A home is not just a place but an experience. We’re committed to creating spaces that celebrate nature, minimize our ecological footprint, and enhance our quality of life. We work closely with our clients to deliver innovative, beautiful, and functional designs that respond to their unique needs and site conditions. Our goal is to create spaces that inspire and excite the senses while embodying the highest standards of sustainability. We take pride in designing beautiful, sustainable homes that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Designer Inspired w Customizable w Fine Furniture w Locally Crafted in Ontario w Solid Wood
WOOD-BURNING IN CLASSIC SPACES.
The Uptown’s clean design and moderate size offer endless possibilities for style and expression. The built-in guillotine door and screen glide smoothly on vertical rails using bearings and duo counterweights. The same fluid motion is used in a tilt-forward system for easy cleaning and servicing. Both the guillotine and tilt-forward systems simplify loading, operation, and maintenance while providing safety to those wanting the experience of a 600 in2 view of a beautiful, open, crackling fire.
We are a full-service medical spa with offerings that are individualized to each patient’s specific needs and desires.
If you wish to enhance your best features, the expertise and artistry at Georgian Medical Aesthetics will help you feel comfortable and confident with your look.
The clinic offers injectables, medical skin care, and advanced technologies for adults of all ages, genders, and skin types. Drs Anderson and Gibson take a hands-on approach to provide safe and precise treatment plans with outstanding results.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
• Melasma
• Rosacea
• Acne & acne scarring
• Hyperhydrosis
• Headaches
• TMJ pain
• Joint pain related to osteoarthritis
• Hair loss
• Hirsutism
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
• Cosmetic injectables
• Medical grade facials
• Chemical peels
• Facial rejuvenation with non-ablative laser
• DyeVL (IPL)
• Bela MD facial treatment
• Microneedling
• PRP (platelet rich plasma) & exosomes
• Hair restoration
• Laser hair removal
Dr. Alethea Anderson
Dr. Katie Gibson
New patients welcome. Skin health consultations with a physician are always complimentary.
REGIONAL PUBLISHERS Jamie Jefferson Georgette McCulloch
OUR HOMES is a registered trademark of OUR HOMES MEDIA GROUP INC. OUR HOMES Muskoka is published four times a year.
OUR HOMES is distributed free to residents of Muskoka region via precision targeted neighbourhood mail and to cottagers via direct mail. Copies of OUR HOMES are available for free pick up at high traffic locations throughout the region. OUR HOMES is distributed throughout select resorts and hotels, and to select business leaders via direct mail.
Please send all letters and/or feedback to OUR HOMES Magazine, 25 Elgin St., Collingwood, ON L9Y 3L6. Or email us at editor@ourhomes.ca. All letters received are subject to editing for grammar and length.
OUR HOMES MEDIA GROUP INC:
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Georgette McCulloch
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Heather Wright
DIGITAL EDITOR Tracey Paul
MANAGING EDITORS Walter Franczyk, Donna Luangmany, Sara Martin, Drew Beth Noble, Brianne Smith, Megan Smith-Harris, Gabrielle Tieman-Lee, Janet White Bardwell, Gisele Winton Sarvis
ART
ART DIRECTOR Tara Chattell
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTORS Sheila Britton, Robynne Sangiuliano
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Jason Hartog
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Lynn Derrick
PRODUCTION MANAGERS Julia Dempsey, Kelly Donaldson, Tracy Shuttleworth
OPERATIONS
MANAGING DIRECTOR, SALES & MARKETING Jamie Jefferson jamie.jefferson@ourhomes.ca
MANAGING DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Georgette McCulloch
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE & DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION Lisa Ormsby
ACCOUNTING Tyler Annette
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Darren Foley
CONTRIBUTORS
Emma Bauso, Sheila Britton, Mike Chajecki, Dale Darcy, Lori Davis, Nigel Eves, Walter Franczyk, Bailey Franklyn, Jason Hartog, Andrew Hind, Brandon Lange, Shaunn Lipsey, Kathryn MacDonald, Sandy MacKay, Jenelle McCulloch, Tamarisk McNalty Stephens, Devon Pastorius, Kiely Ramos, Lynne Richardson, Erin Rochon, Jessica Russell, Brianne Smith, Alexa Soh, Gisele Winton-Sarvis
OUR HOMES CAN BE FOUND IN THE FOLLOWING MARKETS: • Barrie/Orillia/Midland • The Golden Horseshoe • Grey Bruce • London • Muskoka • Ottawa • Peterborough • Southern Georgian Bay • Toronto & York Region • Wellington County/Orangeville/Caledon/Waterloo Region • Windsor
For Those Who Love Undisturbed Natural Beauty.
Sophisticated, modern and minimal. CLEARRAIL is the perfect alternative to traditional railing, allowing you to enjoy your environment. Delight in the beauty of the natural world without the intrusion of traditional wooden or metal railing. Constructed from premium quality 1/2” (12mm) clear tempered glass and stainless-steel hardware, CLEARRAIL can provide safety, security, controlled access, and wind-protection while at the same time allowing you an unhindered view of the world around you.
*Please visit www.clearrail.ca/warranty for more information.
wWE LIMIT SCREEN TIME for our youngsters. Our house cats Wylie and Elly Mae are fascinated with online videos for cats that show birds or mice. Mice are their favourites. Video images of these sneaky creatures seem to stir our cats’ hunting instincts. They try preying on the scurrying rodents, smacking at the screen images, switching the video channel to something that doesn’t interest them. As a result, they don’t spend a lot of time watching online critters.
The screen time we do limit is a basement window screen. Our basement windows are at ground level. The cats enjoy perching on the front windowsill to study the world outside, especially when the window is open but screened, keeping them safely inside. That outside world is busy with foraging chipmunks, squirrels and tiny birds.
Occasionally, when a strange cat has lurked outside the window, Wylie has thrown himself at the glass with forepaws flailing, fending off a critter he considers an intruder.
It’s a similar scenario that’s prompted our limit on their window screen time. It was fall, the window was closed and during the night I heard Wylie bounce off the glass. By morning, a strong unmistakable stench betrayed the
wild animal that had been lurking outside and angered Wylie. A skunk had sprayed the basement windows. The spray dried on the glass. It was hard to wash off. Despite repeated scrubbing with a soapy squeegee, the smell of skunk permeated the basement for days, worse inside the house than outside. It was a pungent lesson.
We now open that basement window only during daylight, when it’s unlikely any of those nocturnal black and white stinkers will be around. So far, it’s worked.
Walter Franczyk, Managing Editor walter.franczyk@ourhomes.ca
Subscriptions subscribe@ourhomes.ca
LUXURY, AFFORDABLY EXECUTED.
LOCAL FEATURES
44 Style Picks Fresh ideas for summer –inside, outside or both.
56 Home & Builder A new farmhouse takes shape on a historic Lake Rosseau homestead.
76 Spotlight Unique solutions for custom window coverings and screens at Window Quilt Muskoka.
82 Home & Builder Building energy-saving homes for a healthier planet right here in Muskoka.
98 People & Places Expert advice and assistance can make property challenges a pleasure.
116 Spotlight Henry's Harbour, an iconic Georgian Bay eatery, comes ashore at Parry Sound.
126 Home & Builder A lake house collaboration in the Algonquin Highlands.
ON THE COVER
Mingling styles infuse this new Lake Rosseau home by Ferncliffe Development & Design. Story, page 56. Photography by Sandy MacKay.
32 Editor’s Note 42 Advice Feel-Good Hues
48 Cooking At Home Grilled Steak Salad 52 Design Ideas Small Space Tips 68 Decorating Enduring Design
72 Entertaining Bar Cart Styling 80 Double Take Poolside 94 Real Estate Bird-Safe Glass 112 Design Ideas Enlarge Your Space
Crafty Ideas Snappy Citrus Tray
In The Kitchen Proper Storage
Birding Bird Is The Word
Home Resource Directory 148 Cooking At Home Key Lime Squares 152 Finishing Touch Outdoor Inspirations
Weatherdek has been the trusted source for Outdoor Waterproof Flooring Products for over 35 years. Our walkable PVC Deck Membrane System is an attractive, dependable, low maintenance, waterproofing solution that has proven popular with design professionals, builders, and homeowners in virtually every climate worldwide.
Whether it’s a maintenance-free finish for a lake view patio or a problematic leaking roof-deck, we have the right solution to make your project a success.
We offer the largest range of colours and patterns available, and have the right finish to enhance your home’s outdoor décor. Industry leading warranty of up to 5 Years Appearance & 15 Years Waterproofing.
COLOURS for WELLNESS
We all know that paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a space, but did you know that colour is also a powerful tool that can affect your energy level, feelings, and overall well-being? Welcome the wellness movement into your home with the strategic use of colour to reduce stress and anxiety and create a peaceful atmosphere.
Understanding the psychological associations of various colours and the impact of colour combinations can help you decide what colours to integrate into your home to create a desired atmosphere – a restful bedroom, a comforting kitchen, an inviting gathering space or a serene spa-like bathroom.
Colours are broadly categorized as either warm, cool or neutral. Warm colours like yellow, orange and red are energizing – they can stimulate appetite, increase heart rate and promote creativity. Cool colours like blues, greens and violets are restful, stabilizing and soothing and can slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure and calm the nervous system.
Colours can also appear to either advance towards you or recede away from you, making items and rooms of the same size appear larger or smaller. Warm hues and/or intense colours typically advance towards the eye. Walls painted in a warm colour will decrease the apparent size of the space, which can help create a cosy atmosphere. If you want a space to feel more expansive, painting the walls a cooler or more muted colour will give the appearance of the walls receding. A large sectional sofa upholstered in a warm hue will appear visually more substantial than the same sectional sofa upholstered in a cooler-toned fabric.
The simplicity of a monochromatic scheme (one dominant colour) tends to be very harmonious, whereas a complementary scheme (two colours opposite on the colour wheel) provides more contrast, which can stimulate the senses – so mix in moderation if your goal is to create a calm environment.
Also, be aware that different sources of natural and artificial light can affect how colour is perceived. A north-facing room with less direct natural light will feel quite different than a room drenched in warm natural light with a south-west exposure.
Here are some colours you can use in your home to help promote wellness:
WHITE
White represents purity and freshness and is airy and calming. Imagine a landscape covered in a fresh blanket of snow. There is a reason white is a go-to wall colour as it offers a calm canvas for the other elements in the space.
BROWN
Picture the rich, peaty hue of a freshly ploughed field. Earthy and organic with a certain honesty, brown can help create a space that is grounding and comforting. Worn oak floorboards are a great anchor for a space.
GREEN
There is a reason green saw a resurgence during the pandemic. People spent so much time indoors that they were drawn towards the harmony of nature and healing. Houseplants are a great way to integrate the symbolism green offers into your space – renewal, growth and balance.
BLUE
Blue is another dominant colour found in nature. The blue expanse of the sea and the sky on the horizon evokes feelings of tranquility, calmness and freedom. If you hope to create a soothing atmosphere, consider a soft, muted blue tone.
YELLOW
If you’d like to create an uplifting, inviting, and happy space, incorporate a warm, pale yellow (be careful because a bright or intense hue can be too energizing and not at all calming). Like the sun, yellow is warm, cheerful and optimistic.
As with any home improvement project, the purpose is to create a space that feels good to you, so begin by identifying what that looks and feels like. Your home is your sanctuary and should contribute to your overall well-being, regardless of what colour theory may suggest. OH
Designer Tamarisk McNalty Stephens shares her ideas.
BENJAMIN MOORE: Paint in Decorator’s White CC-20
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS: Paint in Pure White 7005
PLANTSOME: Ficus Lyrata Bush
MERCANA: Ocean Fence Framed Wall Art
INDABA: 16” x 24” Hampton Linen Pillow
NORTHERN WIDE PLANK: Artifax River Bed Reclaimed Oak Flooring
Summer NOTIONS
Style finds from Haliburton to Georgian Bay, Burk’s Falls, and places in between.
