Colourful accents add a touch of whimsy.

A collection of eclectic flea-market artwork and graphic textiles adds colour and charm in the white kitchen of this Muskoka cottage. Homeowner Meredyth Hilton designed the island’s simple Shaker-inspired cabinets.

A family-friendly dining area.

In the breakfast nook off the kitchen of Meredyth and Brad Hilton’s cottage, artwork reading, “fish tails told here” sets the tone for this playful space. The floors and bench were given multiple lashings of glossy white paint, while mismatched chairs provide casual, family-friendly seating. The pendant fixture over the table was made by filling a black drumshade with a string of outdoor lights.

See more contemporary Muskoka cottages in our photo gallery.

Rustic, durable furniture is perfect for a cottage.

In the family room, a practically indestructible leather sofa and solid wood coffee table can take some wear and tear. An oversized illuminated red arrow adds a fun pop of colour.

Bedding with a bold pattern and quirky vintage accents add charm.

The principal bedroom’s graphic yellow and navy colour scheme adds a crisp, contemporary vibe to white walls, floors and drapes. Spiffed up by a coat of paint, a low, ’50s telephone table that came with the cottage fits right in. An old door (right) was turned into a mirror by replacing the glass.

See more contemporary Muskoka cottages in our photo gallery.

Rustic simplicity gives a modern update to trad Muskoka style.

This Lloyd Ralphs-designed Muskoka cottage embodies a rustic simplicity with an exotic edge. The dining room maintains the essence of traditional Muskoka style in a modern way. A rough-hewn table from Restoration Hardware, chairs from Shelter and a bench seat eight comfortably. The unique pendant lights are wicker fishing traps that the designers stumbled upon at Holy Cow in Toronto.

See more contemporary Muskoka cottages in our photo gallery.

 A mix of natural and exotic elements creates a beachy vibe.

Ralphs and Lloyd, of Lloyd Ralphs Design, wanted to avoid a “decorated” look so they kept furniture and accessories relaxed and slightly bohemian. A low-profile sofa is paired with eclectic accents like a graphic rug, raffia stool and vibrant vintage Indian fabrics they fashioned into throw pillows.

See more contemporary Muskoka cottages in our photo gallery.

A white and tan palette gives a natural look.

An all-white bedroom gives an airy, sun-bleached look that’s perfect for a lakeside setting. A tan leather headboard, wicker footstools and wood ladderback chair add warmth. Mirrored pillows by John Robshaw and a glamorous oil portrait of Elizabeth Taylor shake things up a bit.

See more contemporary Muskoka cottages in our photo gallery.

Exotic accents amp up a neutral space.

A Moroccan stool and hammam towels add a global feel to the Zen principal bathroom. A contemporary freestanding tub and a glassed-in shower create a spa-like atmosphere. Centering the vanity on the window and framing it with mirrors is a playful way to maximize the lake view.

See more contemporary Muskoka cottages in our photo gallery.

A mix of country and traditional styles gives a classic look.

Dark wood ceilings and floors visually connect to the rest of the cottage. Antique pizza boards and wooden spoons decorate the back of the brick fireplace. A window that opens up fully to the adjacent screened-in Muskoka room allows fresh breezes into the space.

See more traditional cottages in our photo gallery.

Traditional Canadian decor.

This Muskoka cottage takes its decorative cues from Northern Ontario nostalgia. In the boathouse living room, a collection of antique gauges surround the French doors leading to a little balcony. Checkered pillows and black outdoor fabric upholstery can handle wet bathing suits and towels after a dip in the lake.

See more traditional cottages in our photo gallery.

A cosy yet modern look.

We can imagine spending many nights around the fire in the living room of this beautiful Muskoka cottage. Designer Michael Angus used paired elements — windows, sofas, coffee tables and stools — to create symmetry and a sense of calm in the room. A cowhide rug and zebra print footstools add a fun, modern edge to an otherwise traditional space.

Find more inspiration in our photo gallery of Cosy Winter Cabins.

Fun, cabin-style accents.

Kitschy Canadiana accents like this moose pillow give a cottage character. Adding accessories like a snowshoe establishes the idea of the cottage as a winter retreat, and a rough-hewn wood chair adds to the rustic feel.

Whimsy meets woodsy in this small space.

A wood-panelled ceiling, antlers on the wall and a wicker trunk used as a bedside table give this room a wilderness-inspired look. A succulent on the table enhances the outdoorsy vibe and zebra toys on the bed make the room kid-friendly.

