These Cottage Living Rooms Are All About Comfort

Old meets new

Painted out in white, a newly exposed brick wall adds understated texture, as does the new reclaimed hardwood flooring.

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Nautical boathouse

The white beadboard-clad walls and peaked ceiling create an airy effect in the living room. A pair of striped sofas (one is a pullout) imbues the space with a nautical feel, as does the stunning view of the lake. A glass-lined balcony with a lockable gate serves as a diving platform for daring swimmers.

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Casual and contemporary

The upper-level family room show cases the homeowners’ desire for modern style. The gas fireplace is fronted with slabs of natural limestone, which have clean lines that are echoed in the furnishings.

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Rustic meets refined

Designer Lidia van Zyl played the natural tones of wood and stone against sleek black accents to create character in the living room. The tall armoire holds things like games, books and blankets, while the bare floor, a practical option, is easy to clean. A trio of metal sculptures above the reclaimed wood mantel is a departure from the expected mirror or artwork. 

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Rustic waterfront cottage

The newly focused living space is truly reflective of the homeowners’ aesthetic. The open sightline directly into the kitchen is perfect for keeping an eye on the kids and entertaining.

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Coastal style

The architectural focal point in the living room is its ceiling, with wooden beams mounted on a 45-degree angle over white beadboard. Down-filled slipcovered sofas invite family and friends to sink in for long conversations. A TV is cleverly concealed behind the doors above the fireplace.

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Country style

The cabin feels larger than its 400 square feet thanks to vaulted ceilings and windows galore. The designer used branches for drapery rods and mosquito netting as drapery. 

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Modern and relaxed

A soaring 22-foot-high cathedral ceiling highlights the open trusses in the great room, where natural elements reference the outdoors: the fireplace is Muskoka granite and features a mantel made from an old wood beam that homeowner Scott Bachly found in Collingwood, Ont.

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Guest room

Should extra guests stay the night at this cozy cottage, the sofa in the living room pulls out into a bed. The wainscotting adds a homey nautical style, and reading lights mounted on the wall are a space-saving solution in the space.

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Room with a view

Three sets of French doors with transom windows keep the focus on the spectacular ocean view from the living room. The oversized reclaimed-oak coffee table is a perfect spot for playing board games and entertaining friends. 

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Saving space

Because they lost a bedroom in the reno, Erin incorporated a pullout sofa in the living area for an extra place to sleep on crowded weekends. With the original dropped ceiling removed, the peaked ceiling and beams are exposed to stunning effect. “It lends the illusion of space, even though the square footage is really minimal,” says Erin. “It also helps to circulate air.”

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Cheerful summer cabin

The homeowner's parents brought back this vintage Suzani from Turkey. They searched every souk in Istanbul for it! Natural materials like leather, cane, wood, hide and seagrass add texture and warmth to the all-white space. 

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Sleek and modern design

Walls of south-facing windows flood the living room with warm light. The cottage’s unobtrusive design creates the illusion of sitting right in the woods, keeping the family connected with the land.

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Sit back and relax

1970s furniture that once belonged to the homeowner’s in-laws is now upholstered in durable Sunbrella fabric.

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Coastal casual

The living area’s muted palette of white, grey and steely blue enhances the cottage’s relaxed, elegant style, and the oak floors suit the coastal casual setting with their light wood tone reminiscent of driftwood. 

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Vintage flare

In the living room, wooden window frames were painted dark blue to stand out against the white walls. Sparkling silver legs lift the green brocade furniture and prevent the room from feeling staid.

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Cozy fireplace

A striking fireplace with a towering chimney breast and an oversized lantern-style pendant light are simple yet equally dramatic features.

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Pillow palooza

The woven chairs nestled up to the stone fireplace make tranquil spots to read. On rainy days, the floor lamps can provide light – no need for the chandelier. The wool rug is a symphony of blues.

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Moody hues

By wrapping the family room in an inky hue, designer Michelle Berwick instilled a “moody, cozy-cavern vibe” and put the emphasis on the stunning views of Upper Stony Lake. “It’s our favourite spot to have morning coffee, read a book midday, and settle in to watch the sunset,” she says. 

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Open space

Huge modern windows inspire awe from the shoreline and delight in the great room. “You cannot walk through the cottage without looking up at the beamed ceiling, and saying, ‘Wow!’” says designer Alison Knapp.

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Bright and eclectic

“When you look at the living room’s gallery wall, it’s very much the Kimsas,” says Stephan. Featuring the kids’ artwork and family photos that were resined or framed, it’s a resolutely personal display. Stephan also added some interesting bird images that are echoed in the collection of owl sculptures and the blue jay toss cushion.

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