| all photography by Ella Miller |
There's something special about a home that feels collected over time. Every vintage find has a story, every well-loved piece has earned its place, and nothing feels rushed. That's exactly what drew us to Ella Miller's Rhode Island saltbox cottage.
With her Saltbox by the Sea, Ella has built a home that celebrates coastal New England, timeless design, and the beauty of living with vintage. We sat down with her to talk about her decorating philosophy, the role antiques play in her home, and why her hometown of Newport continues to inspire the way she lives.
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Your cottage feels effortlessly timeless. How would you describe your decorating style, and where do you find your biggest sources of inspiration?
Thank you! Since the home was built in 1750, I wanted to try and honor and highlight the bones of the house. I kept the decor minimal and let the architecture speak for itself. Nearly everything in the home is sourced from antique stores in and around New England! I find I get the most inspiration from other historical homes, Pinterest, my friends, and honestly whatever I can find in vintage stores.
What draws you to vintage and antiques, and what do you think they add to a space that newer pieces can't?
The craftsmanship of older pieces can’t be beat. Things were just made so much sturdier back before plastic and synthetic materials were introduced to our furniture and decor manufacturing. I think each vintage piece tells a story and also adds to the comforting, lived-in energy I want in a home.
Do you have a favorite vintage find in your home? We'd love to hear the story behind it.
We have a hutch upstairs that we sourced from a local shop in Tiverton. It was so hard to get up our very steep stairs but I just love how it looks storing extra towels! Our dining table is also made from old barn wood, which I think is pretty special.
Newport has such a distinct charm and sense of history. What makes it such a special place to call home, and how has living there influenced your style?
I feel so lucky to have grown up around so much history, charm, and around people who want to preserve and talk about the history! Aquidneck Island has such an interesting history between colonial farmers to the Gilded Age mansions, so I had inspiration at every turn. There are also many sides to the island. People often see the super high-end side but there is also a very hearty blue collar working class side that heavily influenced my style. I like the mix of coastal charm in Newport with the farm houses you find as you go north on the island.
What do you hope people feel when they walk through the front door of your cottage?
I hope they feel welcomed, cozy, and like they have been transported to the set of Little Women. I hope they grab a book from the book shelf, cozy up by the fire, and read about our history. Or in the summer, I hope they come home from the beach, take an outdoor shower, and sit out on the back porch and watch the sun set over the bay. It's truly a calm oasis outside of the hustle of Newport!
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