.

Jess and Zach were kind enough to open their doors to me and fill my belly with bagels, but it wasn’t just their hospitality that made me feel at home. As soon as I stepped into their cottage in East Lake, I was instantly captivated by the sentimental details and natural elements that fill the home. Jess and I are similar in that we tend to surround ourselves with charming knick-knacks that we’ve collected throughout the years. Each and every piece has a story, and each are an expression of her welcoming personality. Paired with the cozy layout and size of the cottage, I was warmly bewitched by the kindred spirit of the Monette home.

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: Warm, sentimental/memento inspired, and maker made.

Inspiration: We are inspired by our house! The layout and size of this house has really evolved all of our past influences into a greatest hits of what we’ve collected over the years. Everything in our home is anchored by pieces that remind us of the people and places we love. I grew up in the Hudson Valley in a family of collectors, folks that truly value art and craftsmanship. That part of New York is super rich with all the good things — nature, history, art. Finally, in my work I am really lucky to get to work with really talented independent makers all over the country. There is something handmade or handcrafted in pretty much every nook of our house.

Favorite Element: Again, the layout and the size of the house. There’s a period from the mid 1930s to the 1950s that these American Small Houses or “Depression-era”cottages were being built. It was a small chunk of time between bungalows and ranches, and I think the history of these simple houses is cool and not well-recognized. My favorite space in our home is the bedroom. It was definitely the reason we bought the house. The room is calming and relaxing. Zach travels for work, and my closest girlfriends often use that as an opportunity to come hunker down in the back and relax.

Biggest Challenge: We navigated several major repairs in our first year as homeowners: major roof leaks, four feet of water in a basement flood, falling trees. Buying a quality home warranty ended up being a really smart decision.

What Friends Say: Cozy and comfortable.

Proudest DIY: We found the salvaged closet doors in the bedroom at an architectural salvage spot. Zach’s dad and uncle adapted them to fit in the space and put them in for us.

Biggest Indulgence: We are working on a hot tub spot in the backyard before the fall!!

Best Advice: Don’t force it. Go with your gut on the big decisions and the small moments. You can never have too many chairs. Or books.

Dream Sources: Anthropologie, Scoutmob, Pinterest, Instagram. Local shops-Dixon Rye, Brick and Mortar, Highland Row Antiques, Kudzu. I have followed and been inspired by General Store in San Francisco for years and finally paid a visit in April-incredible.

Resources:

LIVING ROOM
Stocksund Sofa — IKEA
Antique brass & marble floor lamp —Great Grandmother’s
Coffee table —made by Zach’s father
Book/ Shop shelf — Book/Shop
Air plant cradle —Mudpuppy-Scoutmob
Art — Grandfather’s
Vintage Console —Paris on Ponce
Mantel — Pottery Barn mirror, Anthropologie vintage wine bottle
Vintage record player — Grandmother’s
Dansk ice chest — refinished by Zach’s father

SUN ROOM
Handcrafted dining table — Kudzu
Dining chairs — set of 4 Joss & Main, various vintage

KITCHEN
Eat in breakfast table — Highland Row Antiques
Hutch & shelves — Grandfather’s
DIY open shelving with reclaimed wood — Wire produce basket, stained glass feather, and ceramics — Scoutmob

GUEST BEDROOM
Antique steamer trunk — Kudzu
Vintage sofa — Scarlett Loves Retro
ATL Flag — The Wild Standard– Scoutmob

HALLWAY/LAUNDRY
Wallpaper — Tempaper

BEDROOM
Dresser and Nightstand — Zach’s grandfather’s
Headboard — Highland Row Antiques
Linen Duvet — Restoration Hardware
All bedding — Parachute
Reupholstered chaise — Highland Row Antiques

Thanks, Jess and Zach!


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