Ideal Getaway Cottage

Two barn doors slide open to reveal an 8-foot entrance connecting the kitchen directly to the outdoors.

A screen porch is a must in this Midwest retreat. A daybed invites catnaps. A tree-branch lamp, tree-trunk table and collected bits of flora and fauna set a natural design theme.

Stone, barn board and corrugated metal cover the walls of the barn. The rustic-looking materials are all new or faux products that can bring an aged feel to any home. A large work/eat island offers extra storage and is flanked by a contemporary take on the Windsor chair.

The cooking wall has expansive countertop work areas. Deep drawers in the lower cabinets eliminate the need for upper cabinetry.

Transoms in the kitchen let breezes and light flow freely between porch and bath spaces on either side.

A carved drainboard in the limestone-look, solid-surface countertop creates an area handy for rinsing produce. Old farm sinks inspired the drainboard and the deep, apron-front stainless steel sink combo, which can handle nonkitchen chores such as potting flowers.

A clever, 15-inch-deep storage unit with roll-up metal door saves countertop space by tucking between wall studs, just deep enough for glassware and mugs.

In a tight space, mobility can be a plus. Cabinets on casters can move from room to room, depending on the need.

A floor-to-ceiling, three-pane window separates the bath from the corrugated-metal outdoor shower, where bathing under the sun beckons. On the inside of the bath window, Levolor PanelTrac panels offer privacy.

Metal-look Thermofoil cabinets offer storage and a base for the daybed on the screen porch. A drawer with a wood pull-out tray makes a handy side table.

The kitchen's inside-cabinet lighting shows off dishware behind screened glass. When the lights are off, the dishes seem to disappear. Undercabinet lights illuminate work surfaces and the backsplash, as well as framed art.

A backsplash, wall faucet and carved counter offer a new take on an old farm idea: the trough. A slanted area in the counter directs water down to the modern silver "trough" below. A simple closet mirror hung horizontally and framed with raw cedar looks expensive.

Bins over the tub offer bath storage, and a ladder and hollowed root vase hold towels. A handmade pot holder rug fits the rural theme.

Outside, opposite the shower, a back entry nook has room for a free-form wooden bench and plenty of hooks for paraphernalia necessary for a weekend visit with nature.