To keep the cottage feel i'd probably paint the walls (and perhaps the ceiling as well) rather than drywall them. I like the colors you've suggested.

Thanks Christine!

sounds like you have a good plan for the interior,here are some pictures of what i think you have in mind

I would do a translucent white stain on the walls instead of drywall and let the knots add character which drywall cannot. I would remove the tall cabinets and extend the counter used turned legs on the counter overhang. One the walls are whitewashed your current kitchen will be fine no replacement needed. Perhaps change the hardware, I can't really see it well. Put a new chandelier up. What a gorgeous view you have.

Thanks Saratoga....appreciate the insight.

I absolutely LOVE your cottage! I love the look and feel of wood.

For flooring, if you haven't decided on anything yet, check out Lumber Liquidators as they have some flooring [Bella] that has a 100 year warranty that is tranferable to future owner--watch their videos on it to hear them talk about it. We're planning on putting in a hardwood floor next year, and planning on checking out the local store to get ideas.

I also agree about painting the wood rather than putting up sheet rock.

Great cottage, are you planning to live there in the future? I would whitewash that pine on the walls, and keep ceiling natural. Sheetrock can very easily get moldy if you are not heating your cottage all year. Your kitchen is sweet, however if you are looking for a change I would consider painting the cupboards; a great Benjamin Moore colour is "Linen" A friend of mine who live in her cottage by the sea did that to her pine on the walls, added a white kitchen with dark brown solid countertops.
A great floor I have seen at a lake house is vinyl floor tiles that looks like slate but installed like a a tile with grout. They have infloor heat -oh my it is comfy on the feet!! Good for those 'wet feet' too!
I could keep going as I have a 60's bungalow cottage that we hope to move out to in the spring... we live on the east coast, cottage on a lake so I hope to blend a tiny bit of seashore look with rustic cabin. I am on Pinterest if you want to check out my cottage and boathouse ideas!

I would also paint the walls (not drywall! The number one thing a cottage is recognized for (IMO) is those walls and ceiling!) I might keep the ceiling natural so as to not make it completely white and stark looking.

Thanks for all your comments and ideas. You ave all convinced me to paint the walls white, and keep the natural ceilings. I think i will still do a wood (or wood look) floor engineered or laminate TBD. This is the first time I've posted, and you've all been really helpful! thank you! I'll repost in a few months when it's all fixed up!

Don't go crazy with the paintbrush. Whitewash/white stain walls and leave cabinets and ceiling natural. I would not go with the dark stain you mention but keep the wood light. Get rid of pattern shades and wallpaper. Paint inside of front door white to blend in with whitewashed walls. You have great bones and simple changes will do a lot. Can we see what floors you are thinking of?

We posted simultaneously. I am glad you are keeping walls white. Picking the floor might be tricky. I hope you post to get feedback and ideas. You are on the water so I assume sand is an issue.

I will do a white wash stain as suggested - any particular brand recommended? To be honest, I am a bit worried about the sap from the knots coming through with a stain, and looking shabby and "dotted" eventually. I have stained pine before and the yell ones always seems to eventually come through. I agree with painting the door, and wallpaper will go. All window treatments are going as well, and to be replaced probably with white or very light cream. Was thinking dark slate laminate for counters (budget minded), with large turned pine post at corner to support a 36" counter on the peninsula island. Could do a whitewashed pine backsplash to keep it light, or large ceramic tiles in light colour to compliment the whitewashed walls. I'd love your ideas Saratoga! I will try and attach a photo to show mi ideas for flooring.

White cabinets and butcher block counter? I love this color back splash also.

Here are some looks I like, incorporating the medium toned wood flooring (darker tone than the pine ceilings).

Thanks Marilyn, I hear you, But I just think it will be too much wood grain going on everywhere if I do a wood floor...and I really want the warmth of a wood floor. I think the white walls will feel happier for me. But I do thank you for your "minority report" and it Will help me keep any changes in balance.

Thanks kristy
Ou. If a kitchen Reno is in my budget, this would be a great option, and I would definitely do white if I change the kitchen. I would probably do a white/greigey backsplash if i did the butcher block counters.

How about some bamboo shades in dining area to tie in the wood tones?

Check out Sarah Richardson's vacation house on hgtv site. Here cottage looks a lot like yours. If you see the living room you will see whitewashed walls, wood floors and a look in keeping with what you are going for. I am not sure what product she used but she is pretty good about giving paint colors and brands. I saw the show and she did address your question about the knots buy I can't remember what she said. I wonder if you could see that episode on their website? I do think a whitewash or paint is the way to go on some surfaces as it is possible to have too much of a good thing.

http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/portfolio/sarahs-cottage

How long have you had this cabin? It seems to be in excellent condition. I strongly urge you to do "nothing" for a while. This is a unique house in a unique location. Give it time. Let it tell you what it needs. See how many visitors you get. See how often you go. How often you stay. What do you do while you're there? Just try living in it for a few seasons. Take time to find out what works & what doesn't. Good Luck! -Karine

Btw. I love black ( low-sheen) laminate counters. Very classic choice. Good value for the $$$. One thing you have not shared is your personal style and what you imagine the style of the cabin to be. Doug you want an old hunting lodge? Perhaps a beachy waterside retreat? Maybe a country French cottage in the south of France. Or the girly-girl in you is aching for vintage finds & shabby chic decor. I say, curl up on the couch with a hot cup of spiced tea, a snugly blankie and just stare out the window & enjoy the view. In time it will come to you. And when it does, we'll all be here to cheer you on. Blessing! -Karine

