Life is busy. No matter who you are there will just never be enough hours in the day. Despite that being the case, it doesn’t seem to stop Scott McGillivray from trying anyways. Between filming a television series, renovation rental properties and raising a beautiful family, Scott never seems to stop. Recently, we got the chance to sit down and ask, what’s new with Scott McGillivray?

Read on to find out what Scott’s been up to and catch him alongside Debra in Scott’s Vacation House Rules on Home Network. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

An Evolving Industry

With so many years of experience in the renovation world, Scott has seen pretty much everything. We wanted to know what changes to that industry have surprised him the most.

“In general, I would say the fundamentals have remained fairly consistent. I think technology has been the fastest mover. Homes are getting a lot smarter. The way that we wire them, plumb them, set up cameras, we really need to plan ahead (especially with investment properties) so that people can access their properties remotely.” We’ve certainly enjoyed seeing these new technologies incorporated into all of Scott’s stunning vacation house builds.

 

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Work/Life Balance

“I wouldn’t say that I am the person to consult when it comes to balancing work and life. I can tell you how mine is. Planning ahead is the way that I get through it, I have a calendar that is booked pretty much six months out. You need to make sure that as a family, everybody knows the assignment and everybody is on board. It’s a lot of preplanning and making sure that you protect personal time. Don’t put yourself last, you’ve got to put yourself first.”

 

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Scott’s Workout Routine

We wanted to know how Scott stays fit and active, whether he has a routine or really is getting it all done on demo days. “There was a period in my life, just before I had kids, where I would workout in the morning. That’s never coming back. Now, I work out in the evenings. I’ll try to workout right before dinner, I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing. For me, working out is an energy and stress release. I like to feel strong and with the job I have, you have to maintain a certain level or you won’t be able to complete the work.”

 

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Down Time

We asked what his days off look like lately. “I wouldn’t say that I have days off or that I have work hours. If I need to send an email at midnight, I’ll send it at midnight. Recently I took my family to Disney. We went for four days. It was amazing, we did all the things, planned it all out, there was a couple times where the kids waited in line and I sent a couple emails, but I was fully invested while I was there, and we had a fantastic time. It’s a balance for sure.”

Read more: Tour the Winning Cabin of Renovation Resort Season 1

Upcoming Travel Plans

“I am going fishing for a weekend. That’ll be coming up at the end of February. I have a ski trip. Actually, I have a work trip, and I’ve tacked on two days to go skiing. I love skiing and fishing, so I’ve got those coming up. Then I’ve got a trip to New York with the family. I don’t do a week or two weeks; some people go away for two weeks, that would give me so much anxiety that I would probably explode. I can do a long weekend, that to me is a full vacation.”

 

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Bringing Work Home

With the huge number of projects and renovations he takes on, we wanted to know if there were any builds that made him think ‘wow, I need to do that in my home.’

“Well, doing vacation house rules and helping people with vacation properties, that turned into me buying my own vacation property. I was like ‘I can’t do this anymore, I need my own.’ So, I think doing that show was a lot of inspiration.”

 

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What’s Worth Saving For?

So much of what Scott does is educating and empowering others financially. Since he’s an expert on helping others make money, we wanted to know what he thinks is worth spending money on.

“I don’t like spending money; I like investing money. Buying a boat, not a great investment but great return on lifestyle. You never have a bad day on a boat. I’ll tell you one thing, as soon as you go on a boat you forget how much you spent on it.” Scott’s right, all big purchases should have a return on investment. Sometimes that return is joy and memories. We think that’s the best investment anyone can make.

 

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Designer Dad

Scott has two growing girls and if one thing is true about children as they get older, it’s that they develop their own tastes. We asked if the girls had started to design their own spaces or if he was still the design expert at home. “My girls are now eleven and twelve years old and their bedrooms are the ones we built for them eight years ago, so they were little kids. We’re now getting to the tipping point where they have some ideas. Now, the good news is they still know that I am gatekeeper of executing idea. They go online and put their vision boards together and keep a little list of things they like. They have their ideas and plans but they’re still good about coming to me and saying how are we gonna get this done?”

