I’m excited to share that another room in Bramble Cottage has been completed! After months of building and tweaking, this cozy sitting room is finally finished!
This room, located just off the front porch, is one of the smaller spaces in the dollhouse, measuring approximately 14.5 inches by 13.5 inches. It was important to me that the overall design include elements found on the dollhouse’s exterior while also giving a preview of the design style that will be featured throughout the rest of the house. Using certain materials and stains helped achieve that in this sitting room.
When working on a small space like this room, it’s a great idea to think about the story you want to share. Choosing building materials and furniture that match can really make the space feel more real and inviting, transforming any tiny area into something special!
This modestly sized room has several warm tones, including wooden wall panels and ceiling, dark brown floorboards, and rustic stone. The moody taupe color on the staircase wall (Sycamore Tan by Sherwin Williams) adds to the ambiance, and these features, combined with the limited space, enhance the room’s cozy atmosphere. I envisioned this room as the first stop for a mini family to arrive, hang up their sweaters, grab a book, and warm themselves by the fire, or perhaps chat with guests before heading through the kitchen and into the dining room for dinner. The space didn’t need to be large to serve this purpose, so I was able to create multiple zones by building a staircase complete with a nook, establishing a sitting area by the fireplace, and tucking storage near the window.
The construction process for this build was time-consuming, as I was creating many of the above features for the first time. For instance, the fireplace wall serves as the room’s focal point, featuring a niche for firewood on one side of the firebox and a couple of shelves on the other. After seeing a similar design in a life-size living room, I knew I could adapt it for this room. My initial rough sketch included basic dimensions, but the design really evolved as I progressed through the actual construction process and encountered a few challenges (having the right tools finally made a difference). To maintain continuity with the house’s exterior (as the room is visible through the porch windows), I used the same stone that’s on the exterior walls and on the range backsplash that is now visible from the sitting room doors leading to the kitchen.
The staircase posed the greatest challenge. I wanted the dimensions to feel accurate while staying within the footprint, so I turned the last couple of steps to create a small landing. This adjustment made a significant difference and added a sense of mystery to the room; I can almost picture a tiny family member disappearing up the stairs to grab a sweater.
While the walls and ceiling are stained with Minwax’s Special Walnut, the floorboards are stained with English Chestnut, mirroring the walnut shade of the kitchen island, which is also visible from the sitting room tying both of these designs together.
MforMiniatures
Miniature Study Booth
This unfinished reading study table can be stained or painted in any color to fit endless mini designs.
For accessories, I focused on layering textures and patterns to evoke an English cottage-inspired vibe. The throw blankets and pillows are incredibly soft, each with its own unique texture, and favorite piece (the armchair) is upholstered in a green floral pattern that looks inviting and lived-in. These details all work to complement the green hues that are visible in the kitchen when the double doors are open.
I love how the design turned out and am happy to have created another small room full of function and whimsy. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for the video tutorial on this room, where I share the materials used and the steps taken to complete the space.
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