Cape Breton: Cabot Trail & Celtic Colours

CAPE BRETON IN THE FALL

Over the past decade we’ve travelled all over Nova Scotia by car, mainly taking the coastal routes including along the North shore, the Fundy Shore, the South Shore and the Eastern Shore, from Yarmouth to Canso to Meat Cove, and many points in between. My favourite NS destination for exploring is Cape Breton Island, we’ve returned again and again at different times of the year, even in the winter (when you’re probably the only tourist on the Island). If you only go once in your life, I’d recommend the fall, if you could go once a year, I’d also chose fall. ; ). The island is in the north eastern part of Nova Scotia and has a unique heritage of Mi’kmaq, Acadian, and Gaelic cultures. Visiting the island is like stepping back in time, its quirky, uniquely charming, captivating and astoundingly beautiful.

Quintessential East Coast fall scene just outside of Mabu, Cape Breton

Driving around Cape Breton makes for an epic road trip. Its rural rolling countryside on the southern end of the island rises to majestic highlands and soaring craggy cliffs on the northern end. If you’ve ever visited the Scottish highlands, its a very similar landscape but on a smaller scale. And less sheep. ; )

Every October Cape Breton hosts a Celtic Colours International Festival that showcases the musical and living culture of Cape Breton and attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world. Its one of the premier music festivals in Canada, a week-long lineup of live music events all over the island that coincides with the fall colours.

Cap Rouge look-off. Views along the Cabot Trail to Margaree Island. Beautiful even in the rain.

The Island’s famous Cabot Trail which winds through the Highlands National Park is one of the most scenic road trips in the world, pair that with the peak fall colours and local Celtic music and its just an epic Nova Scotian experience.

Fall Views from the McKenzie Mountain look-off on the Cabot Trail

CELTIC COLOURS FESTIVAL

The Celtic Colours Festival isn’t happening this year, instead they’re holding the festival online from October 9th to 17th. They’ll be nine nights of streaming performances you can watch at home. Check out the festival website here for all the details and a stunning gallery of Cape Breton fall photos.

This fall could still be a uniquely special year to visit Cape Breton even without the festival - for those who are in the Atlantic bubble you could enjoy the rare treat of exploring the sights without the masses - and remain safely socially distanced in your car and the vast outdoors.

Breathtaking vista’s at a look-off on the North Mountain.

If you live in Atlantic Canada and have never been to Cape Breton in the fall - consider putting it at the top of your staycation destination list. In pre-covid times you’d have to plan far ahead, accommodations during the fall are often booked up a year in advance. There aren’t a huge amount of hotels on the island but there are a growing number of AirB&Bs and private cottages for rent.

Detouring off the trail, on the way to Meat Cove..

WHERE TO STAY

For driving the trail I like to stay in the Cheticamp area as its near the entrance gates to the park and there’s so much to explore around Cheticamp plus the western side of the park has the most stunning vistas. This area is the french Acadian region of Cape Breton and many of the locals speak only french. My favourite scenic stretch to drive is from Inverness all the way to Pleasant Bay.

On the western coast of the Island Its incredibly picturesque everywhere you look, you’ll want to pull over every few minutes to take photos, my niece literally would sprint out of the car before we fully stopped. I’d be right on her heals. This was just past Margaree forks.

Stuck in time on Cheticamp Island.

ACCOMMODATIONS WITH A VIEW

There’s a dream home I blogged about around 10 years ago, its in Cape Breton and has been featured in Canadian House & Home and an a Benjamin Moore ad campaign, view the post here. This home and one other cottage included in that post are available for vacation rentals. If you search you’ll find others in this area with similar views. Visit the Cape Breton website for ALL the sources. I’ll do another post in the future about my favourites.

As for touring, here are some of my recommendations for ann epic Cape Breton road trip.

#1. Go in the fall! Take an extra day off around Thanksgiving, its a great couples trip, friends trip or family trip.

My niece on our most recent Cabot Trail road trip…high winds at the McKenzie Mountain look off.