Dark grasscloth wallpaper is warm and cocooning.

This small bathroom feels cosy and intimate thanks to its dark walls and wood flooring. It also features an antique pine sink and industrial brass sconces that impart a timeless beauty.

For more ideas, check out our gallery of 20 Small Bathrooms.

Creamy board-and-batten siding and a whitewashed wood floor create a relaxed atmosphere.

Deep brown ceiling planks add to the natural cottage charm. Cushions covered in outdoor fabric on the antique wicker armchairs have a masculine appeal, as do the vintage sporting goods, like a tennis racket, oars and fishing net.

Find a place for keys, umbrellas, coats and wellies by the door.

In this rustic cottage, designer Michael Angus adorned walls with antique sailing and fishing prints, and filled an antique bucket with fishing rods and walking sticks.

Accessories like a leather and twig stool, wicker jugs and earthy mixing bowl inject texture.

Notes of brown are used throughout this Muskoka, Ont., cottage, most noticeably in the stunning stained wood floors and timbered ceilings, while crisp white walls keep the brown tones from feeling too heavy.

Customized antiques add a personal touch.

Designer Michael Angus had this antique harvest table stained to match the wide plank floor. Windsor chairs with pin-striped seat cushions complete the look. Wood venetian blinds have a sculptural effect and floor-to-ceiling drapes accentuate the ceiling height.

Get more traditional cottage decorating ideas in our photo gallery.

Two furniture groupings in one room create a layered and cosy effect.

Ceiling-mounted spotlights cast a warm glow onto this natural stone fireplace. A low-slung daybed serves as a room divider while keeping sight lines open.

Shelves along the perimeter of a room provide space for displays.

A country-style screen door and a pair of refurbished 1920 wicker rocking chairs lend authenticity to this setting. Loads of greenery — inside and out — add to the organic feel.

Vintage wood board games are displayed as art.

A dark wood Mission-style banister contrasts with the white walls and ceilings. Keeping the floor planks and beadboard ceiling running in the same direction helps draw the eye to the back, where antique birch storage trunks and an archer’s quiver with arrows sit on display.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Traditional Cottages and Cosy Winter Cabins.

A splash of blue in the bedroom is fitting for this lakeside home.

A headboard slipcover and bedskirt in watery blue and white stripes bring a touch of colour and pattern to this room. Placing the bed under a window ensures lake breezes for a comfortable sleep.

Get more traditional cottage decorating ideas in our photo gallery, plus browse more White Rooms.

A freestanding clawfoot tub creates a country aesthetic.

French plumbing heightens this tub’s character, while a dark schoolhouse-style sconce contrasts with the white room. A bank of windows lets in plenty of natural light.

The best feature of this Muskoka boathouse is arguably its idyllic lakeside setting.

Tucked in at the bottom of a dramatic hillside, the boathouse seems to grow from the rock itself. An ample deck, moss green wood siding and pistachio-coloured window frames echo the surrounding landscape.

A simple, streamlined look is acheived with hidden appliances.

The kitchen of this understated, elegant cottage was designed to be inconspicuous. “It’s got everything you need, but it blends in with the wall and just fades away,” says homeowner David Beaton. A large fridge is hidden by white beadboard panelling in line with the cabinets, adding a nautical element.

See more contemporary Muskoka cottages in our photo gallery.

A unique pendant light adds a sculptural note in a clean-lined space.

A simple Parsons style outdoor table and sleek chairs seat up to 12. Surrounded by water and trees, this Muskoka boathouse is a unique place to entertain.

Natural and glam elements mix for a refined look.

The bedroom decor in this space emphasizes the organic, with wood taking precedence in the furnishings as well as the structure of the room itself. Gold-finish lamps, crisp white bedding and an Hermès throw blanket strike a luxurious note.

See more contemporary Muskoka cottages in our photo gallery.

Different local varieties can be used to suit the season.

At this historic Muskoka lodge, the manicured gardens are made even more colourful with hanging baskets and planters on the steps and along the pathway. They’re easier to care for than the garden, and can be transported back to the city at the end of the summer.

Get more landscaping and garden design ideas in our Gorgeous Gardens photo gallery.

A classic knotty-wood cabin look.

This kitchen is designed to handle a crowd: open shelving and an armoire with chicken-wire fronts make finding things easy; the massive olive-stained island houses two heavy-duty dishwashers. Modern bar stools keep the space current.

See more beautiful cottage kitchens in our photo gallery.

Natural wood panelling creates an authentic cabin look.

