The Ultimate Guide to Off-Season Screen Storage (Stop Shoving Them in the Shed)
Cottage season’s over. The leaves are turning, the dock is stacked, and you’re standing there…
Brace yourself (and your cottage) – we’re about to toss those tired granite counters out the window (careful, not literally) and embrace the cottage upgrades 2025 is really about. If you thought “upgrading” meant turning your cozy lakeside haven into a Silicon Valley smart home… think again, my friend. This isn’t about high-tech gadgetry or showroom bling. Nah, 2025’s cottage trends are swinging modern rustic, eco-conscious, and heartwarmingly nostalgic.
Think Muskoka meets summer camp, with a dash of DIY and a whole lot of “remember when…?” vibes. These upgrades won’t just spruce up your cabin; they’ll bring everyone together like a campfire sing-along on Three Mile Lake. And bonus: you won’t need a second mortgage (looking at you, Lake Joseph mansion owners with your helipads and marble bathtubs). Grab a butter tart, settle into your wobbly Muskoka chair, and let’s countdown the Top 10 Cottage Upgrades for 2025 that’ll make your retreat the envy of Bracebridge – no granite counters in sight.
There’s “cottage cozy,” and then there’s huddled around a fire table telling ghost stories cozy. In 2025, the classic fire pit gets a glow-up – say hello to the outdoor fire table. It’s like a campfire that went to finishing school. Propane, wood, whatever heats your s’mores – the result is the same: toasty toes and golden marshmallows for all.
Picture this: a cool Port Carling evening, your family and friends circled around a stylish fire table on the deck, faces basking in the warm glow (and maybe avoiding the plume of smoke that always chases Uncle Bob). No more musical chairs to dodge the smoke direction; fire tables are generally smokeless and easy to light (you know, so you’re not spending 20 minutes fanning a flame with yesterday’s Muskoka Region** newspaper). Plus, many come with a handy ledge to rest your mug of hot cocoa or Muskoka Brewery beer – fancy, eh? It’s the communal heart of the cottage reborn: a place to swap stories, roast just one more marshmallow, and maybe even embarrass your teen with tales of “when I was your age at the lake…”. All the nostalgia of a campfire, minus smelling like one. And when you’re not using it for s’mores and sing-alongs, it doubles as a chic coffee table – perfect for those early morning lake views with a cup of joe. Upgrading to a fire table is basically like inviting a never-ending bonfire night into your life (just BYO ghost stories).
IKEA who? 2025 is the year we kick mass-produced furniture to the curb (maybe literally off the dock) and bring in some handmade rustic furniture with soul. We’re talking about that one-of-a-kind harvest table made from reclaimed barn wood, or a set of real Muskoka chairs carved by a local artisan in Bracebridge. Every nick and knot in the wood has a story – kind of like the scratch on the cottage coffee table that’s been there since Cousin Jimmy’s “dance routine” of 2004.
Upgrading your cottage furnishings to handcrafted pieces not only gives your place serious modern rustic cred, but it also supports local craftspeople (cue the eco-conscious karma points). Swap out those wobbly plastic deck chairs for solid cedar beauties that can withstand both the elements and your cousin’s enthusiastic cannonballs off the dock. Add a chunky farmhouse-style dining table big enough to seat the whole gang (yes, even that one friend who always shows up with two random buddies in tow). Now you’ve got a dining setup primed for pancake feasts and late-night card games.
And let’s not forget the coziness factor: think hand-knit throws over a reclaimed wood loveseat, a vintage trunk doubling as a coffee table, or shelves made from old canoe paddles. It’s like giving your cottage a warm hug. Each piece is unique – just like your many cottage weekend memories. Plus, when someone compliments that gorgeous live-edge coffee table, you get to say, “Thanks, it’s custom made by a guy in Port Carling who salvages old pine from log cabins.” How cool (and Ontario-proud) is that?
Remember last summer when your cottage living room felt like a mosquito sanctuary? Yeah… let’s not do that again. One of the most underrated cottage upgrades for 2025 is upgrading your window and door screens. It’s time to retire the old screens held together by duct tape and sheer optimism. Give your cottage the gift of a bug-free breeze. Open windows, yes; open invitation to every Muskoka mosquito and blackfly, no thanks.