#2. For driving the Cabot Trail, I recommend planning to stay in the area at least 2 full days incase one day is rainy or foggy, if visibility is low you won’t see as much. This gives you a back up day for weather and an extra day to drive the trail again and explore some sights off the trail like Meat Cove, the northern most easterly tip of the island.

Off the Cabot Trail and enroute to Meat Cove.

Seaside barn on the north eastern tip of Cape Breton near Meat Cove.

Now this is a barn with a view! A favourite scenic stop on the road to Meat Cove.

Looking off from Meat Cove campground, the beach down below.

The pebble beach at Meat Cove.

#3. If you’re travelling as a group stay at a resort, a private cottage or AirB&B - preferably with a great view as they’ll have a bit more space than the often vintage era motels with tiny rooms. Ideally after a day of driving you want someplace you can dine-in (with take-out) or within walking distance to a nearby restaurant. (Just a head-ups, you can’t have the same expectations or level of choice for Airb&b accommodations on Cape Breton as you would in more populated destinations.)

The views from the deck of our boathouse Airb&b in Cheticamp.

On our last visit we stayed in a boathouse that was right in Cheticamp with stunning 180 degree water views (you can whale watch from the deck) and directly across from Cheticamp Island with rolling green hills and grazing cows.

#4. Take an SUV, if you don’t already have an SUV consider renting one especially if you’ll have more than 2 people in the vehicle, or at least take a 4 door car. An SUV will have larger windows and higher, more comfortable seating, multiple USB ports (for charging phone cams) and cup holders are also a bonus. You’ll be hopping in and out of the car a LOT, sometimes every minute or two. You’ll want room for extra coats (the weather changes by the minute) a cooler, picnic blanker, hiking poles, room for shopping bags (!) etc. Book a rental well in advance its the busiest time of the year for car rentals in NS.

Occasionally there’s a small parking area off the road with picnic area, but mainly throughout the trail there’s designated look-off spots where you pull-over on the side of the road. You’ll be hopping in and out of the car all day!

At the North Mountain Look-off

#5. Plan a hike or two. There are so many scenic hiking trails in the highlands just off the Cabot trail of all different lengths and difficulty. They’ll take you to some jaw-dropping views not visible from the road, like the Franey Trail, the Kauzmann Trail and Skyline Trail. Check them out (search on Instagram too!) and plan your timing and pack appropriate gear. (There’s no need to pack anything dressy, none whatsoever. Casual street wear or active wear is the norm everywhere).

Waterfall on a small hike off the Cabot Trail

The Skyline trail was closed on our last trip but we did an impromptu short hike on a trail we came across that was about 45min in and out, it had a few suspension bridges over a creek and a waterfall at the end. Sorry, can’t remember the name of this trail. It was a refreshing break from sitting in the car and was so picturesque.

#6. Start Fresh! For maximum enjoyment, plan to drive the Cabot Trail the day after you arrive and not the same day you depart, because chances are you’ll have to drive at least a few hours to get to and from. (Cape Breton is a 3.5 hour drive from Halifax airport and the Cabot Trail is about 45 minutes from the airport in Sydney, CB.). Get up in the morning fresh and ready for a full day of adventure and sightseeing and then park the car and relax for an evening of local food and music.

Our boathouse accommodations in Cheticamp, viewed from the restaurant next door.

The view of our boathouse accommodations in Cheticamp from the restaurant next door, about 20 steps along the boardwalk. It was super convenient and after 8 or 10 hours in the car exploring this was about as far as we wanted to go for dinner! Perfect.

#7. Stop at the Visitor information centre just as you enter CB after crossing the causeway. Pick up a map (don’t rely on cell service or wifi, cell service is almost non existent on the trail and most parts of the island) and brochures and notices about local attractions, events and restaurants.

#8. Drive the Cabot Trail in both directions because the views and sight lines will be different depending on which way you’re travelling. I’ve driven it multiple times both directions. My favourite direction is clockwise starting from Cheticamp. I think the vistas are much more dramatic on approach travelling in that direction and my travel partners always agree too.

