Cottages
May 25, 2021
80+ Favorite Rooms From Canadian Cottages
Spending a day by the water or deep in the woods are some of the greatest ways to enjoy a Canadian summer. Let’s face it, over the past year of staying inside, we’ve been daydreaming even more about cottage life — especially as we’re craving the warmth of summer sun. Browse our roundup of the best Canadian cottages from our pages. You’re sure to find one that inspires you, whether you’re a veteran cottager or just love the inspiration that comes with a lakeside view.
A Contemporary Cottage In Muskoka
A tree-lined peninsula with panoramic lake views is a cottage builder’s dream come true, so when designer Lorraine Franklin discovered such a site on the shores of Muskoka’s Lake Joseph in Ontario, she knew she’d found the spot for her new cottage. Ipê panelling helps the home’s exterior blend in to the surrounding trees and the tropical wood’s natural caramel tone draws out the color of the rocks.
“I used natural elements to create a take on a modern cottage,” says Lorraine. She chose oil-finished white oak for the floors and half the main-floor ceiling, then offset it with geometric flourishes in the furniture, lighting and art.
The simple contemporary kitchen uses black furniture, lighting and accents to complement the pale floors and white cabinets. “The colors are all very neutral, so the black just punches out the design,” says Lorraine.
A tree house-like bedroom panelled in the same white oak as the flooring gets a textural boost from a dividing wall clad in black brick.
A wall of lake-facing windows fills the space with light, while unique textures pay homage to the exposed rock surrounding the property.
A Designer’s Bunkie In The Kawarthas
This charming barn belongs to designer Emily Griffin on her family’s Balsam Lake property in the Kawarthas region. Adjacent to the designer’s 1970s Pan-Abode cottage inherited by her parents, the 1,600-square-foot barn-dorm is the ultimate hangout for teenagers and adults alike.
Emily had the corner sectional made using old barnboard, and the mattress covers can be zipped off and washed.
We love distinct Canadiana style (like the antique ski and snowshoes hanging on the wall). Every cottage needs a games table, and this one is the setting for rounds of Bananagrams or cards.
This upstairs loft can easily sleep up to 10 people, which is perfect for all of the cousins to hangout in and stay up late for the ultimate cottage slumber party. Kids often head up here to watch movies or stage pillow fights.
An Island Retreat On A River In Gananoque, Ontario
Even with work fighting for their time, builder Joe Brennan and Danny Greenglass head to the cottage they built on Shanty Island nearly every weekend on the St. Lawrence River near Gananoque, Ontario.
The living room remains relaxed and informal, with lounge-friendly seating arranged around a fireplace built from the island’s granite stones.
Large windows with black frames underscore the home’s modern yet understated elements. “It’s just relaxed,” says Joe of the home’s overall mood. “It’s not a sophisticated city look, but it’s also not a lodge look. I didn’t want Canadian canoes and paddles.”
The stained oak floor and gabled ceiling in the principal bedroom deliver a calming modernity.
The principal bathroom is streamlined yet well-appointed, with a sculptural tub and tranquil views.
A Beachy St Barts-Inspired Cottage In Muskoka
Family vacations in St. Barts inspired Toronto designer Montana Burnett to create a serene retreat closer to home. Set on a rocky island perch, the cottage is surrounded by evergreens that help it feel discreet and private. At the far end of the main building, a two-storey turret houses a TV and games room, and provides a lookout over Lake Rosseau. Designed in collaboration with her mother, artist Martha Solomon, their family cottage is bright and breezy, with a soothing palette inspired by natural materials.
The pale fireplace stone is buff Arizona limestone, which Martha and Montana chose to match the interior’s subdued palette. The artwork by Sondra Meszaros “adds drama without being too bold,” says Montana.
A handsome model sailboat grounds a sea-themed vignette in the great room. Framed vintage maps and tall glass urns create symmetry, while found seashells and coral sprinkled across the antique 14′-long table fill out the nautical display.
The kitchen’s simple Shaker-style cabinets are Montana’s design and carry through the cottage’s serene feel. “We kept the kitchen all white but injected warmth with the butcherblock countertop and wood surround trim,” she says. A pair of oversized pendant lights add scale and modernity to the space.
