A “Dark, Gross” Garage Was Transformed into an Unbelievably Cute Cottage

The 504-square-foot space started as a “dark, gross garage with a scary nonfunctioning half bathroom in the corner, knob and tube wiring, and garage doors that didn’t work.” But as a designer, Kylie wasn’t deterred. After a total gut renovation that cost about $80K to complete, the result is unrecognizable.

“This space functioned as a huge shed when we bought our home in 2020. We had to disconnect the knob and tube electricity for safety reasons, and the garage doors were broken, so it was a very large, very dark, very dirty space. We decided to convert the building into a guesthouse both to accommodate our many out-of-state family members and to bring in income to help fund the restoration of our 1918 home,” Kylie recalls.

“I view owning an old home as stewardship, not ownership, so I took on this project with goals of respecting our historic district and creating minimal environmental impact. I personally stripped and restored every window and door we added to the building, and scoured eBay for light fixtures and porcelain doorknobs. I sought to give it an ambiguous ‘old’ feel, which was accomplished with the salvaged materials and trim that matches the original millwork inside our historic home,” Kylie continues.

“There are very few new items in this space, and the design is the result of a year and a half of scouring estate sales, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay, as well as my personal stash. Every item has a history of its own, and I think that’s tangible. The cottage is now a short-term rental that guests LOVE. It has a distinct personality and stays booked solid because of that. We love getting to share our sweet historic district with visitors to Memphis.”

• Bed frame — CB2
• All art, decor, lamps, and the applique quilt hanging — Estate sales
• Matching hand-painted nightstands — Facebook Marketplace
• Antique wool rugs — eBay
• Bedding — Target and IKEA
• Antique rug pillow — Etsy
• Walls and ceilings — SW Creamy
• Trim — SW Dutch Tile Blue

• Cabinets, vintage deadstock tile, and sink — Facebook Marketplace
• Shelves — Spivey & Co
• Antique porcelain cabinet pulls and rug — eBay
• Pendant light shades — Estate sale
• Hardware — Brass Lamp Parts
• Marble bistro table from World Market
• Decor and other items — Estate sales
• Handmade linen roman shades
• Walls and ceilings — SW Creamy
• Cabinets — SW Portico
• Trim — SW Dutch Tile Blue

• Backsplash is vintage deadstock tile — Facebook Marketplace
• Mirror — Estate sale
• Faucet — Kingston Brass
• Walls and ceilings — SW Creamy
• Trim — SW Alchemy

• Light fixtures — Wayfair
• Antique porcelain doorknobs — eBay
• Walls and ceilings — SW Creamy
• Trim — SW Dutch Tile Blue

Thanks, Kylie!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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