If Driving counter-clockwise this guardrail in this image would be on the left side of the road.

The above photo was taken of the view behind the car as we were driving the trail clockwise, while we were pulled over to the right side of the road The road winds through the mountains so sometimes the guardrail and drop-off is on the left of the road and sometimes its on the right. Below is the same location, the camera is facing in the direction we were driving, clockwise.

Driving the trail clockwise, the guardrail and drop-off is on the right hand side of the road in this spot.

So if you read that people recommend you drive it counter-clockwise because the views are on the right, its not really relevant in my opinion - the views are equally to the left and right side of the road, it changes as the road winds.. But drama is all about the approach - so I think the best viewing experience is clockwise because the vistas unfold in front of you more dramatically than from the counter-clockwise direction - from my experience. ; ) (the feature photo of this post’s title shows my Niece capturing the view just further along around this bend, also taken on the right side of the road, driving clockwise).

The BEST part about being based in Cheticamp and driving the trail clockwise - the main park entrance is a short drive away, and only 20 minutes to the Skyline trail, (super convenient if you want to do that the second day). At the end of the day if you return to Cheticamp in the counter-clockwise direction you can witness the most epic Cabot Trail scene of all - Cap Rouge at sunset! What a way to cap off the day, just minutes away from arriving back to your accommodations.

#9. Don’t let rain deter you. I’ve driven the trail on sunny days, rainy days, misty days, and dark and stormy days. Unless there’s heavy mist and fog then visibility will be low but even then, there’s lot of artisan shops and exploring you can do. And true to maritime weather, it can change on a dime so you might get all conditions in one day. On my last trip, we didn’t’ see the sun the entire 4 days, not once, but the scenery never disappointed.

Stop in at Tartans and Treasures in Dingwall and look up your family tartan.

A fun gift shop on the trail is Tartans and Treasures. If you’re of Irish or Scottish heritage they’ll look up your family tartan, they carry wool scarves (made in Scotland) and many other tartan products for every clan. If you don’t have a family tartan just find a tartan for a friend or just chose one you like for yourself, like me, I chose the Blackwatch and Holyrood scarves. My niece is Scottish on her mother’s side and discovered the Stewart clan tartan is associated to their name which she now wears (the classic tartan we associate with Christmas!).

If you collect souvenirs like t-shirts or ball caps from your travels, stop at the Visitor Information centre again at the causeway on your way off the island. There’s a large gift shop next to the information centre with a great selection. (Just in case you got sidetracked during your adventures, or forgot someone on your gift list). There are lots of artisan studios and gift shops to visit along the trail with local crafts; folk art, pottery, rug hooking, glass art etc. St. Anne’s has quite a few in one place.

#10. Research before you go. Ideally I think a 3 night, 4 day trip is the perfect length of time to experience the Cape Breton scenery, food, music and arts. And its an ideal destination for singles, couples or groups, whether your budget is tent camping or luxury resort. Whatever your interests are; photography (endless scenery!), music, golfing, pottery, rug hooking, folk art, cuisine, hiking, heritage culture, fishing, whale watching….. there is something for everyone of all ages and abilities within close proximity of the Cabot Trail, a group can easily break off and do separate activities.

Picturesque scenery enroute to Meat Cove.

The Celtic Colours Festivals event isn’t happening in 2020 but there’s still plenty to experience if you have the opportunity to visit this fall or post-covid at another time of the year.

If you go, I promise you’ll be lost for words and soon get sick of hearing yourself say “wow”, “wow”, over and over again. The sheer magnitude of the colours in the highlands literally will have you gasping.

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Lunenburg New Build & Luxury Vinyl Flooring

when the destination is a journey

“…it changes to a dirt road then you will travel several dramatic rolling hills of farm land. At the end you will see an open gate with a little white picket fence and a prominent community sign. Continue through the gate along past all the little seaside cottages to the very end of the private road where you’ll find our cottage”.

