Living in Colour: How to Incorporate 2024’s Colour of the Year Into Your Muskoka Cottage

Ballantyne Builds invites you to take a vibrant journey through the hues defining design in 2024. Create your Muskoka cottage as a haven of contemporary style and comfort armed with picks from the industry’s top tastemakers. This year's palette offers a spectrum of possibilities to infuse your retreat with fresh, lively energy.

Embracing the Colours of the Year in Cottage Design

2024's Colours of the Year represents a diverse and inspiring range. Each color tells a unique story, from the soothing serenity of Sherwin-Williams' Upward to the playful warmth of Pantone's Peach Fuzz. Integrating these hues into your Muskoka cottage isn't just about following trends; it's about crafting an ambiance that resonates with your personal style and the natural beauty of the Muskoka landscape.

Pantone's Peach Fuzz: A Warm Embrace

Pantone has captured the essence of warmth and connection with its 2024 Colour of the Year, Peach Fuzz. This peach hue is more than just a colour; it's a mood, a feeling of softness, comfort, and welcoming warmth perfect for a Muskoka cottage's laid-back yet elegant atmosphere. Imagine the soft glow of Peach Fuzz in your living room, creating a cozy and inviting space for family and friends. Or picture it in your bedroom, where the gentle hue can foster a sense of peace and restfulness. For those looking to make a bolder statement, consider painting a pantry wall or pantry cabinets in this uplifting colour. Its subtle vibrancy is a perfect match for the natural wood textures and panoramic views that define Muskoka living.

Benjamin Moore's Blue Nova: Elegance Meets Serenity

This enchanting mid-tone, a blend of violet and blue, adds a layer of sophistication to any cottage space. Blue Nova is an excellent choice for walls, creating a captivating and calming backdrop. This hue works exceptionally well in living areas, where its soothing presence can foster a space for relaxation and contemplation. In bedrooms, using Blue Nova as an accent can create a sense of luxurious retreat, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the natural beauty of Muskoka. 

Sherwin-Williams’ Upward: A Tranquil Retreat

Sherwin-Williams brings us Upward, a colour that embodies tranquillity and airiness, two elements that resonate deeply with cottage living. This gentle blend of grey and blue offers a dreamy neutrality, perfect for creating peaceful sanctuaries within your Muskoka cottage. Upward is ideal for rooms where you seek calm and relaxation, such as reading nooks, sunrooms, or meditation spaces. It pairs beautifully with natural light, reflecting the serene beauty of Muskoka's landscapes. When combined with warmer shades like brick, red, or rust, or calm and creamy neutrals, Upward truly comes alive, offering a canvas for your personal style and decorative flair. 

Valspar's Renew Blue: A Breath of Fresh Air

Renew Blue offers a breath of fresh air with its subtle hint of greyish sea green. This colour evokes a sense of balance and calmness, reminiscent of Muskoka's serene lakes and misty mornings. Ideal for dining areas, entryways, or even bathrooms, Renew Blue provides a refreshing pop of colour. It looks fantastic with neutral tones, adding a modern twist to the classic cottage charm.

Dutch Boy's Ironside: Earthy Elegance 

Dutch Boy's Ironside brings an earthy elegance to the Muskoka cottage palette. This deep olive tone embodies the richness of Muskoka's forests, adding warmth and depth to any space. It's particularly suited for living rooms or bedrooms, where its dark undertones can create an atmosphere of intimacy and comfort. Ironside works wonderfully with modern and rustic decor, providing a sophisticated backdrop that enhances natural wood elements and cozy textiles.

Krylon’s Bluebird: Vivid and Versatile 

Bluebird stands out with its vivid, contemporary blue. This striking colour commands attention and is perfect for those who love to make a bold statement. Imagine transforming a pantry wall, a piece of accent furniture, or even the front door of your cottage into a captivating conversation piece with Bluebird. Its bright and rich tone can energize a space, bringing a playful yet sophisticated vibe to the tranquil backdrop of Muskoka.

Glidden's Limitless: Versatile and Vibrant

Glidden's selection for 2024, Limitless, is a warm, saturated neutral shade that is neither beige nor yellow but a harmonious blend that radiates a buttery, familiar feel. In the context of a Muskoka cottage, Limitless can act as a unifying background, allowing other design elements to stand out. It's particularly effective in main living spaces, where its understated charm complements bold furniture choices or vibrant accents. Imagine Limitless walls serving as a canvas for teal, burgundy, or rust-coloured decor or paired with black accents for a contemporary edge. 

Tips for Selecting the Right Colours

Selecting the right colours for your Muskoka cottage involves more than just following trends. It's about creating a harmonious blend that reflects your personal style and the natural surroundings. Here are some tips to guide you:

• Consider the mood: Each colour evokes different emotions. Decide on the atmosphere you want to create in each room.

• Test before you commit: Use free swatches and visualization tools offered by paint companies to see how the colours will blend while you design your new space.

• Blend with nature: Choose colours that complement the stunning natural beauty of Muskoka, ensuring your cottage feels like a seamless extension of its environment.

Embracing the 2024 Colours of the Year in your Muskoka cottage offers an exciting opportunity to create a charming and serene space all your own. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquillity of Upward by Sherwin-Williams or the boldness of Bluebird by Krylon, there’s a hue to match your vision.