Furnishing Tips for Three Kinds of Cottage Updates

Summertime, and the living is easy—especially if the living consists of dockside tanning, Muskoka chair lounging and escaping the bustle of city life. Cottage season is well upon us, and there's no time like the present to give your home away from home a refreshing update. Too often cottages, whether bought or inherited, come with a host of complimentary furniture that may not necessarily complement your personal taste. Lakeside or nestled within the woods, in the Muskokas or the Kawarthas, there are many ways to easily spruce up your cottage interior and exterior.  Whether you're looking to completely revamp with new furniture, partially redecorate with some tasteful accents and décor, or solely focus on refreshing your outdoor oasis, this article will outline best furnishing tips for all three kinds of cottage updates.

Let's get into it.

The Total Refresh

Whether you recently bought your cottage, or it's been a coveted family gem for generations, it was likely sold with most of its contents still intact. While some pieces may be salvageable (classic, antique pieces are always in style) others, such as old mattresses and moldy sofas are likely in dire need of an update. After all, much like your city home, your cottage interiors should reflect your own style and aesthetic. 

Given that it's your holiday home, you may choose to opt for breezier, lighter and cozier furnishings. For your living area, consider adding wicker sofas or sectional sofas complete with neutral-coloured cushions in taupe, white or grey. Team this with  wooden coffee and accent tables complete with ambient candles, barn-inspired console tables and storage units. Transition these wicker and wooden tones into your bedroom with a new bed frame or a plush fabric headboard, and opt for wooden bunk beds in your guest or child's bedroom. Add in breezy curtains or a bed canopy, complete with rustic bedside tables and a matching closet or armoire for a cottage edit to Lazy Sundays. 

In your dining area, pair a wooden dining set with intentionally mismatched wicker chairs or a picnic-style bench running along one side for cozier seating arrangements. Personalize your space with various accent pieces including: cushions, rugs, blankets and place settings.

The Minor Refresh

Given that your cottage is your second property, and home (perhaps very far) away from home, you may not be inclined to invest in a full interior renovation and revamp complete with new sets of furniture. If so, fret not, as accent furnishings and a little DIY will go a long way.

Consider a lick of paint to instantly refresh any old furniture pieces you have lying around. Try adding hooks around your space to hang sentimental baubles, photos, artwork or even textiles to fill up wallspace and provide storage (sopping towels and bathing suits really shouldn't be left to dry on Nana's old sofa). Try also interspersing lanterns, candles, cushions, artwork, decorative chairs, storage consoles, blankets and area rugs throughout your cottage for small, personalized updates.

Don't be afraid to get creative with some DIY projects. Afterall, DIY is less about skill and more about imagination. There are a number of great lamps, shelves and table accents that can easily be conjured up with a quick supply trip and a look on Pinterest (or your other favourite inspiration site).

The Outdoor Refresh

You're likely going to spend most of your cottaging days outdoors, so whether you have a deck or a patio (or both) you'll want to ensure your furniture and décor is comfortable, stylish and practical.

When looking for outdoor furniture, consider wicker, rattan, Polywood or cast-iron pieces, all of which have all been appropriately finished to withstand the elements. Of course, there's no piece of outdoor furniture more appropriate than the Muskoka chair. Try lining up a set or interspersing them around your outdoor space in either multiple or monochrome colours. 

Fire pits are a great accessory to instantly add a warm and cozy element, and are perfect for roasting marshmallows on chilly summer evenings. Fire tables are a more upscale and chic alternative that ensure your cocktail party lasts long into the night. 

Outdoor accents, including: lanterns, cushions, throw blankets and outdoor rugs are great additions to instantly refresh your outdoor space and transform it into your dream oasis perfect for lounging and al fresco dining. Just don't forget to add in an umbrella for added function and sun protection.

Cottaging, much like Niagara icewine and the Barenaked Ladies, is a Canadian summer staple for many city-dwellers. Much like your permanent home, your cottage interior and exterior needs some TLC every now and then for a much-needed refresh. There are many furnishing options for every taste and budget at Furniture.ca to serve all of your cottage needs.