Rolling country hills of Lunenburg County

When the directions to your newest client’s project sound like the makings of a scenic road trip you know you’re about to discover a special place with a special owner.  Even though this project, a new build, was already far along in the construction stage and quickly nearing completion, its exciting to jump on board at any time. 

Exterior scaffolding - Lunenburg New Build

jumping on board

Although Its not ideal for a designer to come in at such at late stage its still possible to provide tons of valuable input prior to finishes and fittings being installed. Inevitably you’ll spot things you wish could be changed or corrected but doing so can cause serious delays and added expense, so if that ship has sailed, its simply time to focus on working with what’s there and prioritize outstanding decisions so work can continue with a co-ordinated and cohesive vision.  Time isn’t on anyones side so the homeowner has to trust in the Designer’s experience to navigate them through countless decisions and selections as efficiently as possible.

For this project I was introduced just as drywall priming was completed but all the decisions beyond that stage still needed to be made.  I quickly got up to speed and focused on the most pressing issues first - assisting the owner with selecting the flooring, the trim work, and all paint finishes.  Once that was sorted we’d turn our attention to bathroom tiles, staircase details and then, cabinets, counters and light fixtures. 

On board the New Build Project - Day 1. View from family room into kitchen.

The home is situated ocean front on a peninsula inlet in Lunenburg NS, complete with its own beach and dock for all the waterside activities.  This new cottage is replacing the old family cottage of this single mother and her daughters. Although it won’t be their primary residence they will spend extended periods of time here joined by extended family and friends.  The goal for the interior was for it to have a bright, relaxed and contemporary coastal vibe, outfitted with practical materials and comfortable furnishings for easy living in every space. Longevity was the key objective, It was especially important that everything be of enduring style and lasting quality for low maintenance over the long term.

View from the mail floor up to the second floor.

As you enter the house from the road side its a two storey design with a double height main floor family room, bedrooms with cathedral ceilings area upstairs plus there’s the added bonus of a full walk-out basement level on the waterside.

Partial view of the family room

PICTURE POST CARD INSPIRATION

The homeowner hadn’t amassed the usual inspiration images of interiors but what she had tacked to a wall by her desk was more interesting - a series of coastal art post cards.  These images were the inspiration for the palette and mood she wanted the interior to have.  Without wasting a minute, we decided on the trim work before I left, and then I got to work sourcing options for the flooring which, once selected, would inform the direction for all other finishes.

The build had progressed to this point with an exterior rendering and a set of plans that depicted the interior floor plan and kitchen and bathroom elevations but no specifications for any interior finishes or trim.

For the flooring the homeowner had already sourced and narrowed down a couple of options but after reviewing them I recommended we look at some alternates.  I fully agreed with the direction she was going, which was a wood look vinyl plank, or luxury vinyl flooring, but I didn’t feel the colour or quality of the options she was considering were the best choice based on style or performance.

Client’s original vinyl flooring samples.

what is luxury vinyl flooring (lvf)

LVF or LVT is a term you’ll hear and see a LOT of these days - its the hottest thing in flooring.  Its a performance product in that its designed for durability and practicality. Just like marble look porcelain, LVF is a product of the digital era, with advanced technology and high resolution digital imagery these vinyl planks or tiles can replicate the look of the natural materials so convincingly you won’t believe your eyes, you’ll have to touch it to see if its real and even then you’ll wonder? With real-wood good looks paired with the practicality of vinyl, its the fastest growing flooring product out there. Here are some pro’s and con’s I’ve created to help weigh the benefits:

styles: LVP & LVT

The product is made in individual tiles. Plank shapes that replicate wood are referred to as LVP, Luxury Plank Flooring, typically 6-8” wide, 48” long. When made in square, rectangular or octagon tile shapes to replicate stone or ceramic its referred to as LVT, Luxury Vinyl Tile. Generally its ALL most commonly referred to as LVT but I simply refer to them collectively as LVF. Lately, we’re sourcing them for primary residences, cottages and seasonal home projects alike.

