Small Spaces, Big Appeal: Home Tour from Fifi O’Neill’s Latest
Let’s celebrate the 4th of July holiday with a new book giveaway!! I’m super excited to share a home tour from Fifi O’Neill’s newest book, Small Spaces, Big Appeal. Her book features homes under 1,200 square feet that have beautiful style. If you’d like to be entered to win a copy of the book, simply leave a comment below.
Fifi was generous enough to let me feature “True Blue” which is one of the many cottages residing within the pages of this truly inspirational coffee table book. You’ll enjoy a range of decorating styles as you tour one home and then the next. Here’s a peek at “True Blue.”
The front porch sets the vintage vibe for the rest of the home. A pretty, checkerboard floor awaits visitors while kitty is ready to greet you. The charming day bed is perfect for morning coffee, an afternoon nap, or an evening book reading. I’d be tempted to sleep out here with the windows open, listening to the sounds of a hoot owl with the moonlight streaming through the windows.
This charming Rhode Island home is owned by Jenna, who has a wonderful shop called Blanc and Bleu. She painted the beach sign that rests atop a family heirloom bookshelf.
I don’t know how Fifi always manages to find such interesting and pretty homes. This newest book truly captures my heart and soul. I’ve always been a small home kind of girl. Yes, larger houses can be beautiful, but there’s something so comforting about smaller spaces. Maybe it’s knowing there’s less to clean and decorate so it’s not as stressful.
Step into the living room for more blue and white goodness. A few weeks ago I shared a post about small living rooms, several of which featured a sectional sofa like this. It’s a great way to get plenty of seating space in a small room. Did you spy the kitty door at the bottom of the door leading to the front porch?
Adjacent to the living room is the French country style dining room. I love the unique chairs gathered ’round the pedestal table. Despite the rooms being on the small size, the area feels more spacious due to the openness of the floor plan with views out the windows.
Small, older homes don’t have a lot of built-in storage space like closets (my house has just one closet!) so you need to get creative with shelving. This is a great display of storing things attractively – tuck non-pretty items in baskets and keep your vintage items like serving pieces in full view.
The view from the other side of the dining room reveals the entry into the kitchen. A vintage mantel appears to surround vintage French tile. But guess what? It’s actually peel and stick wallpaper that looks like old tile!
The kitchen is small but very functional, not to mention charming as well. Glass-front cabinets show off blue and white dishes for every day use. Simple café curtains amp up the cute volume.
A collection of copper pans hanging above the stove add visual appeal while solving the challenge of limited storage space. White-washed exposed brick lend texture and style.
Just off the kitchen is a back door mud room that enhances the cottage bungalow vibe. The blue floral rug adds color while large straw baskets create casual storage for umbrellas or anything else you might need when you step outside.
A large dresser does double duty as a work surface for baking and much-needed storage in its drawers. Dried goods are stored in large jars on the pair of shelves. Notice the wonderful display of wooden rolling pins in a basket.
A vintage metal bed graces one of the bedrooms. Kitty enjoys the pretty blue and white bedding. The room is decorated simply, without a lot of fuss and adornments.
Vintage bottles take on new life when an old-style label is adhered to the outside. This is such a fun and easy craft project.
A second bedroom features a whimsical wallpaper pattern while vintage linens cover the bed. Through the doorway you can see the home’s arches that add plenty of character.
The Rhode Island bungalow is painted a sunny yellow with white trim. A vine covered arch welcomes visitors.
If you’d like to see more of these charming homes with small spaces, you’ll want to grab a copy of Fifi’s book, Small Spaces, Big Appeal. Don’t forget to leave a comment if you want to enter for a chance to win this decorating book with amazing tips for living in a smaller home, 1,200 square feet or less. The winner will be announced next Monday, July 10th.
If you can’t wait to find out if you win, you can find Small Spaces, Big Appeal for sale on Amazon. You can pre-order it since the book doesn’t come out until July 19th.
