The Pink Jewelbox House: A Northern California Cottage Yard Transformation

When she entered the competitive bidding process for a 500-square-foot turn-of-the-century cottage in Marin County, CA, our client – an employee at Pinterest with a passion for outdoor living –  made a promise that set her apart from every other buyer: she wouldn’t tear it down.

The cottage, perched on a large lot with sweeping San Francisco Bay views, had been maintained by the family of its previous owner – a beloved local school custodian – for decades. While other bidders saw opportunity in the land value alone, she saw something special in the tiny home’s bones and history.

“I wanted to honor its spirit,” she explained. “Everyone else wanted to tear it down and rebuild.” Her vision started with one bold decision that would transform the cottage into what Yardzen now affectionately calls the Pink Jewelbox House.

“I just decided I’m going for it,” she said about her choice to paint the cottage a pink tone, Coral Dust by Benjamin Moore. “Sometimes I still can’t believe I did it. The feminine color pays homage to the line of strong female residents that came before me.”

The bold color choice didn’t stop at the house itself. Working with Yardzen, she extended the pink theme to the outdoor spaces, creating a cohesive exterior that stops neighbors in their tracks to admire. A custom deck features subtle pink hues that complement the cottage as well as concrete tinted in Omaha Tan, creating a unified design that celebrates rather than apologizes for its distinctive color palette.

The transformation of the outdoor space focused on creating a personal wellness sanctuary that maximizes those enviable Bay views. The design seamlessly blends relaxation and style with:

• A cedar hot tub positioned to capture panoramic Bay views
• A dedicated yoga deck for morning practice
• Contemporary railing that adds modern sophistication while maintaining sight lines
• A comfortable sectional from Yardzen partner Neighbor that invites lingering 

The result feels more like stepping into a spa when you enter the gate than a traditional backyard. Every element works together to create a space that promotes wellness and relaxation while making the most of the stunning natural setting.

The Pink Jewelbox House proves that preserving architectural history and creating bold, contemporary outdoor living spaces aren’t mutually exclusive. By honoring the cottage’s past while fearlessly embracing color and modern amenities, this Marin County transformation showcases how thoughtful design can maximize every square foot of a property, inside and out.

Ready to transform your own outdoor space? Whether you’re drawn to bold color choices, wellness-focused design, or simply want to make the most of your lot’s potential, Yardzen’s designers can help bring your vision to life. From initial 3D renderings to plant lists and contractor connections, we’ll guide you through every step of creating a yard that feels uniquely yours. Explore our design packages and let’s start your transformation story.