A Quaint Escape In Quebec’s Eastern Townships
Some cottagers crave fast boats and never-ending parties, but not Eric and Caroline Bouffard — they enjoy lo-fi pursuits such as swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking. So, when the couple — she’s an interior designer, he’s an electrical engineer — searched for a getaway on Lake Libby, they knew they didn’t want a rowdy setting that drowned out the sound of the birds, or a cottage where flash trumped family. Caroline added a pair of nautical-style sconces to the cottage’s red and white façade. “In the evenings, we like to lounge on the Muskoka chairs and have a glass of wine by the fire,” she says.
A trestle table, Windsor chairs and the battered brass pendant are pared-back perfection in the dining area. A durable cotton-covered sofa in the living room is made for sprawling, and no one will be shown the door if they don’t use a coaster on the wooden dining table.
The country kitchen is rustic yet fresh. Caroline swapped the laminate counters for concrete-look quartz and installed new hardware, shelves, a kitchen island and shiplap to match the other rooms. A tin pendant has vintage appeal.
In the room of Caroline’s sons, twin metal bed frames and jaunty striped pillows are quintessential cottage staples. The rooms have a relaxed, lived-in charm created with low-maintenance materials. The floors are wood-look ceramic tile so they can handle the dirt, and they’re heated for when the family comes to ski in the winter.
A Boho Cottage In Frontenac County, Ontario
Designer Sam Sacks turned a no-frills cabin into the cottage of her fantasies. Inspired by a mashup of surf shack, safari camp and Dutch Colonial styles, Sam installed hard-wearing vinyl floors that look like white oak and kept the rafters exposed. When it came time to choose furniture and textiles, she stuck to materials such as rattan, wicker, unpainted wood and nubby linens that would cater to a swimsuit and barefoot aesthetic.
In the dining area, vintage water skis suit the waterfront setting, while the antique dresser balances the modern lines of the white oak table and Marcel Breuer–style chairs.
For that unhurried mood of a beach holiday, Sam paired natural wicker, rattan and wood accents with a modern white Ikea kitchen. Brass shelf brackets support cedar boards salvaged from the old swimming dock.
Sam’s daughter’s room doubles as a guest room, so a queen bed was a must. The patterned headboard came first, and the room’s ’70s-chic style fell into place from there. “Yes, we know the horseshoe is upside down,” says Sam. “We promise to fix it before our luck runs out!”
Seaside Summer Home In P.E.I.
With the beach at their doorstep and endless blue sky filling every window, a couple’s seasonal P.E.I. home is both a tranquil escape and an enticing destination. The 3,100-square-foot home has a distinctly Cape Cod feel, from its tidy one-and-a-half-storey layout to its weathered cedar shake exterior. “Throughout its history, P.E.I.’s architecture has been greatly influenced by that of New England,” says David Lopes, the Charlottetown architect homeowners Kevin and Bernadette enlisted to design the home.
“The house reflects New England values with the regular rhythm of the windows and doors, and the simple furnishings,” David adds. Nothing is overly elaborate or ornate, giving the space a noticeably relaxed quality. In the living room, slipcovered furniture sets a casual tone. The fireplace is Wallace sandstone, which is also used for the home’s front stoop.
Food is a big part of the cottager owners’ P.E.I. routine. When guests are in town, Kevin sets up an omelette station on the kitchen island. In the evenings, guests sip wine while he shucks oysters. Bernadette’s fondness for sea glass inspired the frosted-glass backsplash, while the smooth Carrara marble countertops are perfect for making pie crusts.
David designed the deck off of the principal bedroom to be a sunny, sheltered retreat from the active main floor. “It gives you the feeling of being in your own private crow’s nest,” he says. David chose black specifically for the interior window casings to better frame the views. “Similar to the frame on a painting,” he says.
Vintage-look metal beds have classic appeal. The clean, coastal vibe is finished with a crisp blue and white palette coupled with modern furnishings that create a fresh yet timeless look.
Minimalist Muskoka Hideaway
The new one storey cottage on Muskoka’s Lake Joseph has a low profile that tucks under a canopy of trees and hugs the rocks. The living room’s minimalist furniture puts the focus on the views through the windows.
