This article is brought to you by Our Homes Muskoka Cottage Show.
Cottage season means dips in the lake, late-night laughs, and entertaining guests who drop by – sometimes with little notice.
Want to be the kind of host who makes it all look easy? It starts with designing your cottage to do double duty: a space for relaxing and entertaining.
Here’s how to pull it off like a pro and design your cottage for both comfort and company.
1. Create zones for gathering and retreating
Not everyone wants to be in the action all the time. Design your space with both social and solo moments in mind.
- Set up cozy seating clusters indoors and out: think sectionals for big groups, Muskoka chairs for quiet chats, or a hammock tucked away for solo naps.
- Use trim, moulding, or even well-placed rugs and lighting to define different zones—living, dining, lounging.
- Have sitting areas perfect for one or two people away from the action for anyone who needs a bit of quiet time.
Use trim, moulding, or even well-placed rugs and lighting to define different zones—living, dining, lounging.
2. Go all-in on your outdoor spaces
The great outdoors is the real star at the cottage. Make it shine with function and flair.
- A solid deck or dock gives you more usable space.
- Hardscaping like stone paths or patios adds charm and keeps things practical on dewy mornings.
- Layer in personality with string lights or a fire pit to create the perfect setting for relaxing or entertaining.
- Place awnings or shade sails around the property to cool things down on hot days.
- Opt for low-maintenance plants like hostas, ferns, or ornamental grasses to create charm without constant care.
And don’t forget about the bugs. A few citronella candles work in a pinch—but professional pest control is a true sanity-saver during peak season.
3. Be ready for any weather
Weather at the cottage changes fast. A great host knows how to handle it.
- Keep your guests comfortable with the right setup. HVAC, heat pumps or ductless mini-splits make year-round hosting a breeze (literally).
- Add shades, blinds, or screens to block sun and bugs while still letting in that dreamy breeze.
- Use ceiling fans (indoor and outdoor) to help circulate air and keep things fresh.
- Backup generator? A no-brainer for stormy weekends or off-grid living.
- Include a fireplace or wood stove for cooler evenings—indoors or on a screened porch.
- Keep a basket of blankets handy for relaxing inside and out.
Bonus Tip: Consider heated floors in bathrooms for a little extra “wow.”
Comfort is key when you’re hosting overnight—or over a long weekend.
4. Make the kitchen the heart of it
Every gathering ends up in the kitchen—so why not make it feel intentional?
- Start with a smart layout. Islands, peninsulas, or a breakfast nook let people hang out without getting in the cook’s way.
- Use durable materials: waterproof cabinets, stone countertops, or sealed concrete floors that shrug off spills.
- Add outdoor BBQ or poolside bar setups for easy entertaining – think smoker, grill, or even an outdoor pizza oven.
- Use plumbing upgrades like a deep farmhouse sink or touchless faucet to make cleanup easy.
- Keep a “help yourself” drink station stocked with water, wine, and local craft beer.
And stock up on snacks. Always.
5. Think durable and beautiful
Cottage life can be messy—wet bathing suits, sandy feet, and spilled sangria. So pick materials that can handle it.
- Choose finishes that can handle the fun. Water-resistant flooring and stain-sealed wood surfaces make cleaning up a breeze.
- Use composite decking or aluminum and glass railings to avoid splinters and rust. They’re perfect for wet feet and cottage wear-and-tear, especially if you host kids or pets.
- Add washable slipcovers to sofas and durable outdoor cushions that can take a beating.
- Choose finishes that hide wear and tear, such as matte black fixtures, distressed wood, masonry, or textured fabrics.
Style doesn’t have to mean high-maintenance.
6. Maximize natural light, minimize glare
Natural light makes everything feel better. Use it to your advantage.
- Windows and doors with the right glass brighten a room instantly and keep out UV rays.
- Add glass railings to keep lake views wide open while keeping the deck safe.
- Use skylights or sun tunnels in darker hallways or bathrooms.
- Layer in blinds, shades, or curtains to give guests control over their sleep and privacy.
- Use tall plants or small trees to filter light naturally while softening the space.
- Consider sheer drapes for diffused light that still lets the outdoors in.
- Position mirrors to reflect lake views or catch light and brighten darker corners.
Light, airy, and effortlessly welcoming.
7. Invest in peace of mind
The best hosts sleep easy … because their cottage runs smoothly.
- Upgrade roofing, plumbing, or solar tech to avoid surprises in the middle of a long weekend.
- Keep up with regular maintenance (a quick visit from a painter, roofer, or home builder helps keep things fresh).
- Install smart home tech – think locks, cameras, thermostats – to keep tabs when you’re away.
- Use screens, window locks, and door sensors to secure the property and let you sleep soundly.
- Get annual checks on your water system and consider filters for safe drinking water.
- Invest in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide monitors, and fire extinguishers (and know where they are.)
Less surprises means more time to relax, even when the cottage is filled with guests!
Make entertaining at your cottage easy
A beautiful cottage is great. But a thoughtfully designed cottage? That’s a game changer.
And isn’t that what cottage life is all about?
With the right setup, you’ll create a space you truly enjoy entertaining guests while making sure you cottage feels relaxed and welcoming.
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Need more inspiration?
Head to the Muskoka Cottage Show on May 24 & 25 at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.
