What is it about a small living space that we find so captivating? Every time I walk into my friend Eliza’s guest house, I dream of jettisoning all my junk. It’s a perfect tiny haven. The century old barn was moved to the property by previous owners in the fifties, and spent the next half century as a two-car garage. But Eliza saw potential. One of the brains behind Trellis Home, a CT based home decor website, it’s an understatement to say she has vision. She ripped the interior back to the studs, exposing gorgeous old beams and lofty ceilings. Next came reclaimed barnboard floors, a teeny but functional soapstone clad kitchen, a full bath, and a loft over the existing one car garage for a cozy bedroom and additional half bath. A combination of family heirlooms and accessories from her website adorn the space, and a cohesive collection of works by Connecticut artists keep it personal. But this wee house doesn’t sit empty between a rather constant stream of visitors. Eliza and her husband sneak out for cocktails in front of the fire and host freewheeling dinner parties. Me, I’d just move right in.

Lamps, end tables and pillows in bedroom: Trellis Home

Wrought Iron Staircase Railing: Garden Iron In Essex, CT 

Barnwood Framed Bathroom Mirror: mybarnwoodframes.com

Design: Eliza Sharp

Construction: Mike Bugbee (contact Eliza at liza@trellishome.com for more info).

Artworks by Christian Brechneff, Elizabeth Enders, Peter Kirkiles and Lisa Adams. Some of these artists are available through Diane Birdsall Gallery on 1st Dibs.