“Contemporary style can be a little cool and daunting,” says designer Margot Bell of Peaks & Rafters. “We tried to keep the warmth. Even though there’s steel and concrete, the cottage connects you to the outdoors and feels friendly.”
The kitchen island incorporates a wood dining table for informal meals with sleek white, wood and steel cabinets from Italy. Contemporary and mid-century modern furnishings accent porcelain tile floors that have the look of polished concrete.
The principal bed is simply dressed in relaxed linens. The lower windows are outfitted with motorized screens.
A bedroom with toddler-sized bunk beds is perfect for visiting grandchildren.
A Contemporary New Build in Muskoka
This Muskoka retreat designed by Cameron MacNeil has all the hallmarks of stylish lakeside living but with a fresh contemporary take — Cameron’s signature style. Watch the full video to see more of this enviable retreat.
In the main-floor living room , a vaulted ceiling and white panelled walls create an airy, light-filled space that’s anchored by a massive Muskoka stone fireplace. Cameron took a page from New York designer Robert Stilin’s book and combined classic white panelled walls, slipcovered furniture and wood floors. Plenty of comfortable seating anchors each room, and a palette of crisp blue and white is warmed up with accents of natural wood and dark iron.
Oversized pendant lights draw the eye up to superhigh ceilings, giving the kitchen an expansive feel, while an old-fashioned sash window lends historical weight. Though Cameron considered marble for the countertops, he decided Caesarstone enhances the room’s airy look
While Cameron’s design ideas were influenced by Cape Cod-style beach houses, he didn’t want to go too trad. A sculptural standalone tub is a fresh addition in the bathroom.
Lush Lakeside Oasis In Muskoka
Sunlit rooms, quiet corners and breathtaking views make this modern Muskoka lake house a haven of tranquility. To ensure the low-profile, six-bedroom home disappeared into the landscape, the builder nestled it right against the granite rock face and preserved the trees at the water’s edge.
Cedar planks clad the ceiling and bring a cottage vibe to the open-concept main floor. Throughout the home, small details create a cohesive experience. Oak boards envelop the walls and cedar planks line the ceilings: the result is naturalistic yet polished.
The kitchen’s black granite countertops add bold contrast when paired with white marble shelves. Casual meals are eaten at the 14-foot-long island.
The custom dining table was sized for dinner parties. Slim round pendants don’t block the view.
Designer Sloan Mauran wanted the principal bedroom to feel like “a retreat within a retreat.” The walls are panelled in lightly cerused oak, and the four-poster bed gets a modern update with black accents.
Modern Muskoka Sanctuary
When Elte’s Ken and Renee Metrick decided to embrace cottage living, they build a contemporary retreat that’s as polished as their stores. The cottage was designed to disappear almost entirely into its surroundings, especially when viewed from the lake.
Renee sits in the heart of the cottage’s main “pod.” The living area is pure comfort, with its immense stone fireplace, Belgian linen-slipcovered sofas and a 90-year-old kilim.
The cottage would be a one-level structure made up of interconnected wood and glass units, designed to both naturally recede into the landscape and celebrate it by beautifully framing the magnificent views.
Less is more in the principal bathroom, which is finished exactly like all the other bathrooms in the cottage. A uniform style keeps things simple and cohesive.
The bedrooms are free of extra ornamentation. “The only art I wanted here was nature,” says Renee. Every bedroom has the same beds and linens; every bathroom has the same vanities and sinks. “It’s very us. We’re aware of the beauty of simplicity. We all dress simply, in neutral tones and primarily in black.”
Lakeside Luxury In Muskoka
The breathtaking two-storey boathouse is surrounded by lapping water, evoking the feeling of floating in the middle of the lake. A wrap-around balcony and dock-level seating offers 360 degree views.
Lazy summer days are even more enjoyable when lounging on the nautical blue-and-white bench with an ice-cold beverage in hand. A slab of bleached driftwood makes for a one-of-a-kind coffee table base and reflects the Muskoka region’s rustic beauty.
This scenic bay window is a covetable spot to gather. A custom banquette and woven seating are the epitome of seaside style, without taking away from the jaw-dropping view.
