Cali Cottage Cutie is a love letter to curating spaces, crafts and moments that spark imagination. With a background in dance, creativity has always been my language, and now it shows up through approachable home updates, cheeky DIYs, and handmade hosting details in our rental cottage. I share the wins, the missteps, and the joy of making spaces that invite friends and family to linger.

INTERIOR
We Needed a 10-foot table by Easter… so we (Sean) built one
We Needed a 10-foot table by Easter… so we (Sean) built one

So naturally, the conversation went like this:

Me: β€œBabe, do you think you could build an outdoor table?”

Him: β€œUgh… yeah, I think so.”

Me: β€œGreat. We need it before Sunday.”

And just like that… we had a plan.

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Nothing Like Weekend Guests To Spark A Mini Bathroom Reno
Nothing Like Weekend Guests To Spark A Mini Bathroom Reno

By definition, the domino effect is a cumulative chain reaction where one small, initial event triggers a series of similar, related, or connected events, often with accelerating impact. For example…

Sean’s sister and family were planning to stay with us for the weekend so I was going about my typical prep-task list: changing bed sheets, cleaning floors, and restocking bathroom essentials. As I was adding Q-tips and toilet paper to the guest bathroom closet, I found myself wincing at the exposed shelves. They were white, bland and they were naked.

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Our First Big DIY Win at the Cottage: The Bench Build
Our First Big DIY Win at the Cottage: The Bench Build

At this point Sean and I were still mulling over the other side of the living room, the left/fireplace spot was beautifully put together and was being utilized more and more each day. It wasn’t until we had the family over for a Halloween Party that the concept of a bench came to full fruition. All 15+ of us were outside on the deck eating pizza when I realized our dining room was not going to cut it to have the entire HEK clan over for dinner. I also love to host and have a desire to plan several parties at our home throughout the year where I can dive into my party decor dreams.

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Come Sit With Us: A Dining Room Glow-Up
Come Sit With Us: A Dining Room Glow-Up

During our walk-through of the house, I was immediately drawn to the dining room. Perfectly placed between our galley kitchen and large entry way, I knew it had potential to connect both spaces more fluidly. I decided this would be the first room to tackle… after I finished painting the kitchen trim, our bedroom trim and as it turns out, the TV room.

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Hosting is my love language.

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Text that reads 'About Me' in green and black font.

Welcome! My name is Stephanie, the creator of Cali Cottage Cutie. In August, my partner and I relocated from CT to CA and I’ve kept busy with making small renovations to our adorable 1920’s cottage rental to make it feel like ours. Along with saying goodbye to friends and family on the East Coast, I also said farewell to my career of 15+ years. As a former dancer turned into Director of a Ballet Company I was constantly creating. In fact, I was lucky to be surrounded by art in all forms, all the time. 

With little to zero DIY experience, each renovation project has sparked a joy to a level I wasn’t expecting. This is just the beginning, and I know there’s a learning curve ahead. But that’s part of the excitement - figuring it out as I go, staying curious, and sharing what I learn along the way.

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If I Knew Then What I Know Now
If I Knew Then What I Know Now

I’ve been having more conversations latelyβ€”the kind that start quietly, almost hesitantly, and then spill open. Conversations with women who have found themselves in eerily similar situations, whispering stories they once thought were too embarrassing, too β€œgross,” too β€œun-lady-like” to say out loud. And what I’m realizing is this: our vulnerability is our strength.

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Before the Blog: The Real Starting Point of Our 1920s Rental
Before the Blog: The Real Starting Point of Our 1920s Rental

I remember packing odds and ends in our Connecticut kitchen thinking that we were not going to have a place to live. Dramatic? Definitely. But in all honesty I was not prepared for the competitive real estate market in the Bay Area. Our Connecticut lease was up in 4.5 weeks, the moving truck company date was set, and we were still falling short of finding a place.

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How a 1920’s Cottage Rental turned me into a DIY girly
How a 1920’s Cottage Rental turned me into a DIY girly

As cliche as it sounds, I didn’t plan on becoming a DIY renovation girly. I always enjoyed design, and decorating spaces, and of course like most of America, I too was a fan of Chip and Joanna as they completely transformed the idea of β€œfixer upper”. Though I never had time to pour my creativity into anything other than dance.

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Text that reads 'The Cottage Cuite Edit' on a black background.

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