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A Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept Overhaul
Transplanted Canadians Andy and Sandra spend most of their year in Hawaii, where they work. So when they come home to their Muskoka, Ont. cottage for the summers, it's not just a chance for them to unwind but to spend time with their family. Unfortunately after 10 years of cottage ownership the couple found they were doing more maintenance than entertaining or relaxing. Enter Dan Vickery and the Love It Or List It Vacation Homes crew. Here's how he transformed the space into an open-concept vacation home fit for an extended family.
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A Cozy Entrance
1/20A Cozy Entrance
1/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Originally Dan had wanted to give these homeowners new siding to match their updated boathouse. But with tons of walls to cover and a dwindling budget, he updated their massive outdoor fireplace instead. Now the front of the cottage still has a ton of warmth and appeal, but with a bit of a more rustic vibe.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulA Cozy Entrance
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -Originally Dan had wanted to give these homeowners new siding to match their updated boathouse. But with tons of walls to cover and a dwindling budget, he updated their massive outdoor fireplace instead. Now the front of the cottage still has a ton of warmth and appeal, but with a bit of a more rustic vibe.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Bright Touches
2/20Bright Touches
2/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
The bright red of the Muskoka chairs pack a real visual punch, helping to define and characterize the space. The look is then toned down with this pretty outdoor rug and a few well chosen textiles that feel warm and perfect in a cottage setting.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulBright Touches
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -The bright red of the Muskoka chairs pack a real visual punch, helping to define and characterize the space. The look is then toned down with this pretty outdoor rug and a few well chosen textiles that feel warm and perfect in a cottage setting.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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A Wide Open Space
3/20A Wide Open Space
3/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Inside there was plenty of square footage for Dan to work with -- it was simply a matter of opening up and unifying the spaces so that Andy and Sandra could always feel connected to their hoards of guests all summer long.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulA Wide Open Space
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -Inside there was plenty of square footage for Dan to work with -- it was simply a matter of opening up and unifying the spaces so that Andy and Sandra could always feel connected to their hoards of guests all summer long.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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A Cozy Fireplace
4/20A Cozy Fireplace
4/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Dan managed to save some money in the budget by salvaging this beautiful rock wall fireplace, putting the cash into making the unit itself more functional. He then adorned it with an updated and sturdy new mantel, bringing the look into this century.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulA Cozy Fireplace
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -Dan managed to save some money in the budget by salvaging this beautiful rock wall fireplace, putting the cash into making the unit itself more functional. He then adorned it with an updated and sturdy new mantel, bringing the look into this century.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Natural Lighting
5/20Natural Lighting
5/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Some beautiful skylights above ensure that plenty of natural light hits the space during the day, while a few well-placed drop chandeliers and an overhead light above the living room ensure that the space is well-lit at night, too.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulNatural Lighting
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -Some beautiful skylights above ensure that plenty of natural light hits the space during the day, while a few well-placed drop chandeliers and an overhead light above the living room ensure that the space is well-lit at night, too.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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White and Bright
6/20White and Bright
6/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Dan also managed to save some money with the walls themselves in this main floor living space. Before they were all the same colour: wood. But thanks to some fresh white paint and a little imagination, this space suddenly seems a lot more cottage chic.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulWhite and Bright
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -Dan also managed to save some money with the walls themselves in this main floor living space. Before they were all the same colour: wood. But thanks to some fresh white paint and a little imagination, this space suddenly seems a lot more cottage chic.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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The Exposed Kitchen
7/20The Exposed Kitchen
7/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
New, updated appliances and extended cabinets give Andy and Sandra about a third more storage space than they had previously. Not to mention the new pretty white hue and upgraded back splash completely ties into the fresh, modernized space.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulThe Exposed Kitchen
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -New, updated appliances and extended cabinets give Andy and Sandra about a third more storage space than they had previously. Not to mention the new pretty white hue and upgraded back splash completely ties into the fresh, modernized space.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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A Centre Island
8/20A Centre Island
8/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
This extended island doesn't just give Sandra extra storage space; it now allows plenty of family members to congregate together while the homeowners cook and prepare food, allowing for a more communal cottage experience.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulA Centre Island
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -This extended island doesn't just give Sandra extra storage space; it now allows plenty of family members to congregate together while the homeowners cook and prepare food, allowing for a more communal cottage experience.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Seating Solutions
9/20Seating Solutions
9/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Because this is one busy summer hotspot, Dan made sure to incorporate plenty of seating spaces as well. That includes these great little bar stool chairs overlooking the living room, and a large dining room table on the far side of the room.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulSeating Solutions
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -Because this is one busy summer hotspot, Dan made sure to incorporate plenty of seating spaces as well. That includes these great little bar stool chairs overlooking the living room, and a large dining room table on the far side of the room.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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A Space To Chill
10/20A Space To Chill
10/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
One of Sandra's biggest complaints was that she and her husband could never just hang out and chill at the cottage because of the laundry list of items that needed to be accomplished. Now, thanks to a new reno and tons of plush seating options, family hangouts should never be an issue again.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulA Space To Chill
