Located in the charming Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose, this cottage feels like a storybook brought to life - bright, graceful, and full of surprises. Clad in traditional board and batten siding with French doors, blue shutters, and copper gutters that will slowly patina with time, the Willow Glen Cottage honors classic design while embracing the ease of California living.

Inside, the home unfolds into a radiant, airy space, walls wrapped in shiplap, soft oak textures, and hints of brass that gleam gently in the light. Every detail was chosen with intention: marble countertops with delicate veining, custom tile inlays, reeded oak cabinetry, and handmade ceramic fixtures that anchor the space.

The kitchen forms the heart of the home, a European range framed by a marble backsplash with a custom inlay and a handmade subway tile surround. A polished brass bridge faucet and cast-iron farmhouse sink add a nostalgic touch, grounding the palette in tradition. Throughout the home, repeating materials create a natural flow and sense of unity. In German, we call this der rote Faden “the red thread” a concept that speaks to a guiding theme or cohesive idea that runs through every element, connecting the design from one space to the next.

Soft, vintage-inspired paint colors and classic tile layouts create nostalgia, while curated light fixtures, mirrors, and special detailing add moments of surprise. The primary bath is a sanctuary of its own - marble wainscot, a clawfoot tub, double shower heads, and a furniture-style vanity. Tucked below, a hidden wine room - a little secret within this bright, lively home.

This project radiates warmth and optimism, sunlight reflected on polished brass, the calm of natural oak underfoot, and the gentle rhythm of materials that feel both familiar and new. The Willow Glen Cottage is a love letter to tradition, reimagined in a new light.