Cosy chairs and simple lamps create symmetry in this open space.

The living and dining room of this Muskoka cottage share a two-sided stone fireplace, a bold but organic focal point. “We wanted it to look like it’s been here forever,” says the home’s designer, Andrea Crawford. The model sailboat on the mantel is in keeping with the casual tone.

See more great cottage and country rooms in our Cottages & Country Houses gallery, Traditional Cottages gallery, plus see more cottage photos.

A crisp palette and dramatic accents give this airy room an exotic feel.

Cane furniture, dramatic blue and white fabrics and pottery set a British Colonial tone, while the original granite fireplace, sisal rug and exposed studs maintain cottagey charm.

See more designs by interior designer Anne Hepfer, or view great cottage and country houses in our Cottages & Country Houses gallery.

Add show-stopping rustic elements to punch up your cottage design.

Most of the dining room furniture is black, but the white coffered ceiling and twig chandelier keep the room feeling airy. Shaker-style chairs, a trestle table and a Zebra-print rug combine in this new-country look.

Save space and add interest in a small space with bunk beds.

In a narrow kids' room, an intentionally high upper bunk creates an airy atmosphere. Colourful fabrics, crisp metal details and traditional pine boards epitomize the modern cottage.

Use baskets to store items under a small desk.

Vintage furniture, wicker accents and a world map combine in this country-inspired children’s bedroom. The desk, found at a thrift store, was enlivened with a deep marine blue paint colour for a crisp, seaside look.

Simplicity is the ideal backdrop for mixing different styles of lighting.

French doors and a wall of windows make the seaside view of this East-Coast cottage the centre of attention. A wrought-iron wall sconce and a large Japanese rice paper lamp shade work well together when paired with white painted walls and floors made from local wood. Exposed wood beams in the ceiling and wrought-iron hardware add to the cottage vibe.

For more great homes from eastern Canada, see our Photo Gallery: Best Of The East.

Modern furniture gives edge to rustic wood floors and wall paneling in this country cottage.

Farmhouse finishes like pine flooring and wainscotting are offset by clean-lined leather sofas and chairs, creating a chic modern-rustic look.

A spacious and airy attic.

Exposed rafters, an oversized window, wide rugged pine-plank flooring and high ceilings add high drama to this airy room.

White paint and exposed beams refresh a kitchen.

White painted wood walls and kitchen cabinets freshen up this east-coast cottage kitchen and dining area. Hardware in black wrought-iron balances the counter stools and dining chairs and makes the room feel more modern. Wood floors in wide planks made from local hemlock and exposed rustic beams on the ceiling continue the coastal cottage look.

For more great homes from eastern Canada, see our Photo Gallery: Best Of The East.

Buy or reupholster a sofa in a bold striped fabric.

This rustic yet pretty summer cottage uses reclaimed wood timbers as support beams and for a wall feature that doubles as art. Combined with white painted beadboard the country look is clean and fresh. Eco-friendly upholstered furniture like the sofa from Lee Industries in light blue adds some New Hamptons chic. Seaside and nature-inspired accessories are trendy and carry through the earthy theme.

For more beachy and nautical rooms, see our Seaside-Inspired Interiors photo gallery. For more eco-friendly ideas, see our Photo Gallery: Green Design.

Mismatched furniture, wood accents and big windows add rustic style.

Unfinished tongue-in-groove pine walls give this cottage’s dining area a natural look. A twig-wrapped chandelier is a playful nod to the outdoors.

See more great cottage and country rooms in our Cottages & Country Houses gallery, Traditional Cottages gallery, plus see more Cottage Makeovers.

Comfortable furniture with a contemporary edge creates a look that’s casual yet sophisticated.

A fireplace made of basalt stone is a striking focal point in this cottage living room. A plush sectional sofa provides a welcoming spot for curling up with a good book.

DwellStudio bedding, painted wood walls and fresh flowers give this room summer style.

An old coat rack that resembles the shape of a headboard makes a charming addition to this bedroom. Mismatched side tables enhance the casual aesthetic of the space.

For more cottage makeovers, see our photo gallery.

An earth friendly kitchen in stone, wood and tile.

The stone wall in this rustic kitchen is highlighted by salvaged wood beams and white tile. Floor made from flagstone and reclaimed hemlock wood mirrors the stone wall panel and timber ceiling. A painted white island with a stone top is used for food prep, add teak stools so it can double as a seating area. Pendant lighting that is simple makes it modern.

Antiques, a marble countertop, open vanity and beamed ceilings contribute to a French farmhouse design.

This old-world style ensuite features an oversize mirror in a frame made from two antique French doors.

Bright accents pop when paired with crisp white.

Unable to find pillows to match the striking painting in her principal bedroom, artist Bobbie Burgers used a black Pucci scarf to create her own. A vintage marble-top coffee table was enlivened with a coat of yellow paint on the base. Plain white sheers don’t steal attention from the view.

See other photos of Bobbie Burgers’ cottage. Plus, view more great cottage and country rooms in our Cottages & Country Houses gallery.