SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY_Ski Season 2025

COOL SPACES

STAND THE TEST OF TIME.

WE DESIGN AND BUILD LANDSCAPES THAT FEEL LIKE A NATURAL EXTENSION OF THE OUTDOORS.

We design for how people

and

All our window and door products are made-to-order with premium materials that range from wood, wood-clad to fiberglass. Depending on the age and style of your home, we can customize the design, the finish, and the hardware to make sure it reflects your vision. Crafted with exceptional skill, our products deliver quality you can see, touch, and feel, beauty that brings joy, and performance that stands the test of time.

At a time when most consumer goods are mass produced in factories half way around the world, every piece of Handstone furniture is designed and handcrafted in Ontario Canada. Not only does this allow the flexibility in manufacturing to offer vast custom choices, you can rest assured that your new purchase is produced with minimal impact on the environment.

Designer Inspired w Customizable w Fine Furniture w Locally Crafted in Ontario w Solid Wood

Day 2 - 2:15pm Day 1 - 8:30am Day 1 - 5:15pm Day 2 - 9:56am

wWHEN I’M INVITED TO A HOME

I’ve never been to before, I get excited to see the interior style, how they live, what surrounds them and what furnishings or décor holds meaningful, personal value. It could be a carved armoire that has pride of place in the living room, an oil painting in an intricate gold frame or crystal glasses to serve water or wine. Always inquisitive, I love asking how these items became part of their lives. Sometimes the explanation is quite simple, and other times it is a story that weaves through many generations.

The history of a piece of furniture or décor is a story of family, cherished individuals and their connection to each piece.

I too have items that hold deep meaning and their existence in my life from an early age has kept me connected to my great-greatgrandparents through to my parents. In my home, many of these items are used every day or displayed for their unique beauty. Having these things makes my home unique to me, and I like that.

It won’t surprise many of you when I mention that my children don’t want these pieces.

I know their interior style is not like mine and perhaps that has them wondering how they can incorporate my items into their décor. I hope they realize sooner than later that these pieces can make a home a story of family, giving and personality, and invoke the feeling of continuity. I would never expect my children to transfer everything in my home to theirs. However, I want them to pick a few things as it would give me great joy for them to know the story of how, what, where and when each object came into the family rather than breaking the chain that links the generations being lost on the floor of an auction house.

Happy New Year!

Sara Martin, Managing Editor sara.martin@ourhomes.ca

REGIONAL PUBLISHERS Jamie Jefferson Georgette McCulloch

REGIONAL ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Simone Sterio-Risk

REGIONAL MANAGING EDITOR Sara Martin

REGIONAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Kelly Donaldson

MARKETING & ADVERTISING Simone Sterio-Risk, 705.888.1959 simone.steriorisk@ourhomes.ca

MARKETING & ADVERTISING GREY/BRUCE COUNTIES Betty Ann Fawcett, 519.372.6338 bettyann.fawcett@ourhomes.ca

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OPERATIONS

MANAGING DIRECTOR, SALES & MARKETING Jamie Jefferson jamie.jefferson@ourhomes.ca

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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

CONTENTS SKI SEASON 2025

ON THE COVER

A luxurious cedar sauna is one component of this home-based wellness retreat built by Blake Farrow Project Management Inc. Story, page 70. Photography by Heather Goldsworthy.

LOCAL FEATURES

38 Style Picks Up your comfort level with additions for every corner of your ski cabin.

54 Feature Home Trading a cottage in Muskoka for a chalet at the base of Blue Mountain. Dreams do come true.

70 Home & Builder Building seriously cool spaces that bring personal retreats to life at five homes.

88 Spotlight Gillian & Co tailors every space to the design aspirations of each client.

98 People & Places Design, colour and expert advice will make your home a welcome abode.

120 Home & Designer An 1882 farmhouse update suits full-time living while keeping its country vibe.

136 Spotlight Bakwoods Fireplaces & Heating creates warm havens while the snow piles up outside.

146 Feature Home This forever home offers unique spaces for a family with deep roots in the community.

166 At Home With Métis composer Ian Cusson shares the story of his life and music.

II LOVE A SNOWY WINTER DAY, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING. SKIERS REFER TO THIS AS “A BLUEBIRD DAY.”

As a young man in the early 1950s, my late father made his first trip to Collingwood with his Toronto high school ski team. He got up the hill using the only lift – a rope tow – then raced down. From that moment, he was hooked, obsessed really, with the sport. In the early 60s our family joined The Georgian Peaks Club where we skied for decades. In the early 70s, we moved permanently to our little chalet at the bottom of the Peaks. In retirement, my father moved to Vail, Colorado, where he counted every run of every winter, for 13 years.

My brother and I have knee issues and we’ve been watching from the sidelines for many years. But this winter, we’re going to head up the hill and enjoy our first sibling run in more than a decade. He just had a successful knee replacement and I’ll put on my leg brace for security. We’re just waiting for the perfect bluebird day!

If you’re watching from the sidelines (or not), curl up with a hot chocolate and this Ski issue. It’s full of local home features, exclusive content and local businesses to call!

’Til spring, happy trails!

Simone Sterio-Risk, Associate Publisher simone.steriorisk@ourhomes.ca

Whether you are planning to renovate a space, upgrade your flooring, change a light or a plumbing fixture, or a unique furniture piece and more, you’ll find all the inspiration you need at Georgian Design Centre.

Tamarisk McNalty Stephens shares her ideas.

TRENDS to try

Are current design trends right for you? It’s important to approach trendy design elements critically to evaluate if you like the trend enough to live with it for a while and whether it can be integrated successfully with your existing design, furnishings, architecture and site. For example, curved archways became very popular but were sometimes incorporated into spaces incongruent with the existing architecture, which caused a visual disconnect.

Here are some current themes in the industry – discern for yourself whether you’d like to give them a try.

MICRO/SECONDARY DWELLINGS

There are different reasons you might consider a secondary dwelling (if your property allows it). Affordability is a primary motive, as rental income can help pay your mortgage. Another popular arrangement is independent, intergenerational living – whether due to health circumstances or lifestyle choices. There are many creative designs to maximize efficiency in a small footprint.

BROWN

Possibly in response to environmental issues and sustainability or the cycle of design, shades of brown have seen a resurgence. Varying from camel to deep chocolate, the rich, earthy hues offer a grounding, comforting and calming effect in a space. You can incorporate the colour through freestanding furniture, upholstery pieces, hardwood flooring, millwork or wall coverings and paint.

TERRACOTTA TILE

We’ve been seeing the return of terracotta tile for a while. Perhaps one could argue that it is best suited to Spanish and Mediterranean architecture. However, the earthy palette is versatile enough to integrate successfully into farmhouse and cottage styles. Terracotta tiles were traditionally handmade and sun-dried, known as “baked earth,” but even contemporary versions add instant old-world charm to a space while imbuing natural character.

UNIVERSAL FURNITURE: Jocelyn Swivel Glider Chair

GEON TILE: Natural Handmade Terracotta in 8” Star & Cross and 2x8” Rectangles

CHUNKY GROUT

Grout lines are often minimized to avoid scrubbing and cleaning. However, some tiles, such as terracotta, should be installed with substantial grout lines to look authentic. Thicker grout lines are also used to create visual interest in custom tile layouts, where a larger band of grout delineates horizontally or vertically. The options for a unique pattern are endless, as long as your installer is on board!

TRIM & DOORS

There is a shift from white painted trim and doors. You will see a lot of solid-wood trim and doors stained to match the hardwood flooring. This is a classic and timeless approach and can be achieved successfully in modern and traditional spaces. An alternative is to paint trim and doors in a contrasting colour to the walls. A few years ago, we began to see subtle versions of this where light walls were paired with trim and doors a few shades darker in a greige hue. As more and more interiors are moving away from the all-white palette into more colour, contrasting trim is a way to add personality and impact, and we are seeing full-blown colour on mouldings, trims and doors. Tip: Try it in one room to see if you like it before you commit to a larger open-concept space!

TEXTURED WALLS & CEILINGS

The application/installation of Venetian plaster, lime wash, Roman clay, woven wall coverings and wood cladding adds interest to walls and ceilings instead of plain, painted drywall. It is important to have a professional installer for some of these materials and finishes (or a seasoned DIYer) – for example, hanging wall coverings on the ceiling is no simple task!

ARTISANAL

A downfall in design over the past couple of decades has been the homogeny of developments, easily replicated viral “of the moment” looks and the availability of mass-produced items. Although there are benefits to the above, the result can be that homes lack differentiation and look the same as the next. However, there is a real focus on personalization in design and this can be achieved by sourcing artisanal goods. Skilled craftspeople use traditional means and methods to create bespoke pieces in small batches or one-offs. This adds character and charm to your space while supporting the good people preserving uniquely human skills. OH

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS: Wall Colour – Dover White SW 6385 Trim & Door Colour – Rosemary SW 6187

1 GEORGIAN BAY CABINETRY

Ski Locker

Create the perfect storage for all that winter gear. With fully customizable options to fit any space, including hardware and colour, this is the time to give yourself easy and quick access to everything you need to get outside faster.

38 Pine St., Collingwood 705.441.2289 | georgianbaycabinetry.com

WINTERwonders

2 LAGOM DESIGN SHOP

Light

Mixing classic lantern style with modern technology, this light operates on a cordless long-life battery and offers a custom integrated dimmer. It’s weatherproof, which makes it suitable for outdoor use and is available in five colours.

142 & 172 Mill St., Creemore 705.520.2172 | lagom142.com

3 GEORGIAN FRAME GALLERY

Vintage Ski Posters

Declare your love of skiing by hanging these reproduction vintage ski posters throughout your home. There is a great selection highlighting classic destinations and advertising pieces with a ski theme.

20 Balsam St., Unit 12, Collingwood 705.445.4477 | @georgian_frame_gallery

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

4 DOVETAIL INTERIORS DESIGN

Faux Fur Throw

Drape this snow mink faux-fur throw over a sofa or bed and let its unsurpassed quality and soft touch draw out delighted exclamations. When calling to order, ask about other colours and matching pillow covers.

222 Ste. Marie St., Collingwood 705.445.0660 | dovetailinteriors.ca

5 VAN ALLAN DESIGN CENTRE

Chest

Made from solid oak with a distressed black finish and topped with white marble, this chest’s three drawers offer stylish storage for all your ski attire.

150 First St., Collingwood

705.293.4663 | vanallandesign.com

6 JS DESIGN HOUSE

Sofa

At over eight feet in length, the sleek, modern design of this sofa will seat a crowd at that après ski get together. With its cognac velvet fabric and comfortable deep seat, guests will want to take it home.

15A Hurontario St., Collingwood 647.295.3280 | jsdesignhouse.com

7 KATHERINE’S CHÂTEAU

Tableware

Whether it’s a ski cabin or chalet, starting a wintry morning with breakfast served on these dishes is a fun way to celebrate life in ski country. End a perfect day on the slopes with a mug of hot chocolate and a plate of cookies.

243 Ste. Marie St., Collingwood 249.882.0159 | katherineschateau.com

8 CHATTERSON’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCES

Dining Chair

With LC Alpaca fabric and sugar bronze legs, the Essie dining chair by Amisco is made in Canada. There is a matching counter stool and endless fabric options to personalize this comfortable chair for your décor.

101 Pretty River Pkwy., Collingwood 705.446.3456 | chattersons.com

9 MAGGIE + DIX

Tablecloth

Make your table the talk of a dinner gathering with this stain-resistant, water-repellent tablecloth featuring vintage skiers. Made in Spain and very easy to clean, it offers protection from spills of all kinds.

210 Hurontario St., Collingwood 519.377.0184 | maggieanddix.com

PHOTOS: KIANNA SUNSHINE

10 WILD BABY

Oeuf Moss Crib

Made of birch wood and meeting all Canadian safety standards, the Moss crib offers a feeling of openness with spindles on all four sides. The mattress height is adjustable, and it can convert to a toddler’s bed. Its wave skirting accent is a whimsical detail bound to delight little eyes.

27 Simcoe St., Collingwood 705.443.8877 | wildbaby.ca

11 LE POOCH BOUTIQUE

Bath Products

Give your dogs a spa day at home with Dandylion’s gentle, fragrancefree, plant-based shampoo and conditioner, then wrap them in a Barkshe drying bathrobe to keep them warm while they dry. Finish their pampering with Dandylion’s hydrating paw lotion that is easy to apply and works wonders.

90 Sykes St. N., Meaford 519.788.4174 | lepooch.ca

12 TWO CROWS

Soap

After a day of outdoor winter fun, sink into a hot bath and lather up using these all-natural soaps. They are made in Canada, offering a variety of sophisticated and unique scents that will invigorate you for an evening of entertainment.

158 Clark St., Clarksburg 705.888.6112 | @twocrowsfindsofallkinds OH

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

WINTER WHITE Sangria

INGREDIENTS

1 apple, thinly sliced

½ cup fresh cranberries

cinnamon stick

1 bottle dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

½ cup white cranberry juice

¼ cup orange liqueur

1 Tbsp honey or agave syrup

Ice cubes for serving ½ cup club soda

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

INSTRUCTIONS

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY JENELLE MCCULLOCH

Bright and refreshing, this Winter White Sangria combines crisp white wine with seasonal fruits like cranberries and apples. Perfect for gatherings, it’s a light and fruity drink with just the right hint of sweetness and spice to warm your winter evenings. Get more recipes at ourhomes.ca/blogrecipes

In a large pitcher, add apple slices, cranberries and cinnamon stick to the pitcher. Pour in white wine, cranberry juice, orange liqueur and honey. Stir well to combine.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavours to blend.

When ready to serve, stir the sangria once more and pour it over ice cubes in individual glasses. Top with club soda. Garnish with additional fruit and rosemary. OH

REAL ESTATE MARKET SNAPSHOT – 2024 IN REVIEW

In the interest of brevity, my focus for this report will be the three key trading areas and home types with which I have the most expertise: sales of residential condominiums and detached homes in The Blue Mountains, Collingwood and Clearview. I also serve Wasaga Beach and Meaford and would be pleased to provide an analysis for those areas for you upon request.

The “Buyers’ Market” trend from 2023 continued into 2024 across the communities mentioned above. However, with more favourable interest rates and the effects of pent-up demand starting to appear, we began to enter a more balanced territory in the Fall with a slightly higher ratio of sale price to list price over early 2024 and values up close to 5%. Notably, listings took almost two months to sell on average, which was slightly slower than 2023, indicating that buyers still feel no urgency in their purchase decision and see ample choice. There was an average of 366 new listings each month with about 28% selling and October was the month of most sales. What might the future hold…the cap on CMHC insured mortgages has increased to $1.5M, up from $1M, and the amortization period available to first time buyers has increased from 25 to 30 years, so a buyer’s ability to finance a purchase has just become more opportune for many. This will likely impact the GTA more so than Collingwood/Blue but we tend to follow soon after. This, combined with lower interest rates and the continuing desirability of our area, is sure to drive sales in our local real estate market.

HIGHS, LOWS & SPECIFICS

(brackets show 2024 values)

COLLINGWOOD:

More sales, longer sale times, detached homes values up, condo values down.

• The high sale was a 7 bedroom, 9 bath home at Sunset Point Park in December for $6.1M.

• The low sale was a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home near the water in east Collingwood in November for $280,000.

• 222 (168) condo sales; avg of 61 (49) days on market (DOM), avg sale-to-list- price ratio of 96.7% (96.8%); avg sale price of $666,916 ($735,073), down over 9%.