PHOTOGRAPHY WALTER FRANCZYK
1 HUCKLEBERRY’S
Outdoor Furniture
Embrace outdoor living this summer with a wide selection of outdoor furniture that can be customized to fit your space. Huckleberry’s bestselling Tofino collection is sleek, contemporary and can transform your outdoor space into an inviting retreat.
14 Bay St., Parry Sound I 705.746.2799 I huckleberrys.ca
2 THE MAG
Pottery
Burk's Falls potter Heidi Clausen, a multi-talented artisan, crafts unique and functional art with a sense of humour. The Mag carries a number of pieces Heidi creates beyond her pottery. The store offers a curated collection of home and cottage accessories.
113 Yonge St., Burk's Falls I 705.888.1236 I magstore.ca
3 LAKE OF BAYS GARDEN CENTRE
Lamps
Ideal for camping and dinners on the patio or indoors in a bunkie or bedroom, these portable, battery-powered LED hurricane lanterns are a vintage style reminiscent of old oil lamps. They have a dimmer switch and a wire handle that makes them easy to carry or hang where needed.
2876 Hwy. 60, Dwight I 705.635.1696
lakeofbaysgardencentre.com
4 PRIDE KITCHEN & BATH
Bunk Beds
Made of flat-sawn white oak and stained to match the flooring, these bunk beds with ladder and railings highlight this company’s fine finishing capabilities. This custom cabinetry firm specializes in quality woodworking.
705.773.3349 I pridekb.ca
5 LOCKSIDE TRADING COMPANY
Sectional
Available in any colour, pattern or shape, this Parker Sectional sofa by Brentwood Classics is made in Canada. Its eco-friendly construction consists of sustainable kiln-dried wood and soy-based polyfoam with fibre wrap.
212 Highland St., Haliburton I 705.457.5280 I lockside.com
6 MUSKOKA CUP CO.
Mugs Etc.
A new line of Swedish dish towels complements the colourful collection of ceramic campfire mugs emblazoned with nautical and woodland themes by Muskoka Cup Co. Wooden coasters, salvaged from fallen trees, are hand-branded.
Shop online at muskokacupco.com
7 WOODEN HEARTS FURNITURE
One-Of-A-Kind Dinner Table
A dinner table made of solid black walnut adds a touch of quiet elegance to any dining room. Walnut legs are built with half-lap joints and brass claws for additional durability. Metal supports bolt legs into the table to account for seasonal movement. This company builds unique custom pieces.
416.930.3574 I woodenhearts.ca
8 RAILS END GALLERY & ARTS CENTRE
Candle Holders
Spalted maple candle holders, handcrafted by Noeline Noronha, make ideal gifts or wedding favours. Suitable for wax or LED candles. Dark lines and streaks are a natural discolouration in rescued wood.
23 York St., Haliburton I 705.457.2330 I railsendgallery.com
9 REFINED KITCHEN & BATH
Cooker
As the exclusive area supplier for OFYR wood-fired cooking units, Refined Kitchen & Bath has a selection on display in its showroom. OFYR transforms outdoor cooking into a shared activity. This teak island includes a cooking unit, chopping block, wood and utensil storage.
96 Hanes Rd., Unit 4, Huntsville 705.787.1362 I refinedmuskoka.ca OH
Our four curated showrooms are filled with a vast inventory that you will love for both your home and cottage. Take advantage of VERANDA’s complimentary design services, a comprehensive website listing our entire collection, and unlimited free customer storage for all of your purchases. For over twenty years, competitive pricing and superior customer service are the hallmarks of VERANDA.
AND VEGETABLE SALAD Grilled Steak
Continued on page 48
RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
JENELLE MCCULLOCH
INSPIRED LIVING INSPIRED CRAFTSMEN
HANDCRAFTED LOG & TIMBER FRAME HOMES
Whether you’re building a new home or would like to add a quality crafted timber accent to your already beautiful home, we have the expertise to make your dream a reality.
Personalize your space with unique timber elements in great rooms, sunrooms, gazebos, stairways or featured as fireplace mantels, ceiling beams and so much more. We also offer repair and restoration work for log and timber structures, be it 1800’s era homestead cabins and barns or modern day handcrafted scribe fit log or timber homes.
cooking at home
This salad is as fun to make as it is to eat. Fire up the grill and enjoy tender steak slices on a bed of mixed greens, grilled veggies, and tossed with a zesty vinaigrette.
INGREDIENTS
Makes 4-6 Servings
STEAK & MARINADE
1 - 1 ½ lbs flank steak
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp black pepper
SALAD
Vegetables of choice, such as corn on the cob, asparagus, tomatoes
1 Tbsp olive oil
Mixed greens (such as arugula and watercress)
¼ cup blue cheese
DRESSING
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp honey
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
¼ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
DIRECTIONS
Before you begin: The steak will require 12-24 hours to marinate. It’s best to marinate the steak the night before.
In a Ziploc bag or bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Place flank steak in marinade and coat. Let the steak marinate for 12-24 hours in the fridge.
Prepare vegetables for grilling by cutting them into appropriate sizes and brush lightly with olive oil. Remove the flank steak from the marinade. Grill veggies until charred. Cook the flank steak
to your liking; for mediumrare, cook the steak for 9-12 minutes, flipping halfway through over medium-high heat. After grilling, allow veggies and steak to rest. Slice steak thinly across the grain.
Prepare the dressing by combining all dressing ingredients and whisking until combined. To assemble the salad, layer the vegetables and steak over a bed of mixed greens. Top with blue cheese crumbles and drizzle the dressing. OH
Get more recipes at ourhomes.ca/blogrecipes
Make A Small Space APPEAR LARGER
STORY BRIANNE SMITH
Urban living these days often means making your home in an apartment or condo with limited space. The challenge of small spaces is not a limitation but an opportunity to get creative. Here’s how.
1 Declutter
A room with too many items or pieces of furniture can make a small space feel cramped. Avoid displaying a lot of knick-knacks, or group them so they appear as a stylish installation. Think less is more!
2
Draw The Eye Upward
You can do this several ways. Include large-scale art, or make use of vertical design elements like creative panelling or wainscotting. Think about adding a visually interesting ceiling fixture that will catch attention and draw eyes upward.
PHOTO: JASON HARTOG
94 Bobcaygeon Road, Minden, ON www.riverview-furniture.com
3 Mirrors
This is an easy and effective tip that will instantly make a room feel larger. Place mirrors on walls that don’t get much natural light. This technique allows you to bounce light from your windows and create the illusion of a larger space.
4 Lighting
Light provides the impression of a larger space when done right. Disperse light throughout a room by using multiple sources – sconces, table and floor lamps, in addition to ceiling fixtures.
5
Smart Storage Solutions
When selecting furniture for compact spaces, don’t just consider aesthetics, think about maximizing functionality. With each piece you purchase, examine the potential for storage. For instance, select a coffee table with pull-out drawers or a shelf that enables you to store belongings. When choosing a bed, select one with enough height to fit storage containers underneath.
Whether you’re navigating the cosy confines of an apartment or condo, or just looking to improve a compact room, these simple design tips are an easy solution for those looking to create the illusion of a larger space without having to undertake any sort of renovation in the process. OH
RENWIL: Thatcher Mirror
MERCANA: Sable Coffee Table
ELK HOME: Trussed 63” High 1-Light Floor Lamp
HINKLEY: Mercer Small Adjustable Single Light Sconce in Sage Green
UTTERMOST: Emerie Table Lamp
POTTERY BARN: Linen Underbed Baskets
mediterranean FARMHOUSE
This historic property at the north end of Lake Rosseau was originally settled in 1878 by Benjamin and Lucy Beley, two of Rosseau’s earliest pioneers. They worked the land and raised a large family in a farmhouse they named Ferncliffe. The Beley Point property remained in the family until Les and Sue Smith bought it in 2000. Continued on page 58
STORY LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY
Black granite counters flank the elegant La Cornue cooker in the kitchen of Les and Sue Smith’s new home on Lake Rosseau. Inset in the hardwood floor, the Spanish tiles hint of Mediterranean inspiration. OPPOSITE: Dual islands, topped with quartz countertops from Stone Factory Inc., provide plenty of space to prepare and serve food or to enjoy a quick snack or informal meal.
aAFTER YEARS of commuting between their Rosseau cottage and the city, the Smiths moved north. They hired Pan-Abode International. to erect a small log home on their property. Les started a construction company and built a shop to house the operation. In honour of the Beley family, the Smiths christened their company Ferncliffe. “We demolished the farmhouse but we wanted to keep some of the history,” says Sue. “This was especially appreciated by Mary Beley who was our dear neighbour until her death in April, 2020.”
Ferncliffe Development and Design Inc. caters to a variety of property needs. From building custom homes to renovations, site preparation, painting, landscaping and property maintenance, Ferncliffe provides superior craftsmanship, quality and service. “Our niche is renovations but we also do a lot of things that other builders don’t do,” explains Sue, Ferncliffe’s office administrator. Continued on page 61
Elk antler chandeliers help illuminate the 12-foot oak dining table large enough for dinners with all seven of Sue and Les Smith’s grandsons.
Brass kitchen taps serving the wide stainless-steel sink were left unfinished so they age with a unique patina. The kitchen island holds a two-drawer dishwasher furnished by Brown’s Appliances. OPPOSITE, TOP RIGHT:
Just off the main kitchen is a well-equipped scullery, a favourite spot to enjoy a cup of tea. BOTTOM
RIGHT: Sue’s photograph of an iconic lighthouse marking a shoal on Lake Rosseau sits on the barn beam mantel above the great room’s propane fireplace.
In 2021, the Smiths decided to build a new house to accommodate their growing family. For Les and Sue, there is no greater joy than sharing a meal with loved ones around the dinner table. “I am so thankful we can finally be together. It’s truly a dream come true,” says Sue.“The cottage was cosy but after our seven grandsons came along, there just wasn’t enough room, especially at the table.”
They enlisted their son-in-law, Scott Martin, to manage the project and they used local trades where possible. In October 2023, Les and Sue finally crossed the threshold of their 3,600 sq. ft. home. “It felt unreal, like I was walking into a luxury resort,” Sue says.
The home has a circular layout that flows beautifully throughout the open-concept main level. Sue blended several interior design styles, resulting in a traditional vibe with contemporary touches. “I like a lot of different styles and I think it works well when you mix them,” she says. “I wanted it to feel like an old cabin that’s been expanded but still have modern conveniences.” Sue achieved this by using stone and wood finishes combined with metal and antique accents. The porcelain tile in the entry foyer has a distressed pattern that looks worn while majestic stone gables and walls frame the great room. “The stone is from a nunnery that was in Port Carling. We picked it up years ago and kept it,” Sue explains.
LEFT: Dressed with brass taps and a matching-framed mirror, a wooden cabinet serves as a vanity in this powder room. BELOW: Brandy, the couple’s 12-year-old doodle dog, loudly greets visitors before settling down to guard the front entrance hall. BOTTOM LEFT: Walls of stone, salvaged from a Lake Joseph convent, bookend the great room. OPPOSITE: Doors in the great room open to a screened porch with Sunspace windows overlooking the forest and lake. A stone fireplace with a wooden barn beam mantel adds warm ambience to this space, furnished by Muskoka Upholstery. Continued on page 62
home & builder
The great room’s vaulted ceiling, crafted from Montana Ghost Wood, adds a spacious aura while clerestory windows, by Muskoka Window and Door Centre, reflect natural light throughout the main floor. Adjacent to the propane fireplace, comfortable armchair recliners encircle a round pedestal table. A funky three-tier metal chandelier with Edison bulbs illuminates a second sitting area.
