Brian and Anissa Zajac’s Indiana Cottage: A Perfect Blend of Vintage Comfort and Modern Charm
Step inside Brian and Anissa Zajac’s reimagined Indiana cottage—a masterclass in blending vintage soul with contemporary comfort and coastal tranquility.
Brian and Anissa Zajac’s Cozy Indiana Cottage: A Layered, Light-Filled Family Home
When Brian and Anissa Zajac first set eyes on their Cape Cod cottage in a dreamy, historic neighborhood of Indianapolis, Indiana, few could envision the inviting retreat it would become. What was once a fixer-upper with choppy rooms and years of dated remodeling has been transformed into a luminous haven, blending beachy modern tranquility with the embrace of timeless cottage charm. The Zajacs—founders of House Seven Design + Build—have crafted a space that not only reflects their design philosophy but also becomes a stylish and functional home for their family of five.
Tour This Modern Cottage Home
For the Zajacs, every renovation decision centered on creating an environment that offered comfort, warmth, and a sense of belonging. “All the rooms on the first floor were cut up due to years of bad remodeling and it just didn’t flow. I wanted the house to serve us and how we live together, so we opened it up as much as possible,” Anissa explains. The result is a bright, free-flowing space that invites gathering and togetherness.
- Location: Historic neighborhood in Indianapolis, Indiana
- Style: Cape Cod cottage, thoughtfully remodeled with both vintage and modern elements
- Family: Brian, Anissa, and their three daughters
- Design Firm: House Seven Design + Build
First Impressions: A Warm Welcome
From the curb, the home’s creamy brick, scalloped trim, and muted sage green front door signal a cozy retreat. Inside, sunlight spills over carefully chosen textures and calming colors. Each room boasts a seamless flow, thanks to the removal of old partitions and meticulous space planning, making the footprint feel even more expansive and welcoming.
Inside the Zajac Cottage: Room by Room
The Zajacs’ dedication to a “collected” aesthetic is immediately apparent. Every inch, lovingly touched by Anissa and Brian over several years, tells a story of transformation, family life, and design experimentation.
The Heart of the Home: The Kitchen
“I love our kitchen because it’s where we spend the majority of our time as a family,” says Anissa. The kitchen is not only a center for daily living but also a showcase for the couple’s creative vision.
- Layout: An open, inviting space that connects the kitchen seamlessly with adjacent rooms
- Features: Plentiful storage, marble countertops with coordinated backsplash, and an eye-catching La Cornue range
- Design Touches: Marble is used in unexpected places—including around window casings—for a subtle, luxurious touch
Every finish reflects a commitment to calm, neutral palettes punctuated by warm woods and tactile textiles.
Fireplace Gathering: Living Room Retreat
Anchored by a wood-burning fireplace, the living room radiates casual comfort: “I love lounging on the sofa with a hot drink while listening to Billie Holiday.” Layered textiles, thoughtfully sourced vintage pieces, and plenty of sunlight make this room perfect for quiet evenings or lively family gatherings.
The Dining Room: Pattern Play and Cozy Dinners
The dining area stands out for its creative use of wallpaper, including hand-selected patterns featuring whimsical elements—even ducks gracing the ceiling. The overall effect is one of playful charm balanced by sophisticated materials. Anissa’s love for rich textures and pattern play is on full display here, turning everyday meals into a visually delightful experience.
Bathrooms: Bold Color Meets Luxury
- Features: Heated floors provide comfort year-round
- Design: Bold tilework and saturated color choices inject personality and luxury
These spaces, while practical, feel distinctly indulgent—personal sanctuaries that set the tone for the day.
The Bright Basement and Guest Quarters
Defying expectations, the Zajacs embraced color and custom carpentry in the walk-out basement, painting the walls in lively green hues and creating an inviting guest bunk room with unique wallpaper. These spaces offer flexibility for visiting friends or family and demonstrate that even utility areas can be cheerful and stylish.
Design Philosophy and Inspiration
For Anissa, the design journey goes well beyond sourcing beautiful things: “I wanted the house to feel true to its cottage style. My goal was to keep the house feeling calm with neutral and organic elements, along with lots of texture for warmth.” She draws inspiration from many sources across the globe, seamlessly integrating influences into her home’s identity.
Design Resources and Sourcing
- Online: Pinterest, favorite blogs, and Instagram feeds
- Print: Design books collected over the years
- Travel: Architectural details and fabrication techniques from places visited with Brian
Exploration and curiosity are key: “Brian and I are always looking at the architecture and the way things were designed and fabricated. I love knowing the process of how things are made or trying to figure it out, which I think makes me a better designer.”
