Less is more,” is how the saying goes, but when Ara and Pamela Millette purchased a 285-square-foot cottage just steps from the sea at Mary Carpenter’s Beach Meadow in Wakefield, the mother-daughter duo were ready to test the bounds of exactly how much “more” they could get out of their tiny new home.
The Millettes turned to Bernadette Heydt, an interior designer and owner of HEYDT HOME, a Newport-based interior design firm with a distinct focus on creating, remodeling, and furnishing both residential and commercial spaces – especially compact ones. “Our design ethos revolves around the transformative power of minimalism, where less becomes more, and functionality seamlessly blends with style,” explains Heydt, who works alongside her husband, master carpenter Andrea Pietrangeli. Where one might have seen a tiny, tired, two-bedroom home with nothing but limitations, Heydt saw a petite (pink!) palace with possibilities.
Tasked by her clients to turn the space into a modern, fully functional family home, Heydt was mindful of making every inch count while also making the home ADA-compliant to ensure accessibility and comfort. “Every element within the interior serves a distinct purpose, ensuring that the space feels open, efficient, and welcoming,” explains Heydt. She started by raising the ceilings and adding exposed beams overhead, then installed light-hued wide plank pine wood floors throughout. True to her design firm’s signature style, the interior is characterized by clean lines, a neutral color palette, and rich textures. To maintain a sense of spaciousness and clutter-free environment, Heydt carefully chose furniture with storage capabilities to complement the overall decor.
Rattan dining chairs, bamboo window treatments, a handmade bamboo dining pendant light, and vintage family photographs (many taken at waterside locales) collectively evoke a sense of seaside charm and simple luxury. “The synergy between minimalistic
simplicity and coastal chicness results in an interior that is not only visually captivating, but also highly functional,” explains Heydt. “It embodies the idea that less can be more, demonstrating that a thoughtfully curated blend of design elements can transform a compact space into a coastal oasis of both style and comfort.”
In a calculated move, the living space extends to the exterior, merging indoor and outdoor living. A unique railing bar with a trio of stools provides an idyllic spot for cocktails on the porch, while a white marble gravel patio accommodates a dining lounge that invites both quiet mornings in the salty air and decompressing at sunset.
From the outset, the home’s existing outdoor shower and wrap-around porch captured Heydt’s attention. ”Our redesign involved relocating the porch’s entry to the front of the building, providing a more inviting approach,” she says. The shower was meticulously sanded, then refreshed with white paint, gold hardware, and a handy shelf for amenities, giving it a crisp, modern vibe. “These changes not only preserved the charm of the original features but also added a touch of contemporary elegance to the overall design.”
Finally, the home was dubbed “Sea La Vie,” (meaning “sea life” in French). “In Rhode Island, giving your home a name is a cherished tradition that adds a unique touch to your living space,” says Heydt. “This tradition allows homeowners to infuse character and personality into their homes, making them feel like a true part of the Rhode Island community.”
Even if a 285-square-foot cottage isn’t for you, there are still take-aways applicable to any sized home. Here are ideas to get started and resources around the state to help make them happen. • By Elyse Major
Turning the task of decluttering into a game could be just the ticket! In the Minimalist Rulebook: 16 Rules for Living with Less, Joshua Fields Millburn puts fun spins on chores, like finding someone to be your purge buddy; hosting a photo scanning party; and sorting things into piles of essentials, non-essentials, and junk. Similarly, the 90/90 rule prompts this key question: have you or will you use something in 90 days? If the answer is no and it’s in decent condition, consider donating it to a worthy organization. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island has a list of clean, odorless items they’ll accept posted to BigSRI.org; they even offer curbside pickup statewide, and a tax receipt. Another route is to sell gently used things at a consignment shop or ecommerce website (to possibly fund Refresh a Room!).
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island, Providence
The Creative Reuse Center of RI, East Providence
South County Habitat ReStore, Charlestown
Once you’ve decided what brings you joy, having a professional organizer create storage solutions can be a worthwhile expense. Beyond closets, consultants can help make sense of everything, from pantry items, to medicine cabinets, to the nightmares that are garages and basements. Many offer free in-home consultations, too.
Closettec, Inc., North Smithfield
Inspired Closets, East Greenwich
NEAT Method, Providence
The Nest, Providence (for closets)
Organized Abode, Westerly
After a cold winter, there’s no better mood booster than something new and colorful in a room, whether it’s a plant or a custom accent like fabric Roman shades or a reupholstered chair. Try out DIY skills by painting a piece of unfinished furniture (Knock on Wood) to match your new scheme.
All About Redecorating, Newport
Cottage Chic Decor, Wakefield
East Coast Designs, East Greenwich
Fabric Gallery, North Kingstown
Jessica Hagen Fine Art, Newport
Knock on Wood Furniture RI, Smithfield
If you’re ready for larger scale modification, Little Rhody is rich with talent and businesses to help you make changes, whether it’s new cabinetry, a door, or a wall coming down.
Arnold Lumber, Bristol & Wakefield
Cole Cabinet Co. Inc., Cranston
Design by Keri, Coventry
Douglas Lumber, Smithfield
Dzyna Signature Kitchen & Bath,
Portsmouth
DiStefano Brothers Construction, Wakefield
East Coast Designs, East Greenwich
Fagan Door, Coventry
McCormick Home Improvement, Warwick
Michelle Lee Designs, Johnston
Why not treat yourself to a fresh start by hiring a residential cleaning service?
Level Up Cleaning Services, Cranston
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
All Natural
Heydt suggests incorporating native plants, like seagrass, into your landscaping to create a natural, coastal look. “It not only adds to the Ocean State vibe, but also supports local biodiversity,” she says. Consider swapping traditional mulch for beach sand. “It acts as a moisture barrier for your plants, and adds a nod to the coastal environment.”
Shop Small
Heydt believes local, mom-and-pop hardware stores, like Newport Hardware, are gems. “It’s one of the oldest hardware stores in town. What sets it apart is not just its longevity, but also the personal touch you experience when you walk in,” she explains. Best of all, she adds, it provides everything you’d expect from a big box store but with a charming, local touch. “It’s a small business with a big heart, making it one of our favorite spots in town.”
True Colors
The Color House, a paint and design retailer with five locations in Rhode Island, specializes in finding the perfect shade of paint every time. “If you have a specific color in mind that isn’t readily available in their shop, they’ll go the extra mile to make it happen,” says Heydt. “A great example of this personalized service was when Pamela Millette had a silk blouse in the perfect pastel pink shade. We took that blouse to The Color House in Middletown and their expert team skillfully matched it for the exterior color of the cottage.”
Four independently owned stores for unique home accents:
A Gracious Soul
Cranston & East Greenwich
Bali Bungalow
Providence
Christina’s Ltd.
Westerly
Wald & Sea
Newport
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