Cottage cool: A carriage house transforms into a comfy, rustic escape from city living

By: Sarah Gunn

A converted carriage house in Prince Edward County, Ont., is a comfy, rustic escape from city living.

Styled shelves

Floating wooden shelves were fashioned from an Ikea oak butcher-block countertop that had been cut to size. From a collection of vintage tins to pretty rocks picked up at the nearby beach, every knickknack has its place.

Practical perch

The row of hooks is perfect for drying towels and hanging beach bags.

Book nook

Narrow wooden shelves stacked with books and a basket of cozy blankets are welcoming elements in the entry.

Cozy kitchen

Exposed brick and open shelving give the kitchen a casual vibe. Budget-friendly white Ikea cabinets are contemporary and ultra-functional. Running the length of the counter, a narrow wooden ledge offers additional storage for small appliances and other frequently used items. Perfect for big dinners or for playing board games, the ingenious dining table is an Ikea butcher-block top attached to a metal base from Lee Valley.

Sweet spot

Nestled in a corner by the kitchen, the dark-grey sofa, topped with patterned cushions, doubles as a pullout bed. For the living area, a compact bench serves as a coffee table; it not only fits the narrow space but also functions as extra seating for the dining table.

Blissful bunk

Suspended over the living room, a stylish twin loft bed boosts sleeping space. Clad in tongue-and-groove pine and painted white, the bed frame is a fresh counterpoint to the darker exposed-brick wall. You can't beat the futon below as an inviting place to snuggle up with a great book.