Design expert Tiffany Pratt is here to convince you to go bold on your next cottage paint project

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Since the early 2000s, cottages have slowly traded their joyful pops of colour for softer, quieter tones. Minimalism, Scandinavian calm, and those “just-in-case-we-ever-sell” palettes convinced many cottagers to tuck away their cherry reds and minty greens in favour of greys, sages, and soft wood tones that melt into the landscape. And while we’re here… let’s talk about black cottages. You’ve seen them everywhere: charcoal cabins blending into the trees, moody and magazine-ready. Gorgeous? Yes. Timeless? Maybe not. It’s a trend that timestamps your cottage to this decade. Black has its charm, but it’s not the only way to feel modern. Some of the most classic, joyful exteriors borrow colour straight from the land: berry reds, mossy greens, sky blues, sun-warmed yellows.

The truth? Nature herself is not neutral.

She’s bold.
She’s vibrant.
She’s fuuuuuuun!

She’s the red osier dogwood blazing against the snow. The yellow warbler flashing through the trees. The blue dasher dragonfly skimming the lake. The purple coneflower glowing in the summer sun. These colours aren’t loud, they’re alive. They belong here. And so does your joy.

Painting a cottage exterior is a big project, and you want to swoon every time you round the bend to your place, but don’t let that make you shy. This is the “roll up your sleeves, turn on the music, and make-a-memory” kind of big. And spring is the perfect moment to jump in. The air is mild, the sun not too hot, and the weather is ideal for your paint to dry, cure, and shine. It’s like nature whispering, “Go on…do it.”

The length of this project will depend on the size of your cottage, but no matter what you’re working with, the basics are simple. You’ll need a few solid brushes, rollers, paint trays, painter’s tape, drop cloths, a ladder, something to stir with, and, of course, lots and lots of paint. Most cottages can be tackled over a few weekends, or one very committed long one. The biggest challenges? Weather surprises, reaching those awkward high spots, and knowing when to stop for the day instead of pushing through tired. The biggest reward? Stepping back, paint-speckled and proud, and realizing you did that. There’s something deeply satisfying about painting your own place—every brushstroke becomes part of the story. Is it a bit of work? Yes. Is it wildly worth it? Also, yes.

Time for a refresh

No matter the condition of your cottage, there is always a little magic hiding underneath, waiting to be revealed. Start simple: treat your place to a satisfying scrub-down. Grab your trusty broom, the power washer, a bucket of sudsy water (or a dash of all-in-one cleaner if winter got messy), and a seasoned scrub brush, and let the transformation begin. As you clean, watch for the little signs that your exterior is calling for a refresh:

• Peeling or curling paint
• Sun-bleached siding
• Thirsty, dry wood
• Water stains
• Cracked or shrinking trim
• That quiet “it just doesn’t sparkle anymore” feeling

Then, start thinking about colour. Take a wander around your property. What colours show up in the trees, rocks, moss, sky, and water? How do you want to feel when you round the corner on to your cottage road or glide up to your dock? Is there a colour you’ve secretly wanted to try but never quite gave yourself permission to? Now’s the time! Follow those sparks—they’re clues. This moment, where intuition meets possibility, is where the magic begins.

Fun idea

Try this joyful, hands-on colour ritual: collect a handful of paint samples you love, sketch a simple outline of your cottage, and paint inside the lines.

Yes, you could mock it up digitally, but the fun is in the making. Create a few tiny cottage paintings, and hang them inside. Watch which one keeps calling to you. These little colour auditions become sweet keepsakes long after the real painting is done.

Paints of the past

Many older cottages carry a whole history of colour. Cottages were often summer homes, and owners used whatever paint was around. Leftover boat paint, half-finished cans from a basement clean-out, mismatched thrifted tins, or neighbour cast-offs.

Before you paint, it’s helpful to know what you’re working with. Testing your cottage’s old paint is easy:

• Dab a cloth with some acetone or rubbing alcohol.
• Rub a discreet area at the back of your cottage.
• If colour comes off, it’s probably water-based paint or acrylic.
• If nothing comes off, it’s oil-based.

