Vintage Meets Modern in This Enchanting Cottage Design

If you think you must choose between vintage and modern aesthetics when decorating your space, think again. Brian and Anissa Zajac have seamlessly combined rustic charm with contemporary flair in their impressive renovation, showing that it’s possible to achieve a stunning blend.

Nestled in a charming historic neighborhood in Indianapolis, Indiana, the couple purchased their Cape Cod cottage as a fixer-upper over three years ago. They turned the house into a beachy haven where they enjoy family life with their three daughters. While many considered the remodel daunting, Brian and Anissa, who founded House Seven Design + Build, viewed it as a chance to showcase their design skills and experiment with bold choices.

Explore This Charming Modern Cottage

“The first floor was divided poorly due to previous renovations, creating a disjointed flow. I wanted our home to reflect our lifestyle, so we opened up the spaces as much as possible,” Anissa explains.

Join Anissa and Brian as they share insights into their design journey, detailing how they transformed a historic fixer-upper into their ideal home, along with stunning visuals.

Can you tell us about your home?

We have a Cape Cod-style cottage in Indianapolis, Indiana. We intended to remodel extensively when we bought it, and over the past three years, we've essentially updated nearly every area.

Your favorite spot in the house?

Our kitchen is my favorite place since it’s where we gather as a family the most.

When not in the kitchen, how do you enjoy spending time at home?

I adore our wood-burning fireplace! There's nothing like curling up on the sofa with a warm drink and enjoying Billie Holiday's music.

Your home radiates beachy vibes mixed with cozy charm. What inspired your design?

I aimed to honor the cottage's essence. My vision was to maintain a peaceful atmosphere using neutral tones, natural materials, and textures that evoke warmth.

How does Indiana influence your design choices?

Interestingly, many who view our home online assume it's in a coastal area. I prefer neutrals because Indiana's winter skies can be gloomy, and I want the space to remain inviting and bright.

What does winter look like in your home?

Picture a warm fire crackling in the living room, delicious soup simmering on the stove, candles filling the air with fragrance, and jazz softly playing in the background.

What was the biggest design hurdle you faced?

Working with smaller rooms meant I had to find furniture that was both beautiful and functional. A couple of spaces took some trial and error, but now they feel just right.

Your top interior design advice?

Plan thoroughly and adhere to it. Understanding how you intend to use the space is crucial before making purchases. Living in the home for a while prior to large design changes is beneficial, allowing you to learn how the space functions for you.

This way, you can create an informed design strategy that considers what you need to enhance the space, be it furniture, paint, or trim work.

What are your go-to design resources?

Pinterest is always a source of inspiration for me, along with design books and my favorite blogs that I check regularly. Traveling also fuels my creativity. Wherever we go, Brian and I observe architecture and design elements, enhancing my understanding of design processes.

Favorite spots to shop for decor and furniture?

Antiques are my passion, especially those from France. The craftsmanship is incredibly inspiring. I love seeking unique pieces at antique shows in Roundtop, TX. It's truly a dream! Additionally, I enjoy shopping at Eneby Home in Nashville for unique finds, as well as our own House Seven Design Shop.

Complete this sentence: A well-designed home should _______.

Make you feel welcomed and at ease. It's the one space that should bring a smile to your face as soon as you enter. The phrase, “There's no place like home,” should resonate in a comfortable, inviting environment.

Describe your home in five words or fewer.

Vintage, modern, cozy, inviting.

What do you do at House Seven Design + Build?

I serve as the lead designer. I oversee the interior design aspects, while Brian manages the construction side of the business.

We’re excited about our House Seven Design + Build Shoppe. Brian is handling the renovation, while my team and I focus on the design and curation of unique items! We launched our business together in 2017, and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads us.