New high-quality mesh screens (the kind that actually stay in the frame and don’t have mysterious holes the size of a loonie) will let you enjoy that fresh lake air minus the mosquito bites in awkward places. There are even fancy pet-resistant screens if your dog thinks every screen is a chew toy, and virtually invisible screens that make your view of Lake Joseph crystal clear. And hey, if you really want to flex, consider going for security screens – those bad boys are like regular screens on steroids, keeping out bugs and burglars (and maybe even Sasquatch) . We know a cottage on Three Mile Lake isn’t exactly Fort Knox, but a little extra peace of mind never hurts, right?
Most importantly, upgraded screens turn your cottage into the breezy, laid-back haven it should be. With the right screens, you’ll fall asleep to the sound of loons on the lake, not the high-pitched whine of a hungry mosquito dive-bombing your ear. Your future summer self will thank you when you’re lounging inside, feeling that gentle Muskoka cross-breeze, bite-free and blissful. (Pro tip: If your screens are beyond a DIY fix, call up WindowRises, the local screen superheroes. They’ve patched more cottage screens and replaced more patio door rollers than you’ve had BBQs, and they do it with a smile and maybe a wink, because saving you from bug bites is kind of their thing.) Need inspiration? They even wrote a whole love letter about making security screens the ultimate cottage upgrade . Now that’s dedication to the cause.
Every cottage has that one patio sliding door. You know, the one that requires a secret handshake and a borderline Herculean shove to open? The one that announces your 3 a.m. snack raid to the entire cottage with a screech that could wake a hibernating bear? It’s time for a patio door glow-up. Upgrading your old sticky slider to a smooth-gliding, silent sliding patio door (or just fixing the rollers on the current one) will change your cottage life in ways you didn’t know you needed.
Imagine effortlessly sliding the door open with one hand while carrying a tray of burgers destined for the grill – no cursing, no jiggling the door off its tracks, no mosquitoes sneaking in during the 5 minutes it usually takes to wrestle it shut. It’s the kind of small upgrade that gets a standing ovation from your family and guests (okay, maybe just a relieved sigh, but still).
If you’re the DIY type, a little grease and new rollers might do the trick. But if that door is as ancient as a Gravenhurst antique shop find, consider an upgrade: modern patio doors not only slide like butter, they often come with better insulation and screens that seal tight. That’s right – no more mysterious gaps that let the critters in (or the A/C out). Plus, new models lock securely without needing Grandpa’s old stick-in-the-track security hack (though admittedly, that trick is cottage ingenuity at its finest ).
And yes, we’d be remiss not to drop a friendly mention that WindowRises has seen every sad patio door scenario known to cottage-kind. Wobbly wheels, torn screens, handles held on by a single screw – they’ve fixed them all. So if your door is less “portal to a tranquil lakeview” and more “Medieval drawbridge,” you know who to call. Upgrading your patio door means smoother exits to the deck, quieter entries after the sunset beer run, and an end to the inadvertent cottage weightlifting workout. Your back (and your cottage buddies trying to slide it while holding a case of Lake of Bays brew) will thank you.
Forget the expensive hot tub with a bluetooth app – for a truly modern rustic and communal upgrade, you can’t beat a classic wood-fired sauna. That’s right, bring a bit of Scandinavia to the shores of Ontario. Installing a small sauna cabin (or converting that old shed out back) gives you and your crew a toasty retreat on those chilly spring and fall evenings when the lake’s too cold for a dip. It’s like a time machine to simpler days: just wood, rocks, steam, and friends daring each other to stay on the top bench the longest.
Why a wood-fired sauna? First, it’s delightfully off-grid and eco-conscious. No electricity needed – just feed it logs (sustainably sourced, of course – maybe from that tree that fell in last winter’s storm). In true cottage spirit, it makes you work a bit for your comfort: you’ll bond over who’s the best fire starter or water pourer for the steam löyly. Second, it’s a social experience. Squeezing onto the benches with a couple of friends or cousins, sweating out last night’s s’mores and beer, is oddly bonding. (Nothing says friendship like mutually resembling boiled lobsters.)
Between roasting sessions, you can run out and jump in the lake or roll in the snow if it’s winter – if you’re hardcore. Even if you’re not, cooling down under the stars on the dock, wrapped in a towel with steam still rising off your shoulders, is pure magic. Plus, let’s not ignore the bragging rights: “Oh, you don’t have a sauna at your cottage? You simply must come try ours.” Said in the snootiest accent while in a towel, of course.
