A Homeowner Used to Dream of Living in This Cottage — 11 Years Later, It’s Reality

Written by

Cullen OrmondAssociate Home Editor
Cullen OrmondAssociate Home Editor
I write about house tours (but I love a good kitchen and kids' room article). My work can be found across AT Media, including The Kitchn and Cubby. I’ve been writing about home-related topics for nearly five years and love seeing how people make their homes unique.
published Oct 18, 2023

A Homeowner Used to Dream of Living in This Cottage — 11 Years Later, It’s Reality

Written by

Cullen OrmondAssociate Home Editor
Cullen OrmondAssociate Home Editor
I write about house tours (but I love a good kitchen and kids' room article). My work can be found across AT Media, including The Kitchn and Cubby. I’ve been writing about home-related topics for nearly five years and love seeing how people make their homes unique.
published Oct 18, 2023
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Bedrooms
Square feet

621

Sq ft

621

When Anna Harp, an avid thrifter, vintage collector, new mom, and co-founder of The Harp Creatives (a wedding photography business she shares with her husband, Jesse), was growing up in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, one of her family’s favorite activities was driving around and picking out their most-treasured homes. 

House tour cover

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Credit: Anna Harp

“This one was always mine,” Anna writes of their current one-bedroom home. “There’s something about the cottage and cozy feel that always drew me in, and I always knew I was supposed to live here one day!”

Credit: Anna Harp

Eleven years later, Anna’s real estate dream came true. The couple had been searching for a home for their family (which includes a cat, Astrid, and a 1-month-old son, Noble), but every opportunity kept falling through. However, a family friend told her that the owner of the home she used to fantasize about was about to put it on the market. 

Credit: Anna Harp

“We ended up claiming it before they ever put the sign up,” Anna says. “I can’t help but think that every house fell through before this one for a reason!” 

Credit: Anna Harp

That was six years ago, and since moving in, the couple has transformed it into a cozy, cottage-style, maximalist home full of thrifted items. The home might only be just over 600 square feet, but they’ve found ways to get the most out of their space (like purchasing furniture with drawers or stashing stuff in their extra car).

Resources

Credit: Anna Harp

PAINT & COLORS

  • Kitchen cabinets — Benjamin Moore “Carrington Beige”
  • Bathroom beadboard — Sherwin-Williams “Rojo Marron”
  • Front door — Clark + Kensington “Hero Green”
  • Bathroom sink — Benjamin Moore “Hush” 
Credit: Anna Harp

LIVING ROOM

Credit: Anna Harp

DINING ROOM

Credit: Anna Harp

KITCHEN

Credit: Anna Harp

BEDROOM

Credit: Anna Harp

BATHROOM

Thanks, Anna and Jesse!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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