• 401 (293) single-family home sales; avg DOM of 48 (34); avg saleto-list-price ratio of 96.3% (96.7%); avg sale price of $988,387 ($898,232), up approx. 10%.

THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

Fewer condo sales but values up, more detached home sales but values about on par with ‘23, longer sale times.

• The high sale was a 7 bedroom, 7 bath home in Craigleith in October for $4,400,000.

• The low sales were 3 studio condo units in the hotels at The Village at Blue, selling from $270-$285,000.

• 87 (114) condo sales; avg of 62 (47) DOM; avg sale-to-list price ratio of 96.4% (97.5%); avg sale price of $667,074 ($640,398), up approx.. 4%

• 223 (139) single-family home sales; avg DOM of 62 (50); avg saleto-list-price ratio of 95.3% (95.4%); avg sale price of $1,490,354 ($1,497,957), down about half a percent.

CLEARVIEW

More sales with values way up, longer sale times.

• The high sale was a 5 bedroom, 7 bath home in Windrose Estates in September for $4,495,000.

• The low sale was a small seasonal-use only cottage on the Mad River in April for $226,026.

• 198 (156) single-family home sales; avg of 54 (42) DOM; avg saleto-list-price ratio of 97.1% (97.2%); avg sale price of $1,104,923 ($949,025), up over 16%.

For a detailed analysis of the property you wish to sell or buy, please contact me at your convenience. I’m here to help you make an informed decision and to SAVE YOU TIME!

C O L O U R S OF THE YEAR

Paint trends are heading back to earth with calm, natural colours, many with purple undertones. These statement hues will bring warmth and a timeless aura to your home.

STORY GEORGETTE MCCULLOCH

Continued on page 48

decorating

VALSPAR

Encore 8002-45G Valspar says its pick, Encore, an atmospheric blue, will have you coming back again and again.

DULUX & GLIDDEN

Purple Basil

DLX 1046-7 & PPG 1046-7

Transformative Purple Basil strikes a perfect balance between the calming qualities of blue and the liveliness of red.

BEAUTITONE

Midnight Flora TR25-3-3

A deep dramatic red-purple, inspired by the idea of an enchanting twilight garden.

GRAHAM & BROWN

Elderton

Perfect for the English country aesthetic, Elderton – named after the elderberry tree – is a timeless and charming brown.

BEHR

Rumors MQ1-15 Behr says now is the time to make a statement with Rumors, a deep ruby red.

BENJAMIN MOORE

Cinnamon Slate 2113-40

A delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown.

C2

Raku C2-549

A hue inspired by the ancient Japanese tea ceremony. Raku is an earthy, burnt, brownish red.

DUNNEDWARDS

Caramelized DET687

Reminiscent of sunbaked clay, Caramelized is a warm terracotta brown with soft, earthy tones.

SICO

Starry Night 6044-83

Inspired by the rich undertones of the night sky, Starry Night is a deep, bold purple.

SHERWINWILLIAMS

This paint brand has unveiled, for the first time ever, a Colour Capsule of nine shades for 2025. Bosc Pear (SW 6390), Grounded (SW 6089), Sunbleached (SW 9585), Chartreuse (SW 0073), Rain Cloud (SW 9639), Clove (SW 9605), Malabar (SW 9110), White Snow (SW 9541) and Mauve Finery (SW 6282). OH

Your WINTER GARDEN

STORY TERESA MATAMOROS

Winter can be as long as six months in parts of northern Ontario or four months in southern Ontario. Either way, winter takes up a good portion of our year, so it’s good garden planning to incorporate elements that add winter interest.

Just because our gardens are dormant in colder months doesn’t mean it can’t offer colour, texture and structure even in the heart of winter. A winter garden can transform your landscape into a yearround place of beauty.

CREATE GOOD BONES

Good bones in a garden are important at any time of year, but especially important in the winter when the structural elements of the garden take centre stage. Without the distraction of lush foliage and beautiful flowers, the garden’s design becomes more apparent. This makes it crucial to focus on the layout and form of the garden. Pathways, stone walls and garden ornaments should be strategically placed to guide the eye and provide focal points.

Obelisks, trellises and arbours, even when bare of vines, can create interesting silhouettes against the winter sky or shadows on the snow.

PHOTO: JOLLIER

PHOTO: SERGIO KUMO

SHRUBS & TREES

The foundation of any winter garden lies in the careful selection of plants that are either evergreen or have striking winter interest. Evergreens, when grouped or used as hedging, can define spaces, create microclimates and shelter your feathered friends. Height is another important consideration. Incorporating vertical elements, such as tall shrubs or small trees, adds dimension to the garden. Evergreen plants, such as cedar, pine, boxwood and yew retain their foliage throughout the year, providing muchneeded colour and structure. Deciduous trees and shrubs with interesting bark, branching patterns or perennials with interesting seed pods are good candidates for a winter garden. The red or yellow stems of dogwood provide a stark contrast against the winter snow, while the peeling bark of birch or Paperbark Maple adds texture and visual intrigue.

GRASSES & LIGHTS

Ornamental grasses can provide great winter interest not only with their form, but they create the element of movement as the wind blows through them. With the shorter days and longer nights of winter, lighting plays a crucial role in the winter garden. Wellplaced twinkle lights can transform the garden, highlighting key features and creating a magical atmosphere. Solar-powered lights are an energy-efficient option, though their effectiveness can be limited in areas with prolonged overcast skies or a lot of snow. LED lights, on the other hand, provide a reliable source of illumination, don’t use a lot of energy and are available in a range of colours to suit different garden styles.

Don’t forget winter containers. With some evergreen branches, colourful twigs, dried seed pods and a set of twinkle lights, you have a miniature winter landscape in a container at the front entrance to provide beauty and light every time you enter your house.

MAINTENANCE

Maintaining a winter garden requires less effort than a summer one, but it is not without its tasks. Regularly clearing pathways of snow and ice is essential for safety and to keep the garden accessible. Pruning should be done judiciously, particularly for evergreens, to maintain their shape and encourage healthy growth. If your area is subject to heavy snow loads, tying up cedars will help prevent them from splaying open. You also might need to shake off the snow from weighted-down branches. Mulching around the base of plants can help protect roots from extreme cold and frost heave.

VISITORS

Winter gardens are also an opportunity to attract wildlife. Bird feeders and water features can provide food and hydration when natural resources are scarce, making your garden a haven for local wildlife. Look for a small water heater in your birding or online store that keeps water in a birdbath from freezing.

A winter garden offers beauty and interest during a season when most gardens are in hibernation. By carefully selecting plants, focusing on structure and form, incorporating thoughtful lighting and maintaining the garden with care, you can create an outdoor space that remains vibrant and inviting year round. Whether blanketed in snow or frosted with ice, a welldesigned winter garden will ensure you have beauty in the face of winter’s chill. OH

Teresa Matamoros has a Bachelor of Science degree, an Ontario Diploma in Horticulture and is an ISA Certified Arborist.

PHOTO: VSANDERSON

PHOTO: SCIPHITV

PHOTO: TERESA MATAMOROS

PHOTO: JA. GREEG

Create a beautiful, custom, outdoor space of your own. Start your 2025 planning session now!

STORY LORI DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY

Adventure DESTINATION

fFOR HOLLY AND JASON HERVEY, BUYING THIS FIVE-BEDROOM CHALET IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS WAS A HUGE LEAP OF FAITH. “THIS WAS A BIG STEP FOR US AND REALLY SCARY, BUT IT ENDED UP BEING MORE THAN WE EVER COULD HAVE HOPED FOR,” SAYS HOLLY.

For more than 10 years, the couple commuted from Toronto to their cottage in Muskoka. “As our children got older, we used the cottage less and less,” says Holly, who owns Maison Movement, a boutique fitness and pilates studio in Leaside. The family enjoyed visiting her brother in The Blue Mountains and decided to explore spending time in a winter wonderland. After renting for a season, the Herveys decided to sell their cottage and buy a chalet. “It was a big decision to leave our cottage,” says Holly. “Our kids grew up there, it’s all they’ve ever known. But spending time together is important, so it quickly felt like home to us.”

TOP: The ideal location of the home has the hills of Craigleith Ski Club a short walk away.

RIGHT: Mudroom cabinetry that keeps this active family organized was a necessity. Twentyfour-inch Nature Greige tile was used for the flooring. OPPOSITE: In the great room, large windows capture the view of the ski hills while a comfortable sectional sofa invites lounging. The Tilda chandelier from Light House Co. draws the eye to the double-height ceiling.

OPPOSITE: The kitchen is divided from the dining area by a peninsula topped with Hanstone Calacatta Extra quartz. The island inset tile is Ice Nebraska Tea, installed by MCM D’Lusso Construction. A pair of Maxine pendants hang above. Custom cabinetry by Clearview Woodworking combines open white oak shelving, trim, gold hardware and dark cabinets to form a sophisticated union. ABOVE: Gold cutlery adds a rich accent against white dinnerware. BELOW: Holly acknowledges that Jason is a wonderful chef and that the kitchen is his happy place. Appliances supplied by Chatterson’s Furniture & Appliances make his time cooking efficient and successful.

Ironically, realtor Kate Veer, of Riopelle-Veer Real Estate Group, had shown them the home when they were looking for a rental property. “Kate thought it was an interesting property for sale at the time,” says Holly. “But we weren’t ready to buy without trying out a winter first.” Ultimately, the allure of the Blue Mountains inspired them to take that leap of faith. “The price was reduced substantially, so we jumped on it, knowing we could turn it into what we wanted,” recalls Holly. Although it’s primarily a winter chalet, it’s also the couple’s summer getaway. “It had to transcend all seasons,” says Jason.

Kate knew the chalet had incredible potential. “The location and lot were ideal, particularly because it’s within walking distance to Craigleith Ski Club,” she says. The couple and their three children, Liv, 14, Clark, 12 and Coco, 10, enjoy skiing and other winter sports. “I also knew Holly and Jason would bring their unique style to renovations,” says Kate. “It’s a perfect match for their active, four-season family lifestyle.”

“Kate was awesome. It was so easy and right with her. She felt like a friend,” says Holly.

Holly and Jason Hervey

The Jenica chandelier from Light House Co. hangs over the oak dining table and wishbone chairs offering seating for six. Window frames are painted Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron to contrast with the Benjamin Moore White Dove walls and ceiling.

L. Patten & Sons Limited completed the extensive renovation. “They worked with us and helped us through everything,” says Holly. “They were so patient and answered all our questions.” The chalet was dated and saturated with yellow wood, terracotta tile and tired décor. “There were too many colours and textures competing with each other,” she says. Holly and Jason wanted a warmer, more modern look. They decided to design the interior themselves. “I looked for what I liked and went with it.” The result is a unique concept with beautiful personalized elements, reflecting the family’s lifestyle.

The open-concept main level caters to the couple’s love of entertaining. “It’s a great layout; everything just flows,” says Holly. The great room, spacious dining area and kitchen converge, fostering an inviting atmosphere to mix and mingle. The kitchen is Jason’s happy place. He enjoys cooking, especially Thanksgiving dinner. “I also love taking what’s in the fridge and coming up with something creative,” he says. “He’s an amazing chef,” Holly adds. Chatterson’s Furniture & Appliances supplied the amenities. Dark, warm cabinetry by Clearview Woodworking extends to the vaulted ceiling, offsetting light counters and a porcelain-topped waterfall island. A marble backsplash (MCM D’Lusso Construction) reaches the window, framing a black sink with gold-tipped fixtures. What was once a closet now houses a stylish bar with dark counters, open shelving and whimsical bumblebee-patterned wallpaper.

Continued on page 61

ABOVE: In the great room, diptych artwork fills a wall without overpowering the space. Flooring for the main level is Beaulieu Regale hardwood in Gamay from Georgian Design Centre. BELOW: The original stone fireplace in the home was painted Wrought Iron and a new stone hearth was added. The felted artwork adds texture and warmth to the space.

Liv, Coco, Clark and toy poodle, Dave.

LEFT & BOTTOM RIGHT: Glass partitions frame the double vanity supplied by Clearview Woodworking. Behind one side of the partition is the water closet and on the other side is the large shower. The Leopard Rosettes wallpaper is from York Wallcoverings. Brilliance Luxe Gold fixtures were supplied by EMCO Barrie Corporation. BOTTOM LEFT: In the primary bedroom, a sliding barn door lends privacy to the en suite. RIGHT: Closet space was made more functional with custom built-ins. OPPOSITE: The Goleta Bouclé king bed is given prominence with the Sherwin-Williams Greenblack feature wall. The Country chandelier from Light House Co. hangs over the bed.

Yellow pine ceilings and tile floors gave the great room a tired, dated look. “We painted the ceilings and stained all the beams a darker brown,” Holly says. Hardwood floors from Georgian Design Centre replaced tile throughout the main level. A stately stone fireplace is a commanding presence in the room. “We repainted it and added a new stone hearth,” Holly says. A large square of felted artwork anchors the mantel, adding texture and warmth to the space. A long, plush sofa stretches across expansive windows, creating a cosy spot to enjoy the natural light and savour the picturesque Blue Mountains. A striking chandelier from Light House Co. cascades over the sitting area, casting a soft, enchanting glow.

A sweeping staircase with a spacious landing ascends to a small loft. “We haven’t figured out what to do with it yet, so I am using it as my exercise area for now,” says Holly. The staircase had faded, yellow wood. “I disliked the staircase; it was so worn and tired. We put hardwood in the loft and used a dark stain on the stairs,” she adds.

In the primary bedroom, Holly and Jason painted the ceiling and trim white to brighten the space. Windows casings were painted Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron to frame them and add more visual appeal. They added a spacious, built-in closet and replaced a sliding barn door. They gutted the en suite and restyled it into a modern retreat with sleek finishes. Two glass partitions frame the spacious double-sink vanity. On one side, frosted glass with black mullions creates a stylish divider for the water closet, balancing openness with a touch of enclosure. Black-and-white animal print wallpaper adds a fun, adventurous vibe. Clear glass panels on the other side of the vanity allow light to flood the spacious walk-in marble shower. Gold fixtures balance the bold black accents. Continued on page 62

TOP LEFT: In the main floor powder room, Menagerie, a peel and stick wallpaper from York Wallcoverings, is a whimsical addition. LEFT: To update the staircase to the second level loft, the stair treads were stained and the railings and spindles painted Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron. ABOVE: Once a closet, the newly created bar area has cabinetry that matches the kitchen and a panel-ready, under-counter refrigerator from Chatterson’s Furniture & Appliances. RIGHT: In the front foyer, an Irish antique cupboard from The Shoppe in Mono has closed storage for gloves and hats.

The lower level is the kids’ domain, with four bedrooms and plenty of room to entertain friends. “Originally, we didn’t want our kids’ bedrooms in the basement, but there’s lots of light and a huge rec room,” says Holly. They painted the rooms white and replaced carpet with vinyl flooring from North Shore Ltd.

For the Herveys, this chalet is more than a home in the mountains; it’s a place where dreams of adventure, relaxation and togetherness have come to life. OH

LEFT & BELOW: On the lower level, sunlight streams into the children’s bedrooms. Clark’s graffiti art was created with help from his parents. Beckham Brothers, Little Ben vinyl flooring in Garnet, supplied by North Shore Ltd., was used throughout the lower level.

ABOVE: A huge rec room on the lower level is the kids’ zone. They can watch movies, play video and board games and entertain their friends.

We will work directly with you or your design team to create the space of your dreams.

STORY GREGORY FAST PHOTOGRAPHY LISA MARIE

WINTER HIBERNATION

8 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME COSIER FOR THE SEASON

As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, there’s nothing quite like transforming your home into a warm, inviting winter haven. Whether you’re settling in by the fire, enjoying a hot cup of cocoa or hosting a gathering, here are some of my favourite ways to create the perfect atmosphere and embrace the beauty of the season.

