Editor ' s letter
One of the things I look forward to most every year is seeing cottages come back to life after a long winter, boats returning to the water, and homeowners finally getting the chance to tackle the outdoor projects they ' ve been thinking about for months.
For many Canadians, summer is building season. It ' s when decks are expanded, docks are rebuilt, outdoor kitchens take shape, landscaping projects begin, and long-awaited cottage renovations finally move from the drawing board into reality. After spending so much of the year indoors, it ' s only natural that our attention shifts outside.
Having spent most of my career designing, building, renovating, and writing about homes, I ' ve come to appreciate just how much outdoor spaces influence the way we live. A well-designed backyard becomes the place where everyone gathers. A cottage deck turns into the favourite spot for morning coffee. A covered patio makes it possible to enjoy evenings outside long after the sun goes down. Some of the most meaningful spaces we create don ' t have four walls at all.
It ' s also an exciting time to be building. The products and materials available today continue to evolve, giving homeowners more choices than ever before. Composite decking, outdoor cabinetry, architectural lighting, durable exterior finishes, and low-maintenance landscaping solutions are helping create outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful but built to handle the demands of our Canadian climate.
We ' re seeing that same evolution at cottages across the country. Owners are investing in thoughtful renovations and new builds that allow them to spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying everything cottage life has to offer. Whether it ' s restoring a family cabin, replacing an aging dock, adding an outdoor living space, or building a year-round retreat, the goal is the same: creating places where family and friends want to gather.
Inside these pages, you ' ll find fresh ideas for both indoor and outdoor living, from inspiring projects and backyard spaces to innovative products and expert advice from some of the best builders, designers, and manufacturers in the industry. Whether you ' re planning a major renovation, building a new home or cottage, or simply looking for inspiration for your next project, I hope you ' ll find plenty of ideas to bring your vision to life.
MARC ATIYOLIL Editor-in-Chief marc @ CanadianHomeTrends. com
Vol. 20 Issue 2 Kitchens 2026
Editor-in-Chief Marc Atiyolil www. MarcAndMandy. com
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