Example of an engineered Luxury Vinyl Tile Installation in progress on a different job site earlier this year. Ceramic look LVT by Armstrong Flooring.

LVT: standard VS. engineered

STANDARD = GLUE DOWN: Standard LVP and LVT are glue down installation, they have a bendable vinyl core with a composite backing (usually made of recycled material) to facilitate glueing to the substrate. LVT products also have the option of adding grout to enhance the tile look. This standard category also includes self-adhesive varieties, and some loose lay types.

ENGINEERED = FLOATING: Engineered with a rigid composite core and attached underlayment (pad). The edges are tongue and groove so they click and lock into place, designed to be a floating installation (much like real engineered wood flooring) but adhesive can also be used for added stability. Engineered planks/tiles are generally thicker than standard LVT. The thicker the product, the more added stability and comfort underfoot.

My descriptions above may differ slightly from mfg’s categorization, you’ll find some hy-brid types which are a cross-over between standard and engineered but in general the two main types of LVT are glue-down, or floating.

RIGID CORE: SPC & SWC

Engineered vinyl planks/tiles have solid rigid core’s made from either a stone plastic composite SPC, or a wood plastic composite WPC and topped with a durable wear layer.  These make the tile extremely hard/resilient, SPC are in fact as hard as a stone tile, while SWC are less hard. 

thickness: what to look for

Each product will have two thicknesses noted on the label or specs, the total product thickness and the wear layer thickness.

PRODUCT THICKNESS: is measured in mm, ranging from 2mm to 12mm for residential products. The thicker the product the more stability and comfort under foot.

WEAR LAYER THICKNESS: typically measured in mil, but sometimes mm (ie; 0.5mm). Wear layers range from 4mil to 20mil, 20mil being the highest standard for residential, 28mil+ is commercial grade. 8 - 12 mil is suitable for most residential applications.

QUALITY: ITS ALL ABOUT THE WEAR LAYER

With the huge range of types and quality of LVF,  you simply get what you pay for. In both glue down and floating (locking) grades the thickness of the actual plank or tile is not necessarily what reflects its quality. The key difference in quality is the wear layer thickness.  The wear layer is what protects the digital pint image and is what what gives the product is durability (scratch resistance, dent resistance, etc). The thinner wear layers scratch easier and show wear much sooner than a thicker wear layer so factor that in to your choice for high traffic areas.

Here’s a look at 3 different manufacturers that were available at a local flooring dealer as an example of the styles available.

All of the above options are an engineered LVP , with rigid stone cores and locking installation. Retail pricing ranged from $3.05sf to $6.99sf. (all had wear layers of 20mil or higher).

Although I found more than one option that could work perfectly at this new build project they ultimately didn’t go with any of these due to delivery lead times. (I mentioned time wasn’t on our side!) So we selected an in-stock option form a local building centre to keep things moving along on site.

A few boxes of samples were brought to site and this was the final selection. Its a locking (floating) LVF and while it still has a subtle weathered grey effect it has a lot more natural wood tone in it than the original samples the client had selected. Its lighter, warmer, without having yellow or orange tones and the variation in colour will make it very forgiving.

Sampling paint colours for the stair treads.

Here’s a look at the vinyl install in progress and a peek at the staircase finishing. It ended up having more colour variation in it then we anticipated even after dry-laying a sample box but we were still really happy with it knowing what other finishes were still to come. For the stairs, a much consideration the client opted to go with painted treads and risers instead of leaving them natural hardwood. We tested several coloured paints for the treads which will be topped with a bright colourful rug runner. More on the interior paint palette in an upcoming post.

Here’s a sneak peek of the flooring install in the kitchen several weeks later when the cabinet install was in progress. More about the kitchen and that fabulous huge awning window (it opens up to a bar counter on the exterior) in an upcoming post.