A serene palette in the principal bedroom encourages guests to unwind and recharge — and soak in the panoramic view. “At dusk and dawn, you get purply hues in the sky that reflects on the water,” says designer Anne Hepfer.
Rustic Refinement In Maces Bay
Nestled in the New Brunswick countryside, designer Fenwick Bonnell’s Maritime cottage has been in his family since the 1950s. The exterior’s white cedar shakes and black corrugated steel seamlessly blend into the rugged landscape.
Fenwick updated the entryway with white-panelled walls and black-framed windows for a graphic touch. Plus, coat hooks made from foraged alder branches keep the space from feeling too pristine.
A handful of furniture pieces and accessories throughout preserve the cottage’s history. For example, Fenwick’s parents purchased the mahoe wood coffee table in the living room from a trip to Jamaica.
Pops of sunshine yellow inject warmth into the principal bedroom, complete with built-in storage, plush bedding and an unfinished blanket chest.
Budget-Friendly Style On The Canadian Shield
When it came to updating her ’80s-style, 2,300-square-foot cottage, owner Candice reached out to a friend: decorator Virginie Martocq. Virginie used clever design tweaks — and plenty of paint — to bring the family getaway into the modern era (luckily, all the plumbing, windows and structural walls were in great shape). Down by the lake, a spruced up, one-bedroom boathouse is the perfect spot for guests to set up camp.
The dated kitchen was refreshed with new, Shaker-style cabinets and a large island—perfect for Candice’s young family. “We spent more on the details and accessories because they’re what really make the spaces unique,” says Virginie, who also added eye-catching pendants and a colorful patterned runner.
The revamped Muskoka room is the ideal spot to gather, bridging the gap between indoors and out. “This room had the biggest transformation,” says Virginie. “The walls went from pickled pink to a gorgeous shade of grey.” The new color makes the room feel a lot cozier, and — unlike bold pink — keeps the focus on the natural views.
A crisp palette of white, blue and cherry red creates a preppy backdrop in Candice’s son’s bedroom. “These bunk beds were the one thing we splurged on,” Candice says. “Now it’s hard to get him outside!”
Family-Friendly Comfort In Muskoka
Set on flat rocks between two tranquil bays, this idyllic Ontario hideaway was purchased by a pair of veteran cottagers. Their goal? To bring their four kids together under one roof and make new cottage memories as a family. Out front, not-too-manicured gardens offer a lush welcome along the front path to the cottage, blending beautifully with the rocky surroundings.
In the handsomely vaulted entryway, rustic granite flooring creates a seamless transition, and offers a cool spot for the family’s Bernese mountain dogs, Bernie and Hershey, to lounge.
Designer Margot Bell and her team, who spearheaded the cottage’s decorating, went for a preppier feel in the boathouse—a magnet for weekend guests. Here, white-panelled walls create a bright backdrop for framed nautical flags and model boats, while a checkerboard-painted floor adds a bit of whimsy.
The screened-in porch is one owner’s favorite space in the finished cottage: “I really feel like I’m outside,” she says. Margot had the wicker seating upholstered in all-weather Sunbrella fabric to stand up to exposure, opting for shades of leafy green and watery blue to tie in with the natural setting.
Luxe Living On Lake Rosseau
Designer Cory DeFrancisco blended iconic Muskoka-cottage details, like a cedar shake roof and board-and-batten siding, with a contemporary spirit to make this Port Carling, Ontario, cottage sing. Now, the family that owns this retreat spends the whole season at the lake — from the day school lets out, to the day the kids need to be back in class. “Last year we left the cottage in the morning, then I dropped them all off at school and went home to unpack!” says one homeowner.
While a six-bedroom, seven-bath retreat is grand by any standard, this cottage’s interiors feel unfussy and seriously inviting. “It’s a fresh twist on the casual, relaxed cottage look,” says Cory. In the living area, easy-care slipcovered sofas and chairs suit carefree family get-togethers.
“The dock and kitchen are the hearts of this cottage,” says one owner, adding that the family loves hanging out around their 12-foot-long island. The kitchen ceiling is open to the second floor, so natural light fills the room. “This design detail also lets the kids poke their heads over to join the conversation — or check on the status of a meal!”
