Cottage Fever Interior Design

Cottage Fever Interior Design I'm an Interior Designer based in the Comox Valley, with a sweet spot for Coastal Design. Celebrating all that is to love about living by the sea.

Interior Design Coaching Case Study | Exterior RefreshThis lovely client knew her home needed a refresh but wasn’t quite...
06/23/2026

Interior Design Coaching Case Study | Exterior Refresh

This lovely client knew her home needed a refresh but wasn’t quite sure whether to lean more modern or stay true to its original charm. That’s a common crossroads—and one I always approach by looking at context first.

I’m a firm believer that a home’s architecture and location should guide its exterior palette. In this case, the home is a charming cottage style situated close to the sea, so it made sense to enhance rather than compete with that character.

We chose a soft, coastal-inspired blue paired with a complementary trim colour to highlight the home’s details and create a fresh but timeless look. The result feels lighter, more cohesive, and naturally at home in its surroundings.

To help the client visualize the direction, I then used an AI rendering tool designed for interior designers to create a more photorealistic preview of the finished exterior.

✨ Design Tip: When choosing exterior colours, start by asking: What does this house already want to be? The best palettes usually come from the architecture itself, not from trends.

A thoughtful refresh like this can completely transform curb appeal without changing the soul of the home.

Interior Design Coaching - Don't be afraid to make a big statementWhen these lovely clients moved to the Comox Valley fr...
06/19/2026

Interior Design Coaching - Don't be afraid to make a big statement

When these lovely clients moved to the Comox Valley from a condo into their first single-family home, they suddenly had much more space to furnish and weren't sure where to begin. They wanted guidance on furniture selection, room layout, and lighting to help their new house feel like home.

One of the key design challenges was the vaulted ceiling above the dining area. To complement the scale of the space, we selected a statement organic chandelier that draws the eye upward while adding warmth, texture, and personality to the room.

A design tip I often share: if you want family and friends to linger around the dining table, invest in comfortable dining chairs. These chairs practically hug you—they're so cozy that long dinners and lively conversations come naturally.

By carefully considering scale, comfort, and function, we created a dining space that feels both beautiful and inviting—perfect for everyday living and entertaining.

Thinking about updating your home but feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Interior design coaching can provide the guidance and confidence you need to make the right decisions for your space. I'd be happy to help.

Interior Design Case Study - Living Room Floor PlanWhen these lovely clients moved to the Comox Valley, they were starti...
06/16/2026

Interior Design Case Study - Living Room Floor Plan

When these lovely clients moved to the Comox Valley, they were starting with a blank slate and weren't sure what furniture would best suit their new home and lifestyle. Together, we explored several layout options before settling on a plan that maximized both comfort and functionality.

The next step was creating a colour palette. Because they love spending time outdoors and feel connected to the ocean, we took inspiration from a favourite piece of artwork, using its colours as the foundation for the room's design. This created a cohesive, personal space that reflects who they are.

One of the advantages of working with an interior designer is access to wholesalers and manufacturers, allowing for custom furniture details and fabrics that aren't typically available in retail stores. Every selection was made with durability in mind—including a velvet upholstery that not only feels luxurious but also stands up remarkably well to life with a future feline family member.

One design challenge was the existing tile on the fireplace surround. Rather than undertaking a costly renovation, we opted to paint the tile—a simple, budget-friendly solution that completely transformed the focal point of the room.

The result is a thoughtfully curated living room that feels welcoming, comfortable, and uniquely theirs. Proof that with the right plan, even small changes can have a big impact.

✨ Design Tip: If you're struggling to choose colours for your home, look to a favourite piece of art, rug, or fabric. It can provide a ready-made palette that feels personal and timeless.

Interior Design Case Study | Garage Conversion, Rhode IslandFirst off—despite the name, Rhode Island isn’t actually an i...
06/12/2026

Interior Design Case Study | Garage Conversion, Rhode Island

First off—despite the name, Rhode Island isn’t actually an island. This waterfront home, however, absolutely delivers on the “island feel” with its coastal setting and easy connection to the water.

Working virtually with these lovely clients, we reimagined a two-car garage into a warm and functional pied-à-terre—designed as a place for them to stay while visiting their grandchildren on vacation, with a long-term plan of eventually transitioning into retirement living.

