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As soon as the temperature hits the teens, most of us eagerly pack our bags and cars to head up north to our home away from home: the cottage. We are ready for lazy days lounging on the dock, the sun warming our skin, the smell of bbq and a refreshing dip in the lake.

Cottages are a Canadian luxury and remind us of summer and good times, but do you think your cottage would benefit from a makeover?

Cottages are deserving of the same love and attention that we give our homes.

If you are struggling with how to give your cottage a makeover, keep reading for some great tips!

 

Maximize the Amount of Light

Adding natural light into your cottage creates warmth and is known to improve mood and sleeping patterns. Additionally, adding natural light is a wonderful way to enjoy the environment around you, and who wouldn’t want to take in as much scenery as possible at a cottage?  

If your budget allows, adding a skylight, bay windows or a porch are beneficial in adding natural light into your space and keeps your electricity bill low.

If you’re looking for an easier and less expensive way to brighten your space, consider painting your cottage lighter colours, such as white. White is a popular shade for cottages, and pairing it with a minimalist colour scheme assists in reflecting natural light. Doing simple things such as painting your cabinetry can really improve a space. Dark wood often comes across as outdated, so painting it lighter colours will brighten your space while reflecting natural light.

Ensure your Outdoors are as Lovely as your Indoors

A key element of owning a cottage is enjoying your surroundings and all that nature has to offer. Having a patio at the cottage provides that extra element of bliss and relaxation to your vacation. It can be as simple as repairing or repainting your existing patio to rejuvenate your patio’s look. If you have money to spare, a question to ask yourself could be: does my patio meet the sizing needs of my family and my friends? If not, you could always consider increasing the size of your current patio, or building one if you do not have a patio. Building a screened patio is an easy way to ward off pesky mosquitoes. 

Decorating your patio with comfortable, weather resistant furniture and rugs upgrades your space. You can ensure your patio looks nice, regardless of the amount of spacing available. For tips on how to upgrade your patio, check out our previous blog on patios here.

Adding plants and flowers to your patio are an inexpensive way of brightening your outdoors. Plus, Citronella grass, Rosemary, Catnip and Marigolds are known to detract mosquitoes.

Incorporate your Personality

Most people view their cottage as a retreat and as a second home. Many people design their cottages to be comfortable and cozy, as opposed to sleek and modern. With a cottage, it is important to insert personality and flair. Incorporate your favourite colours, books, art, family photographs, or even something special from home.

Enjoy your summer at the cottage!

from Devonleigh Homes http://ift.tt/2alVv1n