1. Make An Impression With Your Entryway

Set the tone for the rest of your home and greet your guests with warmth from the moment they arrive on your doorstep. Extending the cosiness to the outside with a welcoming wreath or swag, a seasonal doormat and a few decorative touches can make a big impression.

2. Incorporate Natural Elements

Embrace the beauty of winter by bringing the outdoors in. Pine cones, evergreen branches and berries make for stunning and simple centrepieces and decorative touches. Display these natural elements in vases or as part of a table arrangement to evoke a sense of seasonal charm and warmth.

3. Create A Cosy Nook

Create a designated corner in your home that invites relaxation. Choose a comfortable chair, drape a soft throw over it and add a side table with a warm reading lamp. The perfect hideaway for reading, sipping a cocktail or simply unwinding after a long day!

Continued on page 68

4. Seasonal Scents

Introduce a variety of scents that evoke the winter season like cinnamon, pine and vanilla. Swap out everyday products like hand soaps for those with seasonal scents and for a natural fragrant infusion, simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange peels on the stove.

5. Personalize With Seasonal Décor

The holidays are all about creating special moments and memories. Add personalized touches to make your space unique to you, such as family photos and personal ornaments. Switching your artwork for the season can also provide a refreshing change and make your home feel more festive.

6. Colour Palette

Lean into a warmer colour palette for winter. Deep rich tones like oxblood and burgundy feel festive and inviting for the holidays, without feeling overdone. These colours can be incorporated through textiles, décor and even wall art to create a cohesive and cosy look throughout your space.

7. Embrace Layered Textiles

Think plush throws, soft blankets and extra cushions. Opt for materials like wool, cashmere, velvet and faux fur to enhance the warmth and cosiness of your space. Layered rugs can add texture and warmth to your floors, making every step feel soft and luxurious.

8. Enhance Your Fireplace Setup

Make the fireplace the focal point of your living area. Arrange seating to face the fireplace and include a basket of logs and kindling for a touch of rustic charm. If you don’t have a working fireplace, you can achieve a similar effect with a cluster of candles or a decorative electric fireplace.

With these simple tips, you can easily transform your home into a winter haven perfect for quiet moments and intimate conversation. Embrace the winter season by making your home a sanctuary of warmth and comfort. Happy hibernating. OH

COOL PERSONAL SPACE Achieving a

STORY LORI DAVIS

PHOTOGRAPHY HEATHER GOLDSWORTHY

Blake Farrow’s lounge prioritizes comfort in the furnishings and the personal possessions throughout. Northern Concrete Refinement and Polishing Co. installed the flooring. HVAC was installed by Nottawasaga Mechanical.

1) A custom shuffleboard has a central position in the bar of this home that connects to a gym and sauna. Architectural design by Abbott Design, interior design by FAD Inc. Electrical was completed by Clear View Electric and the Caesarstone Rugged Concrete countertops were supplied and installed by Quartz Co.

2) A vintage rum barrel is surrounded by a collection of wine bottles in this home’s secret cellar. The racking system was supplied by Rosehill Wine Cellars and installed by Blake Farrow Project Management Inc.

3) Using innovative storage to organize sports equipment has resulted in faster access for these homeowners that translates into more time enjoying outdoor activities. The Hass garage door was supplied by Accurate Intelligent Doors Inc. Architectural design by Akb Architects.

4) At this house, perfecting a flawless swing is possible with practise and a golf simulator that is available when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Architectural Design by LM Building Design. Interior design by Marina Farrow of FAD Inc. Electrical by Clear View Electric.

FOR BLAKE FARROW, NOTHING IS MORE FULFILLING THAN HELPING CLIENTS CREATE CUTTING-EDGE SPACES OR RUSTIC RETREATS.

“It’s rewarding to help people who have worked hard their whole life make their vision a reality,” he says. Blake is a premier custom builder with more than 30 years of experience. In 2006, he established Blake Farrow Project Management Inc., committed to building homes and creating “seriously cool spaces.”

Blake has always loved building things, which started with forts when he was a little kid. Today, he builds unique homes tailored to clients’ personal lifestyles. His company motto, “We build cool stuff,”

sums up his team’s commitment to creating inspired custom homes and spaces. “There is nothing cookie-cutter about what we do,” he says.

Blake has a team with deep roots in the industry. “We are able to translate our client’s wishes into a tangible end product,” he says. “We are very good at listening and collaborating with homeowners, designers and trades.”

Five featured projects embody each homeowner’s unique take on a stylish and personal retreat. “Every space is developed to meet intended use and bring joy,” Blake says.

Continued on page 72

BLAKE’S LOUNGE & GARAGE

For some time, Blake envisioned a personal refuge where he could unwind, pursue projects, and be among personal items with meaning. “But I have always been too busy with other priorities,” he says. Blake finally realized his vision of the ideal private retreat. Linked by an exterior breezeway, his garage and lounge are distinct spaces, balancing utility with leisure. His garage, with vaulted pine ceilings, heated polished concrete floors and commercial rolling steel doors, has a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. It houses some of Blake’s treasured possessions, like a 1972 Ford pickup truck, a classic Jeep Wagoneer and shop tools he has had from a young age. “I like to work with my hands, and now I have the space to spin some wrenches,” he says.

The lounge is a modern-day version of a study. “It’s my refuge. All my stuff is here, but it’s meaningful stuff; items from my past and photos close to the heart,” Blake says. Furnished with a sitting area, bar and big-screen TV, it’s the ultimate spot for unwinding or hosting friends. A shadow box displays an array of colourful fly fishing lures, while hunting memorabilia and items that once belonged to family members, personalize the space.

Linked to the lounge by an exterior breezeway, the garage is home to a 1972 Ford pick-up truck. The soaring ceiling and walls are lined with pine and punctuated by black metal beams, windows and a rolling powder-coated steel door supplied by Candoor Overhead Doors Ltd.

The lounge offers comfortable seating, a bar and big screen television for entertaining or just relaxing at the end of a busy day. The space is personalized with meaningful mementoes and artwork. Architectural design by LM Building Design.

home & builder

GYM, SAUNA AND BAR

With a fully-equipped gym, a luxurious sauna and sleek bar, this wellness retreat brings the spa experience home. “This fitness centre is a one-stop shop. It’s something they have always wanted and brings them joy,” says Blake. Situated on the lower level of this side-split house, this personal oasis offers a bright and spacious alternative to a traditional basement setup. Floor-to-ceiling, eight-foot windows provide a sweeping 180-degree view of the backyard toward Georgian Bay. Post-workout, the homeowner can relax in the cedar-lined sauna, followed by a refreshing shower. The adjoining bar, custom shuffleboard and entertainment centre add a vibrant social dimension to the space.

Large windows offer an inspiring view that connects the homeowners with nature while they work out. Post work out, the bar area adds a social element.

With a wall of glass and large-format tile flooring, the sauna is a wellness staple that beckons after the gym or a day spent outside in the snow. Glass was installed by LIV Custom Glass, while the flooring was installed by Gervase Custom Tile. Collingwood Carpentry installed the cedar ceiling and walls.

home & builder

WINE CELLAR

This custom 12 by 12-foot wine cellar combines striking aesthetics with thoughtful design, making it a luxurious retreat for any connoisseur. “This room was developed on the fly during a renovation. The owner is a wine lover, so we suggested converting this space into storage,” explains Blake. The cellar’s intricate millwork shelving showcases hundreds of wine bottles tucked away on the entry-level of this home behind a cleverly concealed door. “It’s a unique space because you have to know how to access it. You’d never know it was a door,” says Blake. Anchoring the space is a vintage rum barrel, the ideal centrepiece for conversation and connection.

Anyone lucky to visit this wine cellar will be transported to a cave in France or a cantina in Italy as they meander along the flagstone floor. Millwork was completed by Batteaux Creek Kitchens & Cabintery.

“IT’S A UNIQUE SPACE BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO ACCESS IT. YOU’D NEVER KNOW IT WAS A DOOR.” –BLAKE FARROW

Empty wine boxes reveal a passion, but not the secret that lies behind the shelving that opens to reveal a doorway leading to the wine cellar.

GARAGE/SHOP

A cluttered garage prompted these avid outdoor enthusiasts to seek a separate storage solution for their sports equipment. “They wanted a more flexible space and an orderly way of accessing and enjoying their gear without dealing with the mud and so forth in the main area,” says Blake. Kiteboarding equipment, dirt bikes, clothing and accessories are neatly organized in innovative storage solutions. An adjacent court and swimming pool offer a convenient connection between their equipment and outdoor activities. A lounge area with expansive views of the Georgian Bay escarpment integrates practicality with the comfort of a TV and wood stove.

Continued on page 80

From the storage for various sporting activities, space for tuning dirt bikes and a lounge area with a wood stove, this garage serves many purposes. It’s mainly a space to relax after enjoying Southern Georgian Bay’s incredible landscape.

home & builder

GOLF SIMULATOR

For avid golfers, having a flawless swing is a constant pursuit. A state-of-the-art golf simulator allows this golfer to perfect his swing at home. “This room was a huge deal for this person and a big consideration when we were developing the home,” recalls Blake. He stressed the importance of having a pre-construction wish list to help determine the viability of the design and construction process. “Items like this simulator must be worked into the design,” he explains. “For example, we had to sink a portion of the lower level two feet so the ceiling wouldn’t impact the club’s swing,” he explains. This speciallydesigned space also features stadium seating where spectators can relax or watch the action. OH

Adjustments were made to address the height needed for the homeowner’s golf swing, but the results have created a golf lover’s ideal past-time, along with seating for the gallery to cheer the perfect shot.

SOURCE GUIDE

• Abbott Design • Accurate Intelligent Doors Inc. • Akb Architects • Batteaux

Creek Kitchens & Cabinetry • Baymount Plumbing • Bigfoot Door • Candoor

Overhead Doors Ltd. • Clear View Electric • Collingwood Carpentry

• FAD Inc. • Gervase Custom Tile • Gym-Con Sports Flooring • Harvia Sauna & Spa • Huronia Alarm & Fire Security Inc. • InHome Golf • LIV Custom Glass

• LM Building Design • Northern Concrete Refinement and Polishing Co.

• North Shore Ltd. • Nottawasaga Mechanical • Quality Cedar Products

• Quartz Co • Ridley Windows & Doors Inc. • Rosehill Wine Cellars • Ryan Osmond • Stone Tile • Tybrad Electric Ltd.

1. LIVABLISS: Radiant Pendant

2. YORK WALLCOVERINGS: Joyful Eucalyptus Wallpaper

3. BENJAMIN MOORE: Paint in Lush AF-475 4. CRATE & BARREL: Plateia Small White

Earthenware Vase 5. TONIC

LIVING: Stanhope 22 x 22 Pillow in Ash, Amalfi Stripe 20 x 20

Indoor/Outdoor Pillow in Domino and Stockton Stripe 22 x 22 Pillow in Graphite 6. SUNPAN: Bondi Dining Chair in Light Oak

7. SUNPAN: Kalla 68” Round Dining Table 8. POKOLOKO: Wave Throw in Charcoal OH

fried GOAT CHEESE BALLS

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY JENELLE MCCULLOCH

CRISP ON THE OUTSIDE, CREAMY ON THE INSIDE, THESE FRIED GOAT CHEESE BALLS ARE PERFECT FOR GATHERINGS. SERVE WITH A DRIZZLE OF SPICY HERBED HONEY. Continued on page 86

cooking at home

INGREDIENTS

GOAT CHEESE BALLS

(Makes 8 1 oz cheese balls)

8 oz goat cheese, chilled

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetable oil, for frying

HOT HERB HONEY SAUCE

½ cup honey

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped

1 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped

DIRECTIONS

GOAT CHEESE BALLS

Divide the goat cheese into small, bitesized portions and roll into balls. Place them on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt and pepper.

Roll each goat cheese ball in flour, then dip in beaten eggs and coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this twice to ensure they are well coated.

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep frying pan or pot.

Fry the goat cheese balls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

HOT HERB HONEY SAUCE

In a small saucepan, combine honey, crushed red pepper flakes, thyme and rosemary.

Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey is warm and the herbs are fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving.

TO SERVE

Arrange the fried goat cheese balls on a serving platter.

Drizzle the hot herb honey sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. OH

Get more recipes at ourhomes.ca/blogrecipes

EXPERTISE & artistry

THE PLACE

At Gillian & Co, the team believes design is more than aesthetics, it’s about crafting spaces that embody purpose, beauty and the unique aspirations of each client. With an architectural foundation and years of experience, they transform visions into timeless, functional homes. Gillian Crone, lead designer and founder of Gillian & Co in 2006, has a Bachelor of Science in interior architectural design from Eastern Michigan University, graduating with honours. She has years of extensive experience gained at an international design firm. Establishing her own firm allows her to combine her passion for architecture with interior design. Living and working in Southern Georgian Bay offers Gillian the opportunity to align her family life with a design business and showroom that serves this vibrant community.

Gillian Crone

PHOTOGRAPHY JESSICA CHANDLEMIRE & SANDY MACKAY

THE SHOWROOM

The Gillian & Co showroom is a curated space designed to inspire and elevate the design process. From luxurious fabrics and bespoke furniture to curated décor and architectural resources, the showroom offers clients an immersive experience where they can explore textures, finishes and design elements that bring their vision to life.

THE TEAM

Exceptional design requires a collaborative effort. At Gillian & Co, the team includes interior architectural designers, architects, engineers, general contractors, fabricators and trusted vendors that work seamlessly to meet every client’s needs. From architectural plans and permit submissions to engineering and project execution, they coordinate every detail, ensuring your vision becomes a reality.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Every project Gillian & Co takes on reflects the distinct style of their clients, enhanced by knowledge and experience in design planning and procurement. With more than 20 years of sourcing expertise, the team has built a comprehensive library of partnerships, from premium building materials to the finest accessories. This allows Gillian & Co to create homes that are as unique and personal as the people who live in them. OH

The POWER of COLOUR

Colour is a wonderful thing, and it’s a common bond between people, despite the sheer volume and preferences. Scientists estimate that the average person can distinguish more than one million colours, and despite the many varieties, most of us are able to narrow down our favourites to a select few. That’s incredible.

What’s behind our attraction to certain colours, and dislike of others? We can circle back to science on this one. Colours have been shown to elicit emotional responses, with different hues and shades triggering a variety of moods and even physical reactions. Talk about power!

Colour holds a special place in my heart as a designer, yet when faced with making decisions, many of my clients get lost in the whirlwind of paint chips and fabric swatches. I advise them to take a step back and consider colour from a base perspective. Then, go from there.

COLOUR BASICS

If you’re hesitant to dive into a pool of vibrant hues, don’t worry – you don’t have to. Most colour palettes are built on a simple formula of three: a dominant colour, a secondary colour and an accent colour. Overcomplicating your space with too much colour can create visual chaos. Generally speaking, working with a threecolour plan is a manageable starting point for most people. Find your inspiration and allow it to steer your colour choices. If you’re drawn to nature, let yourself travel the path of forestor ocean-inspired hues. Of course, there are countless other sources of inspiration – art, culture, even food. What colours stand out to you?