For those in Muskoka and surrounding cottage country, wood-fired saunas are becoming the thing – a nod to tradition with a modern wellness twist. Just check the local classifieds around Lake Joseph or Port Carling – sauna kits and barrel sauna deliveries are hot (literally) items. So go ahead, upgrade that unused corner of your property into a sauna. It’s the kind of upgrade that’s equal parts practical (it’ll extend your cottage season into the chilly months) and ridiculously indulgent. Your pores will be clear, your spirits high, and your cottage will earn a reputation as a sweat lodge sanctuaryfor all your like-minded, slightly crazy friends.
What’s a cottage without a hammock zone? (Answer: a missed opportunity for naps, that’s what.) In 2025, creating dedicated “chill spots” around your property is all the rage. High-tech entertainment room? Nope. We’re talking old-school relaxation stations: a couple of sturdy hammocks strung between pines, a porch swing with faded floral cushions, or even a big daybed swing that turns your deck into a swinging lounge. It’s an upgrade for your soul, not just your space.
First on the list: the classic hammock. Opt for a durable, weatherproof one (bonus points if it’s handwoven or made from recycled materials – eco-chic!). Set it up with a prime view of the lake, or maybe tucked behind the cottage under that birch tree for a private reading nook. Suddenly, your afternoon plans go from “What can we fix next?” to “Who’s gonna be the first to doze off mid-book?” Pro tip: Establish a hammock time limit if you have a big group – nothing causes hammock hostility like the one person hogging the prime napping spot all day.
Next, consider a porch swing or glider. There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a gentle swing on the porch, sipping lemonade or a cool beer while the sun sets over Three Mile Lake. Grandma had it right – a porch swing is basically free therapy. You’ll find yourself having deep conversations or hysterical laughter fits there, guaranteed. If your cottage doesn’t have a porch, those free-standing swinging benches are just as good – set one in the yard, maybe near a flower garden to watch the butterflies (or the neighbor struggling with his boat trailer, equally entertaining).
By intentionally upgrading your outdoor nooks into relaxation zones, you’re encouraging everyone to slow down and soak in the cottage vibe. City life has its speed; cottage life is all about that hammock sway and campfire lullaby. Just be warned: once you upgrade to ultimate chill mode, you might find guests so relaxed they “accidentally” stay an extra day… or five.
Nothing transforms a cottage evening quite like the warm twinkle of string lights and the soft glow of lanterns. It’s time to swap out that harsh floodlight (the one that attracts every moth in Muskoka) for some old-school ambience. Think Edison bulb string lights draped along your deck railing, solar-powered fairy lights in the trees, and a couple of vintage-looking lanterns (LED or real flame, if you’re feeling authentic) placed strategically on tables. Suddenly, your cottage exterior goes from campground chic to rustic fairy tale.
String lights are basically instant charm in a box. Easy to install, inexpensive, and they make everything – and I mean everything – look prettier at night. That patch of raggedy bushes by the shed? Throw some fairy lights on it; now it’s a whimsical garden. The old canoe paddle nailed above the door? Wrap a mini light strand around it and voila – art! On a practical level, these lights extend your outdoor hangouts well past sunset. You’ll find yourselves lingering by the fire table or on the dock, laughing and chatting under the gentle sparkle, not wanting to go inside (except maybe to grab another drink or that secret stash of Kawartha Dairy ice cream bars from the freezer).
And we can’t talk ambience without mentioning lanterns. There’s something about lantern light that screams (quietly) “cottage tranquility.” Whether you opt for authentic kerosene lanterns for that sweet nostalgic smell (just don’t set yourself or the moths on fire, please) or modern LED lanterns that flicker like the real thing, scattering a few around is chef’s kiss for coziness. Line them up down the path to the lake for a makeshift runway, or hang a couple on hooks by the patio. Now you’ve got mood lighting that doubles as decor.
Oh, and did we mention the eco-friendly factor? Many string lights these days are solar-powered, and LED lanterns sip battery power slowly. So you’re being kind to the environment (and your Hydro One bill). With your cottage bathed in this magical glow, don’t be surprised if the neighbor boats slow down to admire the view. You might just start a Muskoka arms race for who can create the most enchanting cottage vibe. Game on.