WHERE TO BUY

Available everywhere flooring is sold, certain brand names are only available through authorized dealers. If you’re investing in a large quantity my advice is to select from a product line available through a local retail dealer, I prefer the retail dealers rather than a big box store because they’re better informed and you’ll get a higher level of service, including installation co-ordination if you need. Any retail flooring dealer will have at least 3 or 4 different mfgs product lines to chose from. Compare the specs versus the level of durability you need. Borrow the large samples and view them in your space or better yet go online and order your own free sample from the mfg and put it to the test at home.

DIY

Ultimately the quality of the product performance is dependant on a quality install. I don’t recommend DIY’ing the engineered products. Proper preparation of sub-floor and allowing for expansion/contraction is critical and the rigid cores can be difficult to cut. These should be installed by experienced installers.

WHEN TO CHOSE LVF

The stone and ceramic look vinyl tiles are a great option for those who don’t want the hardness or cold feel of real tile in their kitchen or bathrooms, but desire a higher quality look than regular vinyl. And no worries of tiles cracking!

Personally, I’m loving the possibilities of the wood-look LVF, but its not a substitute for real wood nor is it simply a less expensive wood alternative. Higher quality LVF is comparable in price to hardwoods. Real wood has an elegance and distinct warmth and every single piece has unique original character - that simply cannot be duplicated in an LVP. Like it or not real wood will age and show wear over time, some people desire this character and embrace it over its long lifespan. While the luxury vinyl is a near dead ringer in looks, its super powers are in the mfg advancements which make it a durable, waterproof and low maintenance option for areas where real wood wouldn’t be suitable. So if practicality is your priority then LVF is a great choice.

For more than you ever wanted to know about LVF for your residential projects, including recommendations, download this handy reference guide I’ve created for my clients.

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This post is not sponsored nor associated with affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

My Top 10 Cottage Make-Over Tips

From the West coast to the East Coast, I think most Canadian’s would agree the ultimate summer past-time is cottaging! That being true, one might say the second favourite past-time is searching for that ultimate summer cottage to call your own, but often the reality of what’s available or affordable can look more daunting than dreamy. But don’t discourage - just learn to focus on the potential. I’ve compiled my top 10 favourite ways to update and transform a dated, dysfunctional drab cottage interior into your dream retreat, without the need to take a sledgehammer to it. This is a refreshed post from 2015 but all my tips remain the same. The focus is on affordable quality materials, editing fixtures and neutralizing the palette to net you enduring style and functional ease.

1. TAME THE WOOD:

Wood on wood on wood, furnished with more wood,,,is simply too much wood. Everything in wood just looks like a sea of brown (or orange).  If you love wood and want it to be a feature,,,,,then you must paint some of it out, this will in turn will highlight the natural unpainted wood so it can be appreciated for all its beauty, not drowned out.

2. CLEAN SWEEP:

Remove wall to wall vinyls and broadloom and replace with light to medium coloured character grade wood planks or natural stone slate tile (available in every imaginable size). These super affordable but high quality natural materials will be durable, forgiving, easy to clean and age well. When ultra low maintenance, budget, and practicality is the priority check out wood or stone look LVF (luxury vinyl flooring) or porcelain tiles that mimick stone or wood. Layer natural fibre area carpets and flat weave kilims for luxurious comfort and coziness.

3. UN-OBSTRUCT THE VIEWS:

Strip the windows of fussy ruffled fabric or boxy valances and heavy dark coloured blinds. Replace with fully retractable simple rollup blinds, shades or swing open shutters. There are loads of inexpensive ready-made options that can even be cut to size in-store. Less is definitely more when it comes to window coverings. My go-to’s are matchstick and bamboo blinds or cotton roman shades, mounted above the windows. Alternately or additionally use cotton or linen drapery panels on a dark metal or wood rod and rings that fully stack back to reveal the outdoors but can easily draw closed for privacy. Selectively clear away overgrown bushes and trees that are blocking views or robbing interior spaces of daylight.

