Transforming Our Balsam Lake Cottage: Rehab Project

In December 2023, we bought a cute little cottage in Balsam Lake. We knew it needed a lot of work, but we thought it would be fun to fix it up temporarily. We called it our "lipstick on a pig" project because we planned to tear it down eventually. But for now, we wanted to make it nice enough to enjoy with our friends and family over the summer!

We've been hard at work turning this space into a cozy and inviting space, and we couldn't be happier with how it's turned out. Here are some updates we have done so far:

Flooring: We started by saying goodbye to the old carpet in the big bedroom. Instead, we opted for a fresh look by painting all the subfloors with a chic gray porch paint. In the kitchen, we decided to spruce things up with peel-and-stick tiles over the old linoleum.

Paneling: To add some warmth and character to the living area, dining room, and closet, we installed new paneling. It really made a huge difference in making the space feel cozy and inviting.

Paint: With a fresh coat of paint on all the walls and ceilings, the cottage instantly felt brighter and more airy. It's amazing what a difference a little paint can make!

Lighting: We took advantage of some great deals on new lighting fixtures, and now the cottage is beautifully lit up with both style and functionality. Most of the lighting fixtures were either on sale or super great clearance items.

Kitchen: Kitchen: One of the biggest transformations was in the kitchen. We upgraded the cabinets and added a shiny new refrigerator, while all of the other appliances were already there.

Furniture and Decor: We got creative with furnishing the cottage, using a mix of items from our previous home and some great finds from estate sales and garage sales. The charming mix of pieces adds so much character, and were absolutely loving it! It gives the cottage a unique and cozy feel that we adore.