Cottage Building Trends: What's Popular in Muskoka Right Now

In this blog, we want to share some Muskoka custom cottage trends and interior design trends that we feel will help clarify your custom cottage vision. With this knowledge, you can create a cottage that is contemporary, yet classic, and reflects your vision of a functional, personalized, and aesthetically pleasing space. 

What Are The Top Cottage Building Trends In Muskoka Right Now? 

Cottage building trends in Muskoka are seeing an interesting shift in everything from the interior design trends incorporated into the design process to the modern amenities selected for installation during the build process. So, if you're considering building a custom luxury cottage in Muskoka, you could benefit from learning more about the region's latest building trends. When you hire an experienced custom cottage builder like Ballantyne Builds, you can embrace these trends in your future cottage build. 

Non-White Kitchens

A white kitchen in a cottage has been a standard for decades, but lately more and more people are embracing colour in their kitchens. Nowadays, people are designing their kitchens in varying shades of green and blue, and even boldly incorporating black. This trend isn't limited to paint, cabinetry and countertops in just the kitchen. More people want pops of colour in their vanities and millwork throughout their cottage, a vast difference from a few years ago. 

With all-white cabinetry out, cottage owners can experiment with adding more colour to their kitchens making the heart of their cottage feel more inviting and unique to them. 

Wellness Features

Cottages used to be more rustic, with fewer wellness features and amenities. However, we've seen a huge shift toward clients wanting upgraded Muskoka cottage amenities and features that enhance relaxation. 

More people are building steam showers, saunas, swim spas, and other wellness features in their Muskoka cottages, turning them into modern-day retreats. If you choose to implement wellness features into your new cottage build, you will undoubtedly elevate the space and make it a sanctuary where you can relax and ease your stress. 

Interior Cladding

Although always a classic in very traditional and rustic cottages, homeowners are now actively wanting interior cladding on their walls and ceilings even in cottages that are more modern in design.

Homeowners commonly choose pine or cedar tongue-and-groove cladding for ceilings and soffits, which adds a touch of warmth to their spaces. This trend also extends to walls, with shiplap, barn board, or more tongue-and-groove wood used to create cozy, textured interiors.

Some homeowners have taken this trend to the next level, incorporating tongue-and-groove pine throughout their entire cottage. This creates a seamless and rustic atmosphere that echoes Muskoka's natural beauty.

Wood Tones

Wood tones are experiencing a resurgence in cottage design, with many opting for natural wood finishes over traditional white MDF for doors and trim. 

The choice of wood tones varies, with some homeowners preferring to clear coat the wood to highlight its natural beauty, while others choose to stain it in various shades to add depth and contrast. 

At Ballantyne Builds, we've found that this trend adds warmth and a sense of connection to nature, which aligns perfectly with the rustic yet refined aesthetic that defines Muskoka cottages.

Bold Cabinetry

Bold cabinetry choices are becoming a hallmark of contemporary Muskoka cottages. While wood cabinetry remains a classic choice, there has been a noticeable shift toward more vibrant, colourful options. 

Bold colour isn't solely relegated to cabinetry in Muskoka cottages. Homeowners are adding colour to their countertops and tile selections as well. We've found that kitchen islands, particularly, are being used as focal points with striking colours and unique countertop materials that stand out. 

We've also noticed fun and bold wallpaper choices in smaller spaces like powder rooms and studies. These add a touch of whimsy and personality to custom cottages.

Log Cabins

Timber frame cottages continue to be popular in Muskoka. However, Ballantyne Builds has noticed that clients have a renewed interest in log cabins and Scandinavian designs in Muskoka. With their timeless appeal, log cabins are making a comeback, and builders are receiving more requests for this style than ever before.

Scandinavian designs, which often feature barn-like aesthetics, are also gaining traction because they offer a fresh take on cottage living, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern living. 

What Are A Few Outdated Cottage Building Trends In Muskoka Right Now? 

As new trends emerge, it should be no surprise that many building trends in Muskoka have become outdated in recent years. Homeowners now want more sustainable and energy-efficient components, from heating and cooling systems to indoor insulation and windows. For example, Ballantyne Builds has noticed that most clients specifically request heat pumps now, making air conditioners feel outdated in the home building space. 

Another outdated trend is the need for large open-concept spaces. This was hugely popular with bigger cottages, but homeowners have turned toward defined spaces. Although homeowners still want to maximize their views of their beautiful surroundings, they want to do it more flexibly, allowing for functionality and privacy. This is becoming increasingly apparent with those who want their cottage to function as their year-round home. 

Massive stone fireplaces are another outdated building trend in Muskoka cottages. Before, homeowners loved the idea of a huge fireplace as a focal point. Now, some homeowners find these structures dominate too much valuable space and clash with their minimalistic interior designs. In their place, homeowners request sleek modern fireplaces with different finishes. 

Speak With Ballantyne Builds About Constructing Your Dream Cottage In Muskoka Today!

Muskoka cottage trends point toward homeowners wanting to build personalized, wellness-orientated, aesthetically pleasing, and functional living spaces that are contemporary, yet classic. 
We work alongside homeowners to identify which new cottage-building trends clients should embrace and which ones don't suit their vision. Contact us here, and let our team, with decades of experience crafting custom cottages in Muskoka, help you create a cottage that matches your needs and wants.