Country chic is a design style that keeps coming back into fashion thanks to its timeless aesthetic and welcoming feel. This look places an emphasis on natural materials that are frequently unfinished or weathered and colours that feel cozy and warm. If you want to upgrade your summer home in this style, here are seven design tips you may want to consider.

1. Change the front door. The right front door can instantly give the exterior of your summer home a more cottage-like feel. An oak door with clean simple lines will certainly do the trick. Consider, for example, Cape Cod or craftsman-style doors that feature multi-paned windows along the sides or top of the door. You can also dress up the door with antique-style latches.
   
   
2. Put up a fence and gate. Installing an ornamental or wood fence paired with a rustic gate can give your summer home’s exterior a country-chic vibe. Materials such as reclaimed wood, wrought iron, and fieldstone are reminiscent of times past and will provide the desired look. You can also read up on the different types and origins of ornamental gate designs.
   
   
3. Add exterior shutters. Exterior shutters are a cottage chic staple. They come in four basic types: panelled, louvred, Bermuda, and board and batten. They’re available in a variety of materials including MDF, vinyl, synthetic foam, faux wood, and natural wood. You can choose if you want them to have a more natural tone or paint them either a bright or pastel colour. Adding accessories such as hinges and holdbacks will help give them a more pastoral look.
   
   
4. Swap out the siding. Certain types of siding can add old-fashioned warmth to the exterior of your summer home. For example, board and batten siding features wide, textured planks that are rustically chic. You could also opt for cedar shingles. These are a popular choice for country homes as they offer a warm and welcoming look and boast superior insulating properties.
   

   
   

   

   
   
   
5. Build a wraparound porch. A wraparound porch is a great way to add an airy, cottage-like feel to your summer home. You can personalize the outdoor area with any railing and column design as well as decorative brackets. In addition, adding hanging lanterns or plants is sure to make your porch exude cozy vibes.
   
   
6. Hang window boxes. Window boxes are inherently charming. You can purchase pre-made ones or build your own. This is a simple and inexpensive way to transform the exterior of your summer home. Fill the boxes with flowers or herbs to add a welcoming feel.
   
   
7. Revitalize your landscape. In addition to upgrading your home’s features, refreshing the landscaping in your front and backyard can go a long way toward creating the country chic look. Consider putting in some flowerbeds and planting a handful of trees and shrubs along your driveway. These embellishments can add a welcome touch of greenery to make your summer home and make it feel more like an English cottage. You can also add a stone pathway leading up to your front door or back door for a whimsical feel.
   
   
8. Install a new garage door. Installing a Wayne Dalton 7400 Series carriage house garage door is a great way to implement the country chic look to the exterior of your summer home. They’re beautifully crafted and can be customized with a variety of panel styles, colours, and window configurations. In addition, you can choose from a selection of powder-coated steel hinges and hardware with a hand-hammered look. If you’re looking for a more refined feel, Wayne Dalton’s 7100 Series wood garage doors are another suitable option.

However, if you don’t want to invest in a new front door, you can paint your existing door another colour. Black is a great shade if you want a hint of elegance. However, a bright accent colour such as yellow or teal adds a playful touch that’s characteristic of traditional cottage-style homes.

Browse Our Large Selection of Garage Doors in Western Canada

If you want to transform the exterior of your home, installing Wayne Dalton garage doors is a great way to go. Whether you want a stylish wood door, a low maintenance fibreglass door, or a durable steel door, Creative Door Services™ has what you need. We carry one of the most extensive collections of garage doors in Canada and can provide you with the stylish garage of your dreams.

Contact us today to learn more or to get a free quote. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.