Maine Lakeside Cottage Makeover

The dark brown, grey, and boring home didn't depict the bright decor a lakeside cottage should offer.

Located about 8 feet from the lake and with beautiful views of Mt. Washington, this lakeside Maine cottage was the perfect weekend getaway home for an active family. And with a little DIY help and a lot of creativity, this space soon reflected the beauty of the outside views, inside.

The color palette was the starting point for the home's design. A bright scheme transformed the space into a fun place to hang out and relax. Natural products were used to complement the lakeside setting.

Odds and ends in unique shapes and the room's color scheme add pops of personality to the mantel and shelves. Play up patterns in accessories, especially in tropical prints, to convey a relaxed mood.

Bright yellow was the unifier color in this room and helps bring about a modern, midcentury retro vibe. Glass doors make the deck feel like a continuation of the living space. Help bring the outdoors in with wicker furniture and outdoor fabrics to create a fuss-free environment that welcomes wet swimsuits and sandy feet.

Lemon accessories complement the lemon-yellow coffee table and create an appealing modern statement. Lemons scattered throughout the home add bursts of the color scheme to the space.

A corner of the room was set aside for an intimate dining space. The mismatched furniture and built-ins packed with comfy pillows pile on the charm. The bench was painted with a fun floral motif to play up the room's laidback style.

Sewing or personalizing your own pillows is an easy, budget-saving project. Amp up plain pillows with stencils and crafts paints to embellish pillows for less. Here, pink and green pillows go from an eyesore to a score!

Dark cabinets, boring floors, and not an ounce of personality kept this kitchen far from a food-filled oasis.

Now, streamlined flat cabinets give the kitchen a modern feel without overwhelming a small space. A light yellow ceiling incorporates the bright style of the home, while white furnishings and paneling keeps the kitchen simple and clean.

Beaded board can soften sharp lines in a modern kitchen. A bright orange color breaking through a coat of roughed-up white paint adds a pop of personality. Here, limes are clever accessories to complement the lemons.

Lighter hues from the home's color palette provide a softer, cozy feel to the bedroom while still keeping the room bright and playful. Four white shutters combine to create a one-of-a-kind headboard for the master bedroom.

Built-in benches add architectural detail and make the most of small spaces by taking up minimal floor space and maximizing seating. Curtains attached to the underside of the bench hides valuable storage.