How To Create Affordable ‘Cottage Chic’

NC – Spending time at a cottage is just as much a part of Canadian life as our legendary hockey. The cottage is where we unwind, reconnect, and escape the day-to-day routines. While it’s important for the cottage to be inviting and comfortable, it’s good to know that decorating it can be simple and affordable.

When it comes to a cottage-style, there are no rules. You can choose to create light breezy spaces with a neutral palate or experiment with bold colour choices and confidently mix old with new.

Here are some budget-friendly design ideas to inspire you:

• Think of purchases you could upcycle: old farm equipment or cottage items can be transformed into furniture, such as turning a farm cart into a coffee table. Paint second-hand or reclaimed furniture for a weathered look. Go for a rugged theme by reupholstering an ottoman or chair with plaid fabric.
• Your cottage can be a space to take risks and play with trends − like painting a feature wall sky blue, or painting wooden floors in tranquil white, or in a nautical colour. Mix rustic with sophisticated styles − like setting formal china or glassware on a vintage table or cabinet.
• Create a statement headboard for your master bedroom. Transform an old gate into a headboard, repurpose canoe paddles and attach them in a row for a unique headboard, or use old dock boards to create that signature piece.
• If your cottage has a verandah, dressing it up can effectively create an additional room for family and friends to gather—or nap. Mix textures and influences to create a tranquil outdoor space; add chairs for relaxing; hang sheer curtains to define the space; or, build an outdoor fireplace.
• Part of the cottage life appeal is lazing in a hammock or Muskoka chair with a good book. Create a rustic book shelf with reclaimed wood (perhaps from an old dock) or fix an old ladder on the wall horizontally to create a memorable storage shelf for books.
• To keep costs down, repurpose furniture you already own, or source unique items at flea markets or garage sales. Another affordable source is the ReStore of home-building organization, Habitat for Humanity. It stocks all kinds of discounted supplies such as home décor, lumber, and furniture. And if you need to make repairs to your cottage, it also stocks building supplies and the tools at up to 50% off the retail price. You can find a ReStore in your community at www.habitat.ca/restore.

With a little creativity and savvy shopping, you can transform your cottage into a tranquil and stylish retreat.