What I love most about interior design is that no two projects are ever the same. Each space comes with its own constraints, goals, and story, which means the design process is always evolving.

The design began with detailed space planning and a full layout of cabinetry, appliances, fixtures, and finishes. My rendering software then generated a 3D visualization of the space, which I enhanced using an AI tool to create a more photorealistic view for the clients.

While these tools are incredibly helpful for communication and visualization, they’re not infallible. In this case, the AI decided the kitchen would be better off without wall ovens—an interesting design “suggestion,” but not exactly a practical one. It’s a good reminder that AI is a support tool, not a decision-maker. Real-world function and technical accuracy always come first.

The result is a thoughtful, compact living space that balances comfort, efficiency, and a sense of coastal ease—perfect for short stays now and full-time living later.

✨ Design Tip: Renderings are excellent for understanding mood, scale, and flow—but always double-check them against the actual plans and specifications before making decisions.

Interior Design Case Study - Waterfront Cottage in North CarolinaI'm currently working virtually with these lovely clien...
06/09/2026

Interior Design Case Study - Waterfront Cottage in North Carolina

I'm currently working virtually with these lovely clients to transform their dark log home into a light, airy coastal cottage. As with many successful designs, this kitchen didn't come together in a single draft—it took several iterations to refine the layout, finishes, and overall feel until everything felt just right.

The design process begins with carefully planning the cabinetry, fixtures, finishes, and materials. From there, my design software creates a 3D rendering that helps us visualize the space. To bring it even closer to reality, I then use an AI visualization tool designed specifically for interior designers and architects to generate a more photorealistic image.

These renderings can be incredibly helpful for clients who struggle to visualize a design from floor plans and samples alone. They provide a glimpse of how all the elements will work together before construction begins.

That said, AI is still a tool—not a designer. While it can produce beautiful images, it also has a habit of changing details, inventing products that don't exist, or suggesting features that wouldn't work in the real world. That's where professional expertise comes in. My job is to ensure the design is not only beautiful but also functional, buildable, and true to the vision we've created together.

✨ Design Tip: Renderings are wonderful for understanding the overall look and feel of a space, but always remember that material samples, specifications, and detailed plans are what guide the final result.

Swipe to see how this coastal cottage kitchen is coming to life!

Interior Design Case Study - Primary BedroomThis lovely client wanted to give their primary bedroom a fresh new look wit...
06/05/2026

Interior Design Case Study - Primary Bedroom

This lovely client wanted to give their primary bedroom a fresh new look without undertaking a major renovation. The transformation is proof that sometimes a few thoughtful changes can make all the difference.

A new duvet, fresh paint colour, and updated lighting completely changed the feel of the space. The key was creating harmony through the repetition of colours and textures.

The duvet became our jumping-off point for the design. We pulled the soft green tones into the wall colour and echoed the blues in the accessories, creating a calming palette that's perfectly suited to a bedroom. When colours are repeated throughout a room, the result feels intentional, cohesive, and restful.

Another important element was layered lighting. Every bedroom benefits from a combination of ambient and task lighting, so we incorporated table lamps alongside soft overhead lighting. Notice how the lamp shades feature a similar fabric—they subtly reference one another, adding another layer of cohesion to the room.

✨ Design Tip: When choosing a paint colour, start with textiles you love, such as bedding, drapery, or a favourite rug. It's often much easier to find paint that complements your fabrics than the other way around.

Considering a bedroom refresh? A few strategic updates can completely transform how your space looks and feels.

Interior Design Case Study - Powder RoomI'm a big believer in surprising and delighting your guests with a fun & quirky ...
06/02/2026

Interior Design Case Study - Powder Room

I'm a big believer in surprising and delighting your guests with a fun & quirky powder room. For this waterfront home, we embraced a nautical theme with a navy vanity, rattan mirror, polished nickel fixtures and oversized ship blue prints. Dramatic without being overwhelming.

Many thanks to the Driftwood Spinner workshop participants.  We enjoyed crafting in the sunshine at the gorgeous 40 Knot...
04/30/2026

Many thanks to the Driftwood Spinner workshop participants. We enjoyed crafting in the sunshine at the gorgeous 40 Knots Winery.

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