Sue’s photo of a nearby lighthouse sits on the fireplace mantel. A painting by Deb Kerr adds a splash of colour over the stylish metal bar cabinet in the great room. The den/TV room caters to their grandsons’ needs with matching queen pullout sofas, a hutch for games and toys, and a big-screen TV. Marcin Pretorius of Lakehouse Integrations perfected the home’s audio and video functions.
Just off the great room sits Sue’s pride and joy, the elegant 12-foot oak dining table, by RH, large enough to seat her entire family. “We went from a small cottage to having enough room for all my grandsons. It’s amazing,” says Sue. Matching antler chandeliers by the Peak Antler Company light the table and add a rustic flavour to the dining space.
Continued on page 64
A hallway leading to the primary bedroom opens to a dressing room on one side and a laundry space on the other. BELOW: In this kitchen alcove, an open wine rack makes it easy to take stock of what’s available.
Matching walnut vanities with black quartz counters usher bathers into the primary bedroom’s en suite. The bath’s barrel ceiling and upper walls mirror the herringbone pattern of tiles inset in the floor. OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT: Blue pullout sofas with matching ottomans offer comfortable seating for movies and television in the home’s media room and den.
home & builder
Entertaining large groups is a cinch in this spacious, well equipped kitchen and adjoining scullery. An ebony gas range cooker by La Cornue is unique and eye-catching. The stove is flanked by matching side cabinets topped with black granite, giving the illusion of a larger stove spanning the entire wall. A white porcelain backsplash, resembling brick, provides a dramatic colour contrast. Dual islands, clad in veined quartz, by Stone Factory Inc., afford plenty of room to prepare and serve food. Brass hardware offsets the greige cabinets and drawers by Muskoka Kitchen & Bath. They house a dishwasher and freezer from Brown’s Appliances. The 50-inch stainless-steel sink is equipped with brass taps from Waterworks. “They are unfinished and will tarnish, exactly the look I want,” Sue says.
The scullery is a chef’s dream and a lovely place to enjoy a cup of tea on a sunny afternoon. Situated off the kitchen, this room houses Sue’s appliances, dry goods and space for food preparation. “Frosted glass doors hide everything,” she says. An additional fridge, freezer and dishwasher provide the ultimate in convenience.
and
LEFT: Montana Ghost Wood atop fir beams covers the ceiling of the primary bedroom where a wallpaper mural is the backdrop for the canopy bed. ABOVE: Kohler sinks in the en suite are hand-decorated with a leafy botanical motif. BELOW: Brass fixtures
accents complement the en suite’s luxurious soaker tub and grey slate walls.
• Paintmaster.ca • Porch To Pier • Marcin Pretorius • Pritchard Custom Flooring
• Saltillo Imports • Stone Factory Inc. • Sunspace • Swords Electrical
• Teodor Vanities • The Fireplace Stop
• Tilemaster • Waterworks
On warm summer days, Les and Sue entertain in their screened porch. Floorto-ceiling accordion doors facilitate easy access. A wood-burning fireplace, by The Fireplace Stop, warms guests on sofas and chairs from Muskoka Upholstery Sunspace windows showcase panoramic views of the surrounding woods and lake. The primary bedroom and en suite brim with innovation and beauty. Matching walnut vanities with black quartz are situated on both sides of the en suite. Kohler artist edition sinks are marvellous examples of functional art. An enchanting red ladybug is woven into a charming array of butterflies and flowers. A black soaker tub anchors the wet room, lit by a bubble globe chandelier.
Les and Sue look forward to enjoying a summer filled with family dinners, pool parties and barbecues on the patio. “We built this home so we could enjoy it with our whole family for many years. I am so thankful we could do this,” says Sue. OH
ABOVE LEFT: The home’s comfortable guest rooms are furnished with night tables from the couple’s city home that were repurposed with new paint and hardware. ABOVE: Stone, glass and cedar enclose the indoor sauna, a few short steps from an outdoor hot tub. LEFT: A Hudson’s Bay colour theme decorates the shower and dressing room in the home’s spa area.
FOUNDATIONS of Enduring Style
Creating a home that reflects its owner’s personality and lifestyle, and stands the test of time, is similar to building a wardrobe. Just as we invest in classic, well-made and tailored pieces that endure through seasons, our homes demand foundational elements that serve as the backbone of enduring interiors. These are the must-have basics that make up every well-designed home, and the qualities to look for as you shop.
THE SOFA A Centrepiece of Comfort and Style
The sofa is undeniably the heart of any living room – a functional element and an aesthetic focal point –making it an indispensable investment. When choosing a sofa with staying power, prioritize classic lines and neutral colours. Choose materials such as leather or high-quality fabric that not only exude sophistication, but also promise durability. A well-constructed sofa with a sturdy frame and timeless design ensures that it seamlessly integrates into various design styles, which will change through the years.
ACCENT CHAIRS with Lasting Appeal
Complementing the sofa, chairs play a crucial role in providing additional seating and contributing to the overall aesthetic of the room. Look for chairs with clean lines and versatile designs that can adapt to changing trends. Materials such as solid wood or metal frames paired with quality upholstery contribute to the longevity of these pieces. Remember, accent chairs can be reupholstered or refinished, making them a flexible investment that evolves with your changing taste.
Of course, comfort comes first. To that end, here are some things to consider: Your hips should be positioned slightly higher than your knees to facilitate easy standing. Your feet should comfortably touch the floor when you’re sitting deep in the chair. Test the armrests and make sure you can comfortably rest your arms. Continued on page
decorating
DINING ROOMS
Where Memories and Meals Unfold
Your dining area will host countless gatherings, family meals, important milestones and memories that will last a lifetime. Ensure they’re memorable for all the right reasons, including comfort and style. Choose a dining table with a sturdy construction and a design that transcends passing fads. Wooden tables, whether in classic oak or rich mahogany, have proven to be enduring. Complement the table with chairs that mirror its timeless qualities. Similar to your accent seating, dining chairs can be reupholstered or even repainted to adapt to your style preferences.
BEDFRAME AND MATTRESS
Where Comfort Meets Elegance
The bedroom, a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation, demands a bedframe and mattress that stand the test of time. Classic wooden bedframes, whether in sleigh or platform styles, exude timeless elegance. Pair it with a high-quality mattress for a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Investing in a well-made bed ensures a focal point for the bedroom that will make every night a dream come true.
STORAGE SOLUTIONS
The Unsung Heroes
Functional and stylish storage solutions sometimes take a back seat, but they’re arguably the most important piece of all. Timeless additions such as bookshelves, dressers and sideboards not only keep clutter at bay but also contribute to the overall aesthetic of the space. When selecting storage furniture, consider well-crafted pieces with clean lines. Wood, especially in natural finishes, proves to be a versatile and enduring choice for these essential elements.
In the pursuit of timeless interior design, the key lies in investing wisely in foundational furnishings. Emphasize classic materials, enduring silhouettes and superior craftsmanship to ensure that your home remains a haven of style and comfort for years to come. By making thoughtful choices in these key pieces, you not only build a beautiful living space but also create a home that evolves with you and is a testament to the art of timeless design. OH
Brandon Lange is the principal designer and founder of BZ Interiors in Toronto
Sipping Sun IN THE
TIPS FOR STYLING YOUR PATIO BAR CART
The road to patio cocktails is paved with thrilling anticipation, from shopping for supplies to the art of crafting and ending with the highlight –consumption. Often eclipsed however, is the hub of this pseudo leisure sport, the home bar itself. A patio bar cart is the quintessential example of styled storage and is one of the most purposeful and functional additions to your summer evenings.
Here are our top five tips for styling your outdoor sip station:
ELEVATE WITH GAMES
Elevate your cart’s contents by staggering board games beneath the display. This will allow for each item to take its own centre stage and will introduce dimension to the spread. Bonus: an option for some post dinner fun!
PHOTO: EMMA BAUSO
STORY JESSICA RUSSELL
FINESSE WITH INGREDIENTS
True, the purpose of your minibar is to (cutely) store all your magic potions and their proper vessels, but who said it had to stop there? Add some colour to your surface by including a dish of common garnishes, such as whole lemons or limes. For something especially seasonal, try a fruit spread alongside a DIY sangria bar!
ADD FRESH FLOWERS
Seldom does a space not improve following the addition of vegetation. A bouquet of flowers or a potted plant intermixed with your barscape can satisfy both the nose and the eyes, while adding dimension in its height, too. Trade secret: Mint will deter insects from your sugary spread while also acting as a garnish to many popular drinks. Cheers to double duty!
LEAVE CHEEKY SIGNAGE
Adorn your carafes with mini chalkboard signage or the like to let guests know what’s on the menu. Go punny with a bar joke, or shoutout a guest of honour with their own special tribute concoction.
KEEP THINGS CHILL
The warmer the weather, the more chilled the drinks must be. If a cooler feels too cluttered in your space, relocate bottles and cans to a more attractive bucket with ice option. Your ice supply will need more frequent replenishing, but your offerings will be on display and ready to quench. OH
PHOTO: KATHRYN MACDONALD @HOME_ON_THE_BLUFF
UMBRA: Bellwood Bar Cart
PHOTO: ALEXA SOH
BURLINGTON
4450 Corporate Dr. Unit 2
Providing Superior and Endless Lighting + Plumbing Solutions + Full Design Service s
SLEEK NEW WINDOW DESIGNS
THE PLACE
For more than 30 years, the experts at Window Quilt Muskoka have been helping contractors, designers and home and cottage owners with interior window coverings and outdoor living area projects. “Whether you’re looking to add a blend of function and style to your interior spaces, insect and weather protection, or exterior security, we can provide a custom solution for your needs,” says owner Ashley West.
WINDOWS
Window covering options and customer needs are changing. In 2021, Health Canada introduced regulations that require any blind to have minimal or no exposed cords or chains. “These safety regulations had a dramatic effect on the window covering industry and suppliers had to quickly design new, compliant, cordless operating systems.” For manually-operated shades, wands or spring-lift systems have replaced chains and cords. These sleek new designs can easily raise or lower blinds.
WHAT’S NEW:
Many clients and designers have been asking, and Ashley has listened. “Window Quilt Muskoka is thrilled to now offer custom drapery,” she says. “Contact our team or visit our showroom to see and discuss fabric samples, hardware and options.”
OUTDOORS
Window Quilt has had more requests for custom colour-matching hardware for a cohesive exterior design. Retractable insect screens and doors remain a customer favourite, and clients are looking to integrate screens into their initial designs for a seamless look. Retractable awnings are gaining popularity to provide shelter from the sun and light rain, and can be customized to complement any exterior facade. OH
AUTOMATION
Interest in motorized operating systems has piqued recently. “Hard-wiring is a great option if it can be planned out during initial stages of construction.” Alternatively, many motorized shades use a modern battery system that can be easily recharged when needed. Clients are also asking for multifunctional window coverings, a single shade that can provide diffused visibility, full privacy and even blackout capabilities. “We can offer many unique product solutions for this request,” says Ashley. “You really can have it all.”
Ashley West
Building a Better Home
At Discovery Dream Homes we strive to provide not only the best quality products sourced but also an exceptional experience tailored to you. Let our professional team help guide you through from design to build.
We offer an extensive selection of pre-designed plans for log and timber frame homes, which can be customized to suit your dream home needs. Whether you are looking for a cozy cottage or a spacious family home, we have a range of options for you.
In addition to our pre-designed plans, we offer complete custom home design, providing you with the flexibility to create your one-of-a-kind dream home.
From concept to completion, our team of experts works closely with you to ensure that every detail is executed to perfection.
We’re committed to using sustainable and environmentally responsible building practices and are FCS certified, using only the highest quality materials to ensure the longevity and durability of our homes.
