The Cottage Remodel – An Update

It’s been exactly three months and one day since we announced our plans to completely remodel our family cottage, so we thought it was time to share an update.

Originally, we hoped to have the entire project completed within two months. Looking back we know that was an ambitious goal. While the cottage is a small space, we had a long list of projects to tackle, and Nick’s time is limited to evenings and weekends. Fortunately, Nick’s parents have been so helpful and the extra hands have really helped move the remodel along.

Before we jump into the update, here is a quick recap of our project. Nick’s grandparents purchased this 575-square-foot cottage on the shores of Georgian Bay almost 50 years ago. It encapsulates everything that comes to mind when you think of a cottage. It’s a charming little home, surrounded by trees and just steps from our very own beach. We shared all of the before photos of the cottage here.

We spend a lot of time here as a family and Nick and I planned the remodel to make the most of our tiny cottage while creating a space that everyone can enjoy. We designed each room to emphasize a sense of warmth, comfort, and simplicity while including a blend of traditional and modern design elements. You can see the design plans here.

With July just around the corner, Nick has been working tirelessly to complete the remodel. Thankfully, we haven’t run into any major problems or complications and it is coming together beautifully. We are about three-quarters of the way done and looking back we have accomplished so much!

Projects We’ve Completed:

• Removed the dated ceiling tiles in the kitchen, dining room and living room to expose the ceiling and beams underneath.
• Demoed the closet from the bunkroom in order to rebuild it on the other side of the room.
• Extended the existing laminate hardwood floor from the living room and dining room into the kitchen and both bedrooms.
• Updated all electrical.
• Painted all of the walls, ceilings and trim a beautiful warm white.
• Repurposed an electric fireplace for the living room by removing any details from the previous shell and adding simple design elements, including an over-mantel made from shiplap. The best part is we designed it to hide our TV!
• Sourced and assembled inexpensive but beautiful sofas for the living room.
• Painted the front door to add a hint of colour.
• Built and installed the cabinet boxes for the kitchen cupboards.
• Sourced and ordered the most beautiful window treatments for the kitchen, dining room, living room, both bedrooms and bathroom.
• Pivoted from our original plan of custom-built bunks in the girls’ room to a traditional and inexpensive pre-made bunk bed.
• Received our new fridge so we can keep it stocked with summertime favourites, like ice cream, lemonade and watermelon.
• Sourced lighting, kitchen hardware, rugs, furniture, bedding, art and decor pieces to add character and charm.

Projects Left to Do:

• Prime and paint the cabinet boxes in the kitchen a neutral cream colour.
• Build, paint and install the cabinet doors and drawer fronts for the kitchen cupboards.
• Design and build a range cover above the stove to hide the electrical panel.
• Install the countertops, apron sink, and antique-inspired faucet in the kitchen.
• Add open shelving to the kitchen and install sconces above for ambient lighting.
• Build closet in bunkroom for additional storage.
• Finish repairing the vintage ladderback chairs we sourced for the dining room.
• Install all window treatments once delivered.
• Complete a mini bathroom remodel, including new flooring, additional storage and a few simple updates to ensure the space mimics the aesthetic of the rest of the cottage.

Most of the remaining projects are in the kitchen and bathroom. Our plan is to complete the kitchen and then I can step in to add all of the finishing details like art, textiles and decor, while Nick works on the bathroom. We hope to have the kitchen finished within the next two weeks and we are estimating the bathroom will take another 5-7 days to finish.

We are so grateful Nick’s family let us take on this remodel! While it’s been a huge undertaking it’s also been so much fun and we’ve learned a lot along the way. It’s exciting to see how far it’s come and we can’t wait to cross the finish line.