These Cottage Bedrooms Have Us Dreaming Of Lakeside Naps

Dream retreat

The main cottage’s primary bedroom feels both elegant and simple, and the white shiplap walls tie in with the rest of the decor. The ceiling wasn’t nice enough to just paint white, so designer Madison Krofchick covered it in barnboard that she salvaged from a friend’s farm.

For the bedroom on the right in one of the two smaller sleeping cabins for guests, Krofchick wanted a more grown-up feeling. The unpainted ceiling has a fresh presence that cultivates a breezy mood, and the beds, which came with the property, are dressed in soft colours.

See the full house tour. 

Secluded eastern townships cottage

In her daughter Tamara’s bedroom, cottage owner and designer Alyson Wood took inspiration from the artwork. “I loved the woolly look of the animals, and my father had an alpaca farm, so I thought this would bring back great memories for Tamara,” she says. The choice informed the fun textural rug and the nubby upholstery on the armchairs and ottomans.

See the full tour.

full stripes

A corner bedroom favoured by two of the cottage's younger boys got its decor inspiration from the handwoven wall hanging on the far wall. The dresser was rescued from the original lodge and repainted. Like the leather inserts on the headboards, it’s attractive but stands up to the antics of active young kids.

See the full tour.

Cozy Cabin

The primary bedroom opens up onto a lake-facing balcony. The guest bedroom (right) came together more or less organically, says designer and cottage owner Michelle Berwick, with artwork gathered from around the house that all works together – maybe because each piece has its own story, like the Renaissance-style portrait that was painted by her client’s uncle.

See the full tour.

West Coast cottage

Millwork lends character to the lofty master bedroom, which opens to one of two decks. Subtle textures and patterns in layered neutrals give the room its soothing quality. The crystals on the iron chandelier add just a touch of shimmer, while the delicate nature of the fixture doesn't detract from the view.

See the full tour.

Nautical boathouse

A compact bunk room comfortably sleeps four adults on twin-sized beds. Clean white walls, aged hemlock floors and blue and white bedding reinforce the casual coastal scheme.

See the full tour.

Muskoka minimalism

The minimalist custom headboard warms the primary bedroom even as it integrates shelving, sconce lighting, and storage for phone or tech. A curvaceous chandelier dresses up the lofty beamed ceiling. When it’s time to sleep, there’s no need to get up – the nubby linen-style drapes are motorized.

The bunk beds on the right were built by the client’s father, so they’re super sentimental.

See the full tour.

classically colourful

The primary bedroom has a view of the water, which inspired the chaise fabric. “The client is a voracious reader and this is her escape zone,” says designer Cynthia Ferguson. The original wood walls are “cottagey perfect, but we wanted to pretty things up a little.” Layers of blue patterns adorn the upholstered bed, drapes and pillows.

See the full tour.

Charming coastal

The headboard from an old resort was a local thrift shop find. It was painted yellow for fun," says cottage owner Kevin Austin. “Slick yellow, navy and white is a crisp preppy combination.” 

Layers of blue in the upstairs guest room continue the colour scheme, while a dappled milk glass vase and spooledleg side table used as a nightstand add texture.

See the full tour.

Bright eclectic

In the master bedroom, designer Stephan Howard used a mix of styles and a dash of bold colour. The refined sensibility of the zinc-framed mirror and marble-topped dresser are offset by a circa-1900 door he sourced in Eastern Ontario. Clad in its original turquoise paint, which is now wonderfully distressed, it gives a rustic style to the room.

See the full tour.

Bright eclectic

In the master bedroom, designer Stephan Howard used a mix of styles and a dash of bold colour. The refined sensibility of the zinc-framed mirror and marble-topped dresser are offset by a circa-1900 door he sourced in Eastern Ontario. Clad in its original turquoise paint, which is now wonderfully distressed, it gives a rustic style to the room.

See the full tour.