Meet Cottage Bleu, a little French seaside cottage tucked away in Venice Beach. What started as a rental has slowly become so much more — a home for weekend stays, photo shoots, dinners, workshops, and all the gatherings in between. We sat down with designer & owner Sam to hear more about the story behind the space, the inspiration that shaped its collected, cozy interiors, and what’s next for Cottage Bleu.
Tell us about yourself + Cottage Bleu
Hi! I’m Sam, and I’m the designer & owner of Cottage Bleu, a rental home in Venice Beach. I’ve had the space for about two years now, and over that time it’s become so much more than I imagined. We’ve hosted everything from temporary stays and photo shoots to dinners, events, and workshops. I love that the home has inspired so many amazing partnerships and opportunities with brands and people I admire, and I’ve been blown away by the response and support from the community.
What was the inspiration behind the design?
The cottage was built in 1920, so I really wanted to honor the original architecture and character — all of the charm and quirks that make an old home feel special. I was inspired by the French coastal towns of Biarritz and Guéthary, and we’re about a mile from the beach so it made sense to lean into that seaside cottage aesthetic.
Almost everything in the house is collected, from Etsy finds and Facebook Marketplace treasures to vintage pieces, so it feels personal rather than overly designed.
One of my favorite details is the kitchen backsplash. I found an artist on Etsy who hand-painted each tile, and I was able to select each of the designs myself. I also worked with my dear friend Emily of Balanced Ground Design on the landscape design, which in my opinion is the most magical part of the home. She completely understood and captured the vision, and guests love to linger in the garden under the lemon tree.
It’s a small space, but that’s part of what I love about it. Every detail matters, and I’ve really enjoyed creating a home that feels cozy, unique, and welcoming.
Anything on the horizon for cottage bleu?
There’s definitely more to come. We’re working on some really fun events and partnerships this fall, including collaborations with some great local chefs and European brands. I love that Cottage Bleu can be a home, but also a place where people can gather, create, eat, and experience something together.
Follow along with Cottage Bleu here
Watch the Slowtide Home x Cottage Bleu video here
Photos by Maddy Pease
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