The Final Transformation of our Balsam Lake Cottage

by Laurie Dick

The Final Transformation of Our Balsam Lake Cottage

Last month, we dove into the before & after’s, and challenges and joys of rehabilitating our little cottage on Balsam Lake. The response was overwhelmingly positive, so we thought we'd share more of the journey with you. We're thrilled to walk you through the final touches and show you how we turned this little cottage into a welcoming space without breaking the bank. We are so excited to host our family and friends up here this summer and we are so happy with how it all turned out!

A Journey Through the Cottage

Kitchen Updates

The kitchen was a bit of a challenge with its outdated linoleum floors, worn-out cabinetry, and unsightly light fixtures. We chose new, reasonably priced cabinets from Menards, ensuring they were versatile for future modifications. The countertops were reused, and the shelving was filled with dishes and plates sourced from garage sales and thrift stores. Luckily, the previous owners left us some appliances, which was a huge plus. We spruced up the floors with peel-and-stick tiles, giving the space a fresh look, which was a great budget-friendly option.

Living Room Makeover

We ripped out the old carpet and painted the floors with porch paint—a cheap but effective choice. We added character to the room with a wrapped wood beam and secondhand furniture from estate sales, making it feel warm and inviting.

Bedrooms

We made the big bedroom feel more private by adding a room divider. The beds are comfy and didn't cost much, thanks to a tip from a popular Pinterest influencer we follow. We bought them on Amazon.

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Our little Balsam Lake cottage might not be a permanent fixture on this land, as future plans include tearing it down and building a pole barn for storage. However, the time and effort spent in bringing life back to this cottage for the summer months have been a labor of love and creativity. Through strategic purchases, repurposing materials, and not shying away from a hands-on approach, we've had fun crafting an amazing space to share with family and friends.

If you're feeling inspired or thinking about a similar project and need guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to us! We're passionate about discussing and sharing creative, budget-friendly solutions for home renovation, whether you're looking to enhance your living space or preparing to renovate to sell your property.