First of all, I love your emails and always save them on my laptop to read again and again. Thanks for all the beautiful content and ideas.
FiFi’s new book looks beautiful and one I would love to own.
What an adorable bungalow. I love the yellow outside. We downsized and it definitely is cozier! Thank you.
This darling home has charm in each and every corner! Seeing this piece has truly inspired me as I have a small farm house . I love the combination of antiques, current pieces and painted pieces. It all looks fabulous together. The blue and white color pattern is perfection!
Thanks so much for the inspiration !
What an adorable cottage. Thank you for collecting wonderful homes and sharing them with us. It is one of the highlights of my day to scroll through the pictures and captions.
I have always loved the cottage look and small intimate spaces, and this one is so well done. It’s refreshing to see that small living can still be functional and visually appealing.
Love,love your style. I love to see houses that are cozy but yet light and airy. Have gotten so many ideas from you.
Blue has always been my favorite color, so I enjoyed seeing the blue house.
Your home should be included in the new book!
Thanks for the giveaway. I love small spaces too and this home is perfectly charming. Love your blog.
I absolutely love small homes! Thanks so much for sharing.
Such a beautiful and well thought out space. This book would be such a great reference on how to make the most of each room. Plus I love the blue and white of this cottage interior.
Wonderful! So love small homes!
Love this, so fresh and inviting!
Love this home, love your blog. I will pre-order the book now!
Thank you for your morning emails. Many of them are archived for future reference!
Beautiful home! I live in a 960sf house and I am constantly looking for ideas for small homes. Seems houses today get bigger and grander! I love my small home and now that I’m retired I’m so glad I kept it. More articles like this please and I would love to receive this beautiful book.
Smaller homes are my personal favorite.
I’m not very original in coming up with styling, but love seeing what is truly possible. Thank you for the post!
Lovely home. We’re approaching the inevitable downsizing. This home is so inspiring.
This is my favorite home tour. I live in a small home and I wouldn’t have it otherwise. My favorite colors are blue and white which I use throughout my home. Thank you for the tour.
What a happy little cottage! It is soooooooo cozy! Even their kitty is a twin to my kitty, Buddy! Thank you for sharing this inspirational home!
Thanks for the cozy post, Jennifer. So many spots in the cottage to enjoy a coffee, a book, and reflective time! Happy, safe 4th!
I just love smaller homes. I downsized two years ago and haven’t looked back. I would do it again.
I love every square inch of this charming home. This has given me much needed inspiration to lighten up my post-war duplex!
What an absolutely enchanting home. Please toss my name in the hat. I adore Fifi and would love a copy of the book!
There is nothing better than a cottage!
I love this! Great inspiration for my own home!
Adorable home. And my favorite color. Would love to sit with the book and a cup of tea ( and a cookie or two!)
Hi Jennifer. Adorable home. I love how it feels so homey. I would feel like a child playing house in this cute home. Fifi sure knows how to pick cute homes.
Happy 4th of July
Love, love, love this home! I’ve always been a fan of smaller, cozy houses, probably for the same reasons you love them, Jennifer. This house in particular makes me want to move right in, put my feet up, and chill.
Jennifer, you were one of the first bloggers I signed up for many years ago and you have never let me down. I always look forward to reading your blog . Thanks for taking me away for a while each day.
This little home is so sweet and peaceful that I sighed with relief just imagining being there. I have a secret fantasy about living alone in a beautiful little house like this. It would be cute with a blue exterior too.
I am grateful for our large home and all of the space and most especially the mountain views. It was perfect for the years when kids were in and out and we had lots of company. We are getting older though, and beginning to feel overwhelmed by the work of keeping it clean and the yard managed.
I love small spaces too! I had not thought about them as an antidote to feeling anxious about the upkeep though. Makes sense. This cottage is adorable!
I always enjoy your post. The bungalows and craftsman houses are my favorites.
I would love to own this new book.