We also offer a range of energy-efficient options, to reduce environmental impact and save on energy costs. We’re your trusted and reliable partner when you’re looking to build your dream home.
1. UTTERMOST:
6. HAUSER: Nova Sofa
PHOTO: DEVON PASTORIUS
home & builder
The Cutter’s Edge furnished the kitchen cabinetry for this new, open-concept netzero ready house built by Stratton Homes in Huntsville.
J.D. Lighting supplied light fixtures.
Legacy BUILDING
KYLE NEWMAN HAS ALWAYS BEEN PASSIONATE ABOUT PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT, BUT BECOMING A FATHER INSPIRED A DESIRE TO CREATE A LEGACY THAT NOURISHES A GREENER PLANET. Continued on page 84
STORY LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY STAGING CC INTERIORS MUSKOKA
The home’s front entry provides a direct view of the Optimyst water vapour fireplace against a backdrop of the woodlands surrounding the Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course.
“BY BUILDING SUSTAINABLY, WE ARE TRYING TO LEAD A SHIFT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO EVOLVE AND INCLUDE MORE GREEN FEATURES.”
“WHEN
OUR SON KELLY AND DAUGHTER KAYDENCE WERE born, I realized the decisions we make today will impact their generation and generations to come,” says Kyle, home builder and chief executive officer of Stratton Homes
To make a significant positive impact, he decided to build beautiful energy-efficient homes. “We have everything we need to build better and more efficiently; the trick is how to do it without sacrifice,” he says.
In collaboration with partners Valerie Schrauwen, Morgan Shaver, and his wife Kristin Newman, Kyle established Stratton Homes. Morgan, director of operations and construction, has more than 25 years’ experience crafting custom luxury homes. Kristin is the director of design and marketing while Valerie is the director of administration and accounting. Their shared vision centres on crafting homes that seamlessly integrate sustainability without compromising comfort, quality or aesthetics.
This home built by Stratton Homes, overlooking the Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course and currently for sale, embraces the company ethos with the best of custom home features and finishes. It’s an example that Kyle hopes will inspire other builders. “By building sustainably, we are trying to lead a shift in the construction industry to evolve and include more green features,” he says. Continued on page 86
A
ABOVE: The twocar garage has an electrical sub-panel that can power electrical charging for one or more vehicles.
Wide plank wooden flooring by Muskoka Hardwood Floors and porcelain tiles by Muskoka Tile cover the main-level floors throughout this home. ABOVE
LEFT:
rectangular vessel sink and circular mirror augment this bathroom vanity.
home & builder
His appreciation of nature began as a youth with canoe trips in Algonquin Park, which also inspired the name Stratton. During high school, he was introduced to the reality of the impacts of climate change during a lecture. When he learned that traditional building methods contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, he resolved to approach construction differently. “I knew in that moment how I could make my mark building sustainable homes,” he says.
After high school, Kyle pursued a postsecondary education in environmental studies. After university he chose to work in construction, including as vice-president of a prominent luxury home builder in Muskoka before starting Stratton Homes.
Stratton’s new Deerhurst Highlands home is net-zero ready and Energy Star certified. Net zero homes can produce as much energy as they consume when equipped with renewal energy technologies such as solar panels. Features that reduce this home’s carbon footprint and save future homeowners money include an air source heat pump heating and cooling system combined with a highefficiency propane furnace, an energy recovery ventilator, triple-glazed windows, SIGA air and weather control barriers, and blower door test results not exceeding 0.6 air changes per hour. Kyle credits Building Knowledge Canada with helping Stratton Homes achieve net-zero ready requirements. As Stratton’s chosen energy advisor, BKC models and tests every Stratton Home, ensuring design and performance targets are met. “We are consistently building some of the tightest homes in the country, confirmed by thirdparty testing,” Kyle says.
ABOVE: Quartz kitchen countertops are Silestone by Cosentino. Appliances include a built-in refrigerator and an induction cooktop. TOP
RIGHT: Stratton Homes CEO Kyle Newman with his wife and director of design Kristin Newman. RIGHT: Built into the kitchen island, the double sink offers convenience amid plenty of room for meal preparation.
OPPOSITE: The Optimyst water vapour fireplace is the unique centrepiece of this openconcept living room.
Kyle & Kristin Newman
“WE LIKE TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF BEAUTIFUL VIEWS BY BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN.”
Kristin curated the interior design of this three-bedroom home with the company’s Luxe interior design package, blending modern elegance with luxury and simplicity. Large windows flood the open-concept floor plan with natural light and spectacular views of the surrounding golf course woodlands. “We like to take full advantage of beautiful views by bringing the outside in,” says Kyle.
CC Interiors Muskoka owner Christina Carr staged the house with minimal modern furnishings to complement the interior colour palette and enhance the beautiful views.
The focal point of the home is a water vapour fireplace suspended from the great room ceiling. Kristin credits Morgan’s hands-on approach with this idea. “We were trying to get inspired about the design and shape of the fireplace and late one afternoon Morgan sent over pictures of the suspended fireplace built and ready for finishes. It was beautiful,” she says. Clad in fluted panels, the design of the fireplace offers a unique visual experience.
The well-equipped kitchen makes it a breeze to host a holiday dinner party or prepare gourmet meals. Built by The Cutter’s Edge, this kitchen features custom millwork, quartz countertops and premium appliances, including an induction cooktop. Continued on page 90
Morgan Shaver
Fir posts and beams surround the home’s screened Muskoka room, which opens to an exterior deck overlooking the golf course. OPPOSITE, TOP: CC Interiors Muskoka furnished and staged this Stratton home. BOTTOM RIGHT: Morgan Shaver brings a wealth of experience to his role as Stratton’s director of operations and construction.
An
and luxurious bed
The primary bedroom’s adjoining en suite exudes a spa-like ambience. A window flanking dual floating vanities overlooks a calm, pastoral setting. The vanities, with LED-activated under lighting, anchor the vessel sinks. Silestone counters with Riobel fixtures and large format porcelain tile in the rain shower add an aura of luxury and sophistication. Muskoka Tile’s Roman Gardiner installed the large porcelain floor and wall tiles in both bathrooms.
The mechanical room is one of Kyle’s favourite spots. He believes the mechanical room reveals how much care and concern has been put into the house. “I’ve been around residential construction my entire life so it’s the first place I go to get an idea of how much pride went into a home,” says Kyle. “Everyone focuses on the nice finishes, but the mechanical room gives a very good indication of what is behind the walls.”
upholstered headboard
linens exude comfort in the home’s primary bedroom. RIGHT: Large format, easy-toclean tiles by Muskoka Tile surround the en suite shower, installed by Rocket Plumbing. BELOW RIGHT: A window with a forest view intersects the en suite vanity.
Looking to add elegance and sophistication to your rustic cottage? Want to spruce up that dated kitchen? Been dreaming about a bathroom renovation? Muskoka Tile is here to help you complete the look you’ve dreamed about. From the classic elegance of subway tile to contemporary large slab stone, from casual whimsy to modern industrial, we’ll deliver your vision.
home & builder
LOCAL SOURCE GUIDE
• A & G Roofing • CC Interiors • Godfrey Landscaping & Contracting • Great White Painting Co. • Innovative Earthworks
• Muskoka Lumber • Muskoka Tile
• Rocket Plumbing • Stratton Homes
• The Cutter’s Edge • Thyme Design
As Kyle reflects on the legacy he leaves for his children, he hopes the construction industry evolves and employs more sustainable features, technologies and techniques. “Our mission is to show home buyers and builders that there is a more responsible way to build homes, and it doesn’t have to come at a sacrifice,” he says. “It’s about leaving a legacy of responsible living and stewardship. We owe it to the generations who will follow us.” OH
ABOVE: The three-bedroom home was designed with a family or retired couple in mind. RIGHT: Birch plywood sheathes the walls of the mechanical room where the electrical panel has a whole-home energy monitor that helps verify energy efficiency. FAR RIGHT: Energy-saving equipment includes an air source heat pump water heater and an energy recovery ventilator.
DOT PATTERNS BREAK THE REFLECTIVITY OF THE GLASS SO BIRDS CAN SEE IT, AND DON’T FLY INTO IT.
STORY
ANDREW HIND ILLUSTRATION SHEILA BRITTON
Reflecting on the topic of
BIRD-FRIENDLY WINDOWS
Every year millions of migratory birds die in collisions with windows, representing one of the leading causes of death among migrating avian species.
Birds can’t see glass. Instead, they see whatever happens to be reflected in its mirror-like surface. Often, this is open sky or trees –an extension of their environment – so rather than altering course, they keep flying straight ahead, oblivious to the danger until they crash into the window, often with deadly results.
Additionally, birds might be attracted to interior lighting, or even plants, and strike a window while flying toward the light or object.
Flap Canada and the American Bird Conservancy estimate as many as a billion birds die in window collisions across North America annually. The loss of so many birds is a tragedy. Birds play a critical role in ecosystems and economies around the world through pollination, controlling pests, enriching the soil, and other vital functions. Their contribution to the natural order is immense.
Window manufacturers are taking heed and stepping up to address the problem by creating bird-safe window options.
“Bird safe isn't new but continues to gain traction year over year,“ says Adam Mitchell, marketing manager at Collingwood architectural glass manufacturer AGNORA. “Toronto and New York City paved the way with bird-friendly glazing. There’s a fairly wide variety of bird-friendly glass solutions. They differ in cost, size, and visual considerations, but all these products are designed to effectively deter birds.”
Adam says there are, broadly, three main types of core birdfriendly glass available.
1. UV-COATED PATTERNS
These windows have an ultraviolet coating. The coating is invisible to humans, but visible to birds, as they can see into the ultraviolet spectrum. Benefit: The lowest visual impact on the dwelling. Drawback: High cost. Maximum Size: 102 by 144 inches.
2. PRINTED OR LAMINATED DOT PATTERNS/VISUAL PATTERNS
These windows are covered with two-by-two-inch or fourby-four-inch dots or designs, breaking the reflectivity of the glass so birds don’t fly into it. Benefit: A cost-effective option. Drawback: Visible to humans as well as birds. Maximum Size: 130 by 300 inches.
3. ACID ETCH DOT PATTERNS/ VISUAL PATTERNS
Similar to above, except that the dots or patterns are etched into the glass rather than printed or laminated onto the surface. Benefit: Also cost effective. Drawback: Visible to humans. Maximum Size: 96 by 130 inches.
This past spring, Ontario NDP MPP Chris Glover (Spadina-Fort York) announced legislation (The Bird-Safe Windows Act, 2023) that would protect migratory birds by implementing bird-safe measures into Ontario’s building code, noting: “As we continue growing as a province, we need to ensure it is innovative and sustainable – bird-safe building legislation is long overdue in Ontario.”
Currently, all new low-rise residential, mixed-use low-rise, institutional and public buildings in Toronto require birdfriendly glass.
The legislation would extend this mandate province-wide. It would not impact single-family homes; whether a homeowner elects to use bird-friendly windows would remain entirely their choice.
The bill, should it pass, will impact cost of construction on new builds and renovations. How much?
“Depending on the bird-friendly product used or specified, the price can vary. A safe estimate would be 30 to 100 per cent higher than standard glass,” explains Gin Benner, project manager at AGNORA. “However, as an industry, this is actively being worked on to have more affordable offerings for our feathered friends and prices will likely decrease in time.”
But, as Adam points out, there are ways to mitigate costs. “The goal is to ‘break’ the reflectivity of glass in fly-through zones, essentially the areas where birds live and nest,” he explains. “For that reason, the need to employ bird-friendly glazing above a certain height becomes unnecessary.”
In addition, there are tangible benefits to these windows beyond the knowledge that we are preserving biodiversity. Bird-friendly solutions can be combined with high-performance coatings to provide thermal insulation and solar control properties to the glazing, thereby reducing cooling and heating costs.
