Creating a Custom Cottage Garden Room for Nancy Rae Interiors
When interior designer Nancy Schmitt of Nancy Rae Interiors reached out to Garden Girls, she had a clear vision: transform a sunny, grassy corner of her yard into a cottage garden room complete with "butterflies, seating structure, herbs, and a potting shed." She entrusted us with complete creative authority, and we were thrilled to bring her dream garden room to life.
The Vision: A Functional Retreat
Nancy needed more than just a garden—she wanted a dedicated space for respite and creativity. The solution? A charming she-shed as the focal point, flanked by custom cedar raised beds along a welcoming pathway. We selected soft gray gravel to complement her home's exterior, creating harmony between house and garden.
Architectural Details That Delight
The she-shed itself became a showpiece with thoughtful touches: a copper hummingbird weathervane crowning the cupola, a cheerful yellow Dutch door that invites you in, and a green barn light from Renovation that adds both function and vintage charm. Inside, we equipped the space with electricity, a fan, shelving, and a rocking chair—everything Nancy needs for peaceful moments away in her garden sanctuary.
Vertical Interest and Pollinator Paradise
A Lela pyramid trellis adds vertical dimension to the space, perfect for growing vining rudbeckia, tomatoes, cucumbers, or hyacinth bean. Around the garden gate and fence base, we planted pollinator favorites including echinacea, salvia, and white roses, ensuring Nancy's garden would buzz with life throughout the growing season.
The Finishing Touches
Black and white striped awnings shade the windows while adding cottage garden character. Microsprays keep the topiary pots perfectly hydrated. Every detail works together to create a custom garden room that's both beautiful and functional—a true outdoor living space where form meets function in the most delightful way.
Photo by Grace Laird Photography
This project exemplifies what we love most about our work: collaborating with clients who trust our vision and understand that gardens are meant to be lived in, not just looked at.