Check out: 10 Dreamiest Bedrooms From Scott’s Vacation House Rules

Good Eats

As passionate as we all are about design, we’re equally as invested in good food. We wanted to know, If Scott had to choose his dream meal these days, what would it be?

“I’m probably going to have to do a nice tomahawk steak with, I know this sounds terrible, brussels sprouts. Gimme some brussels sprouts. But, before I eat that, I need a caesar salad. Caesar salad, brussels sprouts, asparagus, tomahawk steak, piece of cheesecake, take me out. Done.” There you have it, a man of taste.

See more of Scott in Renovation Resort and Scott’s Vacation House Rules on Home Network. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

Related: Keeping Up With Kortney and Kenny

Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni have overseen a lot of vacation property overhauls on Scott’s Vacation House Rules. But when Jillian and Emerson called them for help, they faced their most ambitious project yet: The Lakeside Landing.

Emerson was never a cottage person, but Jillian’s stepfather had convinced the couple to put money down on a cozy place by the lake. It was a teardown, and together the trio began a new build. But then Jillian’s stepdad faced an unexpected illness and passed away, leaving this couple devastated and unsure how to proceed.

Keep reading to see how Scott and Debra transformed a blank slate into a two-storey cottage with vaulted ceilings, a contemporary design, and plenty of windows showcasing the gorgeous lake views below.

Watch Scott’s Vacation House Rules on Home Network. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

A Blank Slate

The bones were there when Scott and Debra arrived at the soon-to-be Lakeside Landing. The structure had been built and a rough floor plan was ready, but there was still a ton of work to do. Without walls, windows or design sketches, this home truly was a blank slate, and the team had their work cut out for them.

Related: Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni Wrangle the Ultimate Ranch Rental

A Contemporary Design

This cottage may be one of Scott and Debra’s best projects yet. The resulting vacation home is a gorgeous and airy family space with lots of contemporary design. The kitchen features slate finishes and an open-concept layout for entertaining, while the dining area is a space for family gatherings and hangouts. It all ties together with the vaulted ceiling above, where exposed beams add warmth and undeniable cottage vibes.

Related: Scott and Debra Create the Little Pink Cottage of Social Media Dreams

Comfortable Living

Is a cottage ever complete without a fireplace for vacationers to warm up beside after a day of hiking or paddling on the lake? This contemporary design adds texture and functionality with the wood beam mantel and elongated slates that draw your eye to the ceiling.

Related: Scott McGillivray Creates the Perfect Victorian Venue for Weddings

An All-Season Space

Since this cottage will be a full-year escape for the family, Scott and Debra ensured they can enjoy their views even when the temperature drops. Enter this porch space with a cozy fireplace, lighting and plenty of seating. The rug below adds texture and warmth, a table can hold loose ends, and the rocking chair is there for optimal relaxation. It’s the perfect nook for reading or cozy chatting with a loved one.

Related: Scott and Debra Revamp a Beach Cottage With Plenty of Shore Appeal

A Lakeside Landing

Scott and Debra set this family up in the lower living room for cozy family hangouts on rainy days or when they need a little escape from the sun. There’s an area for movies, space for the kids to play, and a games table the family helped to craft. Add in the kids’ nook for crafting, homework, or creative time and a bar table for the adults, and this is the perfect family retreat for anyone looking for an escape to the lake.

Watch Scott’s Vacation House Rules on Home Network. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

Single mom Becky was starting to think about her future. Years ago, she and her two sons upgraded their waterfront home for a bigger house but kept the second property as a vacation home. With her two boys getting older, however, Becky was looking to create an income opportunity for herself. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to keep up with all of the needed repairs.

So, Becky called in Scott McGillivray, designer Debra Salmoni, and the Scott’s Vacation House Rules team. See how they converted this former family home into a Riverside Retreat with a cabana, fishing amenities and a fire pit.