Bird-friendly windows play a vital role in the preservation of valuable bird species, and by extension the preservation of our threatened ecosystems. As a result, their use is destined to only grow in the years ahead. OH
ADVICE FOR HOMEOWNERS
What can you do?
One would think that most bird collisions are with high-rise buildings, but studies suggest that a great many happen with residential homes and low-rise commercial buildings. So, there is an opportunity for homeowners to play a role in reducing bird mortality.
Even if you are not switching out the windows on your home anytime soon, there are still some steps you can take to ensure that your windows don’t pose a threat to flying birds. These include:
1. Place bird feeders either close (1.5 feet or less) to your windows – it will make birds slow down as they approach – or well away from the home.
2. Keep curtains or shades drawn during the day to reduce reflection.
3. Move houseplants back from your windows, as they may attract birds.
4. Install a screen or net a few inches outside of your windows, to lessen the impact.
PROFESSIONAL RESULTS
From the ground up through every room, experts can make your time at home or the cottage a pleasure.
PHOTOGRAPHY WALTER FRANCZYK
RAILS END GALLERY AND ARTS CENTRE
Against the historic backdrop of Haliburton’s 1878 rail station, discover Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre. “We curate contemporary art exhibitions, run public programs, a local artist shop and, every July, the Haliburton Art and Craft Festival, one of cottage country's best-loved outdoor art fairs,” says director/curator Laurie Jones. “Think of Rails End as your gateway to local arts and culture.”
CORYNN KOKOLAKIS
Corynn Kokolakis's recent body of work, M(y)otherwork, will be on exhibition at Rails End Gallery until September 7. Her figurative oil paintings delve into the complex roles many women navigate, offering a poignant reflection on memory, childhood development and the labour of caregiving.
PLEIN AIR
This fall, in celebration of Haliburton County’s 150th year, Rails End Gallery will hold a juried plein air painting exhibition. This is an excellent opportunity for on-location painters at any level to showcase their work inspired by the region. Jurors are John David Anderson and Laurie Jones. For entry details visit railsendgallery.com
Continued on page 100
Laurie Jones
PAINTING
BY CORYNN KOKOLAKIS
people & places
HILLTOP INTERIORS
“At HillTop Interiors, we pride ourselves on our dedication to the relationships we build with clients,” says HillTop owner Lena Patten. “We specialize in working from the ground up, creating bespoke designs that start with a vision and end with a beautifully realized space. While we are comfortable with all design styles, from rustic log to contemporary homes, our true passion lies in helping clients with their vision. Inspired by the shores of Lake Rosseau and the beautiful surroundings of Muskoka, we are well-known for our unique Muskoka style that brings the splendour of nature to interior design.”
DESIGN ADVICE
One of HillTop’s favourite aspects of design is lighting, especially in kitchen spaces, says Lena. “An interior design is only as good as the lighting design to accompany it, like a spotlight accenting a work of art.” Hilltop offers various styles in interior and exterior lighting, ceiling fans, and lamps. “If this is an area you are wrestling with in your build or renovation, let us help you. Ask us about our custom lighting proposals.”
SPECIALTY
HillTop has a large selection of furnishings at the showroom in the village of Rosseau. Each furniture piece is exceptionally created with a love for striking, cottage-style fabrics. All sofas and chairs can be customized to suit your space, with any of the beautiful fabrics offered in HillTop’s design centre. “Our expertise in kitchen design, and lighting layouts, ensures that every detail, from cabinetry to countertops, reflects both functionality and aesthetic appeal, tailored to your lifestyle and needs.” Continued on page 102
Ashleigh Schwartz, Shawna Hood, Tiela Gilmour, Nicole Dacyshyn, Dawn Crawford, Jessica Harris & Lena Patten
people & places
Tyler McIlmoyle & Greg McIlmoyle
MUSKOKA MULCH
A family-owned company, Muskoka Mulch specializes in mulching gardens and landscapes – a fast, tidy and costeffective service that includes supply and installation. “We find our demand is for larger landscapes,” says Greg. Crews use a blower to install the bulk of the mulch, then touch it up by hand, he says. “Because we use a four-inch corrugated hose, once it’s set up, there’s a lot less foot traffic and not as much need for hand buckets or wheelbarrows,” he explains.
“It’s quieter around the property, in terms of less human traffic and a lot less impact.”
NIMBLE
“It’s a fairly efficient process. We can mulch a property in a day, maybe a couple of days, depending on the size and the quantity of mulch we are doing,” Greg says. Muskoka Mulch services residential and recreation cottage properties from Meaford to Muskoka, east to Haliburton and west to the Parry Sound area, including island properties using barge services.
WHY MULCH
Mulching enhances landscapes when property owners rework the land by removing natural elements and installing their choice of plants and shrubs. Mulch is healthy for plants and soil, providing water and soil retention. As it breaks down, it adds nutrients to the soil for the plants, keeps weeds down and reduces the work of maintaining gardens and landscapes.
people & places
THE FIREPLACE KING
A stunning new showroom in Huntsville presents more than 100 different fireplaces available in current, traditional and contemporary styles from The Fireplace King. Beautifully finished in stone and polished granite, many are working models of gas and wood-burning fireplaces. They appear as they could in a new home or cottage or retrofitted into an existing home.
STYLES
“Muskoka construction has trended to contemporary, modern and transitional designs and fireplaces have followed suit in terms of their looks and finishes,” says Randy. “There are still traditional options but a lot of local architects, designers and clients are moving to more modern finishes.” The store sells Napoleon and Crown Verity barbecues –built-in, freestanding or portable for all applications – as well as patio heaters and fire pits.
SERVICES
In business for more than 35 years, The Fireplace King also supplies, installs and services gas and wood stoves, inserts and pellet stoves. It offers complete heating, ventilation and air conditioning installations, heat pumps, boilers, furnaces, outdoor fireplaces and hot water heaters. “We like to be involved early in the construction or the design phase of the project with the client, the architect and the builder to help select the right product and ensure it will fit the project and meet their main goal,” says Randy.
Randy Nickason & Erica Lapere
people & places
Brad Gill, Dennis Miller, Vanessa Rogerson, Laurie Columbus, Alexa Taylor & owner Matthew Setterington
DI PIETRA DESIGN
For more than 25 years, Barrie’s Di Pietra Design (DPD) has been making homes, cottages and ski chalets stunning with natural and fabricated stone surfaces. The company serves clients throughout Simcoe and Grey counties, The Kawarthas and Muskoka. Di Pietra designs, fabricates and installs countertops, full-height backsplashes, vanities, shower walls, fireplace surrounds, hearths and mantels – anything that would be aesthetically pleasing clad in stone.
“We are always watching for trends. We currently see a real return to natural stone being desirable in the home because of its natural beauty and people’s understanding of the naturopathic properties.”
STONE HUNTING
Staff visit stone warehouses for materials to beautify homes and commercial settings. Natural stones are sourced from all over the world, primarily North and South America, Europe and Asia. DPD can get any desirable stone for your surface applications, including granite, marble, quartzite, dolomite and soapstone. We also supply manmade surfaces, including quartz, porcelain and solid surface. Our trained technical staff help customers select the appropriate material for their application. DPD warranties materials.
FIND THE RIGHT LOOK
DPD endeavours to find the right surface for your project, whether it’s natural stone, quartz, porcelain or solid surface. We help source unique colours and patterns that are well priced for your project and budget.
PHOTOS: GISELE WINTON SARVIS
WILSON’S THE PAINT STORE
Founded by Doug and Marian Wilson, this three-generation, familyowned-and-operated store is nearing a half-century in business, offering quality paint and service. “We’re a paint store, not a department,” says Doug. “All of our employees have been here a long time. Everybody has years of experience. The paint business is complicated so you really have to know what you are talking about to help people properly.”
THE PLACE
An expansion last fall enlarged the store with additional storage space to 6,500 square feet, says Darryl, who ran his own painting business for 26 years. In addition to Benjamin Moore paints and Sansin stains, Wilson’s carries products such as Sico Proluxe by Sikkens, Messmer’s and Cutek wood finishes, as well as all the necessary tools, brushes and related supplies. Doug and Marian’s grandson Chris manages the business.
EXTRAS
In addition to its extensive assortment of paints and stains, Wilson’s sells locally-made, wooden Muskoka chairs sized for adults or children. They’re available stained or unfinished, with cushions in a variety of colours. Whimsical ottomans stitched with genuine leather in the shape of bears and moose prowl the front of the store. Continued on page 110
The Wilson family: Darryl, Shelley, Chris, Marian & Doug
people & places
MUSKOKA FURNITURE
When walking through Muskoka Furniture’s doors, Iris and Todd Jones want you to feel at home. Don’t expect high-pressure sales tactics or to be cajoled into choosing expensive upgrades or extended warranties. Expect to be warmly greeted as you wander through the large showroom. “Our goal is to sell you what you want, not what we want to sell you,” says Todd. No deal is complete until the product is safely in your home and you are happy. “It is a total team effort here, from greeting you at our door to delivering your wellchosen purchase through your door,” Todd says.
BEDROOM
Store staff aim to make your bedroom your cosy spot, a place of peace and comfort. A wide selection of rustic wooden furniture helps erase the “edges off of life” with natural grains, soothing colours and timeless designs. Top quality mattresses enhance sleep and well-being. “We take care of the details by providing mattress protectors, pillows, sheets and an attractive selection of quilts with tasteful patterns,” says Todd.
LIVING ROOM
“We want your living room to be a refuge from the hustle and bustle of modern life, a place to relax and enjoy family and friends,” Todd says. Design your own sofa or sectional sofa to fit your living space and then select the best fabrics to match your unique décor. “Have no worries about our Canadian-made sofas. Our furniture is made with precision craftsmanship and has a comprehensive store warranty.” OH
Iris and Todd Jones
design ideas
SIZING UP YOUR SPACE
STORY SHAUNN LIPSEY | PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE CHAJECKI
Whoever told you size doesn’t matter, was likely not a designer. In fact, the ultimate goal of balance and harmony begins with finding the right “fit” for everything in a room –within the context of the space and everything in it.
To arrive at these perfect numbers, there are some no-fail formulas to keep in your back pocket. But before getting into some calculations, it’s crucial to understand the basics of scale and measurement in design. Scale refers to the size of an object in relation to the space it occupies, while measurement involves the accurate sizing and placement of furniture and décor elements within a room. Striking the right balance between the two is fundamental to achieving harmony.
TAKE MEASUREMENTS
Start your design journey by measuring the dimensions of the rooms you plan to decorate. Accurate measurements serve as the foundation to select appropriatelyscaled furniture and arranging it in a way that optimizes the available space. Pay attention to the width, length and height of the rooms, the position of doors and windows, and the scale of any large items that must be included.
CHOOSE FURNITURE WISELY
When selecting furniture, consider the scale of the room and the proportions of existing pieces. Oversize furniture in a small space can make the room feel cramped, while undersize pieces in a large room may look lost and insignificant. Choose furniture that complements the scale of your space.
design ideas
EMBRACE NEGATIVE SPACE
Negative space refers to the empty areas around furniture, and it is as important to a room as the furniture itself. Negative space gives the eye a chance to rest and creates space for people to pass through or sit and breathe freely, without being crowded. In a living room, for example, the goal is to encourage intimacy and conversation, while leaving enough breathing room. To help you achieve both, here are some loose guidelines:
30-to-36 inches between large furniture pieces for pathways.
Three-to-five feet between armchairs. 14-to-18 inches between the sofa and coffee table.
About seven feet between seating and the television, depending on the overall size of the space.
Underestimating or eliminating these gaps will make the space feel cramped, not cosy.