STORY AMAN THAN PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE CHAJECKI

design ideas

APPLICATION OF COLOUR

Now that you have your trio of colours, apply the 60-30-10 rule to your space. This approach to decorating holds that the dominant colour should occupy roughly 60 per cent of the visual area of your space, like walls and flooring. This selection is often a neutral colour, but it doesn’t have to be. The secondary colour accounts for 30 per cent of the space, taking its place on mid-size elements such as sofas, armchairs and accent walls. Finally, the accent colour takes the remaining 10 per cent and, in many of my designs, is a bold choice that becomes a focal point, often through artwork and accessories.

Remember that the secret to a well-designed space is balancing, and this includes your colour proportions. Factor all you see into your interior palette: walls, ceilings, trims, floorings, furnishings, window treatments, artwork and accessories. The goal is for consistent colour distribution across all these elements.

HAVE FUN!

Colour can’t be taken too seriously. At the same time, it can be a commitment, depending on the chosen colour and its application. For example, a small feature wall can be changed relatively easily and at a low cost, but it’s a different story when you’ve painted all the walls in your open-concept, double-height living area in a tone that didn’t quite hit the right note. Also consider that trends come and go, and your tastes will likely change. But there’s a simple solution for that: go neutral for your dominant colour and give it life with a bold or trending hue.

Many of my designs lean into a classic cream or black-and-white palette, with a pop of sunny yellow art and accent furniture, or a daring, coral-coloured door. The mainstays –that is, large-scale and expensive items such as flooring, built-in elements and furniture – retain their versatility and longevity, made possible through their neutrality.

Colour doesn’t have to be intimidating. Understanding colour and how to use it goes a long way to harnessing its power, and in leveraging it to transform your space and your mood. OH

STORY NICOLE HILTON

READ All About It

HOST AN ENGAGING BOOK CLUB AT HOME THIS SEASON

Book clubs are experiencing a revival! You may have noticed celebrities creating popular online literary communities and now independent bookstores and even bars are jumping on this trend with in-person events. Hosting a reading group at your house is the perfect way to embrace spending more time indoors during the winter months. Here’s how to make your next book club meeting a real page-turner.

SETTING

Create a cosy atmosphere for your guests the moment they arrive. Chances are you’ll be chatting for a couple of hours, so give your furniture a fluff and add some extra pillows and throws for comfort. Lighting candles or igniting your fireplace will provide a relaxing ambience to your space. Cue the soft background music.

Add an element of surprise with a curated collection of thoughtful accessories. An assortment of plush reading socks in a basket at the front door and a bowl filled with extra reading glasses, book lights, magnifiers and bookmarks will help your gathering garner good reviews!

INDABA: Faux Fur Throw, Heart Throw & Houndstooth Mohair Throw

INDABA: Vera Velvet Pillow

PINETREE INNOVATIONS: I Like Big Books Pillow

PHOTO: ANCHIY Continued on page 96

Heather McIlwee Master Electrician ECRA/ESA #7012230

Collingwood/Blue/Thornbury/Meaford 705.716.3738 redappleelectric@gmail.com

Luxury living with stunning views, hardwood floors, & exclusive amenities at Monaco.

$595,000 • MLS® S10439892

1 Hume Street Unit 509, Collingwood Carrie Rys carrierys@royallepage.ca

29 Garbutt Crescent, Collingwood

Stunning 4-bed, 3-bath home in Mountaincroft with custom deck, hot tub, and nearby amenities.

$1,049,000 • MLS® S10439413

Karen E. Willison kwillison@royallepage.ca

Charming 4-bed, 1-bath home with upgrades, Carriage Barn workshop, near Wasaga Beach and Collingwood.

$699,000 • MLS® S9395338

210 Cherry Street, Stayner Ed Parkes edparkes@royallepage.ca

20 Trails End, Collingwood

Custom 4,000 sq ft bungalow with modern upgrades, soundproof studio, and access to scenic trails.

$2,165,000 • MLS® S10439284

Karen E. Willison kwillison@royallepage.ca

Coriander model home with 3 beds, 4 baths, and a finished basement. wood burning Fireplace.

$819,000 • MLS® S11882511

Lee Ann Matthews leeann@hellocollingwood.ca

4 Dillon Drive, Collingwood

Renovated 4-bed back split with open-concept living, saltwater pool, garage, and ample parking.

$819,000 • MLS® S10439500

Lee Ann Matthews leeann@hellocollingwood.ca

Luxurious 4+1 bed home at

Mountain with pool, upgrades, and self-contained apartment.

$2,500,000 • MLS® X11886828

Karen E. Willison kwillison@royallepage.ca

103 Springside Crescent, The Blue Mountains

21 Robertson Street, Collingwood

MOOD

Cultivate the feeling your book club members will get when they experience your unforgettable menu featuring signature beverages and bites. It’s easy to lean toward novel ideas like a Tequila Mockingbird cocktail, but there are plenty of other ways to set the tone using food.

Non-alcoholic options have become increasingly popular. A hot chocolate bar with all the fixings and a side of sweets will complement your comfortable setting. Serving the cocoa in a literary-inspired mug is a cute idea for clubs that meet in the afternoon.

If the storyline of the book you’re discussing features an international destination, opt to serve drinks and snacks from that region. Similarly, if the book is set in a certain time period, search online for recipes that reflect the style from that era. These are interesting ways to highlight themes while encouraging everyone to share their thoughts about the book.

PLOT

Organize the sequence of events ahead of time so your meeting is always entertaining. After socializing for the first 15 minutes, launch into the book’s topics by breaking the ice with a round of trivia about the story. Ask guests to perform a reading of their favourite chapter, try choosing a book by a local author and inviting them to lead your discussion or guide engaging conversations with a list of discussion prompts. Topics don’t always have to be about the selected storyline. You can ask broader questions based on themes to personalize your chat.

Everything you talked about to this point will surely spark some open conversation, which you’ll want to leave time for toward the end of your get-together. Before the meeting concludes, introduce next month’s host and book.

Remember, connection is the most important aspect of a book club. By focusing on shared engagement with cosy décor, thoughtful accessories and themed appetizers, you can foster a welcoming community where everyone feels at home.   OH

DAVID YOUNGSON & ASSOCIATES: Fred & Friends Light Reading Bookmarks

DAVID YOUNGSON & ASSOCIATES: Kikkerland, Light Up Magnifier

PEEPERS: Clark in Tortoise Men’s Readers

PEEPERS: To the Max in Blue Quartz, Women’s Readers

POOK: Juicy Jumbos Slipper Socks

PAPER E. CLIPS: Rifle Paper Co. Book Club Mugs

PHOTO: COTTONBRO

Functional, Colourful & Elegant

ASPIRATIONS

It’s the right time of year to start and plan all your home improvements.

PHOTOGRAPHY KIANNA SUNSHINE

BEYOND FRAMING

With more than 25 years of experience helping homeowners and designers discover stunning art that enhances a living space, the Beyond Framing gallery allows clients to immerse themselves in the extensive collection of bold and exciting reproduction art. You can also custom frame a new acquisition or update a well-loved piece.

BEAUTIFUL FRAMES

Select the perfect frame for art, photography or memorabilia. Never feel rushed into a decision, we have the time to spend with you. Framing is something very personal and needs time and patience to find that perfect surround that will enhance a cherished possession, making a special piece even more special. Our turnaround time for framing is three weeks. However, if you need it sooner, we will do our very best.

Orla May, Owner

people & places

Ange Torrie & Kate Robinson, Principal Designers

TAILORED INTERIORS

We specialize in delivering tailored interior design solutions that cater to your unique style and needs. We offer custom window treatments, fixture and material sourcing and uniquely-designed furniture, ensuring an overall bespoke and personalized space.

COLLECTIVE HOUSE DESIGN INC.

We are a full service, custom design firm specializing in new construction and large renovations. We take the time to understand your vision, ensuring every design uniquely reflects your style and personality. We specialize in creating beautiful interiors that are both functional and captivating. Whether you are looking to refresh a single room or design your entire house, we are here to help.

CONCEPT TO COMPLETION

Let’s create your dream home! We create 3D renderings and floor plans so you can really get a feel for what your space will look like before the project begins. We manage each project from concept to completion. The start of a project can be explored with a free discovery call booked through our website.

PHOTO: BRITNEY TOWNSEND

Welcome to the next phase of mountain homes nestled between Blue Mountain Resort and the award winning Scandinave Spa. A community set proudly apart yet connected by nature. Distinctive architecture inspired by Georgian Bay cabins and mountain chalets. This is everything you want Blue Mountain living to be. This is your Windfall. Save over $100,000 on move-in ready Builder Collection Homes.

people & places

JAM

Shop the JAM store to find colourful additions for your home. From unique gifts and home décor from around the world to giclée and original artwork that enhances the offerings, vibrancy abounds.

GIFTING

For the perfect hostess gift, select triplescented soy candles. Complex and layered fine fragrances stimulate the senses, transporting the mind to faraway places.

VACUUM JUGS

Get those ski mornings off to the perfect start with a piping hot beverage served from these beautiful vacuum jugs, made in Denmark. The high design meets ideal functionality.

“Live life in colour.”

Suzanne Steeves & Andrea Rinaldo, Owners

people & places

Designers

PARTII DESIGN

We are a team of designers, focused on projects in the Southern Georgian Bay area. We offer a comprehensive range of services from start to finish, including BCIN licensed permit drawings for renovations, additions and new builds. Our expertise encompasses stunning kitchen designs, strategic furniture layouts and tailored colour palettes that reflect a client’s unique style, all while ensuring we are creating a timeless design together.

KITCHENS

This kitchen boasts warmth, creating an inviting atmosphere great for entertaining. We prioritized functionality, without compromising aesthetic, offering an abundance of storage solutions. Plentiful use of white oak has resulted in a stunning final product.

BOLD COLOUR

We embrace moody colour palettes in our design with confidence. This primary bedroom features rich dark green walls and a plush bed adorned with one-of-a-kind decorative pillows that add a unique and eclectic finish to the space.

Sydney Mattes & Justine Knight, Principal

PHOTO: MARIE SCHOLZ

PHOTO: MARIE SCHOLZ

people & places

RED APPLE ELECTRIC

Red Apple Electric is a business built on a legacy of quality workmanship and exceptional service. Specializing in electrical maintenance and repairs, we handle every project with care, no matter how small. From hanging a chandelier to electrical service upgrades, we’re here to keep your home powered safely and efficiently.

Heather McIlwee, Owner & Master Electrician

LARGE OR SMALL

We bring a wealth of expertise to renovation projects, transforming electrical systems to meet the needs of modern living. Whether refreshing a single room or updating your entire home, we deliver quality results tailored to your design and taste.

UPDATING

Believing that electrical upgrades should align with the way you live, we take a personalized approach to every project. From custom lighting solutions to modern system improvements, we ensure every detail meets each client’s unique vision and needs.

COLLINGWOOD LIVING .CA

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the experience we had with Janet. We began researching the Collingwood, Blue Mountain and Thornbury area almost a year ago, and Janet kept us in the loop. When the time came to put an offer in, Janet was everything you could want in a real estate agent to work in our best interests. Her experience and professionalism was second to none. My wife and I highly recommend her to anyone who wants the best of the best.”

Dan K.

WEST RIVER DESIGN & BUILD

Originally based in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, we decided the time was right to make a move out of the city and head to the Georgian Bay area where Jeritt grew up. As avid skiers and outdoor enthusiasts, we decided on Meaford and the move became reality when we fell in love with a beautiful Victorian home in the heart of the town.

EXPERIENCE

With extensive backgrounds in a variety of construction projects, we recognize the importance of taking a collaborative approach with each other and our clients to get to the heart of what is important and how people want to live in their space. Hashing out design elements from a construction perspective ensures not only a beautiful design space but one that functions well and is executed with meticulous attention to detail.

CUSTOM

This recent kitchen remodel included a built-in dog crate for the family’s three dachshunds, eliminating the need for a separate space for the dogs and making sure these prized family members are always nearby. Being able to tailor our projects to our client’s needs and taste is the most satisfying part of working with homeowners.

Lisa Harbun-Hemeon, Design & Jeritt Hemeon, Construction

PHOTOS: NICOLA TOON

people & places

Nicole Bishop & Susan Bishop

BISHOP CONSIGNMENT

Our curated collection features a wide range of brands, styles and sizes that are both new and vintage. From Zara to Chanel, Gap to Gucci, the selection of pieces is a highly organized, eclectic mix that works to help people discover and celebrate their personal style.

BISHOP BOTANICALS

BISHOP CURATED CONSIGNMENT & BOTANICAL SKINCARE

We are a mother and daughter duo who have a passion for quality ingredients, materials and beautiful clothing. We love what we do and like helping people feel their best. With a personal approach to each customer, we are available to chat about skincare or help with personal styling.

Crafted in small batches in-house, our skincare line is designed to keep your skin nourished and hydrated. Made with ingredients like marine collagen, elastin and active peptides, our entire line is suited to most skin types and skincare goals.

people & places

MILLENNIUM WINDOW CLEANING

We are a locally-owned-and-operated business that provides several cleaning services: interior and exterior window cleaning, removal of debris and cleaning of eavestroughs as well as installation of gutter guards, pressure washing, deck staining and putting up and taking down holiday lighting. We take pride in serving our community with exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail.

ALL IN THE DETAILS

Attention to detail is of the utmost importance to our team. Interior window cleaning consists of cleaning the glass, frame, screen, tracks, opening mechanism, locks and sills. Exterior window cleaning involves the cleaning of the glass, frame and sill, so both sides of the window get a detailed clean.

SEE OUR DIRECTORY FOR ALL CONTACT INFORMATION.

PLANNING AHEAD

We experience increased demand during the springtime and find it is best to book clients as soon as possible. We are currently booking interior and exterior projects for Spring 2025, so contact us now to secure a spot. OH

Ben Macdonald, Jackson Elliott & Adam Turmaine, Owners

1. FARROW & BALL: Helleborus & Baracé Wallpapers 2. BENJAMIN MOORE: Paint in Foxy Brown 1181 3. SHERWIN-WILLIAMS: Spiced Cider SW 7702 4. LUMINAIRE AUTHENTIK: Marrone Opal Light Fixture 5. ARTERIORS: Hadden Chandelier 6. ABBOTT: Felt Nesting Bowls 7. SIMONS: Architectural 5-Drawer Walnut Dresser 8. INDABA: Mini Pampas Grass Bundle, Light Brown 9. ELK HOME: Prosper 21” High 1-Light Table Lamp 10. EQ3: Pebble Vases 11. CB2: Light Brown Curved Pillar Candles 12. RENWIL: Ravello Vase 13. RENWIL: Suzanne Pillow 14. INDABA: 24x24 Lina Linen Pillow Rooibos 15. LOLOI: PLL0170 Ivory/Spice Pillow 16. CB2: Shadow Toffee Velvet Quilt 17. YUMMI CANDLES: Taper Candles in Cappuccino and Gold Virtu Candlesticks 18. POTTERY BARN: Balboa Wood Base Swivel Chair 19. LOLOI: PLL0157 Ivory/Multi Pillow 20. INDABA: Geo Jacquard Throw, Brown 21. CB2: Light Brown Organic Cotton Velvet Window Curtain Panel 22. CB2: Regine Brown Glass Vase By Goop 23. CIOT: 30x30 Incanto Breccia Pernice Nat Rt. Tile, 24x24 Terrazzo Collection Sanpietro Honed Tile & 24x48 Courtyard Terra Red Brick Texture Tile 24. SUNPAN: Desert Sands – 72” x 30” – Gold Floater Frame 25. STANLEY: The Fall Refresh Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler 26. INDABA: Jasmine Block Print Apron 27. CB2: Stature Burnt Sienna Bouclé Dining Armchair 28. POTTERY BARN: Arlo Upholstered Crowned Bed 29. INDABA: Acapulco Block Print Tablecloth 30. SIMONS: Fluted Glass Candleholder in Brown 31. CB2: Cast Tan Coffee Mugs 32. LINEN CHEST: ICM Uno Leather Dinnerware 33. IKEA: Vardagen Glasses in Brown 34. SURYA: Kavita KVT-2324 Handmade Rug 35. LIVABLISS: Misterio Plus Machine Woven Rug 36. SIMONS: Bouclé Turkish Cotton Towels in Terracotta 37. SURYA: Luanda Pouf OH

MIXING METALS in your home

Mixing metals in your home is an artful way to add depth and sophistication to any space. To achieve a harmonious look, start by choosing a dominant metal. This primary metal will set the tone for your design and should be used with the majority of your fixtures and fittings. Apply the 60-30-10 decorating rule to the metals as a guide – 60 per cent of your home in the dominant metal, 30 per cent with the secondary metal and 10 per cent with an accent metal.