Everything about the cottage bungalow is so warm and inviting… from the exterior color of yellow to the
interiors of blue and whites… just love it!
Love this little cottage! I’ve always loved blue in decor.
Absoluley ADORABLE!! I liked how yellow was used on the outside- a perfect compliment to the blue and white colors that are featured inside. Believe it or not, we have the same sofa and “dining room” rug in our home. And you’re right, it is perfect for seating a lot of people in a smallish space. Fifi is the consummate designer and stager. When I feel like I need a treat and see she has a new magazine published, I will grab it and savor every page of her genius and inspiring designs! You’ve featured her before and it’s always appreciated!! Have a wonderful Independence Day. God Bless our incredible nation and people. And bless you, Jennifer, for always keeping it real. Smile.
We raised our two children in a small house. Less than 1200 sq ft. It did get a bit cramped at times, but having less to clean and decorate is definitely a bonus. This cottage is absolutely adorable, and I love the colors used both interior and exterior. Now that are kids are grown, I have actually gotten bolder with my color choices in our home, with teal, and sage green. Would love to see more of the small homes included in Fife”s book.
I wish I had the imagination to pull off these wonderful ideas.
What a charming cottage! Like you, I have always been a fan of Fifi’s work and am always amazed at her creativity and talent. Thanks for giving your readers a preview of her new book.
Happy 4th!
I could imagine myself in this cottage, what a great space!
I’ve always had a “thing” for smaller houses and my daughter just moved into one and it is the cutest ever! Perfect for her. I loved Fifi’s cottage and now this one is darling as well!
I love a small home with lots of cozy nooks and crannies and clever double uses of pieces of furniture like the baking area utilizing an old buffet with shelves up above for more storage.
I love smaller homes! They are much cozier and easier to clean. Love to see your emails every day!
Love it! Love the blue and white color scheme.
Love this lovely cottage.
I love the yellow cottage in Rhode Island!!!!!
This house is so cute and cozy, I love the way it is decorated, thanks Jennifer, and have a great 4th of July.
Sure! Count me in. I’ve always enjoyed Fifi O’Niell. I love the exposed brick of that old chimney, the day bed, that pet door…and the cat to which it belongs! That cat looks like a comfortable cat.
My favorite home style is cottage style. They are smaller and just so cute inside and out. Would love to win the book. Thank you for a chance to win.
I love this house. I’ve always been attracted to smaller homes. They seem so warm and cozy and inviting. Thank you for sharing this with us. I look forward to “hearing” from you everyday.
This is house that could become such a comfortable HOME after downsizing. Love the coziness of it all.
The vine covered arch, could you share what type of vine? Love the simplicity of this precious home! 🌼💛
Hi Penny- it’s sweet autumn clematis and blooms beautiful white flowers in the early Fall.
Thank you so much for choosing our little cottage from Fifi ‘s book to feature in your article. I feel so honored & thankful for this whole experience 💙💙💙
What a charming home. I love the touches of blue!
Lovely!
I just one for my daughter.
I feel like I could move right into this house. It’s so lovely — the colors, the accessories, the coziness. It’s perfect.
Beautiful cottage!
You always find the most interesting homes to share with your readers. This is a really charming house and is decorated with so many clever ideas. Fifi’s book must be a delight to read over and over again. I’d love to have it.
Love it! My home is 900 Sq ft. I enjoy my small home. It’s yellow too.
Totally delightful. Blanc and bleu – a timeless combination. Glad Fifi O’Neill is writing books.
The white picket fence is so quaint and the house so peaceful with its muted blues.
Can relate to the limited storage space.
You know I am always on the lookout for smaller home decorating and creative ideas for storage- my 1500 ft 1880 home originally had just one closet, too.
Thank you for sharing this book- I will be checking it out!
Such a quaint beautiful place, I love the decor!! Thanks for sharing
My daughter just moved into a space with very little storage, there are some pretty clever ideas here.