CREATE VISUAL BALANCE
Achieving visual balance is essential in interior design. A well-balanced room feels comfortable and inviting. Balance can be symmetrical, where identical elements are evenly distributed, or asymmetrical, where different elements are used but still achieve equilibrium. Experiment with the placement of furniture and décor to find the most visually pleasing arrangement. Varying proportions can create balance, while adding interest to a room and preventing monotony. Combine furniture of different heights, shapes and sizes to create a dynamic and visually appealing space.
THE RULE OF ODDS: There’s a certain appeal to odd numbers, which allow for symmetrical, balanced arrangements. The next time you’re arranging a shelf collection or tabletop display, choose a grouping of three, five or seven, with the tallest at the centre.
CONSIDER CEILING HEIGHT
The height of your ceilings also plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate scale for your décor. High ceilings can accommodate taller furniture and larger artwork, while lower ceilings may benefit from lower-profile furniture and more compact design elements. Keep this in mind to ensure a cohesive look throughout your home.
THE RIGHT HEIGHT: The rule of thumb when hanging lighting is the bottom of your fixture should hang 30-to-36 inches up from countertops and tabletops, or seven feet from the floor.
A little scale goes a long way. Choosing a piece of furniture that fits into the bigger picture of the room, with all the other furnishings around it, and even the air that surrounds it, gives that piece greater meaning than it would ever have on its own. OH
Shaunn Lipsey is the principal and creative director for Shaunn Lipsey + Co, a Toronto-based design-and-build team.
PHOTOGRAPHY WALTER FRANCZYK
Freshwater Fare
THE PLACE
Coming ashore at Parry Sound is a perfect opportunity in a perfect location for Rachel and Ted Larocque, owners of the world-famous restaurant Henry’s San Souci on Georgian Bay. Expanding their business has always been a dream, says Rachel.
“To watch it coming true is pretty incredible.” They opened their new waterfront restaurant, Henry’s Harbour, in April. With inside seating for 70 diners and outdoor patio seating for more than 100, it overlooks a sweeping view of the harbour and the Island Queen, just a short walk from The Charles W. Stockey Centre.
DESIGN
Built like a boathouse on piles, Henry’s Harbour was designed to evoke a nautical feel and to blend with surrounding buildings.
“The kitchen has state-of-the-art equipment in a custom layout to maximize efficiency, both from a space planning perspective and an everyday operational aspect,” says architect Brenda Ryan. Sliding doors can open in the summer to create the feeling of an outdoor dining experience. Diners can watch sunsets from the patio or catch a glimpse of floatplanes taking off. “Anywhere you sit, you’ll be able to see the view,” says Rachel.
AMBIENCE
High white-washed ceilings and walls with surrounding glass walls and doors fill the restaurant with light. Handcrafted wooden dining tables and chairs, made in Quebec, provide a warm interior contrast. Outside, Canadian-made, recycled plastic tables, chairs and stools under colourful umbrellas furnish the deck. Classic blue-and-white hues and nautical décor pay homage to iconic Henry’s San Souci on Frying Pan Island. Beyond the deck, near the Island Queen and town dock, a granite patio with a fireplace and chairs makes a great public space in which to soak up the sun or enjoy an ice cream cone.
Behind the Bar: Paige Noble
“Henry’s is known for fish, freshwater fish,” says Rachel. “Our most popular is pickerel. It comes from Lake Erie. We also serve whitefish, sometimes perch, depending on availability.” Other delicacies include a tailed rice bowl with skewered shrimp, as well as vegan and gluten-free dishes. They process fish daily. Open yearround in Parry Sound, they’re looking at also offering seasonal fare such as prime rib and a few other options. OH
Rachel & Ted Laroque, with daughter Laura Robinson
SOURCE IT
SOUND INTERIORS
Sound Interiors in Parry Sound was established in 2014 by owner and interior design graduate Tracey Sitts who has worked in the home design industry since 2004 doing everything from painting to kitchen design, consulting, installations and more.
The store features a wide variety of lighting for both the interior and exterior of your home or cottage. From rustic table lamps to the most modern art chandelier, there’s a piece for every style and budget.
Transform any room with Alta window coverings for exceptional performance, light control, privacy, and energy efficiency.
Want to control your window treatments with the touch of a button? Discover how we raise the bar (and the shade) with industry-leading Somfy motors and remotes.
While the store specializes in lighting and window coverings, it also offers ceiling fans, Ontariomade Sansin stains, Cottage Paint (a chalk-inspired paint), a variety of wallpaper, wall art and home décor.
Visit Sound Interiors – Sound advice for all your lighting, window treatment, stain and home design needs.
70 Joseph St, Unit 500-C, Parry Sound 705.771.9414
1.844.9LIGHTS (1.844.954.4487) soundinteriors.ca
(Please see ad on pg 43)
MUSKOKA AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
RED CANOE GALLERY
NEW BALA LOCATION
Red Canoe Gallery is pleased to be celebrating its 31st year in its new permanent home in Bala, Muskoka. We opened our doors here in November and are thrilled with how great the building is to display large paintings, as well as all the onsite parking, and very easy loading area. Bala is just thriving with new shops and restaurants and a famous handmade chocolate shop.
We are a Canadian fine art gallery featuring paintings of all sizes but specializing in larger works. We also feature hand turned wood bowls and accessories made from beautiful native woods by two of Canada’s best turners, as well as a selection of fine art carvings and sculptures. Our award-winning artists have been chosen for their creativity and quality with four amazing new artists joining us this year. Please check our website for all the great new works arriving weekly.
Red Canoe Gallery offers no obligation art trials and consultation. We can also arrange for any framing needs. Free local delivery is offered, while delivery throughout Ontario can be arranged. We also crate and ship to any other location worldwide, or are happy to package an item for you to travel home with.
The gallery is open year round. Please check Google for current hours. Private appointments are also available.
We look forward to seeing you in Bala. 705.765.7474
3181 Hwy 169, Bala, Muskoka redcanoegallery.com (Please see ad on pg 17)
MUSKOKA ARTS & CRAFTS
Muskoka Arts & Crafts is one of the oldest and most well established arts organizations in Ontario, having grown since its inception in 1963 to include a diverse membership of professional full-time artists, parttime artists, hobbyists, amateurs, patrons and art enthusiasts that creates a dynamic environment where everyone can learn from each other.
The organization is the true heart of visual arts in the province’s favourite cottage and vacation area and has become an innovative force in the community at large.
Muskoka Arts & Crafts supports artists directly through its programming and resources and is also a champion of arts and culture in Muskoka, always striving to make the community a vibrant and culturally engaged destination for visitors, local residents and summer residents alike. Membership in Muskoka Arts & Crafts is open to all.
Muskoka Arts & Crafts is a non-profit organization. MAC mounts several annual shows, including the iconic Summer Show, which has been a centrepiece of Muskoka summers since 1963 and attracts hundreds of artists from across the country and more than 10,000 visitors every year. Make sure you check out the new location in downtown Bracebridge. MAC ON MAIN is located at 63 Manitoba St, Bracebridge. You can also download our new IOS/ ANDROID App which features a virtual gallery, opens calls, events and programming throughout the year. muskokaartsandcrafts.com
(Please see ad on pg 30)
SUMMERS WITH MISS ELIZABETH
The debut novel of the 2024 season is Summers with Miss Elizabeth, by Lori Knowles, literary fiction set in a classic lakeside cottage in Muskoka.
Described by fans as “summer in a book” and “a gripping dockside read”, it is the emotionally charged story of the Wynward family, Pittsburgh industrialists with a century-old cottage on a Muskoka lake.
It’s 1974 when Colin Montgomery, 10, is taken in by the marvelous Miss Elizabeth, the shrewd, champagneswilling mistress of Pittsburgh’s Wynward Steel. Colin spends idyllic summers alongside the spirited yet troubled Wynward grandchildren. They swim, they sail, they fall in love. But when tragedy strikes, the Wynwards are ripped away from the lake and it’s up to Colin to bring them back together. By welcoming him into the family, the Wynwards rescued Colin. Ultimately it’s Colin who rescues the Wynwards.
“I grew up in wonder of iconic Muskoka places like Beaumaris and Rosseau,” says Lori, Muskoka author and journalist. “As Canada’s Hamptons, it’s a storied place filled with beautiful blue vistas and lacquered boats. But there’s darkness there, too – family struggles, tragedy and loss, secrets swept behind wicker settees. I was raised in Muskoka and I’m a storyteller. I’ve always known there are terrific tales to be told.”
Summers with Miss Elizabeth is sold at shops in Muskoka, including Knowles Plumbing, Bracebridge. More info: loriknowles.com (Please see ad on pg 93)
ACM DESIGNS
At ACM Designs, we specialize in creating stunning interiors that are inspired by our stunning surroundings. Serving Haliburton County and its surrounding areas, we offer a wide range of services.
Interior Decorating & Design: Whether you are looking to modernize dated furnishings or renovate an entire floor, our expert design team is here for all your needs. We specialize in creating stunning interiors that reflect your personal style and enhance the functionality of your cottage.
Build & Renovation: From your first meeting to the final installation, we manage all the aspects of your project. Our team coordinates all contractors, trades, and our in-house carpenters, ensuring a seamless renovation process that relieves the stress of renovation.
Bespoke Carpentry: Our skilled bespoke carpenter can create custom wood furniture pieces tailored to your specifications. From unique wooden furniture to beautiful wooden doors and mantels, we deliver high-quality, handcrafted solutions to add a legacy and a personalized touch to your cottage.
Our team will be with you every step of the way to bring your dream cottage to life. Give us a call or visit our website today to book a consultation. Make your dreams a reality with ACM Designs.
705.457.5253
acm-designs.com
(Please see ad on pg 71)
JOHN DEVRIES LOG AND TIMBER HOMES
John Devries Log and Timber Homes is a company forged from a tradition of fine craftsmanship and personal integrity. With deep family roots, the organization has established a stellar reputation for quality workmanship and attention to detail for more than 40 years.
As a team, our positive progressive thinking with a love of building and a passion for wood joinery are the common threads that bind our efforts and make us successful.
Whether you’re building a new home or would like to add a quality crafted timber accent to your already beautiful home, we have the expertise to make your dream a reality.
Personalize your space with unique timber elements in great rooms, sunrooms, gazebos, stairways or featured as fireplace mantels, ceiling beams and so much more. We also offer repair and restoration work for log and timber structures, be it 1800’s era homestead cabins and barns or modern-day handcrafted scribe fit log or timber homes. Give us a call today to discuss building your next dream project!
7920 Hwy 37, Tweed 613.921.3328
jdvloghomes.com
Member of The International Log Builders Association and The Timber Framers Guild (Please see ad on pg 49)
DOMINION DOORS & WINDOWS LTD.
Prioritizing quality products and the customer experience, Dominion Doors & Windows has remained the one to beat since its foundation over 30 years ago.
Dominion Doors & Windows is one of Canada’s leading manufacturers and distributors of high-quality vinyl windows and door systems with a range of residential and commercial clients from coast to coast. We operate out of a 15,000 square foot modern manufacturing facility that is capable of producing products for a wide variety of custom sizes and applications.
The only thing that matches the quality of a Dominion door or window is our exemplary customer service. Our product specialists work side-by-side with architects, engineers and building owners to design and manufacture doors and windows to exacting standards. We believe in a hands-on approach, a customer-first service model and understand that one-size-fits-all solutions simply don’t work for our discerning clients. Dominion works directly with homeowners, general contractors, designers and architects, and its varied market includes custom homes, condominiums, commercial buildings and the renovation market in replacing windows and doors in older buildings. Its reputation has been built on not only the quality of its product and manufacturing, but also on its customer relationships. Get in touch with us today! 130 Pennsylvania Ave, Unit 8, Concord 905.761.9722
dominiondw.com
(Please see ads on pg 34&35, 111)
NORTHBOUND ROOFING
Nestled in the heart of Cottage Country, Northbound Roofing is the company that stands out from the rest: Family-owned, detail-oriented, and committed to doing top-notch work. They treat every single job like it’s their own home, which means you can count on them to give it their all.