Secondary metals should complement your dominant choice without overwhelming it. For instance, if your primary metal is brushed nickel, you might introduce copper or matte black accents to add dimension. Balancing the placement of metals is key to achieving a cohesive look. Spread the different metals evenly throughout the room rather than clustering them in one area. This approach ensures that your design feels intentional and well thought out. Excessive metal mixing can make a space look chaotic and cluttered. A good rule to remember is to mix one to two metals in small rooms and no more than two to three

metals in larger rooms. In a small powder room, for example, sticking to no more than two metals helps maintain a cohesive look. Considering the finish of your metals is also very important. Combining various finishes like polished, brushed or matte can add texture and richness to your design. Ensure there is a common element tying them together, whether it’s the colour tone or the style of the pieces. When in doubt, remember that matte black and grey iron are considered neutral metal colours that go with just about any other metal.

STORY BRIANNE SMITH

KOHLER: Occasion Bath & Light Fixtures in Matte Black with Moderne Brass. Essential 20” x 40” capsule framed mirror in Moderne Brushed Gold

SOME OTHER STYLISH COMBINATIONS INCLUDE:

CHROME + BRASS

BLACK + POLISHED NICKEL + ANTIQUE BRASS

VISUAL COMFORT: Allen Double Light Sconce in Natural Brass

POLISHED NICKEL + SATIN BRASS

STAINLESS STEEL + GOLD

Be sure to maintain a consistent theme throughout your space by making sure the metals you choose align with your overall design vision. With careful selection and thoughtful placement, mixing metals can transform your home into a stylish and inviting haven loaded with personality and flair. OH

KOHLER: Edalyn by Studio MacGee Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet

EMTEK: Haydon Cabinet Knob & Jasper Cabinet Pull in Satin Brass

VISUAL COMFORT: Clemente Double Sconce in Hand-Rubbed Antique Brass with Black Shade

HOUSE OF ROHL: Modelle Shower Trim Kit & Widespread Bathroom Faucet in Polished Chrome

MADE GOODS: Gage Mirror in Antique Brass

RENWIL: Livia Coffee Table

BERTAZZONI: Heritage Series Range with Gold Collezione Metalli Décor Set

RENWIL: Romina Nickel Side Table

BRIZO: Rook Wall Mount Pot Filler in Brilliance Polished Gold

Georgian Communities invites you to follow our vision, as we create yet another remarkable community, in beautiful Oro-Medonte. Craighurst is a village brimming with small-town charm, neighbourly kindness, and historic character, set to welcome you and your family. Rich in history and surrounded by rolling green pastures and lush woodlands, simply the best of rural life, with daily necessities within walking distance, and urban conveniences found minutes away, in both Barrie, and Orillia. Modern farmhouse architecture on spacious fifty-foot lots immersed in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Ontario.

THIS STUNNING FARMHOUSE IN THE SINGHAMPTON COUNTRYSIDE IS STEEPED IN HISTORY AND RENEWED WITH VIBRANT ENERGY, THANKS TO THE VISION AND EXPERTISE OF EDEN HOUSE CO., A FULL RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STUDIO.

AN OLD FARMHOUSE

GETS A VERY PERSONAL UPDATE

STORY MADDIE JOHNSON

PHOTOS NAT CARON

The lower-level family room has an extendable table for game nights and seating that combines Mid-century modern with classic design. The wall colour is Benjamin Moore Middlebury Brown.

Originally built in 1882, this storied property recently underwent an intricate renovation, blending timeless design with modern functionality to create a home that feels both elevated and inviting.

This story of the farmhouse began when the homeowners, drawn to the property’s charm and history, decided to make it their permanent residence. The house, with its original 19th-century structure and a later addition from the 1990s, had good bones but needed updates to suit modern, full-time living.

“We loved the character of the house,” the homeowners say. “It was important to us to honour its history while making it functional and comfortable for everyday life.”

Having previously worked with Eden House Co. on another project, they brought Lejla and Jeff Eden on board to reimagine the space. Their trust in the couple’s vision and expertise set the tone for a collaborative and rewarding process.

Continued on page 123

THIS PAGE: The welcoming living room is enhanced by large bay windows that flood the room with sunlight. The existing fireplace was serviced by Chantico Fireplaces. The walls are painted Benjamin Moore Sandy Hook Gray. Windows for the project are by Lepage and supplied and installed by Cedarport Window & Door Centre Inc.

ABOVE: Custom cabinetry elevates the reconfigured kitchen and pantry. The leathered black granite counter contrasts with the polished nickel faucet. RIGHT: Georgian Design Centre supplied the Shaws’ apron front, double-bowl sink that has an elegant Perrin & Rowe Bridge faucet. Honed Carrara marble elevates the historical farmhouse feel. BELOW: The pendant light over the oak island was a custom order from The Urban Electric Co. The green vase is from Heirloom 142. Electrical services for the home were completed by Martin Rigney Electric Ltd. OPPOSITE, TOP: The furniture-styled island has an abundance of seating for casual gatherings or meals. Stools were sourced through Van Allan Design Centre. For added ambience, the fire in the brick fireplace is a delightful bonus. BOTTOM: With a solid backsplash of honed marble and extras that include a matching shelf, pot filler and oak niches, cooking at the Wolf range puts essentials at the fingertips of anyone who wants to create a meal. The paint colour is Sherwin-Williams City Loft.

From the outset, the homeowners were clear about their goals. They didn’t want the home to feel modern or lose its farmhouse essence. Instead, they envisioned a space that was updated but timeless.

Lejla and Jeff took this vision and ran with it, diving into every detail of the project.

“We wanted it to feel elevated and layered but still very livable,” Lejla says. “Our goal was to create a space that felt classic and timeless while accommodating the demands of modern life.”

One of the standout features of the home is its custom design. From the oak kitchen island to the carefully-selected wallpaper sourced from England, nearly everything was tailored to suit the space.

Even the bedrooms feature handmade quilts, chosen after hours of searching to perfectly match the wallpaper and décor.

Renovating a 4,000 sq. ft. farmhouse is no small task, especially when the goal is to preserve its character. The Eden House Co. team worked closely with K. Vogel Construction Ltd, a trusted local contractor, to ensure every detail was thoughtfully executed.

home & designer

LEFT: William Morris & Co. wallpaper is framed by wainscotting and crown moulding in the dining room. Heating and cooling for the home was installed by Optim Air Sheet Metal Co. BELOW: In the dining room, guests are transported to an English village, such is the style and feel of the room. A distressed finish on the sideboard adds history while the lamp shades on each of the bulbs of the chandelier soften the lighting in the evening. Tom McMullen installed the custom interior doors.

“We collaborated on everything, from structural changes to interior design,” Jeff says. “It was about more than just making it look beautiful; we wanted it to work for how the homeowners would live in it.”

This meant rethinking the layout to improve functionality. For instance, a dark, dated kitchen was transformed into a bright and welcoming space with enhanced flow and natural light. A new doorway between the kitchen and living room brought in additional brightness, while subtle design choices like custom millwork and elegant light fixtures elevated the space.

Other updates included creating a mudroom in the basement for outdoor gear, adding closets to accommodate full-time living, and ensuring the home was accessible and practical. The homeowners appreciated these thoughtful touches, noting that the house immediately felt like home. Continued on page 126

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

Lejla and Jeff Eden

Organized cabinetry offers a place to sit when taking off boots, somewhere to hang coats, and a shelf for keys and gloves. A stone floor offers a forgiving surface for changing weather.

home & designer

ABOVE & TOP RIGHT: Wallpaper for the home was installed by Ron Clayton. Custom window coverings were supplied and installed by Genny Miller Design. Mattresses are from Tom The Dreamer. RIGHT: A basket of quilts sits by a double chest of drawers. Hardwood flooring for the home was supplied by Georgian Design Centre and installed by Jeffery Custom Hardwood Flooring. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM LEFT: Built-in storage is tucked into the slope of the ceiling on the upper level. TOP LEFT: The double vanity from Wood by Whit has undermount sinks and a honed Carrara marble counter. TOP RIGHT: The original clawfoot tub sits on a new marble tile floor sourced through Dean’s Carpet One Floor & Home and installed by BCK Custom Tile. The carving hanging on the wall was discovered at Kettlewells. BOTTOM RIGHT: Glass for the showers was supplied and installed by LIV Custom Glass. Fixtures were sourced through Georgian Design Centre and installed by InTown Plumbing.

One of the keys to the project’s success was the collaborative relationship between Eden House Co., the homeowners and the trades.

“The homeowners gave us so much trust,” Lejla says. “They were open to our ideas and willing to take creative risks, which made all the difference.”

The homeowners echoed this sentiment, praising the seamless teamwork.

“Lejla and Jeff listened to what we wanted and brought their own ideas to the table. It felt like a true partnership,” they say.

The trades brought on by Vogel also played an integral role in the process.

“The trades were thoughtful, friendly and truly exceeded our expectations,” the homeowners say. “Everyone contributed to the shared vision and brought great ideas to the table.”

home & designer

The final product is a home that feels both historic and fresh, elegant yet comfortable.

“It’s a classic farmhouse with a nod to British design,” says Lejla. “It’s charming, timeless, and livable – nothing feels too precious.”

For the homeowners, the finished home represents a new chapter in their lives.

“It’s such an uplifting place to be,” they say. “Every time we’re away, we can’t wait to come back. It immediately felt like home, and that’s a testament to the thought and care that went into every detail.”

A main-floor bedroom uses swing-arm wall sconces to free up space on the side tables. Finding quilts that coordinated with décor and wallpaper involved a search, which shows the attention to detail in the finished room. This bathroom’s walls are lined with subway tile, while the shower offers an organized niche for shampoo and soap.

home & designer

Lejla and Jeff have spent over a decade crafting beautiful spaces throughout the Collingwood area. With Lejla’s background in interior design and Jeff’s experience in project management and construction, the duo brings a unique blend of creativity and practicality to every project.

“Our style is about listening to clients and creating spaces that reflect their vision,” Lejla says. “It’s always about collaboration and finding the right balance between aesthetics and functionality.”

The Singhampton farmhouse is a perfect example of this philosophy. From the carefully sourced materials to the thoughtful design choices, the home stands as a testament to the Eden House Co. approach: creating spaces that are elevated, layered and deeply personal. OH

LOCAL SOURCE GUIDE

• Batteaux Creek Kitchens & Cabinetry

• BCK Custom Tile • Best Brand Appliance

• Brenlo Custom Wood Mouldings & Doors

• Cedarport Window & Door Centre Inc.

• Chantico Fireplaces • Deans Carpet

One Floor & Home • Duggans Painting & More • Eden House Co. • Georgian Design Centre • Ginny Miller Designs

• Hamilton Bros Timber Mart • Heirloom

142 • Huronia Alarms • InTown Plumbing

• Jeffery Custom Hardwood Flooring

• K. Vogel Construction Ltd. • Kettlewells

• LIV Custom Glass • Martin Rigney Electric Ltd. • Optimums Air Sheet Metal Company

• Posch Lifestyles Inc. • Ron Clayton • The Granite Company • The Urban Electric Co.

• Tom McMullen • Tom The Dreamer • Van

Allan Design Centre • Wood by Whit

In the laundry room, french doors offer an abundance of light and fresh air in warmer months. Custom cabinetry was supplied by Wood by Whit. Plumbing for the home was completed by InTown Plumbing.

TOP LEFT: A modern chaise is an invitation for relaxation. Carpet was supplied and installed by Dean’s Carpet One Floor & Home. TOP RIGHT: Painting for the home, which included refinishing the original staircase, was completed by Duggans Painting & More.

NET-ZERO HOMES AND THE HOUSING CRISIS

STORY ANDREW HIND | ILLUSTRATIONS SHEILA BRITTON

It’s no secret that Ontario is in the midst of a serious and extended housing crisis, especially in its largest cities. Premier Doug Ford has adopted a target of building 1.5 million homes in a 10-year span, a goal recommended by the government-commissioned Housing Affordability Task Force.

To realize that ambition, the Ontario government’s 2024 Provincial Planning Statement (PPS 2024) is designed to simplify and unify previous land-use planning policies into a single, housing-focused framework to accelerate the development of much-needed homes in Ontario.

We’re also experiencing climate change. With home construction and operation resulting in a heavy carbon footprint, the question is whether environmentally sustainable, net-zero homes will figure prominently in the residential properties constructed in the coming years.

Let’s begin with what defines net-zero homes. The name says it all. Net-zero homes consume as much energy as they produce. To achieve net zero, these homes must meet three main requirements:

They are energy efficient to operate, reaching a perfect equation of energy usage and generation.

They include renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or geothermal.

They lower energy requirements using special insulation, windows and so forth.

The goal is to minimize the carbon footprint of home ownership and promote sustainability. But it’s not just about the environmental benefits. There are immediate benefits for occupants, including better indoor air quality, a less drafty environment and more even temperatures throughout the home. Overall, net-zero homes provide greater comfort and healthier living than a conventional house.

“Net-zero homes are good for your cost of living, the environment, your standard of living and provide good value for your asset,” explains Kevin Rankin, general manager of Watercolour Westport by Land Ark Homes, a net-zero development in eastern Ontario. “People think you must give something up to have a netzero home, but you don’t. You really can have your cake and eat it too.”

But, let’s get real – for homeowners it all comes down to cost, right?

Affordability is an undeniable problem in the real estate market. This is a reality everywhere in Ontario but particularly in the Greater Toronto Area. For this reason, some home buyers might balk at the higher price of a net-zero home.

“Net-zero homes are more expensive, but the additional cost is incremental, usually about five per cent,” explains Rankin. “What people fail to consider is the savings in the operating costs of owning a net-zero home versus a conventional one.”

Energy costs are a huge component of monthly home expenses. With a net-zero home, these expenses are dramatically decreased. The return on investment is immediate and considering the five per cent increase in the purchase price is spread out over decades, it’s easy to see the financial appeal of net-zero homes.

“The reality is it’s a significant mindset shift to ask to spend five per cent more for a better-quality home,” Rankin says. “While builders are slowly moving in the direction of net zero, as an industry we’re a long way away from it.”

Of the thousands of homes being built in Ontario to meet demand, only a relative handful will be net zero. The focus is on cooling red-hot housing markets across the country, which have seen price increases fuelled by low inventory and high competition. Environmental concerns, except when mandated by government regulations, are simply not a priority for many homebuilders.

But Rankin doesn’t believe it’s fair to blame developers. After all, builders aren’t making boatloads of money – studies have shown the average net profit margin is around 10 per cent and shrinking as various levels of government add red tape and increase fees.

Instead, he maintains it’s simply about demand.