I love Jenna’s style, simple perfection 🌻
Gorgeous! Love the way the homeowner carried the French country feel throughout the entire home (even on the outside). She is extremely talented. This home is simply fabulous!
This is such a beautiful home. The bungalow is such a unique style home and Jenna has done such a wonderful job decorating. I follow her on social media and everything she does both inside and outside her home are done so tastefully. Great article featuring a little gem.
Charming home that is elegantly described. Wonderful ideas for creating inviting coziness.
I love your beautiful home! Thanks for sharing…I’m always inspired by your posts. Congratulations for having your cottage featured. I would love to have the book and check out all the homes! 🤍💙🤍💙
So many helpful ideas for small spaces today. I too enjoy and rest better in a quaint small space. That day bed is exactly what I need to sit and read books with 2 furry friends joining me.
Did I see a doggie or cat door in that one wood door bottom? Too cute!!
There is nothing more charming and cozy than small space living. This book will be such a delight ❤️
This is an adorable home and though it is smaller it has all the room you need. It is so cozy and I’m jealous of that front porch and the floor is incredible. Love kitty too! Thank you for showcasing smaller homes they seem to have the most charm to me.
Wonderful look at Jenna’s home! I have a beautiful coffee table in my living room that Jenna brought back to life with her skill and blue paint. Can’t wait to see the new book.
This is a lovely tour and I would love the book to help my daughter achieve some of these same looks for her older, but small home. Thank you for the tour.
Classic Blue and white! So fresh and fun with vintage touches.
Blue and white heaven🥰
Love this charming home…would love to see additional homes featured in her book. I live in a small house and could use some ideas from her book !!! Thanks.
Yay, Jenna! So happy your charming cottage was featured in this article. I loved seeing Teddy on the porch peeking out the window.
I love the things you post on your blog–maybe it’s that we have some things in common–Love Fifi O’Neille’s books and publications and I’m a Fox Valley girl, too.
I’m always attracted to small homes and live in one myself. Love this porch area – perfect inspiration piece for the redo I’m contemplating!
I love Jenna’s house and have been following her for awhile! Also love Fido’s book and would love to win a copy!!
Oooh … I love Jenna’s style and would also love to be entered I to the giveaway! I have followed Jenna for quite some time and have purchased some of her items from brocantes in France! Blue and white is always a good idea!!
I follow Jenna on IG as I favour her lovely colour palette and also live in a small home. Love your overview of this sweet home! Looking forward to Fifi’s book (also a favourite on IG!)
What a fun giveaway!! I’ve always loved smaller cottage style homes! They are so cozy! This one is beautiful!! 💙
What a fun giveaway!! I’ve always loved smaller cottage style homes! They are so cozy! This one is beautiful!! 💙🌿💙
Lots of blue + white (my fave!) inspo for our new build, which starts in September! So pretty!
What a charming house! I especially like the blue wallpaper and those beautiful dining room chairs!
just love a bungalow style cottage with arched doorways! this one is oh, so charming!
These homes are so charming, thank you for sharing.
Nothing says charm like a smaller cottage. You just can’t find that cozy, charming feel in a big house. Love all the blue and white in this home. Boy, do I wish I could still get down on my knees to paint a floor so I could do that checkerboard look. I love it. Thanks for sharing your great posts with us, as always, Jennifer! Now, let me win that book please so I can do some more drooling.
Suzie
Your sweet cottage is just charming, Jennifer — thank you for showing us!
I’m happy to tell you that I am also in Fifi’s latest
and the proud mama of The Divine Miss Peachie, the kitty on the cover!
(There’ll be no living with her once this books hits the stands….)
xxooo Sunday
Absolutely love anything Fifi does!
Love your charming cottage and the inspiration it gives me as I decorate our 625 sf lakeside cottage. Thank you! Fifi’s book sounds wonderfully full of more inspiring ideas. Best of luck with it!