Regina and Dave love bringing their kids to the cottage for family time away from their daily obligations and busy lives. However, their two-storey cottage had too many small rooms, a dysfunctional layout, and no functional play space for the kids.
So they called the Scott’s Vacation House Rules team for help. Read on to see how Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni shored up this beachside cottage with plenty of open space and crafty corners.
Don’t miss new episodes of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV Canada. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!
Tiny Rooms With No Space
When Scott arrived at the Sandy Pines cottage, there wasn’t much room to move around. The rooms were too small and situated in awkward corners, which didn’t leave the family with much room to hang out together. That was especially true in the tiny kitchen, which was minimized by the equally tiny bedroom beside it.
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A New and Improved Space
Scott is a fan of the “heads in beds” model for cottages, but in this rare case, he felt the layout would benefit from one less bedroom and more communal space. So he knocked out a main floor bedroom and expanded the kitchen. The result is a beautiful area where the whole family can hang out. Now there’s plenty of seating thanks to the new island, design appeal via the dark blue and white finishes, and modern appliances to encourage easy cottage living. Meanwhile, lots of lighting options keep the space feeling bright and open.
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An Open-Concept Design
The white and blue theme continues in the new and improved living room, which features plenty of sitting room and a natural fireplace for bonus warmth. Large windows help bring even more light into the space, while a large dining table and bench add lots of opportunities for family games night or cozy dinners together.
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Space for Family Time
In the lower living room, Scott and Debra added more blue finishes to complement the upstairs look but went with a softer shade to differentiate the family-friendly space. Comfy couches provide an opportunity for family movie nights after a day at the beach, while the bar fridge allows people to come and go for a drink without tracking sand upstairs. A few plants, candles, and framed photographs complete the cozy family nook.
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Porch Appeal
Last but not least, Scott and Debra revamped this screened-in porch to make it the perfect summer hangout space. A new wood ceiling and pot lights provide light and shelter from the elements, wicker furniture allows for ample seating, and high-tech screens with safety railings offer the perfect view. Now, this is a cottage where the whole family can hang out, but as the kids grow older in the years to come, it’s also perfectly set up to generate extra income.
Don’t miss new episodes of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV Canada. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!
