On summer weekends, happy orange umbrellas flutter in the warm Lake Simcoe breeze and inviting bright blue lounge chairs beckon to anyone playing in the pool. Squeals of delight from children ripple across the patio. Through the wall-to-wall sliding glass doors that line the back of the cottage, friends and neighbours can be seen leaning on counters with cool drinks in hand or laughing against a backdrop of the sun-sparkled lake.

Once covered in taupe siding, the cottage was hardly a picture perfect purchase. Plus, there were a couple of ramshackle outbuildings on the property. “But for years we’d experienced lake life at our friends’ place, so we knew what we had here,” says the homeowner. “It was just a matter of taking a deep breath and imagining what it could be.”


Sit back and relax 1970s furniture that once belonged to the homeowner’s in-laws is now upholstered in durable Sunbrella fabric. “I can live with stains, but I can’t live with people who are afraid to relax,” says the homeowner. The blue-and-white room is accented with hits of coral. “Sun and water – that’s the whole idea,” she says.
Let the light in The cottage, situated on Ontario’s Lake Simcoe, is a place for children to run free and stay young. Here, little girls dash past a wall of windows, energized by a day that’s all about sunshine and swimming.
Enjoy the view Even on rainy mornings, there’s a spot to enjoy the view. A dining nook with a Mid-Century Modern dining set overlooks the pool and lake. Sky blue Sunbrella seat cushions are easy to clean.
Colourful decor Objects in shades of blue and coral find their way into the cottage in an unplanned, easygoing way. Here, a pretty cobalt blue teacup is filled with a few stems of coral dahlias.
Graphic accents White furnishings, upholstered in easy-to-clean, family friendly fabrics, are brightened up with graphic coral- and blue-patterned toss cushions. Since the fabrics are designed for outdoor use, the sun that streams in through the wall of windows and doors won’t fade the bright shades.
Bold patterns "I love fabric with bold patterns," says the homeowner. "But I couldn’t cover entire pieces in them." Instead, she opted for graphic toss cushions, which allow her to enjoy the look of the fabrics without overwhelming the room.
Strategic seating Throughout the backyard, multiple seating areas decorated in the getaway’s navy-and- orange colour scheme easily accommodate a large number of visitors.
Resort style Sleek loungers, ideal for sun worshippers, and expansive coral umbrellas lend the poolside patio a five-star resort vibe.
Contrasting hues In keeping with the rest of the home, the master bedroom is outfitted in navy and coral hues, which offer a fresh foil to the room’s dark wood furniture.
Bring colour outside Once covered in taupe siding, the cottage now boasts a navy blue roof and exterior. Taking their cue from Lake Simcoe’s vibrant waters, the homeowners also used the colour on the cozy lounge chairs. Hits of orange provide a hot contrast.