Shopping Favorites: Where Unique Finds Meet Timeless Quality
- Antiques (especially French): Sought-after for craftsmanship and character
- Antique shows in Roundtop, Texas: A dream destination for one-of-a-kind pieces
- Eneby Home (Nashville): Source for curated, original decor
- House Seven Design Shop: The Zajacs’ own destination for special finds and curated collections
Family, Work, and the House Seven Design Story
The Zajac home is more than a private retreat; it’s the heart of a thriving design-build business. Anissa leads the interior design side while Brian heads construction and renovation. Their partnership fuels the evolution of both their business and personal style.
- Launched: House Seven Design + Build in 2017
- Roles: Anissa as Lead Designer; Brian as Head Contractor/Builder
- House Seven Design Shoppe: Collaborative venture combining Anissa’s design and Brian’s renovation expertise
As Anissa puts it: “Brian’s in charge of the overall renovation of the space while my team and I are busy designing it and filling it with all kinds of goodies!” Their synergy is evident not just in their projects but in their energetic approach to growing the business.
What Makes a House a Home?
In Anissa’s words: “A well-designed house should make you feel at home and comfortable. It’s the one place that should make you smile as soon as you walk in the door. The saying, ‘There’s no place like home,’ doesn’t apply to stuffy uncomfortable museum-like homes.” Here, comfort wins out over formality, making daily living feel effortless and authentic.
Signature Style: The Zajac Design in Five Words
- Vintage
- Modern
- Cozy
- Comfortable
- Layered
They’ve expertly fused classic cottage materials—wood, stone, textiles—with a crisp, streamlined modernity. The balance is never forced; vintage finds mingle with sleek accents, while each piece seems to tell its own story.
Expert Tips and Design Takeaways
- Use texture to add depth: Mix woods, linens, marble, and wallpaper to create warmth and interest.
- Keep the palette neutral and organic: Let soft colors and natural tones guide the mood of each room.
- Don’t fear bold choices: Play with pattern on walls and ceilings; select statement tilework or colored cabinetry in smaller rooms.
- Source with story in mind: Blend antiques and special finds with new pieces for a well-traveled, personalized feel.
- Make comfort a priority: Design spaces for how you truly live, not just how you want them to appear.
How the Zajacs Live and Entertain
Family is at the core of the Zajac home. Their design decisions always circle back to communal living—creating spaces for family dinners, lounging by the fire, or welcoming friends for overnight stays. Outside of the kitchen, the fireplace room is a go-to spot for relaxing to music, surrounded by cozy furnishings that invite lingering.
Brian and Anissa’s Design Resources at a Glance
| Resource Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Online Inspiration | Pinterest, design blogs, Instagram |
| Book Collections | Design books (home, architecture, textiles) |
| Travel Finds | French antiques, architectural details sourced while traveling |
| In-Person Shops | Eneby Home (Nashville), Roundtop antique shows, House Seven Design Shop |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What inspired the overall design direction?
A: The house’s cottage roots inspired a calm, organic scheme with lots of texture and comforting layers. Anissa drew on her love of both vintage and modern influences to create rooms that feel both timeless and fresh.
Q: Where do the Zajacs source their unique furniture and decor?
A: They seek out antiques—especially French-made—alongside one-of-a-kind items from destinations like Roundtop, Texas, and curated local shops like Eneby Home in Nashville, as well as online resources.
Q: What was the biggest challenge in the renovation?
A: The original layout was intensely compartmentalized due to years of poor renovations. Opening up the rooms for better flow while protecting the home’s structural integrity required careful planning and inventive solutions.
Q: Which room is most meaningful to the family?
A: The kitchen is the family’s central gathering point. However, the fireplace room is Anissa’s personal favorite for relaxation, music, and quiet reflection.
Q: How do they balance family life with business?
A: By working closely together—Anissa leading design and Brian heading construction—they ensure business growth dovetails with family needs and values. Their collaborative spirit defines both their work and home.
Reflections and Aspirations
For Brian and Anissa Zajac, home is as much about embracing history as it is about building new memories. Their approach—honoring craftsmanship, cherishing family time, and remaining curious about design—has resulted in a home that’s uniquely theirs. As their business grows, so too will the layers of creativity and warmth that define their Indiana cottage—a true testament to living beautifully, comfortably, and with intention.
References
- https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/lifestyle/real-estate-indianapolis-2/
- https://camillestyles.com/design/brian-and-anissa-zajac-house-tour/
- https://www.theexpert.com/blog/house-seven-design-indianapolis-personal-home-tour
- https://camillestyles.com/entertaining/set-the-table/dining-table-centerpiece-ideas/