A generously sized kitchen table made of reclaimed pine easily accommodates large family dinners. An elaborate handmade French chandelier adds an unexpected twist.

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

Multiple drapery panels customize light and privacy.

Wraparound windows maximize views of Trading Bay and the Algonquin Highlands beyond. Clean lines, a Moroccan lantern and paisley-print bedding offer a contemporary take on a classic lodge look.

To see more rooms with a view, visit our photo gallery.

This 80-year-old structure still possesses much of its original woodsy charm.

A lush forest keeps this gorgeous cottage secluded and private. Consider perching new-build cottages on a hill to maintain views, like editor Suzanne Dimma did with her cottage.

For more traditional inspiration photos, see our Traditional Cottages photo gallery.

For more cottage ideas, see our Cottages & Country Houses photo gallery, plus more cottage photos.

A charming side patio offers views to the lake.

This cottage’s black-stained wood siding and crisp white gingerbread trim were left untouched to keep the original authenticity of the structure. The stone patio offers a flat area to arrange comfortable outdoor seating for lazy afternoons in the shade.

For more traditional inspiration photos, see our Traditional Cottages photo gallery.

For more cottage ideas, see our Cottages & Country Houses photo gallery.

Painting the walls and ceiling white brightened an old wood cottage.

This great room — designed by Anne Hepfer — has two sitting areas, an ideal setup for weekends spent entertaining. The huge mirror (custom-made in Bali with tiny seashells) balances the fireplace at the other end of the room. The ottoman is made of antique mats from Borneo. Keeping the backdrop and major pieces neutral means the owner can add bold colour and pattern in easy-to-update accessories.

For more chic interiors by Anne Hepfer, see our photo gallery.

See more cottage photos in our White Cottages gallery, Traditional Cottages gallery, Cottages & Country Houses, plus more cottage photos.

A bright dining area.

Work your style and floor plan around the structure of your space, not the other way around. Part of the appeal of this sunny cottage breakfast room is the uneven beadboard and knotty wood floors. Designer Anne Hepfer kept these elements intact and simply transformed the look with white paint, casual decor and a fresh blue and white palette.

How To
Study a room before you buy or move around furniture. Don’t automatically arrange seating the same way you had it in your last place. Consider the light, surfaces and the room’s function and let those elements direct your choices.

For more inspiration, see our Seaside-Inspired Interiors photo gallery, Traditional Cottages photo gallery, Cottages & Country Houses photo gallery, and Beautiful Sunrooms photo gallery.

Bright bedding and flags liven up a kids’ bedroom.

Create a naval colour scheme with red quilts, white walls and a navy rug. Rope ties on the pillows, a tripod lamp and caned headboards add to the nautical style.

For more beachy and nautical rooms, see our Seaside-Inspired Interiors photo gallery.

To learn how to make your own nautical cushions, view Michael Penney’s Online TV DIY segment.

Climbing flowers add height and colour.

Interiors consultant Lisa Rogers crafted a charmingly relaxed getaway for her family in the Muskokas. To take full advantage of the breathtaking views of the lake, she placed a pair of dove grey Muskoka chairs on her porch, which she outfitted with colourful pillows. A large wicker basket holds throws and blankets for chilly nights by the water.

Find more outdoor inspiration in our Beautiful Balcony Decorating gallery.

A living room decorated for comfort and ease.

Slipcovered furniture, a brick fireplace and mantel and ceiling with barn beams contribute to the inherent cosiness of this room. A seagrass area rug suits the natural palette and a unique turquoise fixture adds overhead lighting and personality.

A beamed ceiling and white panelling offer a classic country look.

The open ceiling in this principal bedroom enhances the airiness of the bright white space. Natural linen bedding gives the bed a soft, slightly rumpled European look. Mosquito netting is a charming accent — and a practical touch in the country.

Get more inspiration in our Country Bedrooms photo gallery.

A retreat that takes full advantage of the water’s edge.

In Tom and Suzanne White’s boathouse living room, round windows enhance both the Victorian and nautical themes. A mix of upholstered furniture, wicker, and wood pieces create a relaxing atmosphere.

A glass cupola draws in natural light.

In Tom and Suzanne White’s boathouse living room, round windows enhance both the Victorian and nautical themes. A mix of upholstered furniture, wicker, and wood pieces create a relaxing atmosphere.

Country style with nautical charm.

This cosy sleeping area is nestled at the bottom of the boathouse’s T-shaped layout. A vaulted 12-foot ceiling, tongue-and-groove panelling and exposed painted beams add character.