A Former Family Home

Years ago, this kitchen would have been considered a great family space. Today though, the dark finishes and wood paneling suck up light and bring the room down. Much like the rest of the house, it required a serious update, along with some finishing touches to appeal to vacationers looking for a cozy but amenity-filled rental spot.

White, Bright and Full of Light

New floors, fresh paint, and updated appliances go a long way in this new kitchen, which makes use of the existing layout. Now, the space feels open and flows to and from the rest of the house, creating an airy feel. Renters will appreciate the open concept, which allows guests to cook and mingle. Add in a couple of chairs at the island and a subtle backsplash to fit the Riverside theme, and this is definitely a retreat-like kitchen.

A Warm Welcome

At the front of the house, Scott and Debra transformed what Becky and her sons referred to as “the warm room” into a warm welcome. They added a small seating area for guests to hang out in and an office space for those who need to work a little during their vacay. Off to the side they also created a mud room with a pulldown bed where a bedroom once stood. Then, they replaced the previous French door with modern sliding barn doors instead.

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A Cool Place to Dine

Meanwhile, the back of the house featured this space, which the family referred to as “the cold room.” Why? Because it was so cold it actually cooled down the rest of the house. Not long after, Scott and Debra got their hands on the space and fixed some of the home’s structural issues. Now this room is a much-needed dining space with plenty of seating where renters can enjoy a good meal together and take in the views from multiple windows.

A True Fishing Retreat

Having updated and upgraded amenities inside a rental is essential, but so is a great outdoor space. Now, this fishing retreat features both, thanks to the new backyard. It’s got a beautiful firepit area for grilling up whatever catch of the day renters bring home, along with a cabana to serve refreshments after a quick dip in the river. Add in a great outdoor living area for relaxing and dining al fresco, and this is a rental that Becky should be able to utilize for a second income for years to come.

Regina and Dave love bringing their kids to the cottage for family time away from their daily obligations and busy lives. However, their two-storey cottage had too many small rooms, a dysfunctional layout and no functional play space for the kids.

So they called the Scott’s Vacation House Rules’ team for help. Read on to see how  Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni shored up this beachside cottage with plenty of open space and crafty corners.

Tiny Rooms With No Space

When Scott arrived at the Sandy Pines cottage, there wasn’t much room to move around. The rooms were too small and situated in awkward corners, which didn’t leave the family with much room to hang out together. That was especially true in the tiny kitchen, which was minimized by the equally tiny bedroom beside it.

Related: Scott and Debra Wrangle the Ultimate Ranch Rental

A New and Improved Space

Scott is a fan of the “heads in beds” model for cottages, but in this rare case, he felt the layout would benefit from one less bedroom and more communal space. So he knocked out a main floor bedroom and expanded the kitchen. The result is a beautiful area where the whole family can hang out. Now there’s plenty of seating thanks to the new island, design appeal via the dark blue and white finishes, and modern appliances to encourage easy cottage living. Meanwhile, lots of lighting options keep the space feeling bright and open.

Related: Scott and Debra Convert an Empty Garage Into a Family-Friendly Country Cabin

An Open-Concept Design

The white and blue theme continues in the new and improved living room, which features plenty of sitting room and a natural fireplace for bonus warmth. Large windows help bring even more light into the space, while a large dining table and bench add lots of opportunities for family games night or cozy dinners together.

Related: Scott and Debra Create the Little Pink Cottage of Social Media Dreams

Space for Family Time

In the lower living room, Scott and Debra added more blue finishes to complement the upstairs look but went with a softer shade to differentiate the family-friendly space. Comfy couches provide an opportunity for family movie nights after a day at the beach, while the bar fridge allows people to come and go for a drink without tracking sand upstairs. A few plants, candles, and framed photographs complete the cozy family nook.