Specializing in all roofing and exterior solutions – think GAF shingles, sturdy metal roofs, siding that’s as tough as it is good-looking, and all those little details like soffit, fascia, and eavestroughs – Northbound Roofing has got you covered for whatever your house or cottage needs to stay looking great and standing strong.
But what really makes Northbound Roofing special is their personal touch. From the very first chat to the last nail hammered in, they make sure you’re in the loop and happy with how things are going. They’re not just about getting the job done; they’re about making sure it’s done right and you’re totally satisfied.
So if you’re in Muskoka and looking for a roofing crew that treats you like family and your house like their own, look no further than Northbound Roofing. They’re here to make sure your home is not just wellcovered, but well-loved too.
Call today for a FREE, no obligation estimate.
705.204.0833
info@northboundroofing.ca northboundroofing.ca (Please see ad on pg 10)
NORTHVUE FRAMELESS GLASS RAILINGS
Choose NorthVue Frameless Glass Railings for crystal clear views. We are dedicated to making your view as enjoyable as possible.
Our frameless product can open up any space, interior or exterior. Its simple yet elegant system requires minimal lead time and is easy to install.
We have a variety of mounting options and finishes that you can view at our showroom located in Orillia. We also offer site visits, installation, delivery and warehouse pickups.
We want NorthVue to be the right product for you. Send us an email or give us a call, and upgrade your view today!
525 West St S, Unit #8, Orillia info@northvueglass.com 705.327.0500 northvueglass.com
(Please see ad on pg 113)
HALIBURTON SOLAR + WIND
Located in the stunning Haliburton Highlands, Haliburton Solar + Wind has been in operation since 2013.
Founded in response to the growing demand for energy independence and self-sufficiency, the company was established to provide innovative off-grid solutions that enable individuals, businesses and communities to break free from the constraints of traditional grid-based energy systems.
Our business has evolved to not only offer energy independence but to also address the increasing desire to reduce hydro bills and reliance on our electrical power grid, by offering Net Metering and energy storage systems. We believe that transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, is a crucial step towards reducing our environmental impact and creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.
As believers in transparency and empowerment through knowledge, we pride ourselves on genuine passion, strategic partnerships, and customized plans to meet our customers’ specific needs. Our consultative approach delivers customized solutions, seamless installations and expert aftercare support to our valued customer base across Ontario.
Contact us today to begin your journey in harnessing the power of renewable energy.
1067A Garden Gate Dr, Haliburton | 705.455.2637
info@haliburtonsolarandwind.com
haliburtonsolarandwind.com
(Please see ad on pg 103)
MUSKOKA TILE
I am Roman Gardiner, CEO and Founder of Muskoka Tile, a quality luxury tile specialist within Muskoka and the surrounding area.
With a passion for design, my creative side had a pull to be within the tile world. It has been a journey of six years of business under the umbrella of Muskoka Tile, with over 10 years of qualified tile expertise.
Muskoka Tile’s mission is creating innovative shower designs and high end finishes, specializing in new custom builds for commercial and residential projects.
My team and I appreciate OUR HOMES for reaching out and encapsulating all of the projects into this issue as a memory bank of our creative design to showcase what we are so proud of.
We aim to have 100% customer satisfaction from the beginning of a project to the end.
A huge shout-out to all of our specialty builders with whom we love to execute creative partnerships: Stratton Homes, The Birchwood Cottage Co., TimberNorth Home and Design, HLD Muskoka, CDH Carpentry Ltd., and Tom Stead.
For future design and tile work please reach us by email or DM us via Instagram and visit our website to see our ongoing and active projects.
Inc. is an award-winning interior design firm located in Orillia, Ontario, specializing in residential home and cottage remodels. Our clients reside in the beautiful lake-filled regions surrounding Orillia, Barrie and Muskoka.
We offer comprehensive services from project start to finish. Whether you require help designing your custom new-build home or are looking to update your lake house, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional results that meet your individual needs and design preferences.
Selecting honest and reliable tradespeople and contractors can be a concern for many. At Coralee Monaghan Interiors, we have established relationships with numerous trusted local professionals whom we consistently engage for our client projects. Whether in person or virtually, our team is here to assist you in putting together a design plan that will align with your lifestyle and design vision.
As a boutique firm, we pride ourselves on providing a highly personalized, one-on-one client experience, ensuring each design is completed to the highest standards. We are committed to addressing our clients’ needs and concerns, striving to exceed expectations by crafting designs that embody their unique personal styles and practical requirements.
GET READY TO ELEVATE YOUR SUMMER GATHERINGS WITH THIS VIBRANT AND PLAYFUL CITRUS SERVING TRAY.
MATERIALS
15-inch round piece of wood
2 paintbrushes
Lime green and white acrylic paint
Hardware
Topcoat
HOW-TO
STEP ONE
Start by painting a coat of the lime green paint approximately ½ to ¾-inch around the edge of the round wood.
STEP TWO
Mix one part of lime green paint to five parts white paint to achieve a pastel green shade. Apply this mixture along the edge of the bright green paint, extending approximately one inch.
STEP THREE
To create the citrus sections, find the centre of the round and paint a circle using the pastel green paint. Then, use a pencil to sketch eight sections around the circle, using the centre as your guide. Keep in mind, sections do not need to be perfect – real citrus fruits are naturally imperfect.
STEP FOUR
Next, mix approximately three parts white paint to one part green paint. Paint rounded triangle shapes within each section to create the citrus segments. Fill in each segment with the pastel green colour. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.
STEP FIVE
Apply two coats of topcoat to the tray for durability. Allow each coat to dry completely. Add hardware.
Use your citrus tray to add a refreshing touch to your next gathering. OH
home & builder
STORY WALTER FRANCZYK | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY
Trees tower around Lynn and Gord Kelly’s terraced front deck offering shady respite from summer heat at their Kushog Lake home.
CREATIVEP assion
‘WE’RE NOT QUITE DONE YET.’
home & builder
LED chandeliers from the Muskoka Lighting Company hover over the large island in the kitchen, one of the family’s favourite gathering spots. OPPOSITE, TOP: The Kellys make the most of outdoor living spaces such as this furnished deck at the home’s main entrance. BOTTOM LEFT: Seated on their deep-water dock, Gord and Lynn Kelly still have a few projects in mind for their lakeside home.
when
Lynn and Gord Kelly were dating, they rode in his 1975 MGB sports car, exploring cottage roads in the Algonquin Highlands, looking for a place to build a cottage.
Forty years and four children later, with professional careers in the rear-view mirror, they’ve transformed their woodland cottage into a beautiful lake house. They still have that little sports car.
Gord and Lynn first met at work where he was an institutional equities trader and Lynn worked in administration and retail trading. They were living in downtown Toronto when they found a property on Kushog Lake that ticked all the boxes they wanted – deep water, a western exposure and a building site no more than 250 kilometres from the city. They built the cottage themselves on weekends and holidays. “It was really
a passion to build my own place,” says Gord, who put himself through school by working construction jobs. “It was nice to do something creative,” he says.
In their first summer, they lived in a borrowed tent near the lake. With a few tools and a chainsaw, they cleared brush and cut down misshapen trees. Lynn had been unaware of Gord’s building skills and was impressed when he built the tent platform.
home & builder
A large skylight brightens the home’s foyer where in-floor heating warms the vestibule. The custom-coloured pantry also houses a coffee station and a wardrobe for outerwear. OPPOSITE, TOP: A skilled woodworker, Gord crafted the walnut dinner table with a meandering river of black epoxy. BOTTOM: Kitchen counters and blacksplash are Cambria quartz, furnished by Elegant Solutions. The KitchenAid gas range has six burners and an electric oven.
His next project was the kicker. They had two little kittens, babied them and brought them north every weekend, but feared they could escape from the tent. “So he built quite the elaborate cat cage with chicken wire and little raised ledges from which the cats could watch us. He made a cute little door with a latch and I thought, ‘ Holy smokes! This man really knows what he’s doing,’ ” Lynn recalls.
In hindsight, they marvel at the daring work they did clearing trees. “My job was to get on a very high extension ladder. I would tie a rope at the highest part of the ladder onto the tree.” After Lynn climbed down, Gord would remove the ladder and start cutting the tree while directing its fall. “I would be pulling on this 50-foot rope to where he wanted to put down the tree,” Lynn says. Once they decided where the cottage would go, they started felling some big pines. “I look at these trees now and I think we were crazy,” Gord admits.
In their next summer, using an old door and windows, they built a raised sleeping cabin with electricity and heated it with a small woodburning stove they bought at an auction. “That’s where we stayed for years while we were building.” They rented a backhoe, installed footings, bought concrete blocks and sand. Together, they started laying blocks. “It was the summer time and I was pregnant with our first child, Stephanie,” Lynn recalls. “I was in charge of mixing the cement. I was eight or nine months pregnant, mixing mortar, sand and water.” Once the mix was ready, Gord would wheelbarrow it to where they laid the blocks. When the bucket of cement was done, Lynn would make more.
In five years, their family grew with two girls and two boys. The cottage became their holiday destination. With hockey and university their priorities for their children, Lynn and Gord built and improved the cottage when they could afford it. “We always said this would be a cash flow job,” says Gord. “If we had some extra cash, we would buy some sheets of drywall.”
When their youngest son, Christopher, was eight months old, Lynn felt comfortable enough to stay at the cottage with the children during summers while Gord continued working weekdays in Toronto. “For 25 years, I love to say this, we ate in the master bedroom and cooked in the walk-in closet. We did that for years, raised four kids like that. When the kids were little they had a great time, weaving through all the stud walls.”
Weekends at the cottage were Gord’s relief from his high-pressure job in the city. “This is how he would unwind, with the family up here on weekends and he would build,” says Lynn. They enjoyed the lake, the children learned to swim and the Kellys went on picnics and attended local fairs. “It wasn’t all work,” says Lynn. “We concentrated on the kids and making sure they had a good cottage experience.” As the children got older, the Kellys bought a wake-setter boat and the siblings took up wakeboarding. Continued on page 134
Vertical and horizontal vents disperse heat from the chase above the living room’s linear gas fireplace, encased in concrete panels prefabricated by Dare 2 Be Different. OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT: Gord built the home’s oak railings with grain-matched joints. TOP RIGHT: A black and-white theme adorns one of the home’s two bathrooms.
BOTTOM RIGHT: A thick slab of polished ash wood serves as a handcrafted, live-edge coffee table in the living room.
home & builder
When Gord finished working in finance, he concentrated, almost full-time, on improving the cottage while Lynn worked her second career as an educator in Toronto. The couple rethought their original plans for the cottage. Sherri Klapow, who now operates her own company, SAK Designs, helped plan a spacious new kitchen with white Cataraqui Cabinets furnished by Emmerson Lumber Limited Roman Gardiner of Muskoka Tile installed the kitchen backsplash and the home’s ceramic and porcelain tiles. Beneath a bright ceiling skylight, cabinets flank a large kitchen island topped with Cambria quartz by Elegant Solutions. LED chandeliers by Kuzco Lighting, supplied by Muskoka Lighting Company, hover over the island. On one side of the kitchen they installed a custom-finished pantry, coffee station and closet.
Clerestory windows, skylights and walls of windows and glass doors overlooking the front deck and lake illuminate the central living space. In the sunken living room, white slip-covered chairs and a sofa gather near a linear propane fireplace, encased in concrete panels with a hearth and mantel, custom-built by Dare 2 Be Different. Gord crafted a river table of walnut and black epoxy for the dining space. Daughter Stephanie Kelly helped design and decorate the cottage.
