Forget Fussy Designs: Embrace a Simple, Joyful Lifestyle
In an age where extravagant decorations often overshadow the essence of home, one family has transformed their cottage into a vibrant oasis that celebrates simplicity, creativity, and joy. Sarina Mohan and her husband Chris Blum’s journey into minimalist living began unexpectedly in the spring of 2023 when they discovered a quaint three-bay Craftsman-style center hall cottage nestled under a canopy of lush oaks and fragrant jasmine.
A Love Story with a Cottage
Imagine strolling down a charming street where mature oaks stretch their arms over the sidewalk, inviting you into a world of warmth and tranquility. For Mohan, this enchanting scene became the backdrop for her family’s new chapter. "It was love at first sight," she recalls, having always dreamt of a cottage like this but never thinking it would be within her grasp.
Within a few weeks, the family traded their compact 1,200-square-foot shotgun house for the expansive 2,300-square-foot cottage, featuring three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a charming guest space aptly named The Clubhouse.
Bright Spaces, Open Hearts
Mohan, inspired by her affection for mid-century modern design, created an interior that is vibrant, comfortable, and devoid of fussiness. “We keep it casual and not fussy around here,” she says. "We love entertaining, but we want our home to be welcoming."
The vibrant colors of her home scream liveliness, from Citron walls paired with Dove White trim to eclectic furnishings sourced from second-hand shops. Mohan has fostered a space that resonates with her love for family, hospitality, and creativity.
Center of the Community
Their cottage isn’t just a home; it’s the heartbeat of the community, especially during events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. "Our entire neighborhood will transform into one big party," Mohan excitedly shares, as family members and friends gather for festivities, donning matching shirts as they journey to the nearby Fair Grounds Race Course.
Moreover, they thrive in a neighborhood rich in culture, with easy access to restaurants, parks, and vibrant community life. “We have all the perks and none of the pain,” stresses Blum.
A Home with Character
One of the most compelling aspects of this cottage is its history. Built around 1912 for a relative of a notable former mayor, the house has retained much of its original charm despite previous renovations that had turned its beautiful parlors into salon cubicles. Mohan and Blum appreciated that the renovations enhanced, rather than obscured, the home’s intrinsic character.
“It felt good to find a place that had been elevated without losing its essence,” Mohan said, highlighting the house’s original features, including old-growth wood windows that are as much a testament to sustainability as they are to beauty.
Embracing Wabi-Sabi
This family takes a mindful approach to their lifestyle, embodying the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi — which appreciates the beauty in imperfection and transience. For Mohan, this philosophy resonates with how the couple chooses to furnish their home. “Nothing is permanent—everything can be changed,” she shares, with excitement about creating a living space that reflects their family’s journey.
Their commitment to living anti-consumer lifestyles complements their home philosophy; they buy almost everything second-hand, minimizing waste while filling their home with stories and character.
Joy is in the Details
A recent playful addition to their home was a whimsical mural painted by their daughter Frankie during her family’s COVID-19 quarantine. “If someone comes over and wants to draw on the walls, I will give them a marker. Nothing can’t be undone,” Mohan states with a warm smile.
This lighthearted approach to home decor reflects their belief in creating a joyful environment — a notion encapsulated in the concept of dopamine decor, which emphasizes spaces that evoke happiness through vibrant colors and playful patterns.
A Meaningful Existence
In closing their story, the Mohan and Blum family seeks to curate a home that fosters happiness and love. "We want things that are meaningful to us that come together to make a happy place. That’s all," Mohan thoughtfully shares.
Their cottage illustrates that simplicity and vibrancy can coexist beautifully, proving that fussy design is not a necessity for a fulfilled and meaningful lifestyle.
For more about embracing simplicity in design and life, consider reading The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker, which highlights how decluttering and simplicity can lead to a more purposeful existence.
