About SMC

Hi! I'm Lisa. Welcome to Salt Marsh Cottage, a collection of DIY projects, coastal decor, and design brainstorming. The name is in honor of our beloved cottage on a salt marsh in Connecticut that was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. 

Our Old House

After trying unsuccessfully for over a year to repair what was left of our house or to rebuild on the same lot, we had to admit defeat. So we decided we had to move on and bought a new place in coastal Rhode Island. Although the location is great and the layout is perfect, it's a real fixer-upper. This is the biggest renovation I've ever undertaken, so things should get pretty interesting.

Our New House

My style is relaxed and laid-back. I want my house to be a place where everyone feels comfortable and nothing is too precious. I love furniture with a patina, soft beach glass colors, and a mix of textures. I have no formal training in design, but it has been a lifelong passion for me.

Some random facts about me:

• I've loved design since forever. When I was a little kid I used to draw "house plans" for my dream home and was constantly rearranging my room.
• The farthest I've ever lived from the coast is 150 miles. The closest I've ever lived is 4 blocks.
• I'm married to my high school sweetheart and we have two incredible grown daughters and one very small dog.
• I come from a long line of DIYers. I think I was a teenager before I found out you could actually hire people to do stuff around your house instead of doing it yourself. 
• I love the beach in the fall and winter.
• When I'm not at the beach I live in the Washington DC area where I'm a college professor.