Related: Scott and Debra Kick Off Season 5 With a Coastal Cottage

Porch Appeal

Last but not least, Scott and Debra revamped this screened-in porch to make it the perfect summer hangout space. A new wood ceiling and pot lights provide light and shelter from the elements, wicker furniture allows for ample seating, and high-tech screens with safety railings offer the perfect view. Now, this is a cottage where the whole family can hang out, but as the kids grow older in the years to come, it’s also perfectly set up to generate extra income.

Sisters Caroline and Monique knew their century-old farmhouse had lots of potential, but they didn’t know how to realize it. The property hadn’t been renovated in more than four decades, and it was covered with carpet and wallpaper. The space was in serious need of TLC, so they decided to implement Scott’s Vacation House Rules.

Luckily, Scott McGillivray and designer Debra Salmoni had some genius ideas on how to bring this income property to life. See how they preserved this home’s Victorian elements to transform it into the ideal Victorian wedding venue.

Don’t miss new episodes of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Home Network. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

A Ton of Potential

Despite the older details, this home featured a great layout. There was plenty of space and a functional floor plan that made it easy for Scott to conceptualize a Victorian venue. Of course, certain things needed to go, like this outdated kitchen and its light-sucking cabinetry.

Related: Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni Wrangle the Ultimate Ranch Rental

A Gourmet Kitchen

A few modern updates to the kitchen completely transform the space without taking away its charm. Updated cupboards add some soft colour to the space, while the oversized island adds function and a seating area. Meanwhile, the window trim and lights over the island and windows come together to add those coveted Victorian vibes.

Farmhouse Living

The living room also benefited from a few modern touches, like the updated tiling and paint on the fireplace and the wrought iron details on the furniture and fixtures. However, the wainscoting on the walls and the new floors below help pull the room back into the Victorian zone.

Related: Scott and Debra Create the Little Pink Cottage of Social Media Dreams

For the Grooms

If the bridal party were getting ready upstairs, Scott envisioned the groomsmen getting ready in this newly configured sitting area. Before, it was just a dead space that the family rarely used. But by adding the flooring, wood features, and rich texture of the wainscoting, the space feels luxe and updated. Add in a few masculine details, such as the leather seats, and this is definitely a space the guys can hang out in and grab some photos.

A Pretty Primary

As for the bridal party, they can hang out and get ready in this newly redesigned bridal suite. There’s plenty of light and soft details for ideal photos, not to mention a large bed and the Victorian chaise lounge in the corner. Add in a chandelier for optimal opulence, and this is a romantic and warm space that any couple could happily retreat to after their big day.

Don’t miss new episodes of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Home Network. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

It’s been five seasons of Scott’s Vacation House Rules‘ challenging flips, exciting designs, and a whole lot of flannel. Now that our dynamic duo has returned, we decided to sit down with Debra Salmoni to find out what she’s been up to lately.

How does it feel to be on the fifth season?

“It’s unbelievable! We haven’t really had a big break between seasons, so one has rolled into two, three, four, and now it’s five. It’s fun.” Debra and the team have seemed to be on a non-stop roll. Transforming income properties into unforgettable getaways takes a lot of work, but when you have as much fun as they do it doesn’t feel like work.

Related: Scott and Debra Kick Off Season 5 With a Coastal Cottage

How has your design approach for income spaces changed over the seasons?

“We always try to up the ante. This season, we’ve taken on bigger projects that typically previous seasons we wouldn’t even consider. So, I think that is what changed quite a bit from previous seasons.” With so many projects in quick succession, it would be easy to fall into habits. Despite this, Debra’s designs remain as fresh as ever.

What draws you to a rental property now that you’ve helped create so many?

As an expert on vacation spaces, Debra has seen everything that might attract a guest. We wondered what draws her to a destination. “I’ve rented properties before; my favorite thing is design. One of the properties I stayed at last summer had this beautiful wallpaper from a Canadian artist. One of my biggest things is that, if I’m going on vacation, I don’t want to compromise.”

Is there a style of home or architecture that you especially enjoy designing for?

“The beauty of our job is you get to see everything.” With the show constantly moving around, showcasing the various places people escape to, it also gives them a chance to see all different kinds of properties and architecture. “We did a couple of restorations this season. So, instead of pulling out the old existing and putting in new, we really tried to preserve what was there.”

