Cozy Cottage 160 m² in Tula Region for Large Family

A two-story cottage is located in the Zaoksky district of Tula Region. It was built over 15 years ago according to a standard project for a large, friendly family. Since then, the family has significantly grown, with children starting their own families, yet the small house manages to accommodate everyone. Darya Sokolova @daria.jameson told us about the rooms of the house, their features, and how the interior was created, full of warmth and individuality.

Our cottage is two floors and 160 sq. m of space that accommodates 5 bedrooms, a kitchen-living room, and a winter garden that serves as a small living room. Originally, the project was designed for 6 people: me and my sister, parents, and grandmother and grandfather. But over the years, the family has grown — now we have our own families, and the house manages to fit everyone in turn. Spacious rooms, built-in wardrobes, and a large closet — everything is thought out for comfort and convenience.

The house was built according to a standard project, but we made our own adjustments: the living room on the first floor was converted into two bedrooms, the terrace was glazed and turned into a winter garden. Instead of a furnace room, we made a bathroom, and in the bathroom, we placed a wardrobe. These changes made the house more convenient and functional.

One of the most ambitious projects was the staircase design. The steps were stained with wood stain and coated with polyurethane lacquer for protection. The rest of the staircase was decorated with decorative materials by Daria Geiler: chalk paints, tinted wax, and decoupage in mosaic tile style. This project became a real highlight of the house, adding coziness and individuality.

We did the interior decoration ourselves. The walls were clad with boarding and painted in different colors — each for their own bedroom, chosen according to mood. My room resembles a Greek resort, and I chose white-blue tones for it. The main accent was the grandmother's blue chair, which I repainted and incorporated into the interior.

I really love changing wall decor — it allows you to refresh the interior and make it lively. For decoration, I use souvenirs from Greek travels, seafaring-themed paintings, vintage tennis rackets, and a hat that creates a resort atmosphere. Paintings are my passion and source of inspiration. I am an artist myself and continue my studies in Italy, while my parents have long collected works of art. Painting gives the house a special mood and liveliness.

If my cottage room is an island of Mikonos with nautical motifs, then my sister's room is Zanzibar with its bright colors and African flair: a terracotta dresser from IKEA, paintings from travels, souvenirs — all create a feeling of adventure and dreams.

On the second floor, in the hallway, we have a large bookcase-library. This interior element not only serves as a spacious storage for books and family photos, but also adds elegance and comfort to the space, creating an atmosphere of real home warmth and harmony.

In furniture choices, we didn't overcomplicate things: most of the items are from IKEA to maintain minimalism and simplicity. The key thing is that furniture lasts long and doesn't distract from the cozy atmosphere.

My favorite formula is minimalism, bright colors, vintage, and decor. It's important that the space inspires and delights you every day — let it tell your story, reflect your dreams and hobbies.