Scott McGillivray Transforms a Decrepit Vacation Home into a Funky Farmhouse

Looking at the bright and open-concept living room, you’d never know this space used to be full of rotting boards and rodents. Now, it’s a completely fresh space thanks to new walls and wiring, not to mention level floors, new windows, and several cozy and key pieces of neutral furniture that work with some of the funkier elements featured throughout the rest of this farmhouse.

Among those funky elements are these ombré stairs. Debra and Scott painted the risers in different shades leading up to the landing to create a subtle but funky effect that helps this rental stand out in the listings in a truly cost effective (and easy to change) way.

Before, the laundry was situated in the basement where no one would ever want to go. Now, following the reno, the new mudroom features a warm and welcoming vibe with a complete laundry unit that’s not just another key rental feature: it’s also practical for the owners when they’re changing over the property for their next guests.

This new vacation property is large enough for 10 to dine and sleep in comfortably. Considering this rental can now potentially host two families, Scott and Debra didn’t want to forget about the kids. So they crafted this play corner in the living room, complete with a farming table they made from pool noodles. It kind of brings a whole new meaning to the term “farm to table,” right?

Also in the living room, Scott and Debra completely modernized this easy-to-maintain fireplace with neutral tiles and a funky touch of teal. It’s just enough colour to capture your attention but it’s still classic enough to anchor the room and create a pretty focal point.

In this new dining area, Debra and Scott wanted to create a large space where up to 10 people can comfortably eat, but that still features those funky vibes. Enter the long harvest table, a practical, space-saving bench, and these pretty painted chairs that easily add a fun and unique vibe.

The kitchen might not be as funky as some of the other rooms in the farmhouse but that’s because you’re always going to need practicality when it comes to your cooking space. Here, Scott and Debra opted for a more modern kitchen with calming blue-grey cabinets, floating shelves, an oversized farmhouse sink and of course, slightly funky white tiles that add character and texture without being overwhelming.

Scott and Debra put the right kind of funky into this bathroom design with standout tiles that are whimsical and totally on-theme with the rest of the house. By keeping them to only one wall and pairing them with more neutral white tiles, they add a pop of colour that serves as a shower feature wall. Now it, along with the updated showerheads and finishes, are another way to appeal to renters.

In the bedrooms, Scott and Debra painted the slopped ceilings white for added brightness and a more modern feel. They then added funky wallpaper for a fun feature wall effect. The simple bedframes and covers help to keep the room calm and peaceful, while a few key throw pillows tie it all together.

Out back, Scott and Debra created several outdoor entertaining areas in order to take the vacation outside. Some outdoor furniture and heat lamps ensure renters can enjoy fresh air in comfort and relaxation, all year round. Now this farmhouse with the capacity to dine and sleep 10 can bring in up to $500 a night during the busy season, helping Nadia and Anwar achieve their long-term goals and dreams even faster.