Cottage Design Ideas

The House that Cedar Fixed

One Cabin Makeover You Won’t Want to Miss

Episode 6: “Inside Job”

Looking for cottage design ideas? Follow Colin & Justin in this exclusive Real Cedar cabin makeover web series. The dynamic design duo are transforming a dated 1980s, Ontario cabin into a luxury lakeside wilderness lodge. The goal is to add value to their property and enhance their cabin-living experience. So they’re incorporating inspired applications of Western Red Cedar into their additions, which include a new sunroom, a wraparound deck, space-defining pergolas and a funky Bunkie. They’ve also completely renovated the cabin interior with a cedar ceiling. Here’s how that went:

Cabin Interiors that Inspire

International interior designers and property speculators Colin & Justin want the living space in their main cabin to appear more evenly proportioned. So, they’re panelling the ceiling with a beautiful knotty grade of Western Red Cedar. That’s really going to add a lot of warmth and texture. The long 1×6 planks are also going to elongate the rooms, so they feel more spacious.

“It’s all about playing with perceived visual proportions,” explains Justin. “Downstairs, in the hallway, it runs the length of the house so when you walk in, your eyes are drawn in immediately down that space.- making you think you’re in an even more proportionally sound room than you actually are.”

“So not only are we using Western Red Cedar inside for its decorative qualities,” adds Colin, “we’re also using it create an illusion of space.”

Beautifying with Cedar Ceilings

They also wanted a top-performing building material. That’s where Western Red Cedar comes in. Not only is it a beautiful product, it also boasts great thermal qualities. Keeping spaces cool in the summer and warm in the winter is key in Ontario, where cottagers face extreme temperature swings.

Another reason Collin & Justin opted for Real Cedar on the ceilings is they wanted this reno job to be as environmentally friendly as possible. And they know that woods such as Western Red Cedar leave the smallest footprint than any other building material so it’s a green choice as well.

Creating Inspired Cottage Spaces

But their biggest motivating factor was this particular material palette is what they call the “feel good” factor.

“Think about it – this building is designed for good times,” says Colin. “Studies have shown that bringing timber products into your home actually increases your connection with nature. Makes you feel healthier and happier and so in turn, this room is actually designed to bring out the best in people and isn’t that what a design is all about?”

Spoiler alert: the big reveal did not disappoint.

“I think looks absolutely magnificent,” says Justin of the finished product. “We chose a fineline finish but it’s up to you guys to specify which ever look you want. Ask your mill and they’ll cut it to size for you.”

Watch the more episodes for more cottage design ideas.