What were your favourite moments while filming season five?

As fun as the whole process of making a new season is, there’s always standout memories. “One of the biggest moments for me was that I got to do a really fun excursion with my son and daughter. They got introduced to the Scott’s Vacation House Rules family, so that’s one of the highlights, that my sweet Lizzy and Tom get to be shown with me. Then, I would say we got to do some lassoing”.

Related: Scott and Debra Wrangle the Ultimate Ranch Rental

Would you say your pun game has improved while working with Scott?

“Absolutely, I say weird things now. I can’t help it, they just come to me, and people are like ‘wow, that’s very Scott of you’.” No job is perfect, some even come with hazards. For her, the biggest threat is Scott McGillivray and his puns. With the endless stream of them, working alongside Scott runs the risk of them rubbing off on you.

What are some of your favourite ways to make a space pop?

“I love heavy textures; I think it make a room interesting. The bolder the colour, the better, especially in vacation properties.” Knowing how to make a space stand out and wow every new guest is challenging enough, but Debra also needs to balance that by making the property comfortable during their stay. “We’re dealing with themed properties, so you’re adding in different and interesting wallpapers, bold colour, and we love to lean on those heavy textures.”

Read more: Scott and Debra Create the Little Pink Cottage of Social Media Dreams

Last but not least, plaid or overalls?

After five seasons of watching the duo rock their best country-cottage fits, we just couldn’t part ways without getting Debra’s vote. Plaid or overalls, which is better? “I’ve got to tell you right now, I’m going to go with overalls but I do love plaid. I would wear overalls with plaid!”

Lizzie and Rushad are familiar with Scott McGillivray’s proven Income Property methods. After all, they appeared on his former show years ago before they were even married. A few properties, a wedding, and two kids later, this couple needed help with a whole new project.

Recently, Lizzie and Rushad agreed to manage Lizzie’s childhood property in the country, but they quickly realized they were in over their heads. So they called Scott and designer Debra Salmoni for the Vacation House Rules touch. Keep reading to see how this duo transforms the property’s empty garage into a country cottage rental with a streamlined Scandinavian design.

A Blank Canvas

There’s nothing better than starting from scratch, at least when it comes to renovation and design. Scott and Debra had a blank canvas with this garage, which sits next to the main property and close to a little pond with big vacation appeal.

Related: Scott and Debra Wrangle the Ultimate Ranch

A Colourful Cottage

Thoughtful design elements, like this compact kitchen and colourful features, such as the pendant lights and sofa, bring life to this new space. The high ceilings leave the area bright and airy, while warm greys and pops of colour add the Scandinavian cottage feel. In the back, the primary bedroom continues with the Scandinavian theme thanks to the warm wood headboard feature.

Thoughtful Elements

There is plenty of seating in this newly designed cottage thanks to the streamlined kitchen, which contains hidden organization and practical elements — like a hidden popup kitchen counter. The fridge is big enough for a family of renters to stash groceries for the week, and there’s even a bit of extra storage thanks to the white cabinets off to the side.

Related: Scott and Debra Create the Little Pink Cottage of Social Media Dreams

Making it Family-Friendly

This new cottage design boasts two bedrooms, including this sweet space with bunk beds that are cute for kids and adults alike. The dark wall colour continues the blue threads from the main space, and a practical area rug adds even more texture and warmth.

Expanding the Space

At the back of the cottage, Scott and Debra opened up the wall and installed these beautiful glass doors, which slide all the way open to expand the living space. Outside, a gorgeous wrap-around deck offers even more space to lounge in, particularly for renters looking to take advantage of that warm country sun.

Related: Scott and Debra Kick Off Season 5 With a Coastal Cottage

The Great Outdoors

Around the back, Scott and Debra maximized every inch of the deck, including this new outdoor dining area. Now, this is a country cottage with clean lines and colourful details that any couple or family would love to head to for a little vacay.

