Design trends: Lightening the mood
Living lakeside in cottage country doesn’t have to mean embracing a rustic, Paul Bunyan aesthetic. Take, for example, a walkout bungalow in Lakefield, Ont., nestled in the Kawarthas. Built in the 1970s, this 3,200-square-foot home was drowning in glossy pine and outdated decor, feeling more dated than charming. But the biggest issue? The sunken foyer, which posed a hazard with its awkward flooring transition. Despite these challenges, the bones of the house were solid, just in need of a modern transformation.
Enter designer Sonja Sanderson, the creative force behind Birchview Design. Having already impressed the homeowners with a successful office renovation, Sanderson was tasked with breathing new life into the entire home. The goal? To create a space that was not only stylish but also functional for the empty nesters and their furry companions. With a focus on the kitchen, dining area, foyer, great room, laundry room, and multiple bathrooms and bedrooms, Sanderson set out to create a cohesive and contemporary retreat.
The design palette for the home was a departure from the husband’s dark office, opting instead for calming earth tones like clay, grey, creamy whites, and tan. These colors created a serene backdrop for the couple’s new space, accented by touches of wood in decorative ceiling beams, furniture pieces, and a charming armoire in the ensuite bathroom. The result? A modern classic that exudes sophistication while remaining inviting and relaxed.
Nature plays a starring role in the design, with large windows framing stunning views of the lake in the dining area. To brighten up the space, Sanderson replaced dark pine ceilings with wooden beams, creating an airy and welcoming atmosphere. The kitchen received a makeover as well, featuring shaker cabinets, brass accents, and waterfall stone countertops that cleverly conceal hidden storage, including a wine fridge.
One of the most striking transformations was the German Schmear technique used to soften the once-heavy stone walls in the kitchen and great room. This labor-intensive process added texture and character to the space, setting the stage for a cohesive design scheme throughout. Vintage pieces, custom artwork, and local finds were also incorporated, adding depth and personality to the home.
After six months of construction, the homeowners were finally able to enjoy their newly refreshed space last December, free of tripping hazards and outdated decor. Thanks to Sanderson’s vision and expertise, this lakeside retreat has been transformed into a modern oasis, where nature and sophistication coexist harmoniously.
