upstate cottage

Tucked just 20 minutes outside of Ithaca, this 750-square-foot cottage became a sanctuary for Makehouse Interior’s co-founder Courtney after years spent in New York City, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta.

Transforming the space with her signature touch, Courtney swapped out plumbing and light fixtures and layered in her beloved vintage, wabi-sabi aesthetic. Brimming with well-loved treasures, dried florals, and the soft glow of a fireplace, the cottage evolved into both a personal refuge and a creative retreat. Friends and family would gather here while Courtney traveled for work — writing, cooking, laughing, dining al fresco, and soaking in the quiet beauty of nature.

Photography, design, and styling by Courtney Favini.