Life at the lake is supposed to be easy-breezy. So when it came time to update a decades-old cottage on Lake Simcoe for the next generation, Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni knew a coastal theme would resonate. But first, there was some elbow grease involved. The Vacation House Rules duo had to unify the multi-prong design, reconfigure the odd-sized bedrooms and increase the overall appeal with gorgeous new waterfront features.
A Wooden Design
There’s nothing wrong with some natural wood finishes in a cottage, but covering every inch of your vacation rental with wood can feel a little dark and depressing. Owner Sue and her daughters had great memories in this space, but the kitchen needed a significant upgrade to attract new renters and make it functional for the next generation. The first thing to go? Those hanging cabinets, which blocked light and alienated the room from the rest of the space.
Dining on a Coastal Vibe
With the cabinets gone, the space opened right up, letting visitors take full advantage of the gorgeous lake view outside. The new kitchen boasts plenty of function thanks to upgraded appliances and a smart design, but it has a much smaller footprint than the old one. Paint, shimmery backsplash and key design details like the light fixture add more of that coastal vibe, transforming this into a breezy space you want to spend time in with good food and even better people.
An Updated Focal Point
The living room space also benefitted from a coastal transformation with new floors, beams above and a little paint. However, the real focal point remains the gorgeous fireplace, which Scott and Debra updated with a new mantel and thoughtful painting. The blues align with the coastal colours throughout the rest of the cottage, pulling this design together in a vibrant and unified way.
Additions Galore
Because this cottage has been in the family for so long, it has seen plenty of additions. Like this sunroom, which Sue fondly remembers her father building when she was just a little girl. The room hosts some of the family’s best memories, so Scott and Debra wanted to leave the wood. However, they integrated the coastal feel with updated furniture, a small desk that adds extra function, and new shutters where glass windows used to sit.
New and Blue
When Sue invited Scott and Debra to “Chateau Vert,” she knew they would likely update the fading minty green exterior and create a memorable new entrance. She loved the fresh blue colour they settled on, which sets the tone for all the coastal finishes within. Freshly painted white shutters, a new stone walkway and foliage add a welcoming touch, creating a welcoming space that Sue’s family can enjoy for generations to come.