“Net zero is a niche of the market. Only one in 10 people who come into our showrooms do so because of the net-zero concept. Most come for the location or lifestyle,” he says. “Most people are simply blissfully unaware that net-zero homes are an option. Until consumers know it’s possible, they won’t ask. And until the demand increases, developers won’t build them.”

The housing industry, however, has not been standing still. The building code has already mandated sustainability in an industry slow to change.

A further layer of complexity comes from the fact that Canada is facing a shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry (there were 82,000 unfilled positions across the country in June, according to Statistics Canada). Deviating from standard construction practices –and net-zero homes certainly incorporate techniques and systems that deviate from the norm – makes it even more challenging to find skilled tradespeople.

Of the 1.5 million homes to be built by the end of the decade, the number of netzero homes will be in the thousands.

“The net-zero home concept is basically where EV cars were 10 years ago,” Rankin says. “The technology is there, it’s the future, but the bottom-up demand needs to grow before builders will embrace it.” OH

HOME OPTIONS MADE EASY

DESIGN • BUILD • ELEVATE

At H.O.M.E., we bring your vision to life with exceptional quality and a streamlined process. Founded by best friends Luke and James—masters of their craft—we combined our expertise and passion to redefine custom homes and renovations. As a one-stop shop for all your interior finishes and expert trades, we make your journey seamless and stress free.

We meticulously built our one-of-a-kind design centre from the ground up, showcasing a vast selection of samples, including cabinetry, countertops, flooring, tile and more, to help you visualize every detail of your project. Whether it’s a kitchen makeover, ensuite retreat, basement bar, custom garage, or outdoor kitchen, we guide you every step of the way.

We collaborate with builders and contractors to uphold the highest standards. Backed by a design team that prioritizes your needs, we create stunning, functional spaces tailored to your style. At H.O.M.E., we don’t just renovate—we elevate.

BARRIE HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW

MARCH 29 & 30, 2025 Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

SADLON ARENA 555 Bayview Drive, Barrie THE SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW

MUSKOKA COTTAGE SHOW

MAY 24 & 25, 2025

Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

MUSKOKA LUMBER COMMUNITY CENTRE 56 Salmon Avenue, Bracebridge

OCTOBER 10 & 11, 2025

ALPINE SKI CLUB 17-242 Arrowhead Road, The Blue Mountains

WARM & Inviting

HEATING GLOW

Stepping into a home surrounded by warmth at this time of year is a necessity and an invitation to relax in an atmosphere insulated from the snowy weather outside. For six years Bakwoods Fireplaces & Heating has been helping clients make their homes warm and inviting. Owner Alex MacDonald, who has more than 16 years of experience, has a passion for building safe, stunning fireplace features inside and outside a home, and for installing a homeowner’s choice of heating for an entire space. Alex’s father Bryon MacDonald uses his vast experience with well-known fireplace and heating manufacturers to assist clients in choosing what will work for them.

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

Bryon MacDonald

FIREPLACE CENTREPIECES

The showroom displays an array of topselling fireplace inserts and stoves, many available as wood, propane or gas burning as well as electric and pellet models. There are also many unit-finishing options, including stone, steel and microcement in any colour and a variety of textured finishes as well as a beautiful selection of mantels. If what you see is not exactly what you envisioned, they are happy to work with any idea a client might have. They will frame, install and finish a unit to WETT requirements and certification so all that is left for a client to do is light the flame for worry-free enjoyment.

WHOLE HOME COMFORT

The same expertise used for the installation of fireplaces extends to home heating. From complete heating systems, furnaces, in-floor heat and tankless and standard water heaters, Bakwoods has the knowledge to install the ideal system for any size home, giving homeowners the perfect temperature when they need it.

PEACE OF MIND

Bakwoods not only offers maintenance on any fireplace or heating system they install but are happy to service and inspect older makes and models to ensure they are in excellent working order. With WETT certified technicians, a chimney cleaning is also a chance to thoroughly inspect and confirm that a unit is safe for another year of use.

OUTDOOR FUN

Not ready to head inside? Bakwoods can install a warming fire pit and outdoor kitchen that feature the best barbecues and accessories that are built to take all that the Canadian weather can throw at you. S’mores anyone? OH

DESIGN DEMOCRACY

I’m Aidan Cusson. I have nearly a decade of experience in the design business. I was voted #1 Design Firm in Oakville 2023 by Industry Oversight, and Best of Houzz 2020-2023. I am bringing my knowledge, experience and expertise to Design Democracy , an exciting firm focused on impeccable, bespoke design for all. At Design Democracy we carefully craft spaces that reflect the unique style and preferences of our clients. Our goal is to create a tailored environment that meets your specific needs and desires.

We understand the importance of balancing structural elements, style, colour, texture and pattern to help achieve the perfect space for our clients. Our attention to detail and commitment to understanding your vision is at the core of everything we do. Trust us to transform your space into a reflection of your individual taste. Your satisfaction is our top priority. info@designdemocracy.ca 416.402.8121 designdemocracy.ca

(Please see ad on pg 63)

CALVERT CONTRACTING

Many general contractors avoid smaller projects because securing subcontractors is challenging or prefer to focus on larger renovations. Some trade-specific contractors may not have the expertise for more complex tasks. Calvert Contracting meets the growing demand for a reliable tradesman who can tackle smaller projects with a higher skill level.

A former Tinsmith by trade, I’m skilled in fabricating with steel, reading drawings and working with precise angles, regardless of the material. I’m meticulous, with a sharp eye for design, and a commitment to attention to detail. I pride myself on working in a clean, safe environment.

I focus on one project at a time – I won’t leave your project until completion, so you can be confident that your project will receive my 100% commitment.

I enjoy collaborating with clients who value mutual respect, honesty, integrity –and a good sense of humour.

OUTDOOR PROJECTS:

• Garden studios (perfect for those working from home)

• Design/build porches and decks

• Landscaping and stonework

INDOOR PROJECTS:

• Bathroom upgrades/ makeovers

• Kitchen renovations

• Basement finishing Serving Collingwood, Thornbury, Meaford, and the Blue Mountain area. I look forward to working with you!

Stuart | 705.888.2426

info@calvertcontracting.ca calvertcontracting.ca

(Please see ad on pg 67)

CASUALIFE OUTDOOR LIVING

Casualife has been serving Collingwood and the surrounding areas for over a decade, so bringing a showroom to Collingwood felt very organic!

For those of you who are just meeting us, Casualife Outdoor Living is a full-service high-end outdoor furniture and lifestyle retailer. Casualife carries furniture for all styles – modern, transitional and eclectic.

The best place to start is with our space planning service to ensure your purchase is the best configuration for your space, allowing for views, traffic flow and accommodating your required amount of seating.

Next, we focus on your furniture selection to suit your functional needs but also your aesthetic needs, curating the right combination of products to create interest, textures and the desired feel.

We then top it off with our custom upholstery, fabric selections, accent cushions, planters, lanterns and tabletop greenery to bring your spaces together in one cohesive look.

Finally, our white glove delivery team will set up your space as planned, including assembly, placement and removing any debris. You just get to enjoy!

With a focus on exclusive products and exceptional service, our on-site designers are ready to make your outdoor space an extension of your home with character and class. Visit us at 329 First St, Collingwood | 705.888.5432 collingwood@casualife.ca casualife.ca

(Please see ad on pg 3)

SAUBLE COTTAGE RENTALS

Sauble Cottage Rentals has been providing quality vacation cottages throughout Sauble Beach since 2010. Our cottages are privately owned and provide comfort and style for your family/ friends to enjoy while creating lifetime memories.

Lakes, rivers, waterfalls and beaches...there are many to explore nearby. The 11km long Sauble Beach is a short stroll from all our cottages. Some of our cottages are less than a five-minute walk to the sand and the sun setting into Lake Huron. When the day is done, kick back, relax and enjoy your private backyard, the star-filled sky and a campfire.

Sauble offers many activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Hike/bike the nearby trails or paddle your way up the Sauble River. Downtown has many shops to browse and great patios for a delicious meal. Explore The Bruce Peninsula! Tobermory is a 1.25 hr drive with many communities close by to explore. Take in a stock car race, shoot a round of golf or play some pickleball when not on the beach!

Leah and Mitch are always available to assist you and can be found daily at Unique Pieces on Main Street in Sauble Beach. Follow Sauble Cottage Rentals on Facebook/Instagram and visit our website at rentsaublecottages.com (Please see ad on pg 165 )

GOOD LITTLE BUILDERS INC.

Based in Markdale, Good Little Builders specializes in residential construction and renovation in Grey-Bruce, Southern Georgian Bay, and surrounding area. We take great pride in our work and in meeting your goals for your home or cottage. We will share our expertise to help make your future home healthier, more energy efficient, and more environmentally sustainable through thoughtful consideration of design, material selections and construction methods. We are certified PHIUS Passive House Builders.

Our process typically starts with a consultation meeting to identify the key objectives and deliverables of your project. We will work together to clarify and document the scope of your project which is then utilized to develop a realistic and achievable cost estimate and construction schedule for completing your project.

While our business is new to the area, we have roots in Grey County and have been working in the building construction industry with over 20 years of experience. We offer General Contracting, Pre-Construction Planning, Project Management, and custom carpentry services. We look forward to speaking with you about your future home, cottage, garage, bunkie, addition or renovation needs. For more info, please contact us by email at hello@goodlittlebuilders.ca, phone 548.363.2208, or visit goodlittlebuilders.ca (Please see ad on pg 93)

BOSLEY

REAL ESTATE

Justin Bock of Bosley Real Estate in The Blue Mountains is both an expert agent and stager. Staging, for him, is about creating a vision for the buyer, working backwards from their lifestyle and preferences. Justin offers practical tips for homeowners looking to stage their property themselves.

1. Choose pieces that match the scale of the home, demographic, and the price point of the home.

2. In The Blue Mountains, lifestyle is key. Focus on creating an ambience for après-ski relaxation and entertaining, helping buyers envision their own use of each space indoors and outdoors.

3. Curb appeal is important – make the exterior inviting with features like a fire pit or dining setup to draw buyers in.

4. In today’s remote work era, a well-designed and organized home office space is essential to attract buyers seeking flexibility.

5. Minor home improvements, like new lighting, paint, or flooring, can significantly enhance a space.

These staging tips from Justin Bock of Bosley Real Estate can make a home appealing, inviting buyers to imagine their lives within the walls.

Justin Bock

The Blue Mountains bockpropertygroup.ca 905.399.3963

(Please see ad on pg 93) THE

DALE OTTEWELL CONSTRUCTION & LOGGING LTD

There’s a reason Dale Ottewell’s business carries his name. He’s a hands-on owner who’s on every job site 99% of the time. By choosing Dale Ottewell Construction & Logging Ltd for your project, you get the added security of knowing the head of our family business is with you every step of the way. For over 25 years, we’ve performed excavation and construction projects in Grey, Simcoe and Dufferin Counties. Whether we’re working at your home, cottage, or business, your satisfaction is our No. 1 priority.

Based in Feversham, Dale Ottewell Construction & Logging Ltd offers comprehensive excavation and hauling services in Grey, Simcoe and Dufferin Counties. With over 25 years of experience, Dale Ottewell personally supervises his residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial projects, including:

• Septic system design, installation and repair

• Aggregates

• Construction

• Excavation

• Lot Clearing

• Logging

• Firewood

The Ottewell name is the third generation in this area of expertise. Our family has been servicing Grey, Simcoe and Dufferin Counties for over 60 years.

We look forward to meeting you and being a part of making your next project come to life. 519.922.3450 | 705.446.7243 daleottewell@hotmail.com daleottewellconstruction.com

(Please see ad on pg 143)

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

At Sherwin-Williams in Collingwood, our team is passionate about helping you complete the project of your dreams with personal trademark customer service and expert advice! We offer innovative colour selection tools, exceptional paints and stains and a wide selection of brandname painting supplies to both homeowners and professionals. Need help choosing the right colours for your space? Book an appointment for one of our FREE 30-minute virtual colour consultations to help you feel confident in your choices. Our certified colour consultants will provide you with colour recommendations and send colour samples directly to your door!

Are you a contractor? Sign up for a Pro + account and start enjoying the benefits right away! We offer FREE delivery directly to the job site! Other benefits include customized business tools, everyday savings and preferred pricing. Expand your purchasing power today so you can say yes to more jobs! Enjoy 0% interest – always. With more than one hundred stores in Canada, Sherwin-Williams is the one-stop shop for all your painting and staining needs. For your next painting project, ask Sherwin-Williams Collingwood. We are here to help you succeed.

Follow us on Instagram @sherwin_williams_collingwood 705.443.8146

Snowbirds

So, little snowbird, take me with you when you go…

Spread your tiny wings and fly away. And take the snow back with you where it came from on that day.

–ANNE MURRAY

Fly away with the birds

As we bird through the fall and into winter, we have diminishing returns for our efforts. Summer’s bounty of birds has migrated to many points south – to the southern U.S., across the warm Caribbean isles, to the neotropics of Central America or even further as the ambitious, long-distance migrants head for South America.

Coincidentally, many humans take this as a cue to do the same. We’re known as snowbirds – Canadians who travel south to warmer climes in the winter. Whether you’re a snowbird or a real bird, the aim is the same – fly away south to escape the rigours of our winters.

But where to? Well, if you’re a travelling birder, there are endless options. So, let’s wing our way out of winter’s cold grip, meet up with some of our familiar summer birds in their winter vacation spots and get acquainted with an ever-increasing number of species that choose to permanently reside in the warm, southern environs.

FLORIDA

You don’t have to travel far to find our summer songbirds – robins, red-wings, swallows and other familiar species. The Sunshine State is perhaps the most popular destination for Canadian snowbirds, but the birders’ bonus is you’ll also encounter birds that don’t occur in Ontario. Florida is where we get our first taste of subtropical birding.

Florida is home to over 350 commonly occurring, native bird species, bolstered by an additional 200 or so strays and accidentals. Plus, due to the inviting subtropical climate, a range of exotic birds – often escaped or released colourful caged birds such as the Monk, Nanday and Roseringed Parakeet, and several others – give Florida an even more tropical vibe. All this, combined with excellent parks, birding trails and the surrounding seas, makes Florida a terrific birding destination.

THE CARIBBEAN

Just off the Florida Keys, there’s a place called… Let’s put on some tunes to get in the mood for some tropical birding. From Florida, we’ll take a quick trip to the islands of the Caribbean archipelago. These tropical oases abound with birds and many have their own special, one-of-a-kind endemics. Endemics are prized among birders, especially the listers, as they are species that exist in only one place and nowhere else in the world. Virtually each island, with its geographical isolation from others in the Caribbean, has their own endemics. Cuba has the Cuban Tody, the Bee Hummingbird and 23 more! Jamaica has the Red-billed Streamertail and 26 additional endemics. The Bahamas have the Bahama Woodstar… and on it goes. These rarities, along with the many other birds of the islands, make for a birder’s paradise wherever you might land.

TEXAS

We’ll make a quick stopover in Texas before heading further south. Texas is a top destination for birders working on their North American life list, as more species of birds are found there than in any other U.S. state (California and Alaska are close seconds, but we’re staying our course south, not west or north). Texas is home to just over 600 species. There are three reasons why Texas has so many birds – location, location, location. Texas is home to eastern Atlantic coastal species, but due to its central location in the U.S., it also attracts a mix of species from north-central and western states, as well as birds from Mexico. Mexican species pay no heed to the

Roseate Spoonbills & Wood Storks

Cuban Tody

Green Jay

PHOTO: NIGEL EVES

PHOTO: ROBIN JOWETT

STORY LYNNE RICHARDSON | PHOTOGRAPHY ALFRED RAAB

border crossing restrictions and regularly fly into Texas. Southern Texas, or the “Texas Tropics,” is a hotspot of subtropical rarities such as Green Jays and Chachalacas. Famous birding destinations in Texas are numerous – High Island, Bolivar Flats, Santa Ana, Laguna Atascosa, Big Bend and Aransas, among other places. For birders, Texas holds many highly sought-after avian specialities, with perhaps the best-known being the Whooping Crane. Once critically endangered and down to only 15 birds, conservation and protection has helped the species replenish to a few hundred. This remains, however, an incredibly low number in population stability terms, and one good hurricane could wipe them out again. So, why wait to see this iconic symbol of endangered species? Go birding in Texas!

