In Ontario, cottage aesthetics and design elements are so iconic that they have become part of the entire province’s image. From Muskoka chairs to paintings of Ontario’s rugged lakeside landscapes, Ontario homeowners have been bringing cottage design elements into their homes for decades.
However, cottage design goes beyond signature pieces and art prints. Ontario’s cottage design is rooted in simplicity, practical durability, and a connection between a structure and the surrounding landscape. This guide will outline eight of the most effective ways you can bring cottage design into your home.
1. Include Natural Materials
Across Canada, traditional cottage design involves incorporating natural materials into the structure and its interior.
Ideally, these materials reflect the local environment, such as using locally sourced lumber and not painting over it. The warmth of wood and the natural appearance of stone can give a home a cozy feel, which is part of what makes cottages so inviting and appealing.
If you’re working within a tighter budget, you can always incorporate natural materials by adding a few pieces, such as a live-edge coffee table made from locally sourced timber.
On the other hand, a renovation project could include adding exposed timber beams and wood side panelling. A natural stone fireplace could be another route. Either way, these natural materials allow you to bring some element of the outdoors inside, and that’s key to cottage style and design.
2. Add Large Windows
Across Ontario, modern cottages have been outfitted with large windows. Not only does this allow plenty of natural light into the cottage and help the owners take advantage of the views, but it also blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors.
Adding floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights to let in more natural light are two ways to give your home a more natural, cottage-like feel. Try to position these large windows to take advantage of natural views, such as trees, grass and gardens.
3. Embrace the Open-Concept Style
Since many cottage interiors are centred on a shared, open living space, this has become an iconic cottage design element.
With open kitchen and dining spaces, your home will feel more like a fun space where you can host friends and family. Minimizing internal barriers also makes your cottage feel more inviting.
4. Add a Covered Outdoor Living Area
Outdoor spaces are a core element in cottage design. From screened-in porches to covered boathouses with direct lake views, these areas that literally blend the indoors and the outdoors are part of what makes cottages so fun and unique.
Adding a screened porch or a sunroom to your home can give you that same cottage experience.
5. Focus on Simple Rooflines
Traditional Ontario cottages often feature simplified rooflines. Gable roofs, deep overhangs and simplified lines aren’t just part of the cottage aesthetic; they serve a practical purpose by helping to shed snow loads.
If you want your home to look more like a cottage, these simple roof designs can help enhance that style. As a bonus, simple roof styles tend to be cheaper to repair, which can help you reduce maintenance costs in the future.
6. Add Built-In Storage
Many cottages need to be designed efficiently, as they were originally built as seasonal vacation properties.
To store everything that you need without overwhelming and cluttering the space, built-in cabinetry and storage can be really helpful. This is a design practice you can take into your home. With subtle storage, you can keep your space clean and open, making it feel more like a cottage. You’re enhancing the cottage aesthetic while simultaneously improving functionality.
7. Keep the Design Understated
A defining characteristic of cottage architecture is simplicity. We already discussed this regarding rooflines, but it can be extended throughout the rest of the house, including how it is decorated.
Muted and natural colours help, as will avoiding modern and urban design elements. Go for timeless, natural-looking pieces. Again, the space should feel cozy and blend into the surrounding natural landscape. Even things like wool rugs, wood furniture and classic lamps can do a lot more than you think.
Design Your Cottage-Inspired Home Today
From practical elements like built-in storage and large windows to subtle décor choices, adding cottage design to your home is very achievable.
One of the best ways to get started is to partner with an experienced design and contractor team that understands cottage design and residential building requirements. DeCarli Contractors will bring decades of experience and professionalism to your project.