In the past, you’d want to match the chemistry of your paint to avoid bubbling or peeling, but oil-based paints are less common these days. Many paints are now self-priming, but if your choice isn’t, make sure to use a good primer.

And please—choose exterior paint. It flexes with temperature swings; resists sun fade; and stands up to wind, rain, and humidity. Paint likes conditions that are mild, dry, and stable. Spring and early fall are its happy place. Interior paint is simply not built for this job.

If you love a deal: the mis-tint shelf at the hardware store is a treasure trove. Cottage-country mis-tints skew charming: soft blueberry, barn red, lake-water teal. And they’re discounted because someone found them “wrong.”

When I look at premixed shelves, the colours I see always lean toward: Spearmint green, Summer blue, Washed-sand beige, Maple syrup brown, Raspberry jam.

Sometimes fewer choices make the bold choice easier. Maybe start with the tiny shed in the back and give it a minty-green makeover. Fun + cheap + low risk = pure cottage joy.

Pep talk time!

Let me remind you: you can absolutely do this. Painting an exterior isn’t about being flawless, it’s about being fearless. Prep is everything. Make sure all surfaces are brushed free of debris, clean, and dry.

Most cottages, especially those making a brave colour leap, benefit from a quality primer. Think of it as your cottage’s skincare routine: boring maybe, but essential for a glowy result. A few practical truths:

• Dark colours show dust and pollen and fade faster in strong sun.
• Light colours stay crisp but show dirt around ground level.
• Greens and browns are the most forgiving in cottage country.
• Choose a high-quality exterior acrylic in satin or low sheen. Gloss belongs in the city.

Live your life more colourfully

In the end, this is bigger than a paint job. It’s an invitation to see your world, and your space, more colourfully.

At the cottage, creativity naturally wakes up. To-do lists soften into tie-dye projects; clothes sway on a line instead of tumbling in a dryer; meals happen under a sky full of stars. Life loosens at the lake.

Your cottage reflects you. Let it express who you are in colour form. Let it become part of the story of your land. Whatever hue you choose, bold or whisper-soft, it will weave itself into your memories for years to come.

“Canada’s Colour Queen” Tiffany Pratt is a designer, creative director, and artist. Find her @thetiffanypratt on Instagram and at tiffanypratt.com.

Advice from the pros

“When using a premium paint, the only reason you should have to repaint your cottage is to change the colour scheme,” says Kevin Trotter, the manager of coaching and development for Behr Canada, “not because the paint job fails.” A lasting exterior finish, says Trotter, comes down to preparation, application, and product choice.

The first step is scraping off loose paint, sanding, and repairing damaged substrate. Cottages in shade amidst thick vegetation often have mildew, says Trotter. “Look for a wood cleaner that has mildew-inhibiting properties.” Pressure washers speed up the cleaning process, but be careful not to force water behind siding, and let everything dry thoroughly.

Schedule painting with weather in mind—cool and overcast but not rainy—and leave some flexibility if it’s too hot or too wet. “The ideal window is around 15°C to 20°C at 50 per cent relative humidity,” says Trotter. “And don’t think you can work on your tan while you paint.” In hot, direct sun, paint dries too quickly to adhere well.

Choose the tools you’re comfortable with. Don’t use a sprayer, for example, unless you’ve had practice. “You’ll end up painting— and then repainting—your neighbour’s cottage.” If you’ve painted before with a brush and roller, use those tools, he says, but buy the best ones you can afford. And similarly, use premium paint. Many colours in Behr Canada’s Marquee line, Trotter points out, cover in one coat, a big advantage at the peak of that A-frame. “The labour is essentially the same whether you use cheap paint or premium paint,” he says. “But if you spend 25 per cent more, you get many more years before repainting. That’s good value.”—Martin Zibauer

This story originally appeared in our Spring ’26 issue.

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