The Neotropics

MEXICO

Although Mexico is a little off course with its westerly orientation, its Yucatan Peninsula juts significantly into the Caribbean Sea and is worth a quick stop. The Yucatan is the most bird-rich part of Mexico so this is a fitting place to touch down as we continue our flight south. Mexico is among the top 10 most biodiverse countries in the world, and the birdlife is part of the reason. Here, from your oceanfront eco-tourist lodging, you’ll find flocks of Flamingos in the shallows, Pelicans skimming the waves and magnificent Frigatebirds soaring high overhead. There’s so much more to discover in Mexico, but we are heading for the big bonanza of birding destinations and must get going.

CENTRAL AMERICA

We’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow… Now we’re making our way through the string of small countries that connect North and South America. We’re deep in the tropics now, complete with its jungles, rainforests, cloud forests and birds –beautiful, colourful, amazing birds. Each country more than makes up for its size with an abundance of birds, ever-increasing

in numbers. Belize features around 600 species, Guatemala 700, Honduras and Nicaragua almost 800, Costa Rica about 900, and Panama, the last link to South America, an amazing 1,000 species. Wow!

And such birds! They come in a kaleidoscope of colours – golds, greens and emeralds, crimsons, scarlets and saffrons, azures and violets, olivaceous and ochraceous and more. These are the Euphonias, the Parrots, Manakins, Toucans and Trogons – whole new families of birds unlike anything you’ve seen before. Their colours correlate to latitude – the further south we go, the more colour is infused in the birds’ plumages, attributed partially to the need to be seen in the deep, dark jungles. Their names equally captivate and intrigue – Resplendent Quetzal (perhaps the most beautiful bird in the world), Lovely Cotinga, Shining Honeycreeper. The list goes on.

Take your pick of birding in any of these bird-rich countries, you can’t go wrong.

South America

Give me a tropical (bird) contact high… For the last leg of our journey, we’ll take a transcontinental flight to discover a sampling of South American birds, or, as it’s famously known amongst birders, “the bird continent.” South America hosts more species of birds than any other continent in the world.

COLOMBIA

Take, for example, Colombia, a country roughly the same size as Ontario. Colombia is considered the birdiest country in South America, and arguably, the world! It is home to more than 2,000 species. By comparison, Ontario’s official bird list, according to the Ontario Field Ornithologists, stands at about 300 regularly occurring species. To be fair, there are an additional 200 or so accidentals, strays and vagrants, but these species are only seen once, or less than 10 times over 10 years.

And what about the dizzying diversity of species. The birdiest country in the world has a dazzling 150-plus different

species of hummingbirds alone! Ontario has one member of these iridescent, wee birds – the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. And Tanagers – Ontario has basically one of these beautiful species, the Scarlet Tanager. Colombia has more than 80!

Tropical Treats

Now that’s where you wanna go… Birding takes you to places you would never think of visiting otherwise – from coastal wetlands to towering, tropical cloud forests, through jungle trails and up to mountainside ecolodges. It’s mind-boggling, mind-blowing birding far away from the snow. And you really should go!

But for now, we’ve reached the end of our virtual winter birding vacation. Spring is coming, and the lengthening daylight hours are triggering the migration instinct in our overwintering birds. Soon, they will head north again on another incredible journey. We should get back home to greet them. OH

Resplendent

Quetzal

Red-headed Manakin

Golden Tanager

Saffron-faced Tanager

Blue-winged Mountain Tanager

THE REAL DEAL

STORY RICK SHURMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY

SANDY

MACKAY

Sara and Jaye Johnston believe in community building. Both are enthusiastically involved in their community life, their business life and most notably, their family life.

A wood-burning fireplace anchors the large living room. French doors on either side access the rear garden. The faux brick wall was finished with a German schmear technique, adding another layer of design to the space. Finishing touches were applied by decorator Melissa Vassallo Idiens. OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT & BOTTOM RIGHT:

A deep covered porch at the front of the home offers enough room to sit and enjoy the season, store firewood and hockey sticks.

BOTTOM LEFT: The epic hockey rink is Jaye’s labour of love and has a view at night of the lights at Blue Mountain Resort.

A“At the heart of it,” says Sara, “I am from Iroquois Falls, a small town in northern Ontario where everyone knows each other and are very welcoming.” That fundamental spirit of caring, warmth and hospitality has transferred wonderfully to Sara and Jaye’s life in The Blue Mountains. “Everyone’s a stranger initially, but they shouldn’t be,” adds Jaye.

While the Johnstons were making their way in Toronto, they began frequenting the Collingwood and Blue Mountains area sometime around 2010. It wasn’t long before they concluded that this was the place where they wished to settle and raise a family.

Continued on page 148

Kirill, Daniel, Hunter, Sara and Jaye

PHOTO: SARA JOHNSTON

“In 2013 we began our search for a property that suited us and soon purchased our forever home,” says Jaye. “When we first walked into the chalet, I felt the connection in my bones,” adds Sara. “I loved the quirkiness, the high ceilings, the oversize living room, even the fact that it was literally the same beige colour throughout. I fell in love with the imperfections.”

During the following year, Sara and Jaye exchanged vows and were married in the back yard. They rented the house out for a few years while they were getting things organized to make their way north permanently.

They moved up when son Hunter was born and never looked back. “I commuted for two years until COVID hit, and that led to the ongoing situation of working from home,” remarks Jaye. “That transition of working from here really helped us settle in.”

“I was a stay-at-home mom from 2015,” adds Sara, “with a degree in holistic nutrition and an interest in helping others to find a healthy and natural path.”

Continued on page 151

LEFT: Material panels add softness to a repurposed cabinet in the mudroom. Flagstone flooring is a practical choice in this high-traffic space. ABOVE: In the mudroom, a bench made from recycled wood, has metal hooks above for quick access to coats. BELOW: Frankie, a Poodle/Yorkie mix, has a big, soft bed to relax on after cold winter walks.

“WHEN WE FIRST WALKED INTO THE CHALET, I FELT THE CONNECTION IN MY BONES. I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE IMPERFECTIONS.” –SARA JOHNSTON

LEFT: Matching sheepskin chairs, sourced from FAD Inc., flank the fireplace. Candlesticks on the mantel are from Hunson Homes. TOP LEFT: A golden alligator is poised to snap, but its threat is without substance. MIDDLE: On the coffee table in the living room, a marble bowl from Hunson Homes displays polaroids, adding personal meaning to this tablescape. RIGHT: After the piano was gifted by Sara’s parents, she decided to paint it blue.

LEFT & BELOW: A corner of the living room is Hunter’s space to create Lego projects and display other items that hold special meaning to him. RIGHT: The dining area overlooks the living room. The table was a wedding gift from a friend who used wood from his home. The bench was found at Kettlewells.

OPPOSITE: The crane lamp and the small footed mirror add an element of fun at the foot of the stairs to the second level. The gas fireplace warms the large front foyer.

Sara’s interest and education in health and nutrition introduced her in a picture-perfect manner to a relationship with Press Market, a retail operation that was originally owned by Jaye’s sister. “I had a vision for the business,” says Sara. “When we purchased it, I knew that I wanted it to be an extension of our home and our kitchen, for the community. A place where we prepared and sold healthy products and a place with a vibe where people could feel welcome and be able to talk to the cooks and servers comfortably. Whether you come in with a broken arm or a broken heart, we care and ask how you’re doing.” Her vision and the execution of that plan has been a notable success. The business has moved to a larger, beautifully designed, and impeccably decorated location in Collingwood, much to the delight of Sara and Jaye, as well as their devoted patrons.

Press Market is furnished with many items and ideas curated by Hunson Homes of Clarksburg, also owned and operated by Sara and her business partner Jennifer Skeath. Together they have built an interior home décor business that offers relaxed, cosy furnishings that can transform any space into an inviting and calming surrounding. Sara and Jaye’s home and Press Market showcase what can be achieved with a creative approach, a keen eye and an inclination for a warm and soothing setting. From the faux brick on the walls, the restored, refinished or repurposed furniture, to the quirky accessories, both locations feel embracing and extremely comfortable. Continued on page 153

THIS PAGE: Jaye and Sara remodelled the kitchen with help from Craig Smith. Open shelving follows the line of the shiplap walls and displays everyday items. Appliances were sourced through Leon’s. Food was supplied by Press Market.

Beyond their heartening approach to business, Sara and Jaye’s sensibilities extend to family life as well. They have opened their home to two young men from Ukraine in the last few years, helping them begin a new and fruitful life here in Canada. One is at university in Kingston and the other is currently working in Winnipeg. “They have both become big brothers to Hunter, which is such a gift,” adds Sara. “We are a blended family of five. Three plus two. That’s a lot of love and a lot of moving parts,” Sara adds with a chuckle.

It does not end there. The Johnstons also billet two hockey players from Michigan who are playing for the Collingwood Blues. “Hunter now has two more amazing young men to look up to. They enjoy watching his hockey games, and it makes for a very special kind of homelife,” adds Jaye. “We build a 40 by 60-foot ice rink every winter for the kids and any and all the neighbours to enjoy. It was voted best backyard rink a couple of years back.” A labour of love and a wonderful gathering spot.

BELOW: The office area in the living room has display shelves holding deeply personal mementoes and photos that create a collage of Jaye and Sara’s life. RIGHT: Along with the renovation of the kitchen came the opportunity to add storage and a bar.

In the primary bedroom, the German schmear used in the living room is repeated. A vintage make-up dresser has been given a new look with Annie Sloane paint. A feature wall has board and batten detail and is painted Benjamin Moore Colonial Verdigris. Pink onion faux flowers at the foot of the bed are from Hunson Homes.

Continued on page 156

“I would say I am all over the place, like confetti,” suggests Sara. “From my style to the music I listen to, I don’t have one setting or speed. I like to keep people guessing. I believe I live the real deal life. Natural, wholesome and quirky, I suppose. I like creating and being a part of a story and I also like collecting them. I believe that we should be surrounded by the things that bring us the most joy.”

Not only are Jaye and Sara living “the real deal” life, but they have managed to spread that altruistic understanding to all those they encounter. Their house and their business have truly become the cosy, heartwarming environment they always envisioned. A job done well. OH

LEFT: A cast iron clawfoot tub in the en suite sits under a window that reveals the tree canopy surrounding the home. TOP RIGHT: The hallway on the upper level is a gallery of family photos. The door is painted Benjamin Moore Bubble Gum. New flooring, sourced through Bill Brown Woodworking Building Supplies Ltd., was installed by Craig Smith. BELOW LEFT, MIDDLE & RIGHT: Hunter’s bedroom has access to the upper deck at the front of the home. For this hockey player, flannel sheets have a hockey theme. His sports awards are displayed over his dresser. In the family bathroom an antique pine trough box has been repurposed as a vanity.

TOP

START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT

10 Daily Habits For Your Health

STORY BAILEY FRANKLYN | ILLUSTRATIONS SHEILA BRITTON

The new year always feels like a good time to reflect on your health and decide what’s working, and what’s not. If you’re looking to make small changes that can have a big impact on your physical and mental health, consider some of these daily habits.

You might already be doing some, or most of these, which is great! If you’re starting from scratch, pick one or two habits to focus on at first and build from there.

1. LIMIT SCREEN TIME

Staring at a screen for prolonged periods has no positive effect. Try to find time in your day to step away from the screen and replace it with another activity.

2. GET OUTSIDE

Yes, even in the dead of winter, get outside at least once a day. Sunlight and fresh air benefit your mental and physical health.

3. FIND A NEW HOBBY

Hobbies are a great way to get out of your comfort zone, flex your creative muscles and have fun! Plus, depending on the hobby, you might naturally embrace some of the above habits.

4. DAILY MOVEMENT

Find an activity you enjoy and do it daily. Walking, running, yoga, skiing, pickleball – it doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you find something that prevents you from having a completely sedentary day.

5. HYDRATE WITH WATER

Your body is 50 to 60 per cent water, making it the fluid of choice when you’re thirsty. If you find water boring, try adding a sugarfree flavouring or infuse it with fruit. If you forget to drink during the day, try setting reminders. And invest in a water bottle to carry with you when you’re at work or on the go.

6. INCREASE YOUR FIBRE

If there is one nutrient to focus on in 2025, it’s fibre. Most people don’t get enough in their diet, and fibre does much more than keep us regular. It keeps us feeling full and supports blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Try to add a fibre-rich food at every meal and snack.

8. EAT BREAKFAST AND REGULAR MEALS

We’ve all heard the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but honestly, there is some truth to it. Breakfast, especially one that’s protein-rich can keep you feeling full longer, help control your appetite during the day and reduce cravings. Breakfast is important, but don’t forget about other meals and snacks. Try not to go longer than four to six hours without eating.

9. PRIORITIZE SLEEP

Getting enough quality sleep is highly underrated. Poor sleep, even if it’s shortterm, can impact our immune system, food choices and overall health. For adults, 7-9 hours is suggested. Try to create an evening routine and sleeping environment that will promote good sleep.

10. CREATE A MORNING ROUTINE

7. PLAN AND PREP MEALS

Planning meals doesn’t have to take hours, but it can save you hours during the week. Plus, meal planning and prepping can help you make healthier food choices.

Set some time aside for yourself each morning to mentally prepare for the day. It might be journaling, stretching, reading or simply sitting in silence drinking your coffee. OH

Bailey Franklyn is a culinary Registered Dietitian who lives in Meaford.

OUR HOMES attracts the area’s finest businesses to advertise in our pages, and utilize our unparalleled distribution and coffee-table appeal to market their products and services. We’re making it easier for you, our readers, to become educated as you plan your home- and real estaterelated purchasing decisions. View these business ads online at ourhomes.ca. The listings below are organized alphabetically by industry.