4.  COUNTER POINTS:

Many old cottages have plastic laminate, tile or plywood counters that are chipped, stained or dated in colour.  A new solid wood counter will add instant quality and substance. Custom made ones can vary greatly in price point depending on species, joinery and edge details but you can also find ready-made and easy to install solid wood countertop material at Ikea and most building supply stores. Perfectly suitable and charming for kitchens and bathrooms. Alternately a pre-formed laminate counter-top from the building centre, in white is a super inexpensive way to instantly freshen and brighten those surfaces.

5.  SINKS:

A simple sink swap out can add more function and style. Replacing a small kitchen sink with a larger size will make clean up a breeze (or hide the mess til later), or swapping to a smaller size can net you more precious counter space.  Adding a second sink makes the kitchen doubly functional for two cooks or family gatherings.  In bathrooms, replacing a stained or retro coloured sink with a new vessel or drop in style is an affordable, easy install even onto an existing counter - no custom fabrication required!

6.  FAUCETS & HARDWARE:  

A new faucet and cabinet knobs are an instant style update to kitchens and bathrooms and interior doors.  Look for styles that will enhance your cottage character and evoke vintage, shaker, or rustic charm, in dark or aged metal finishes. Large gooseneck spouts, industrial pulldown sprays, classic bridge style or convenient single levers with high arc spouts. Splurge on fixtures made with solid brass cartridges and you won’t be replacing these anytime soon. 

7. APPLIANCES:

Replacing older mis-matched appliances is not only an aesthetic upgrade but the newer models are more multi-functional, energy efficient and space saving. Today you’ll find a wider choice of sizes and finishes available so you don’t have to default to the same sizes that were put in place 20 years ago. Most cabinetry can be modified fairly simply if needed.

8. LIGHT IT UP:

Replace generic looking lighting with simple vintage or rustic style fixtures to enhance your cottage character and create a cohesive style.   Evoke rustic or coastal charm by selecting fixtures with aged or painted metals. (Black metal or oil rubbed bronze are my favourite!). You can add wall sconces, pendants and swing arm task lights without hiring an electrician - just use plug-in style fixtures that can be mounted to walls or suspended from ceilings wherever you need more light (which will be mostly everywhere!) and create ambience, all you need is an outlet nearby. Book shelfs, step lights, wall art, under kitchen cabinets,,,with LED lighting there is almost no where you can’t install lighting, even wirelessly.

9. SHELF IT:

Shelves are the easiest and most affordable solution for adding storage without the cost of built-ins. Install wall mounted shelving and brackets or ready to assemble shelves to not only organize but add purpose and function to any under utilized or cluttered area. Wanna amp up the style factor, use reclaimed wood, vintage metal brackets or wood corbels to create shelving that’s also a one-of-a-kind statement piece.

10. PAINT IT:

If you want a relaxing, calming, serene space that lets the outdoors be the main attraction,,,then paint over any loud, bold, intense hues on the walls in a light neutral palette that will compliment your view of the great outdoors and not detract from it. In small cottages, keep the walls and trim tone on tone for low contrast. Transform cabinetry with paint - an accent colour will highlight good quality wood kitchen and bathroom cabinets and make an instant style statement, or, simply neutralize lesser quality or unattractive cabinetry by painting them out.

11. PANEL IT:

I couldn’t stop at 10 without including my final and favourite way to add instant character and durability to walls and or ceilings - add panel moulding, v-groove, shiplap or beadboard panelling to walls, ceiling, islands, or backs of cabinets.  When painted with an enamel paint its also a great inexpensive alternative to tiling around bathroom or kitchen sinks and provides a sturdy backing for installing hooks and shelves (see tip no.9!). 

To see how I applied all of these strategies in this family cottage make-over check out the links below for individual before & afters:

Cottage Master Ensuite

Kitchen Progress

The Guest Bathroom Progress

The Guest Bathroom Before and After

The Boathouse Bathroom Before and After

The Boathouse Before and After

Photos By:  Carol Reed

For more advice and round-ups of Carol’s favourite finds and products - subscribe to our News letter in the sidebar! When you sign-up you’ll receive the next edition of CREED For Your Home in your inbox and a link to the current edition.