Cottage Reno Celebrates 5 Years

The A-frame cabin, thought to be built around 1993, was purchased by Erin Zubot and her husband as a project to tackle after completing the majority of the renovations on their main 1990s home. Located on a half-acre lot in a lakeside subdivision, the property was a time capsule with many of its original features intact. The couple envisioned a cozy retreat filled with second-hand finds, antiques, and a rustic charm that felt curated over years. One of the most significant initial challenges was the flooring on the main level, which was a hodgepodge of carpet, tile, and grey luxury vinyl plank. The floors were also noticeably uneven, a detail that Zubot found particularly bothersome. To create a cohesive and level surface, they poured self-leveling concrete throughout the main area before laying down a single type of LVP flooring. The living room, the first space to be completed, was renovated on a tight budget as nearly every piece of furniture and decor had to be purchased new. An old wood stove, which was deemed unsafe and sat on a bulky platform, was removed to open up the small living area. The original pine-clad vaulted ceilings and large windows were retained as key features of the room's character. The main bedroom was described as the "worst room in the cabin," a small, dark space with a low-dropped ceiling, a tiny south-facing window, and "grossest old dirty carpet." The renovation involved a complete gutting, including the removal of the 1972-basement-style drop ceiling, which immediately made the room feel brighter and more spacious. To further enhance the natural light, the small, high window was replaced with a much larger one.