If the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, then a wood-fired pizza oven is basically Cupid in cottage form. Sure, barbecues are great – we love a good grill sesh – but there’s something downright legendary about whipping up piping hot, crispy pizza right at the cottage. In 2025, the trend of turning your deck or yard into a mini pizzeria is on the rise (or should we say, on the rise like dough… I’ll see myself out).
You don’t need to be a master pizzaiolo to justify this upgrade. Many compact wood-fired oven kits are made for the average Joe (or average Giuseppe) to assemble and operate. Set one up on your patio, and suddenly your cottage dinners become interactive events. Everyone gets to craft their own personal pie – grandpa wants classic pepperoni, the kids are slapping on pineapple (controversial), and you’re over there prosciutto-ing like a gourmet chef. It’s a beautiful chaos. Best of all, the whole gang gathers around the oven, trading tips and teasing each other’s topping choices. Communal cooking at its finest.
The experience is half the fun: feeding the fire with hardwood, that smoky woodsy aroma wafting through the air (way better than the smell of a bug zapper frying moths), the whoosh of the flame, and the bragging rights when you nail the perfect crust. And let’s face it, everything tastes better under the pine trees and stars. That first bite of melty-cheese, wood-fired goodness while you sit by Lake Joseph – unmatched bliss.
But hey, maybe building a backyard oven feels a little… ambitious. If you’re more into eating pizza than engineering it, Muskoka’s got your back with some killer wood-fired pizza joints:
🍕 Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint – Port Carling
Located right on Medora Street, this place is a local legend. One reviewer nailed it: “Fresh. Thin crust that was not overcooked. Good quality ingredients. Good service. Would go again.” Pro tip: grab a table with a view and pretend you made it yourself. (We won’t tell.)
🍕 Pizza One Muskoka – Gravenhurst
Small-town charm meets full-flavour stone-baked goodness. With a 4.5-star average and a following of loyal crust-lovers, this spot is perfect for a Friday night “I totally meant to make dinner but… pizza” moment.
🍕 The Mill on Main – Huntsville
Cozy, classic, and reliably delicious. People rave about their wood-fired pizzas and even more about the vibe. One happy customer said, “Great food and great service!!! The wood-fired pizza was perfect…” Add live music nights and you’re not just eating — you’re vibing.
So whether you’re baking your own pizza under the stars or letting the pros handle it while you kick back with a cold one, this is one upgrade that satisfies body and soul. Just know that if word gets out your cottage has a pizza oven (or that you live near one of these spots), you’ll mysteriously become everyone’s “favourite cousin” again. 🧀🔥
Believe it or not, one of the hottest cottage upgrades this year isn’t a “thing” at all – it’s an experience. Specifically, upgrading your entertainment from digital back to gloriously analog. That’s right, time to dust off the board games, playing cards, and that acoustic guitar in the corner. In an age of apps and streaming, nothing brings people together at the lake quite like old-school fun that doesn’t require Wi-Fi (which is good, because let’s be honest, your cottage Wi-Fi is one raccoon-chewed cable away from useless anyway).
Start with a stash of board games. Not the ones you begrudgingly pull out of a closet, missing half the pieces – I mean curate a killer collection. Think cottage classics like Scrabble (for the quiet rainy afternoons), Monopoly (if your group has the patience of saints or you just enjoy watching chaos unfold), and Trivial Pursuit (Canadian Edition, so you can finally show off your knowledge of obscure hockey facts).
But if you’re looking to level up game night? We’ve got a few personal favorites that absolutely slap in the cottage setting:
Then add in some party games like Cards Against Humanity (but maybe keep that one out of reach from Grandma), Pictionary, or even good ol’ charades. Dedicate a shelf or cupboard as the Game Zone, maybe even make a cute sign like “Lake Joseph Boardgame Lounge – Open ’til Midnight.” You’ll be shocked how quickly a friendly game of Euchre becomes the highlight of the weekend. Winner gets an extra butter tart, loser jumps in the lake. Cottage rules.
