The Essence of an English Cottage

“Our favorite part of building this house was the design process,” Melanie says. “It started with a blank piece of paper, walking the lot, and discussing our vision,” and that vision quickly transformed into a capstone of creative brilliance.

 

 

Upon stepping inside, the comfort and warmth of the entryway guides you forward past a tranquil office space into a stately great room, which integrates the kitchen, living, and dining rooms into one large, versatile space. Streamlined fenestration connects the room to the outdoors and provides vivid views of the surrounding wooded areas.

 

 

“Hospitality is at the heart of our home,” Melanie explains. “We love hosting friends, neighbors, and family and creating an atmosphere of warmth, laughter, and belonging.” The living area is an excellent example of this socially driven design. Cherry wood furniture and butter yellow and floral throw pillows harmonize with brown leather seating that faces a central fireplace below a mounted TV framed by a set of delicate sconces. On either side, custom recessed shelving displays decorative items, books, and family photos. Board-and-batten millwork adds symmetry and unifies the structure.

 

 

“We wanted a home that looked like it belonged – one that fit seamlessly into the mountain surroundings. We wanted an English cottage-inspired home with warm textures and colors, inside and out, that reflect the natural landscape.” – Melanie Morris

 

 

Echoing the airy rhythm of the living area, an expansive kitchen unfolds in a chorus of white shaker-style cabinets with black hardware, as well as a white horizontal backsplash and subtle under-cabinet lighting. At its center, a Taj Mahal quartzite island anchors the space, paired with tan stools and a warm wood base. Tucked discreetly behind the refrigerator, a hidden pantry offers additional storage while adding a thoughtful, design-forward detail. The space concludes with a wine cooler between the kitchen and living room for entertainment convenience.

 

The final inclusion is a dining room, swathed in layers of assorted – yet cohesive – textures and patterns. A round table, ideal for intimate gatherings, balances the room’s composition with quiet, intentional elegance.

 

 

The first floor is rounded out by a tranquil primary suite and two inviting guest rooms, while an upstairs exercise room and bonus den boost relaxation and add flexibility to daily living.

 

While the house offers many comfortable arrangements, the Morrises are most likely to be found on their back porch. Accessible from both the dining room and outside, the fully furnished, covered porch includes a stone fireplace, TV, and a ceiling fan – a hideaway for the couple to unplug and enjoy each other’s company.

 

Craig and Melanie Morris

 

“Our home was thoughtfully designed and crafted to reflect everything we wanted in a home,” Craig concludes. “When we consider our home and neighborhood, we couldn’t be happier.”

 

Suppliers:

Appliances, lighting fixtures, and plumbing fixtures: Ferguson

Architect and builder: A. Perry Homes

Cabinetry: Haskell Interiors

Closets: Your Closet Company

Counters: Scenic City Tile & Granite

Exterior doors: Sierra Pacific Windows & Door Gallery; JB Millworks

Exterior hardscapes and landscaping: OuterElements

Fireplace: Hearthside Hearth & Home

Floors: Millwood Flooring

Interior doors, ironwork, and trim: Interior Trim & Supply, Inc.

Stone: ACME Block & Brick, Inc.

Tile: Louisville Tile

Windows: Sierra Pacific Windows & Door Gallery