Ontario’s cottages are renowned for their charm and beauty, each offering unique design elements that inspire homeowners to transform their own spaces. Whether you’re dreaming of rustic elegance, modern sophistication, or a blend of both, this blog provides valuable renovation tips and the essential demolition services needed to achieve these stunning looks. By understanding the steps involved in both the demolition and renovation processes, you can create a cottage that’s both functional and breathtakingly beautiful.

Modern Cottage with High Ceilings

demolish old cottage

This stunning Ontario cottage blends rustic charm with modern elegance. Featuring high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, large windows offering panoramic views, and a cozy fireplace surrounded by stacked firewood, it creates an inviting and warm atmosphere. The open-plan living area and high ceilings create an expansive space, adding a touch of luxury to the cottage.

  • High, exposed wooden ceilings
  • Large, scenic windows
  • Modern, cozy fireplace
  • Open-plan living area with natural light
  • Blend of rustic and contemporary styles

Demolition Requirements

Cottage Demolition Service

This process involves completely demolishing your old cottage to make way for a new build that can accommodate modern aesthetics and design elements. By starting with a clean slate, you can create a space that maximizes natural light, incorporates contemporary features, and embraces a harmonious blend of rustic and modern styles.

Renovation Tips to Achieve This Cottage Aesthetic

  • Maximize Natural Light: Install large, energy-efficient windows and skylights.
  • Focus on Wood Elements: Use exposed wooden beams and wood flooring to add warmth.
  • Modern Fireplace: Incorporate a sleek, modern fireplace as a focal point.
  • Minimalist Décor: Keep the interior design simple and uncluttered with a mix of rustic and contemporary furniture.
  • High Ceilings: Incorporate high ceilings to enhance the sense of spaciousness and flow.

Traditional Cottage with Natural Finishings

strip cottage interior

This inviting Ontario cottage epitomizes rustic charm with its use of natural materials. The living area features a stone veneer feature wall, paired with high vaulted ceilings and wooden accents that enhance the cozy atmosphere. The expansive windows flood the space with natural light, highlighting the rich hardwood floors and the warm, earthy tones throughout the décor. This combination of elements creates a welcoming and rustic yet elegant environment perfect for relaxation and comfort.

  • Stone veneer wall as a focal point
  • High, wooden vaulted ceilings
  • Expansive windows for natural light
  • Blend of rustic charm and modern comfort
  • Cozy, inviting furniture and decor

Demolition Requirements

Interior Cottage Demolition Service

Stripping the existing walls and floors is essential to prepare for new installations like the stone veneer wall and hardwood floors, which contribute to the traditional look. This demo process will provide a clean slate, allowing you to incorporate large windows, high vaulted ceilings, and other modern amenities while preserving the rustic charm of the cottage.

Renovation Tips to Achieve This Cottage Aesthetic

  • Natural Materials: Incorporate natural materials like stone and wood to create a warm, rustic feel. Use stone veneers for walls and wooden beams for ceilings.
  • Hardwood Floors: Install rich hardwood flooring to add warmth and elegance to the space.
  • Expansive Windows: Maximize natural light by installing large windows, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
  • Warm Tones: Use warm, earthy tones in your decor and furnishings to enhance the cozy, inviting ambiance.
  • Cozy Furnishings: Choose comfortable and rustic furniture pieces to complement the natural materials and create a welcoming environment.

Lakeside Cottage with Elevated Deck

remove old deck

This lakeside Ontario cottage showcases a modern design with expansive glass windows offering breathtaking views of the water. The sleek, elevated deck provides a perfect vantage point to enjoy the surrounding nature. Wrapping around the cottage, this elevated deck offers panoramic views that add so much value to this cottage.

  • Elevated deck with panoramic lake views
  • Expansive glass windows
  • Seamless integration with natural surroundings

Demolition Requirements

Wooden Deck Demolition Service

Removing an old ground-level deck and replacing it with an elevated deck will provide the best possible views and enhance the overall aesthetic of your cottage.

Renovation Tips to Achieve This Cottage Aesthetic

  • Elevated Deck: Construct an elevated deck to maximize the views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Use durable materials like steel and wood for a modern yet natural look.
  • Large Windows: Install expansive glass windows to enhance natural light and provide unobstructed views of the outdoors.
  • Natural Integration: Blend the design with natural elements by using materials that complement the surroundings, such as wood and stone.
  • Outdoor Spaces: Create comfortable outdoor seating areas on the deck to fully enjoy the lakeside setting.

Open Plan Kitchen with Exposed Beams

gut cottage kitchen interior

This Ontario cottage kitchen combines modern elegance with rustic charm. It features exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, a large kitchen island with a wooden countertop, and pendant lighting that adds a touch of industrial style. The open layout and abundant natural light create an inviting and functional space, while the brick accent wall adds a cozy, rustic feel.

  • Exposed wooden beams
  • Large kitchen island with wooden countertop
  • Industrial-style pendant lighting
  • Brick accent wall
  • Open layout with natural light

Demolition Requirements

Kitchen Demolition Service

This involves completely removing the existing kitchen setup to create a blank canvas for the new design. Stripping down the old fixtures, cabinets, and countertops is crucial to make way for the modern, open layout with rustic elements.

Renovation Tips to Achieve This Cottage Aesthetic

  • Exposed Wooden Beams: Install exposed wooden beams on the ceiling to add rustic charm.
  • Large Kitchen Island: Incorporate a large kitchen island with a wooden countertop for a focal point and functional workspace.
  • Industrial Lighting: Use industrial-style pendant lights to enhance the modern yet rustic feel.
  • Brick Accent Wall: Add a brick accent wall to create a cozy, warm atmosphere.
  • Open Layout: Maintain an open layout to maximize space and natural light, creating an inviting and airy kitchen environment.

Open Plan Cottage Layout

remove cottage load bearing walls

This Ontario cottage boasts a sophisticated open-plan layout that elevates the entire home. The design features exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, a unique spiral staircase, and a harmonious blend of modern and rustic elements. The spacious living area flows seamlessly into the dining area, enhanced by large windows that allow natural light to flood the space. The use of light, neutral colours and natural materials like wood and brick create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

  • Open-plan layout
  • Exposed wooden beams
  • Unique spiral staircase
  • Large windows for natural light
  • Blend of modern and rustic elements

Demolition Requirements

Load-Bearing Interior Wall Removal Service

Removing load-bearing walls will open up the space, creating a seamless flow between rooms and enhancing the overall aesthetic. This process requires professional expertise to ensure structural integrity and safety.

Renovation Tips to Achieve This Cottage Aesthetic

  • Open-Plan Layout: Remove walls to create a spacious, interconnected living area.
  • Exposed Beams: Install exposed wooden beams to add rustic charm.
  • Spiral Staircase: Consider adding a unique spiral staircase as a focal point.
  • Large Windows: Use large windows to maximize natural light and connect with the outdoors.
  • Natural Materials: Incorporate wood, brick, and other natural materials to create a warm and inviting environment.
  • Neutral Palette: Use light, neutral colours to enhance the sense of space and light.

Renovating your cottage to mirror some of Ontario’s most beautiful examples requires careful planning and execution. By following the renovation tips provided and utilizing the necessary demolition services, you can transform your space into a charming and modern retreat. Whether it’s removing load-bearing walls to create an open-plan layout, stripping the kitchen for a fresh start, or elevating your deck for better views, ALMAR Demolition has the expertise to help you achieve your dream cottage.