Now, music. Every cottage needs a guitar – it’s practically law. Upgrade your jam session game by actually tuning that guitar (and learning 3.5 chords). Encourage the gang to bring their dusty instruments – the more, the merrier. Ukulele? Sure. Harmonica? Why not. Kazoo? Okay, maybe not that one. Next thing you know, you’ve got a makeshift cottage band. There will be off-key singing, there will be laughter, and there might even be that one friend who turns out to be freakishly good at drumming on a saucepan.
By embracing analog fun, you’re tapping into that camp nostalgia. It’s wholesome, it’s communal, and it’s often hilarious. (If you’ve never seen two grown adults frantically act out “beaver dam” in charades, you haven’t lived.) The best part? These “upgrades” cost next to nothing. Dust off the games, thrift a few extras, invest in a good deck of cards and a songbook of campfire classics, and you’re golden. When the power goes out or the rain rolls in, you’ll quietly thank 2025-you for turning your cottage into the ultimate unplugged hangout spot.
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about an upgrade that’s more about spirit than structure: the legendary cottage name sign. If your cottage doesn’t have a punny, clever, or downright cheesy name planked out front, is it even a cottage? In small-town Ontario and Muskoka, naming your getaway is practically a rite of passage. So for 2025, why not finally christen your rustic palace and hang up a sign for all to see (and chuckle at)?
This upgrade combines craftiness, personalization, and humor – very Laura Belgray, if we do say so. First, brainstorm that perfect cottage moniker. Maybe a play on your family name (“Smith & Relaxation”), a nod to the wildlife (“Loonacy Lodge” – loons + the looniness of family game night, get it?), or a classic pun (“Lake Lives Matter” – on second thought, maybe workshop that one). If you’re on Three Mile Lake, you could go with “Three Smile Lakehouse” because everyone’s grinning up here. On Lake Joseph? How about “Cup of Joe Cottage” (and offer every visitor a coffee, just to be literal). The possibilities are as endless as the dad jokes on a long weekend.
Next, the sign itself. This is where the modern rustic aesthetic shines. Carve it into a slice of reclaimed wood, burn the letters old-school style, or paint it with a distressed finish for that weathered look. You might find local artisans in Bracebridge or Port Carling who do custom cottage signs (loons and pine tree motifs optional but highly recommended). Hanging it at the end of your drive or on the front gate instantly ups your cottage’s charm factor. It says, “We love this place enough to give it its own identity.” It’s also extremely helpful when giving directions: “Turn left at the fork and look for the sign that says ‘Camp Yeah-We’re-Not-Coming-Back (JK)’.” Your guests will know they’ve arrived somewhere special (or at least somewhere with a sense of humor).
The best part? Taking a photo next to the sign each year becomes a cherished tradition – and a great way to see how the kids (and the big kids) have grown or changed… or how that one guy’s mullet mercifully did not survive to see 2025. A fun sign is a conversation starter, a memory maker, and the cherry on top of your cottage upgrade sundae. It’s the first thing people see and the last thing they remember as they drive off down that windy Muskoka road. So go ahead, embrace the corny cottage sign trend. In a world of granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, a little personalized whimsystands out – and isn’t that what the true cottage vibe is all about?
Granite counters and high-tech gizmos have nothing on these modern rustic, eco-friendly, communal upgrades. 2025 is all about turning your cottage into a place where stories are made and shared: around the fire table, on the dock, in the sauna, or under twinkling lights with a guitar strumming softly (or not so softly). It’s about Muskoka nostalgia with a twist – taking the best of the old and mixing it with just enough new to keep things comfy and fun.
So whether your retreat is a grand lodge on Lake Joseph or a cozy cabin by Three Mile Lake, these upgrades will level up the good-times factor without sacrificing that down-to-earth cottage charm. And hey, as you embark on this cottage-improvement journey, remember to give a nod (and maybe a call) to your local helpers. From the folks who craft your furniture to the team at WindowRises who’ll fix up your screens and doors when you need it, it’s the community that truly keeps our cottages humming. (They’ll happily save you from the mosquitoes and sticky doors so you can get back to the important stuff – like winning at Scrabble.)
Now get out there and make your lakehouse the ultimate 2025 hangout. With upgrades like these, don’t be surprised if people start showing up with extra butter tarts and beers as bribes to score an invite. Cheers to cottage life, where the upgrades are meaningful, the laughter is loud, and granite counters are, blessedly, nowhere to be seen. 🥂
