Cottage style homes have become extremely popular in North America, especially in northern climates. They’re cozy, welcoming, and lend themselves well to a variety of landscapes.

For those homeowners looking to upgrade their cottage style homes—or for those who’d like to transform their homes into this style—there are some fun additions and small details that are sure to make all the difference, including Etobicoke, ON replacement windows, new paint colours, and picket fencing. Keep reading.

Little Details 

Small details can, collectively, make a huge difference at home. To support the cottage style you love, here are a few of the best “little detail” suggestions from experts in home design:

• Front porch railing to complement or match the colour of the home’s siding.
• “His and hers” rocking chairs or a hanging two-seater porch swing.  
• White/cream picket fence.
• Window boxes filled with seasonal flowers/plants.
• Brick walkway (choose time-worn options, if possible).
• Soft colours, like pastels: mint green, soft yellow, baby blue, etc.

Emphasize the Outdoor Living Space 

A key feature of a cottage style home is a fully screened in outside living space. Add a bright coloured patio door to accent the porch, as well as hanging plants and cross-hatch mullions to the lower section of the screening. Most cottage style homes include roomy front porches, but don’t worry if yours is small (or even non-existent); there are plenty of cottage home features and decor to make up for it. 

Upgrade Windows to Support Style 

For homeowners of cottage style homes, there are some limitations. To truly support the design, nothing modern or contemporary is fitting. So, when it comes to windows and window replacements, traditional styles and materials make the most sense:

• Single and double hung windows. These are perfectly vintage, just the way a cottage home demands.
• Casement windows with muntins. Muntins can be used to add ornamentation or to create a single or double hung look.
• Casement windows with grids. Grid options that work great with a cottage decor are diamonds, prairie, and colonial.
• Awning windows. Great for added ventilation and natural light.
• Wood frames or vinyl frames. These two materials are the most common for cottage style homes. Wood adds luxury and tradition, while vinyl frames can be made to look like wood for less cost. 

Take Pride in a Small Footprint 

Cottage homes are often smaller in scale. So, homeowners should remember to keep proportion in mind when landscaping. For example, gigantic trees make a smaller home appear even smaller—look into mid-size plants and brushes you can sculpt into perfectly sized landscape additions. Also, if the home lacks a front porch, a sculpted front yard will help. A few flat stones beneath wooden seating is an inspiring—and inexpensive—addition. 

To transform your space into a perfectly cottage vibe with new Etobicoke, ON replacement windows, give the experts at Brock Doors and Windows Ltd. a call. We can be reached at (905) 791-2850 and we are located at 278 Orenda Road, Brampton, ON, L6T 4X6. We can’t wait to work with you!