Cheryl, I'm glad you've decided to paint the walls white, I think that is the best choice. Also think you're going in the right direction with dark wood floors. I would stain or paint the cabinetry - possibly white as well, or a medium shade of wood to make everything look a little more modern and unified (will also elevate your ceiling as a focal point). Definitely look into switching out the white track lighting for some low profile silver or black track that can barely be seen, or recessed cans if possible for ambient light. I would add some accent/task lighting in the form of pendants (possibly some industrial silver or vintage glass) over the island/middle counter area to balance and anchor the space, as well as inject some more style in the room. Maybe consider utilizing some transparent cabinet doors (as pictured) as they provide a clean, open kitchen look while also following the cottage theme. For hardware, depending on the color cabinets you choose, I would go for simple silver or black craftsman style metal. Good luck!!!

I can picture adding some Navajo rugs on the floor, maybe over tile. An ethnic theme, with touches of turquoise and leather would compliment your beautiful home.

I agree with whitewashing walls but make sure you check the finish on them first. Lots of headaches if they have been oiled or varnished

Yes paint walls and cupboards but leave the ceilings for that country cottage look.

You mentioned you wanted a bright fresh modern feel that has a cozy feel. I just visited a friend over the holidays who is a designer and she had an amazing family room. Your desired feel is exactly how I would describe her space. Not a style I would have considered before, but am rethinking it. Everything was off white (walls, furniture, and curtains). Her walls were painted with 3/4 of them covered with wainscoting (same feel if you painted yours). It had similar wood ceiling as well. Like you choice of wood flooring (all types are available, if you want to keep cost down there is a new rubber laminate - I am a wood snob, but I found it amazing for a heavily used areas). The room had large windows on 2 of its walls, she hung off white canvas type curtains from ceiling to floor (not covering the view, but more to soften). The room had a great off white sectional with washable cover (which you could so do). All the furniture was painted in similar off white as well. She has two children so you would think that the off white would not work, but fabrics selected had to be durable and washable. It is harder to pull off this look, but it was very cozy. Plus it does not take away from the view, but helps it become the focus. Paint the cabinets too so they recede into the decor. Agree with you 100%, remove the tall counter on the peninsula, it will make the space appear more open to the view. I assume you are going to hang the swing out TV on the wall? Maybe consider a plain mantel over the fireplace with shelving to the right to hold the TV. You could get it to swing out from the shelving for viewing. Last point someone mentioned above as well, is change the lighting. She had a great little crystal chandelier in the room to again soften everything and add a little sparkle. Have fun, can't wait to see picture.

Thanks creativetrk, this is very helpful. Not sure about the white sofas (even if I can wash the covers!) because we have five boys. I agree with you on the laminate, I love it in some areas, but I'll go engineered wood on the main level for sure, and a matching laminate in the lover level basement. Laminate can also be a bit shiny in natural light, and wood sounds better underfoot. Love the idea of white/or light cream curtains to soften. Dod your friend use black or silver rods? I'm thinking black wrought iron for door handles and lighting, so I thought I would carry the black through to the window hardware.

Use KILZ or another stain-killing precoat to prevent knot bleedthrough. Also talk to the people at the paint store about exactly what you're doing; they'll know the products to use for the look you want.

My sister in law has a beach cottage. She picked wrought iron for handles and curtain rods with white curtains and it looks great. Look around you can find bargains on these. I think silver is nice too but whichever you choose I would keep it consistent.

Because everything was off white. She went with off white distressed wooden rods. I understand what you mean with the sofa.

Agree with soberg...if painting walls (great idea),wash with TSP first to remove grease, dirt, marks and the two coats of KILZ, then the paint you choose (I wouldn't go with a bright cool white, but a "soft" white). Think you are right in removing the high part of peninsula. Great view and what a wonderful cottage for your big family.

Thanks everyone for your great comments! I still need to look into the whitewash stain. Good advice on the tsp and using the kilz product as I was worried about the knots coming through right away, and the right products will ease my mind. There are paints that are actually called "whitewash" (eg para) which I could custom mix with a latex white stain to make the coverage more opaque. I will do a sample board first. Any advice or specific suggestions on the whitewash product I should use? Thanks again, your comments are really helpful.

If you want to reduce the wood look, go with paint, not white wash. I also would go with an off white. As for the floors, I'm not sure an engineered product will hold up against all that natural wood in terms of appearance. I'd go with real wood. Have you considered cork?
Love the place- would consider keeping at least one of the walls natural.

If you decide to paint you will need to use primer. You may need oil based primer. We painted stained woodwork trim in our vacation home and had bleed through with water based primer. It was a mess until, we figured out we needed the oil based. Good luck with your project!

Old -- Jan 2014

Thanks to all of you, our cottage renos are done! Among all your comments, there was one person who said "don't paint the walls white" (our plan going in was to paint it all white). In the end, we decided NOT to paint the retro pine walls, and opted for a detailed cleaning and a light refresh instead, with white trim and wood floors, new backsplash and some carpentry work, new hardware. We are very happy with it. Here is an "after" shot.

Oops...posted the Wrong photo!