Brothers Caleb and Jordan have dreams of being savvy short-term rental entrepreneurs by the time they’re 30 years old. They’re ready to put that plan into action, too, thanks to their recent acquisition of an old farmhouse on a bison ranch. They have some skills, but in this episode, they were looking for a mentor to help them fine-tune their ways. So they called Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni to learn Scott’s Vacation House Rules.

Together, this dream team transformed an old, creaky house into a gorgeous ranch rental with tons of rustic charm. 

Don’t miss new episodes of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Home Network. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

A Blast From the Past

It might not look like it in this photograph, but this farmhouse had plenty of potential. The wallpaper and carpet made this entryway feel dark and a little mouldy. But just look at that trim and original staircase. Those are features you won’t soon forget. 

Related: Scott and Debra Create the Little Pink Cottage of Social Media Dreams

An Updated Welcome

By removing the carpet and sanding the original hardwood floors, Scott and Debra revealed a ton of original charm. Some TLC to the trim and railing also gives this entryway a rich upgrade, and the white paint and wainscoting add much-needed brightness.

Room for Improvement

That same orange-red carpet continued in the living room, with more wallpaper and a cracking ceiling awaiting the team. 

A Fresh Look

Debra and Scott exposed those original hardwood floors for a gorgeous new living room look. They then updated the walls with warm paint and wainscoting, making the space feel polished and updated. A new coat of white paint on the trim kept the original features intact, and warm wood accents helped bring that ranch feeling home. 

Related: Scott and Debra Kick Off Season 5 With a Coastal Cottage

Rustic Dining

The new look continued into the dining room, where an updated mantel and gas fireplace insert add extra warmth and charm. The circular dining table set is intimate and rustic, but the space feels open and airy thanks to the large entryways, streamlined floors, and paint. You can imagine renting this space and having quality family time or extended hangouts with good friends. 

Farming for Potential

Many renters are in search of a good kitchen with upgraded appliances. After all, if you’re renting a cottage or ranch, you’ll probably be doing most of your cooking. This kitchen, however, definitely needed some TLC.

Related: 10 Dreamiest Bedrooms From Scott’s Vacation House Rules

The Ultimate Ranch Rental

This new ranch kitchen has a ton of room, with an extended island for extra seating, a bonus sink for rinsing off fresh produce, a pot filler to make big family meals, and upgraded appliances that excite you to cook. The new wood windows are a unique feature that adds an extra rustic touch, and the large checkered tiles bring even more texture into the room. 

Put it all together and this rustic ranch rental is highly appealing to friends or families who want to get away and spend quality time together.

Watch Scott’s Vacation House Rules, Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Home Network. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

Sarah Landry, known to her 2.2 million Instagram followers as The Birds Papaya, and her husband Shane recently invested in a run-down cottage on the lake. They had big dreams of transforming it into a content-friendly space where other creators could visit and collaborate. But with a mustard exterior, random rooms and wood-covered interior walls, they needed help.

Enter Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni with their plan for a Little Pink Cottage with big income potential and design appeal. The Vacation House Rules duo gave the entire property the pink treatment, transforming it into a dream content creator space inside and out. 

Don’t miss new episodes of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Home Network. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

A Light-Sucking Design

When Scott and Debra entered the cottage, many rooms looked like this. The space had no design, imagination or purpose, and even areas like this sunroom overlooking the lake felt drab and dated. 

A Creator’s Dream

With a bit of imagination and a lot of love for social media appeal, Scott and Debra transformed every nook and corner of this space into purposeful designs. The new sunroom opens to the rest of the cottage and feels light and airy. New floors and white paint go a long way, and details — such as the podcasting corner or desk overlooking the lake — add significant value when renting this space.

Related: Scott and Debra Kick Off Season 5 With a Coastal Cottage

Multipurpose Spaces

Scott and Debra also created this little sitting/bar nook where a random (and entirely too small) room used to sit. Now, Shane can have his buds over for a weekend and use the area as a bar. As for renters? They can hang out and use the creatively branded space for collaborating, doing makeup and nails, or anything else they can dream up.