Barn board and glass blocks enclose the stairwell to the basement workshop. LEFT:
The primary bedroom has a sliding glass door to a small private deck where the couple enjoy the waterfront view. BELOW LEFT: Riley Sisson of Highlands Fine Finishes built the maple vanity in the en suite. BELOW
RIGHT: A low-sloped ceiling adds an intimate ambience to the en suite.
Looking to add elegance and sophistication to your rustic cottage? Want to spruce up that dated kitchen? Been dreaming about a bathroom renovation? Muskoka Tile is here to help you complete the look you’ve dreamed about. From the classic elegance of subway tile to contemporary large slab stone, from casual whimsy to modern industrial, we’ll deliver your vision.
home & builder
Emmerson Lumber Ltd. provided much of the building supplies, including Twelve Oaks engineered hardwood flooring, pre-finished, penny gap panelling for the ceilings, and wooden trim that Lynn stained a rich brown to contrast with the soft white palette of Benjamin Moore hues on the walls. Steps down from the main hall, the primary bedroom has a sliding glass door to a private deck with a view of the lake. It’s one of the couple’s favourite spots. Beyond a walk-in closet and laundry, the en suite, designed partly by SAK Designs, is furnished with a maple vanity, custom-built by Riley Sisson of Highlands Fine Finishes Di Pietra Design and SCF Countertops supplied stone countertops for the bathrooms.
Tall pines shade the comfortably-furnished deck overlooking the lake. Wooden stairs and well-worn paths descend to the waterfront where wooden walkways lead to the sauna and dock. In 2017, the couple sold their house in Toronto and made Kushog Lake their home.
Asked how long it took to build their place at the lake, Gord is reluctant to put a number on it. “We’re not quite done yet,” he says. OH
LOCAL SOURCE GUIDE
• Andersen Windows • Arctic Spas Barrie • Barker Heating & Cooling • Benjamin Moore • Brooklin Concrete Products
• Cataraqui Cabinets • Chaulk Woodworking • Dare 2 Be Different
FAR LEFT: The basement entry navigates around a rock outcrop that forms part of the steep slope on which the house is built. LEFT: The basement workshop is where many home improvements and innovations take shape. BELOW: The primary bedroom’s walk-in closet is an IKEA hack that includes storage baskets, multiple drawers and a stacked washer and dryer.
How to Properly Store FRUITS, VEGETABLES & HERBS
STORY BAILEY FRANKLYN | ILLUSTRATIONS SHEILA BRITTON
With rising food costs, finding ways to make food last longer and reduce food waste is a hot topic. Proper storage of fruits, vegetables and herbs is one of the most effective ways to maintain quality and freshness, and impacts how long your food will last.
Fruits & Vegetables
You might think all fresh produce belongs in the fridge, but this isn’t the case. Some items do better at room temperature, at least until they’re ripe, and some prefer a cool, dark place. And some have even more specific storage tips to keep them fresh longer.
BEST STORED IN THE FRIDGE
Apples, asparagus, green beans, berries, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, citrus, grapes, lettuce/leafy greens, mushrooms, peppers and zucchini.
SPECIAL STORAGE TIPS
Asparagus: Fill a mason jar or container with water, place the asparagus in with the stems down, and cover loosely with a plastic bag.
Berries: Wash, dry and remove any mouldy or soft berries before placing in a plastic container lined with paper towel or a clean towel. Leave the lid cracked.
Lettuce and leafy greens: There are two recommended methods for storage of greens. Either store them unwashed in the original container topped with a paper towel or a clean tea towel to absorb any excess moisture, or store in a salad spinner after it’s been washed and spun. Discard the excess water and cover with the lid.
Mushrooms: Store them in the packaging they came in, or in a paper bag.
Herbs
Similar to fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs will last longer if they’re stored properly.
BEST STORED IN THE FRIDGE
Cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley and rosemary.
SPECIAL STORAGE TIPS
There are two suggested methods to store herbs. With both methods, wash, dry and trim a bit of the stems first. Then you can either store them like asparagus, in a jar or container with water, and cover loosely with a plastic bag, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag. OH
BEST STORED ON THE COUNTER TO RIPEN, AND THEN MOVED TO THE FRIDGE FOR LONGER STORAGE
Garlic, onions, potatoes, squash and sweet potatoes.
SPECIAL STORAGE TIPS
Don’t store your onions (or bananas) near your potatoes and sweet potatoes. Onions and bananas release a gas called ethylene, which can cause potatoes to spoil quickly, since they’re sensitive to ethylene.
Confederation Log & Timber Frame has been delivering award-winning homes all around the world for nearly 45 years. Whether you are dreaming of a modern timber frame, a classic log home, or something in between, we invite you to experience the Confederation difference. Always custom. Amazing support. The total package.
STORY LYNNE RICHARDSON
BIRD is the WORD
“WELL-A EVERYBODY’S HEARD, ABOUT THE BIRD BIRD, BIRD, BIRD, BIRD IS THE WORD WELL-A, EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT BIRD IS THE WORD.” Surfin’ Bird – Song by the Trashmen
These days, the popularity of birding is increasing, driven by younger demographics, and super-accelerated by the pandemic, which sent people out into open spaces in droves. Once out there, while tuning into nature, surprising numbers of people discovered birds, photographed birds and got interested in birding and bird photography. Around the same time, word about the Merlin app spread fast. This app records birdsong around you and pops up an identification on your phone, making the formerly difficult task of identifying one species from another much easier. With so many new fans, birding has evolved into a cool, interesting, fascinating and popular pastime.
But for those newer to birding, as you delve deeper into the sport, you may be baffled by some of the words experienced birders bat about. A secret language even, (defined as a language used only by members of a group). As such, a bird-words primer may be helpful. So, as you hang up your binoculars for a bit of a winter break, it’s a good time to learn the lingo that has evolved.
BIRD LINGO
Albatross. Eagle. Birdie. Bird words? Nope, golf lingo. Every sport, hobby or activity seems to develop a language of its own – one that often only those involved understand. The sport of birding is no exception. Bird lingo abounds in the vocabulary of birders.
LIFERS AND LISTS
One of the first terms a neophyte birder may come across is lifer. A lifer is simply a coveted first-time sighting of any bird a person has never seen before. A new tick on your Life List. Yes, most birders keep a record of every species they see on their Life List. Adding a new species to this list is what keeps you in pursuit of new-to-you sightings, and it’s what keeps the game interesting. Keeping a Life List is easy. You might start with a Yard List on your own property. That is a great way to while away the winter months when your feeders are most active. But come spring migration, any number of new species may take a rest-stop break in your yard. Your list will grow surprisingly fast.
Many birders like to sort their sightings into other lists as well – perhaps a city or county list, your province, country, even a world list. Too many lists to keep track of? Nope! Each of these lists can be sorted for you if you enter your sightings into eBird!
eBIRD
eBird is one of the largest natural history databases in the world, developed to capture the vast numbers of bird observations made each year by both hobby and professional birders. Simply enter where you were birding and select all the birds you identified on the provided checklist. Everyday recreational sightings contribute enormously to the data formerly collected by biologists alone. eBird transforms even your most casual sightings into scientific data. You’ve become a Citizen Scientist, and you have access to all your records at your fingertips, to boot.
Eastern Bluebird
PHOTO: DALE DARCY
birding
SPARK BIRD
As a new birder you may be frequently asked “What was your spark bird?” Many have a certain sighting or moment that sparked their interest in birds, and for some reason, drew them into the world of birds. A spark bird can be any species – a grand eagle, a gorgeous woodpecker, even an obscure LBJ (little brown job) that mesmerized you with its song.
FOY JOY
Spring migration brings on a whole range of words to describe what’s happening at this most birdy time of year. Seeing a familiar species for the first time in the year gives you a shot of happiness, or FOY joy (First Of Year). It’s not unusual to hear birders say “that’s FOY joy.”
If you see a group or a flock of birds in migration, you are witnessing vis-mig –visible migration, which you scan with your bins (binoculars) or scope (telescope) to start the ID process by their GISS – their general impression of size and shape. “It has the GISS of a buteo, not a falcon.”
FALLOUT
Occasionally, a rare, but truly amazing phenomenon occurs during spring migration, when a bad-weather front stops a major migration in its tracks, forcing the birds down to the ground. In these fallout situations, it can almost literally be raining birds, resulting in an awesome experience for birders. Not so much for the beleaguered birds.
GOOD BIRDS
If you’re lucky, one day you may chance upon a stray, vagrant, over shooter or accidental – a bird that has somehow flown or been blown off-course, far beyond their home territory. This is exciting stuff and these special sightings, of course, have another set of descriptives. Some strays show up each year, generally overshooting the north edge of their home range. These are considered a good bird. But then some are so rare that they are honoured with the title mega, mega tick or crippler! A first sighting ever in a region, such as in all of Ontario or Canada, is a mind-blowing mega. These are birds that tend to be from entirely different continents! How do they get here? These are birds that twitchers (extremely keen birders) chase (not literally; just drive, fly or otherwise get to the location of the mega as soon as possible, usually dropping everything to go).
These rarities are birds that twitchers chase when they’re doing a Big Year. Many an avid birder decides at some point to see as many birds as they can in one year, striving for a personal best, or even a county, province, country or world record! More commonly, birders will do a Big Day, often to raise money for charity, and will bird for a full 24 hours, usually in the peak of migration to maximize their sightings.
ALPHA CODES
Now just when you think you’ve mastered the commonly used bird lingo, you’ll begin to hear birders refer to birds by strange fourletter code words. The common Mourning Dove is a MODO, American Robin is an AMRO, Turkey Vulture is a TUVU, and on it goes. These alpha codes originated with bird banders but have become mainstream in general birding thanks to their usefulness when, say, hurriedly writing down birds seen on your outing, or calling out attention to a flyby. The codes are generally composed of the first two letters of a bird’s name, as you may have noticed above. They make for some interesting calls out in the field – “GREG overhead!” (Great Egret).
FUZZY LI’L BIRB
Finally, there is the less serious side of describing certain birds, often used to comment on internet images. Birb, or berb, is a deliberate misspelling of bird and is used as an affectionate term for cute little birds –“fuzzy li’l berb,” “sweet li’l birb.”
So with this bird-word primer I wish you many lifers in the year ahead, whether you’re on a big year, a big day, chasing new ticks and mega accidentals for your Life List, or simply revelling in spring’s FOY joy, experiencing a fabulous fallout, or basking in the simple everyday pleasures of your common backyard AMROs and MODOs. And may the EABL of happiness follow you throughout the year! OH
Bald Eagle
White Wagtail from Eurasia (Mega tick)
Red-headed Woodpecker
Yellow Warbler
PHOTO: LYNNE RICHADSON
PHOTO: NIGEL EVES
PHOTO: NIGEL
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BEFORE YOU BEGIN: The bars will require four hours of cooling time and are best if given time to firm up in the fridge after assembling. This is a great makeahead dessert option!
Ingredients
CRUST
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
6 Tbsp butter, unsalted and melted
FILLING
5 large egg yolks
2 tsp key lime zest
²/³ cup key lime juice
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING
1 ½ cups heavy cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Lime zest
Directions
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some to hang over the sides. This will make it easy to take the bars out of the pan. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and butter until combined. Press mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for 10 minutes in the oven, or until slightly golden.
Prepare the filling by mixing the egg yolks, lime zest, lime juice and sweetened condensed milk.
Pour the filling onto the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the filling is mostly set. The centre will be a little wobbly. Let cool at room temperature, then move to the fridge to set for four hours.
Once the bars are cooled, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip until combined and medium peaks form. Spread the whipped cream on top of the key lime bars. Top with lime zest. Place back in the fridge to set for another 30 minutes. Slice into bars and enjoy! OH
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