Exterior Design
This cottage duplex presents a delightful symmetry, with twin cozy units mirroring one another across a central ridge. Board-and-batten siding or cottage-style shakes (depending on your finishes) give it rustic appeal with timeless charm.
The compact footprint spans 992 sq ft total—496 sq ft per unit—making it both efficient and characterful. Simple gable roofs crown each side, keeping maintenance low and proportions visually balanced.
Interior Layout
Step into one of the units and you’ll find a seamless layout: living area flows into a modest kitchen, where smart use of space means you never feel cramped. Each unit feels airy despite its modest size.
Despite the compact square footage, the design maximizes utility and comfort—no wasted corners, just carefully considered flow.
Floor Plan:
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Each unit offers one comfortable bedroom, private and peaceful—ideal for a solo dweller, couple, or guest hideaway. A full bathroom complements it, placed for both privacy and practicality.
It’s simple and sweet: one bedroom, one bathroom, and zero fluff—perfect for low-maintenance living or rental flexibility.
Living & Dining Spaces
The living area provides just enough space to relax, entertain, or enjoy a quiet evening. It’s cozy—not cavernous—but warm enough to feel like a personalized retreat.
The dining setup is efficiently integrated, ideal for meals or morning coffee. It’s compact, yet functional: a friendly nod to minimalist living.
Kitchen Features
The kitchen is compact and practical, with enough counter space and storage to handle meal prep without overwhelming the layout. Think streamlined efficiency—everything in its place, easy to reach, easier to clean.
Smart cabinetry and minimal surfaces evoke understated elegance—small but sufficiently stylish for everyday life.
Outdoor Living (porch, deck, patio, etc.)
While the plan does not include a dedicated porch, each unit’s front façade allows for potential small seating spaces or potted arrangements. Picture a tiny bistro table or some flower pots—simple enhancements that welcome fresh air and charm.
It’s a subtle invitation to step outside without needing a formal porch—perfect for casual morning stretches or evening breathing space.
Garage & Storage
There’s no garage included in this duplex plan, keeping the design streamlined and the footprint minimal. Storage is likely a matter of interior planning—clever closets, wall hooks, or modular units—depending on needs.
Its simplicity is the message: small living, smart living.
Bonus/Expansion Rooms
No bonus or expansion rooms are part of the base design—but its clever layout leaves space for imagination. A loft for storage or a rear deck addition could expand living possibilities without compromising the footprint.
It’s a canvas rather than a completed scene—start small, personalize later.
Estimated Building Cost
The estimated cost to build this duplex in the United States ranges between $200,000 – $300,000, depending on location, labor, and material choices.
This modest budget reflects both simplicity and utility—two well-designed units under one roof, with careful space usage and customizable finishes. It’s smart, economical, and ripe for rental or multigenerational flexibility.
In summary, this one-bedroom cottage duplex offers a harmonious blend of cottage charm, smart layout, and dual-living versatility. With mirrored units, efficient interiors, and a clean aesthetic, it’s ideal for compact living, rental income, or guest housing. A small footprint, big thoughtful potential.