Bright and Airy

Scott and Debra opened up the ceiling to where dead space used to sit above, creating a vaulted ceiling that gives this cottage maximum light. The dining room and kitchen area now feature tons of space for renters and exciting design elements they can incorporate into photos and reels.

The pink theme continues through understated and elegant accents, such as the chairs or the new fridge. A brilliant green backsplash adds thoughtful contrast, and gold hardware brings it all together. 

Related: Scott and Debra Bring Colourful Design to a Beachside Abode

A Drab Bathroom…

Sarah is an underwear model, and many of her messages are about body positivity. Given that she uses the bathroom for a lot of her content, this primary bathroom wasn’t going to do. 

…Turns Into An Instagram-Worthy Space

So, Scott and Debra opened up the bathroom by reconfiguring the space and adding new features. Now it doesn’t even look like the same room. There’s the giant soaker tub and pink tiles to take in, not to mention the pops of gold everywhere. The dual sinks also add extra function, especially if makeup tutorials or glam squads are involved.

Related: Scott and Debra Design the Ultimate Open-Concept Inn

A Pretty Primary

Scott and Debra also opened up the primary bedroom, giving it a modern design appeal with upgraded floors, trim and paint. They eliminated what used to be an awkward room by installing a new staircase and creating a dressing room area for more content potential.

Pink Exterior

This cottage is a content creator’s dream on the inside, but the outside certainly matches. Scott and Debra upgraded the former mustard siding with a coat of light pink paint, adding a gentle colour that pops but still fits in with the surrounding nature. Then, they upgraded the grey trim to a pretty white that ties in with the pink, creating a warm and welcoming space that renters aren’t likely to forget!

Watch new episodes of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Home Network. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

Life at the lake is supposed to be easy-breezy. So when it came time to update a decades-old cottage on Lake Simcoe for the next generation, Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni knew a coastal theme would resonate. But first, there was some elbow grease involved. The Vacation House Rules duo had to unify the multi-prong design, reconfigure the odd-sized bedrooms and increase the overall appeal with gorgeous new waterfront features.

A Wooden Design

There’s nothing wrong with some natural wood finishes in a cottage, but covering every inch of your vacation rental with wood can feel a little dark and depressing. Owner Sue and her daughters had great memories in this space, but the kitchen needed a significant upgrade to attract new renters and make it functional for the next generation. The first thing to go? Those hanging cabinets, which blocked light and alienated the room from the rest of the space.

Dining on a Coastal Vibe

With the cabinets gone, the space opened right up, letting visitors take full advantage of the gorgeous lake view outside. The new kitchen boasts plenty of function thanks to upgraded appliances and a smart design, but it has a much smaller footprint than the old one. Paint, shimmery backsplash and key design details like the light fixture add more of that coastal vibe, transforming this into a breezy space you want to spend time in with good food and even better people.

An Updated Focal Point

The living room space also benefitted from a coastal transformation with new floors, beams above and a little paint. However, the real focal point remains the gorgeous fireplace, which Scott and Debra updated with a new mantel and thoughtful painting. The blues align with the coastal colours throughout the rest of the cottage, pulling this design together in a vibrant and unified way.

Additions Galore

Because this cottage has been in the family for so long, it has seen plenty of additions. Like this sunroom, which Sue fondly remembers her father building when she was just a little girl. The room hosts some of the family’s best memories, so Scott and Debra wanted to leave the wood. However, they integrated the coastal feel with updated furniture, a small desk that adds extra function, and new shutters where glass windows used to sit.

New and Blue

When Sue invited Scott and Debra to “Chateau Vert,” she knew they would likely update the fading minty green exterior and create a memorable new entrance. She loved the fresh blue colour they settled on, which sets the tone for all the coastal finishes within. Freshly painted white shutters, a new stone walkway and foliage add a welcoming touch, creating a welcoming space that Sue’s family can enjoy for generations to come.