5 cottage improvements to take on this year

The official start of summer is just a few days away! This means cottage owners are likely already in vacation mode as they prepare for a warm season at their second home. If you have a cottage, does it need any updates this year? There are lots of cottage improvements you can take on if you think your property could use a bit of refreshing. Here are five of the best projects you can consider this year!

#1 Update the kitchen or bathroom

When we’re talking about home improvements, the kitchen and bathroom should be priorities in any type of home, including cottages. This is because these are the central areas of your property, and the ones that get the most traffic and use. It’s always worth sprucing up these spots once in a while, and if you’re already planning some improvement projects, these are good places to start. Kitchen and bathroom renovations at the cottage do not have to be as extensive as they might be in your house. Your cottage likely gets much less use throughout the year, and sometimes part of a cottage’s charm is an old-time feel. However, there’s nothing wrong with some simple upgrades. In the kitchen, think about replacing the appliances or cupboards. You can ditch the clunky white fridge and oven for stainless steel replacements, or remove the ancient wooden cupboards and put in something a bit more modern. For your bathroom, simple touches like new decor, a new shower curtain, or fresh tiling can make a huge difference! You can also take this time to ensure your plumbing is in great shape, as opposed to the old cottage standards of cold water and low pressure. 

#2 Freshen up the lighting

Depending on where your cottage is located, lighting can have a huge impact. If you are situated in a forested area where natural sunlight doesn’t filter in very well, it might look dark and unwelcoming inside your cottage. One of the best cottage improvements in this case is to bring in some cozy lighting to make the place feel warmer and friendlier. This might mean adding in extra ceiling lights and lamps, or, if you’re very ambitious, replacing small windows with large ones to let more light in. There are lots of ways to make your cottage feel lighter and fresher. You can also play around with the type of lighting you prefer. White light is brighter and can look cleaner, but warm lighting is much softer and cozier. 

#3 Replace the patio or deck

Arguably the biggest appeal of a cottage is spending time outside, either facing a lake, a beach, or a forest. In any case, you should have a great spot on your property to hang out when you want to be outside. If you don’t have a back deck or patio, this is a great opportunity to add one in. A simple wooden deck is all you need to enjoy the scenery around you, whether that is water or land. If you currently have an old patio or deck, consider updating or replacing it if it’s reaching the end of its life. Rotted wood is a telltale sign that it’s time to move onto a new addition. Once your deck is in place, just throw in some lawn chairs or a hammock, and you’re good to go!

#4 Refresh your cottage’s style

Another great area of cottage improvements is taking the time to rethink your second home’s style. These are aesthetic considerations that likely don’t impact the functionality of your cottage at all, but it can be nice to freshen things up once in a while! For example, how long has it been since the walls were painted, or the flooring was redone? Is the furniture modern, or is it covered in mid-century flowery patterns? When was the last time you brought in new decor? If you have a distinctly vintage cottage and that’s how you love it, then of course, leave it as is! However, if you’re looking for a way to just update its style without tearing the place apart, small improvements here and there can make a huge difference.

#5 Improve the laundry area

Finally, we’ve arrived at one of the top cottage improvements that is all about functionality and comfort! First of all, if your cottage doesn’t have a washer and dryer, this is definitely a purchase to consider. Doing laundry isn’t necessarily fun, but having access to it while on vacation is extremely convenient. That way, you won’t be heading to a laundromat if you run out of clothes halfway through your trip. Next, you should take some time to make your laundry area welcoming. Instead of shoving your machines into a dingy corner, clear out a space where you have room to store your detergent and fold your clothes. This just makes it a bit more of a pleasant task, instead of a terrible chore!

There are endless cottage improvements you could take on this year to make your second house feel a bit more like a home. It’s up to you to decide on the right projects, budget, and timeline to determine the best choice. Of course, if any of your cottage needs involve your mortgage, be sure to get a broker involved!

If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can call us at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.