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -One of Sandra's biggest complaints was that she and her husband could never just hang out and chill at the cottage because of the laundry list of items that needed to be accomplished. Now, thanks to a new reno and tons of plush seating options, family hangouts should never be an issue again.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Back Entrance
11/20Back Entrance
11/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
On this side of the room even more natural light spills in thanks to the sliding doors, which lead to the patio and extend the living space even further.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulBack Entrance
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -On this side of the room even more natural light spills in thanks to the sliding doors, which lead to the patio and extend the living space even further.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Multiple Levels
12/20Multiple Levels
12/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
There are only a few stairs separating the main living area from these "upper" rooms, but it's enough to create a defined and purposeful area that smartly separates each space.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulMultiple Levels
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -There are only a few stairs separating the main living area from these "upper" rooms, but it's enough to create a defined and purposeful area that smartly separates each space.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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A Repurposed Master
13/20A Repurposed Master
13/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
By reconfiguring the layout of the master bedroom and turning an awkward window into an ensuite door, Dan was able to create a more spacious area with a better view of the pretty lake outside.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulA Repurposed Master
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -By reconfiguring the layout of the master bedroom and turning an awkward window into an ensuite door, Dan was able to create a more spacious area with a better view of the pretty lake outside.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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A Unified Look
14/20A Unified Look
14/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
The same flooring continues here, helping to create an easy flow within the entire space. Meanwhile new white walls and some oversized baseboard and trim give the room a polished and clean feel.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulA Unified Look
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -The same flooring continues here, helping to create an easy flow within the entire space. Meanwhile new white walls and some oversized baseboard and trim give the room a polished and clean feel.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Simple Furnishings
15/20Simple Furnishings
15/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
This bed and dresser set are just big enough for the space without making it feel cramped, and allow for a slightly more luxurious cottage getaway. Meanwhile, simple art on the wall ensures that nothing detracts from this gorgeous view.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulSimple Furnishings
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -This bed and dresser set are just big enough for the space without making it feel cramped, and allow for a slightly more luxurious cottage getaway. Meanwhile, simple art on the wall ensures that nothing detracts from this gorgeous view.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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A Separate Walkout
16/20A Separate Walkout
16/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Thanks to some new doors that open onto the deck, Andy and Sandra can enjoy all that their gorgeous property has to offer right from the moment they wake up.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulA Separate Walkout
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -Thanks to some new doors that open onto the deck, Andy and Sandra can enjoy all that their gorgeous property has to offer right from the moment they wake up.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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A New Ensuite
17/20A New Ensuite
17/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Before this ensuite boasted the smallest shower and largest bathtub, with absolutely zero functionality. Afterwards thanks to a little reconfiguring there's plenty of space for this couple to enjoy. And yes, that includes a new, double vanity -- one of Andy's biggest wants for the house.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulA New Ensuite
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -Before this ensuite boasted the smallest shower and largest bathtub, with absolutely zero functionality. Afterwards thanks to a little reconfiguring there's plenty of space for this couple to enjoy. And yes, that includes a new, double vanity -- one of Andy's biggest wants for the house.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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A Large Shower
18/20A Large Shower
18/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Not only is this new shower extra large and perfect for the couple to enjoy, but it also packs a fun design punch thanks to the slanted ceiling. Simple subway tiling and antique inspired hardware complete the look.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulA Large Shower
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -Not only is this new shower extra large and perfect for the couple to enjoy, but it also packs a fun design punch thanks to the slanted ceiling. Simple subway tiling and antique inspired hardware complete the look.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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A New Clawfoot Tub
19/20A New Clawfoot Tub
19/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
This standalone clawfoot tub is a pretty addition in this uniquely shaped corner, and is made to feel even more tranquil and lake-like thanks to the pretty blue hue on the wall. Meanwhile the standalone faucet adds instant character while pulling in design cues from the other hardware featured throughout the room.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulA New Clawfoot Tub
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -This standalone clawfoot tub is a pretty addition in this uniquely shaped corner, and is made to feel even more tranquil and lake-like thanks to the pretty blue hue on the wall. Meanwhile the standalone faucet adds instant character while pulling in design cues from the other hardware featured throughout the room.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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A Magnificent Walk-In
20/20A Magnificent Walk-In
20/20Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
This extra large walk-in closet is the perfect addition to the master, and with the same blue walls as the ensuite there's an easy transition. The area features plenty of space for Andy and Sandra's summer luggage and for all of their attire, making it yet another functional solution in this summer escape. No wonder this couple decided to love their cottage in the end -- it's the perfect little relaxing retreat.Love It or List It Vacation HomesA Muskoka Cottage Gets An Open-Concept OverhaulA Magnificent Walk-In
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -This extra large walk-in closet is the perfect addition to the master, and with the same blue walls as the ensuite there's an easy transition. The area features plenty of space for Andy and Sandra's summer luggage and for all of their attire, making it yet another functional solution in this summer escape. No wonder this couple decided to love their cottage in the end -- it's the perfect little relaxing retreat.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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