In the principal bedroom, full-height windows let the homeowners enjoy sunrise views. Hardy, wide-plank German oak floors, installed throughout the cottage, add rustic warmth underfoot — perfect for barefoot summer living.
Classic Decorating In Port Carling
Known simply as “Bellamere,” the façade sets the tone before guests even step through the front door: tailored, welcoming and a little nostalgic. This waterfront hideaway is the year-round home of Cory DeFrancisco, his wife Catherine and their young son, Charlie. Cory is co-owner of local destination Muskoka Living Interiors. “My passion has always been for the area and design, so it was a natural fit,” Cory says of his choice to relocate to Port Carling and join the family business.
The sunny screened-in porch, with its fresh white-and-wicker palette, has the classic cottage look the DeFranciscos were after. The sofa is covered in washable Sunbrella fabric, so it will stand up to the elements beautifully, while walls of windows offer stunning views of the lake.
Cory looked to vintage Canadiana when designing his kitchen. An X motif on the island and upper cabinets nods to rustic architecture, while a chestnut countertop on the island adds a shot of warmth to the mostly white space. Casual-but-chic doors (not shown) mean the kitchen can be closed off during cocktail parties when the adjacent dining area is bustling with activity.
A creamy palette lends a sophisticated and calming vibe to Bellamere’s interiors. In the dreamy guest bedroom, traditional wooden double-hung windows are accented by rich grey sashes for a bit of contrast. “When our friends visit and have to leave on Sunday night, they sort of begrudge that we get to stay here,” says Catherine, with a laugh.
Modern Design On Gambier Island
This B.C. cottage is a true one-of-a-kind retreat. The owner’s vision? “A piece of art — a sculpture within the landscape of trees and ocean.” To bring her dreams to life, she reached out to designer Erin Chow and architect Marko Simcic, who partnered to design a mod series of seven buildings connected by concrete walkways.
“The rooms are intimate, like you’re always in a small cabin, but every room also feels like it’s part of a bigger space,” says the architect. This way, the cottage never feels too expansive or too crowded. Its strategic design also blurs the line between indoors and out: Large windows were added here, there and everywhere, and like the leaves of the surrounding trees, the exterior of each structure was painted a different shade of verdant green.
An airy, monochromatic color palette meant the designer could go for a confident blend of furniture styles in the cottage. “We mixed modern with rustic and even traditional pieces,” she says. The eclectic combination gives the open kitchen-living area — part of the cottage’s largest building — a super relaxed ambience.
In one bedroom, a brass bed delivers a touch of traditional polish, while a handsome armoire strikes a historical note. “I love armoires — they’re romantic yet practical, and much more interesting than an ordinary closet,” says the owner. “I was moved by the story behind this one: It was originally made in France by a father who gifted it to his daughter when she got married and left home.”
Eclectic Flair In The Kawarthas
To Youssef Hasbani, owner of Toronto home store L’Atelier, comfort means “a simplistic space that isn’t crammed with too many pieces.” That’s why he refuses to treat his Ontario cottage as a dumping ground for castoffs from his home in midtown Toronto. Instead, antiques, found items and personal treasures are put on show in the airy spaces. “To me, it’s important that a space has soul,” he explains.
Originally built in 1957, Youssef’s cottage is now a spacious 2,300 square feet, so visitors can easily hang out in groups or find a quiet spot to enjoy on their own. In the living area, a chintz-covered 18th-century bergere works surprisingly well with a mid-century modern Paul McCobb table, while the wood-burning stove — salvaged from the original cottage on the property — adds a sense of history.
Youssef selected a brilliant white for all the walls in his cottage: Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace. “White shows everything off nicely,” he says. “Plus, white is soothing and relaxing, which is how I like to live here.” In one of the bunkie’s bedrooms, windows swing up for a breezy boathouse effect, capitalizing on the cottage’s dreamy waterside locale.
The cottage’s interior gleams gorgeously thanks to layers of white paint. “I have the floors lacquered every two years, so they build up a nice patina,” he says. Youssef puts his own spin on shabby chic by pairing a chintz covered 18th-century bergere with a mid-century modern Paul McCobb table.