ACCOMMODATIONS/LODGING/ RENTALS

Sauble Cottage Rentals, 138, 165

APPLIANCES

Chatterson’s Furniture & Appliances, 5

Macdonald’s Brandsource, 65

Mid-Ontario Appliance Installations (MOAI), 103

Tom The Dreamer Mattresses & Appliances, 22

ARCHITECTS/ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN/ ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGISTS/ DRAFTSMEN & DESIGN

Abbott Design, 81

Partii Design, 32

ART/ARTISANS/ART GALLERIES/ STUDIOS/WORKSHOPS

Beyond Framing, 69

Two Crows, 69

AUDIO VIDEO/HOME AUTOMATION/ ELECTRONICS/SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY

Red Brick Group, 81

BABY/TODDLER ACCESSORIES/TOYS

Wild Baby, 91

BATH & BEAUTY/AESTHETICS/ HAIR/SPA

Bishop Consignment, 103

BBQS/GRILLS

Napoleon Home Comfort, 67

BEDS & BEDDING/MATTRESSES/ SLEEP PRODUCTS

Tom The Dreamer Mattresses & Appliances, 22

BUILDERS

Absolute Craftsmen Ltd., 13

Alair Homes, 105

Avrame Canada, 113

Blake Farrow Group, 31

Bob Armstrong Construction, 33

Coulter Dawe and Asssociates, 14

Dutch Quality Contracting, 159

Evolution Custom Building, 37

Good Little Builders Inc., 93, 140

Great Lakes Custom Homes, 145

L. Patten & Sons Ltd., 24 Legendary Group, 22

Mazenga Building Group Ltd., 47

McLean Contracting, 29

Peak Living, 117

Pineridge Log & Timber Frame, 11 Rycon, 129

Scot-Build, 18

Valleyview Construction, 83

BUILDING/LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

13forty Landscape Supplies, 163

Knights’ Home Building Centre, 155

Moggie Valley Timber Inc., 165

CABINETS & MILLWORK/CARPENTRY/ FINE WOODWORKING/CUSTOM FURNITURE

Corinthian Kitchen & Bath Studio, 47

Georgian Bay Cabinetry, 131

Great Lakes Woodworking Elmwood, 141 Home Options Made Easy, 133 Log Furniture & More, 91

CLEANING

Molly Maid, 141

Mountain Cleaning Corporation, 159

CLOTHING/FASHION/FOOTWEAR/ JEWELRY/LUGGAGE & LEATHER GOODS

Two Crows, 69 Wild Baby, 91

CONSIGNMENT

Bishop Consignment, 103

Loved You Madly, 26

COUNTERTOPS

City Stone, 18

Di Pietra Design, 49

CUSTOM FRAMING

Beyond Framing, 69

Georgian Frame Gallery, 63

DENTISTRY

Georgian Bay Dental Hygiene, 97

ELECTRICAL

Clearlite Electrical, 155

Red Apple Electric, 95

EXCAVATING/SITE PREP/SEPTIC

Clearlite Excavating & Haulage, 157

Dale Ottewell Construction & Logging Ltd, 140, 143

Mulch-It / Silo Outdoor Products, 109

EXTERIOR FINISHES/IMPROVEMENTS

Ceci Siding and Exterior Renovations, 165

FIREPLACES & STOVES/ACCESSORIES

Bakwoods Fireplaces & Heating, 23

Chantico Fireplace Gallery, 15

FLOORING

Deans Carpet One Floor & Home, 109

Georgian Design Centre, 34

Knights’ Home Building Centre, 155

Moggie Valley Timber Inc., 165

North Shore Ltd., 63

FOOD & DRINK/RESTAURANTS/ CATERING/DELI

Katherine’s Château, 111

FURNITURE & HOME DÉCOR/ ACCENTS/GIFTS/COLLECTIBLES

C & G Solid Wood Furniture, 63

Chatterson’s Furniture & Appliances, 5

Clerkson’s Home Store, 107

Dovetail Interiors Design Inc., 93

Eden House, 91

FAD Inc. (Farrow Arcaro Design), 21

Gillian & Co. Interior Design Inc., 19

Handstone Furniture, 10

Hunson Homes, 69

JAM, 32

JS Design House, 155

Katherine’s Château, 111

Lagom Design Shop, 43

Le Pooch Boutique, 111

Loved You Madly, 26

Macdonald’s Brandsource, 65

Maggie + Dix, 93

The Chesterfield Shop, 87

Two Crows, 69

Van Allan Design Centre, 83

GARDEN CENTRES/GREENHOUSES/ NURSERIES

Maxwell Garden Center, 97

GEOTHERMAL

Sandy Hamilton Plumbing & Heating, 139

GLASS/MIRROR & DESIGN/GLASS WALLS

North Shore Ltd., 63

HEATING & COOLING

Napoleon Home Comfort, 67

Sandy Hamilton Plumbing & Heating, 139

HOME IMPROVEMENTS/RENOVATIONS

Ametrine Corp, 141

Calvert Contracting, 67, 138

Ceci Siding and Exterior Renovations, 165

Dutch Quality Contracting, 159

Good Little Builders Inc., 93, 140

OUR HOMES is committed to ensuring the businesses below appear under the correct headings. To make a correction, or to have your business listed under more than one heading, please email simone.steriorisk@ourhomes.ca. To have your business listed in our Home Resource Directory, call us to advertise at 705.888.1959.

Great Lakes Custom Homes, 145

Johnson Log Home Restorations, 141

Peak Living, 117

Ready Pine, 97

Renovate Inc., 85

Rycon, 129

Scot-Build, 18

UC Contracting, 111

HOME SECURITY

Red Brick Group, 81

INTERIOR DECORATING/INTERIOR DESIGN/HOME STAGING

Collective House Design Inc., 41

Design Democracy, 63, 138

Designs by Andrea, 95

Dovetail Interiors Design Inc., 93

Eden House, 91

FAD Inc. (Farrow Arcaro Design), 21

Gillian & Co. Interior Design Inc., 19

Homemate, 24

Hunson Homes, 69

Joyful Homes, 41

JS Design House, 155

Lagom Design Shop, 43

Partii Design, 32

The Interior Atelier Inc., 69

Van Allan Design Centre, 83

West River Design, 43

KITCHEN & BATH

Aeon Kitchens & Design, 139

Corinthian Kitchen & Bath Studio, 47

Georgian Design Centre, 34

Great Lakes Woodworking Elmwood, 141

Home Options Made Easy, 133

Knights’ Home Building Centre, 155

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE/ LANDSCAPING/LAWN & GARDEN

Beaver Valley Rocksolid Landscapes, 8

Calvert Contracting, 67, 138

Clarke’s Tree Spade Services, 139

Garden Holistics Inc., 49

Oasis North Landscapes, 14

Outdoor Reflections, 53

Pines Landscaping, 145

Retreat Landscape Design, 51

The Landmark Group, 2

Williams Outdoors Inc., 105

Zeng Landscaping, 36

LIGHTING

Georgian Design Centre, 34

Van Allan Design Centre, 83

MACHINERY/SMALL EQUIPMENT/ FARM SUPPLIES

Maple Lane Farm Service, 157

MOVING & STORAGE

John Thompson Movers, 141

NEW HOME COMMUNITIES

Craighurst Crossing, 119

Victoria Annex, 25

Windfall, 101

ORGANIZATION/STORAGE

Homemate, 24

Joyful Homes, 41

OUTDOOR FURNITURE/STRUCTURES

Casualife Outdoor Living, 3, 138

Maxwell Garden Center, 97

Mulch-It / Silo Outdoor Products, 109

PAINTING & DECORATING

Beach Houze Paint & Design Studio, 20

Benjamin Moore, 20

Birch & Benjamin, 20

BTR Painting, 157

Knights’ Home Building Centre, 155

Lagom Design Shop, 43

Robinson’s Paint & Wallpaper, 20

Sherwin-Williams, 140

Stayner Home Hardware, 20

PAVING/CEMENT/CONCRETE/ INTERLOCK

Extreme Linings and Coatings, 143

Road Readie Paving, 159

PEST CONTROL

Environmental Pest Control, 141

PET SERVICES/FOOD & SUPPLIES/ TRAINING

Le Pooch Boutique, 111

PLUMBING

Sandy Hamilton Plumbing & Heating, 139

POOLS/HOT TUBS/SAUNAS/SPAS

Thornbury Clear Choice Pools & Spas, 163

REAL ESTATE

Bosley Real Estate – Justin Bock, 93, 140

Chestnut Park, 27

Chestnut Park – The Picot Team, 12 Engel & Völkers – McGregor Hahne Group, 35

Lifestyles North – Steve Simon, Marla Simon, 172

RE/MAX Four Seasons Realty Limited –Darice Lush, 129

RE/MAX Four Seasons Realty Limited –Riopelle-Veer Group, 171

Royal LePage Locations North Realty, 6, 95, 169

Royal LePage Locations North Realty –Jane Moysey, 45

Royal LePage Locations North Realty –Janet Piotrowski, 107

Royal LePage Locations North Realty –Holly Stone, 41

Sotheby’s Realty – Rioux/Baker/Davies Team, 16, 17

ROOFING

Ridgeway Metal Forming Inc., 135

SPECIAL EVENTS

Barrie Home & Lifestyle Show – OUR HOMES Productions, 134

Muskoka Cottage Show – OUR HOMES Productions, 134

Southern Georgian Bay Home & Lifestyle Show – OUR HOMES Productions, 134

STAIRS/RAILINGS

Barrie Trim & Mouldings, 97

TILE

Di Pietra Design, 49

TRAIL BUILDING

Mulch-It / Silo Outdoor Products, 109

TRIM/MOULDING/CASING

Barrie Trim & Mouldings, 7

WATER TREATMENT/FILTRATION

The Water Store, 85

WINDOW CLEANING

Millennium Window Cleaning, 103

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Ashtons Blinds.Draperies.Shutters, 91 Deans Carpet One Floor & Home, 109

WINDOWS & DOORS

Barrie Trim & Mouldings, 7

Cedarport Window & Door Centre Inc., 4 Knights’ Home Building Centre, 155

Marvin Windows & Doors Canada, 9 North Shore Ltd., 63

WOOD REFINISHING/RESTORATION

Johnson Log Home Restorations, 141

cooking at home

Chocolate Hazelnut TART

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY JENELLE MCCULLOCH

THIS CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT TART COMBINES A CRISP, NUTTY CRUST WITH A LUSCIOUS CHOCOLATE GANACHE FILLING, ALL TOPPED WITH TOASTED HAZELNUTS. THIS DESSERT IS PERFECT FOR COSY GATHERINGS OR A SPECIAL TREAT ON A COLD EVENING.

Ingredients

HAZELNUT CRUST

1 cup chopped unsalted hazelnuts, toasted

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 Tbsp sugar

½ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

3 Tbsp ice water

FILLING

12 oz chocolate (I used a mix of milk and dark chocolate)

1 cup heavy cream

¼ cup butter

Instructions

PREPARE THE CRUST

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

Toast hazelnuts in a pan on the stovetop.

Using a food processor, add ¾ cup of toasted hazelnuts, flour, sugar and salt. Pulse together until reaching the consistency of coarse meal.

Add cubes of cold butter and pulse until mixture turns into pea-sized crumbs.

Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, slowly stir in ice water. Add only enough water to bring the dough together.

Using floured fingers or the bottom of a flat and lightly floured measuring cup, press the dough evenly into a 9-inch tart pan.

Bake with pie weights for 18-20 minutes.

Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to slightly cool as you prepare the filling.

PREPARE THE FILLING

Roughly chop the chocolate and place in a medium heatproof bowl.

In a pan, heat heavy cream and butter on medium heat until steaming.

Carefully pour cream and butter mixture over the chocolate. Stir to melt.

ASSEMBLE THE TART

Pour chocolate filling into the tart shell and smooth the top of the tart.

Decorate with leftover chopped hazelnuts (optional).

Let cool in the fridge for 1-2 hours, until firm. OH

At home with IAN CUSSON

Distinguished musical composer Ian Cusson spent his childhood on his grandfather’s maple sugar farm just outside Penetanguishene. A member of the Georgian Bay Métis community on his mother’s side, Ian says the musical “impulse” actually came from his father’s Quebec roots. His grandfather’s half-brother Gabriel Cusson was a composer and educator.

“I am fiercely proud of who I am and who I come from,” Ian says. Ian studied piano at the Glenn Gould School where he met his wife Aidan Cusson, principal of interior design firm Design Democracy. Ian and Aidan have four children and recently moved to the Collingwood area. Ian was an inaugural Carrefour Composer-in-Residence with the National Arts Centre Orchestra for 2017-2019 and Composer-in-Residence for the Canadian Opera Company for 2019-2021. He’s won several awards and is an Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Centre and a member of the Canadian League of Composers. We met Ian at his beautiful new family home to discuss life’s blessings.

OUR HOMES: What are you working on right now?

Ian Cusson: I have just begun a large project, a grand opera for the Canadian Opera Company and the National Arts Centre, called Empire of Wild based on the novel by Cherie Dimaline.

OH: How does where you come from inform your work?

IC: For me, identity and place are inextricably linked. Coming from a small town, and also having lived in major cities including Tokyo and Toronto, the music that I make comes from all the threads of my experience. One of the greatest joys I have as a composer is telling stories through music that bring to life the sights, sounds and people of the community that I come from.

OH: I read this quote from you: “I hope to live in a peaceable way, with integrity, openness, and with accountability to my community.” Why is it important to be accountable to your community?

IC: I’m a big believer that connection to community is critical for human flourishing. The very act of being alive means being in relationship with all that is around us. The value of accountability is especially stressed within Indigenous communities. To all the communities that I am part of or get to work in, I have a responsibility to walk well, model integrity, and be open to perspectives outside of my own. This is something that was taught to me at an early age and that I hold onto with great importance.

OH: Tell me about growing up Métis in Penetanguishene.

IC: Growing up as part of the “halfbreed” community in and around Penetanguishene made for quite the childhood. Some of my fondest memories are being with my cousins and aunts and

Maddie, Elijah, Ella, Emmett, Aidan and Ian Cusson with their dog Teddy.

uncles around the giant kitchen table in my grandparents’ home eating cookies and drinking tea, or harvesting sugar water with my grandfather and uncles, or listening to stories about the land and our ancestors. Music, of course, is part of all of this. That I get to be part of telling stories from the Georgian Bay Métis community in my work and bringing those stories to national and international audiences is one of the things I am most proud of.

OH: How did you meet your wife Aidan Cusson?

IC: We met in an English diction class at the Glenn Gould School in

Toronto. She was a singer (before she was an interior designer) and I was a pianist. We became fast friends, and then one day she asked if I could be her accompanist, which meant spending hours together. The rest is history!

OH: You have four children and recently moved to the Collingwood area. Why Collingwood?

IC: While we loved the quaintness and beauty of Oakville and its proximity to Toronto, our move to Collingwood has been something of a breath of fresh air. Growing up just around the Bay, this town has held a special place in my heart

since I was a child. Now as an adult, I am fully able to enjoy the town’s boutique amenities and the thriving multi-season industries and activities. On top of that, we are closer to my family than we have been in 25 years. It is really a perfect place. There is nothing quite like driving home from the city, past farmers’ fields, the Blue Mountains on the horizon, and feeling that unmistakable rush of coming home to our little corner of paradise.

OH: How did you find your home and why did you buy it?

IC: We came across a listing for the home online. It was a Sunday morning, and by the afternoon we were seeing the place in person. The same evening we put an offer of purchase in on the home. It was love at first sight. The house is newly built, spacious and on two acres surrounded by fields. It was enough of a blank canvas for my wife Aidan to make it our own. Living in aesthetically beautiful spaces is one of the perks of being married to an interior designer.

OH: What is the best part of Aidan’s redesign?

IC: My favourite part of the redesign is how Aidan managed to make sense of the great room. At 30 by 19-feet and with 20-foot ceilings, the space was an enormous box when we moved in, with a wall of windows, a fireplace and a chandelier that was straight from the ballroom scene of Beauty and the Beast. The first thing she designed was an entire wall of custom millwork, which grounded the room and provided a place to display our art. We can adjust the mood of the room based on what is currently on display. On the long wall, opposite the windows, she added moulding for visual interest and to further define the space. My jaw drops every time I step into this magical space. Instead of it being austere

and imposing, it is stylish and comfortable, even with its aweinspiring dimensions.

OH: How do you spend your down time in Southern Georgian Bay?

IC: We are big fans of the farmers’ markets, strolling the main street, poking into shops and relaxing by the waterfront. But most of the time, we stay home and indulge in the views around us – the open sky across the field is better than any piece of art.

OH: Favourite restaurants?

IC: We had a great anniversary meal at The Tremont Cafe back in December. The food and drink were delicious, and the aesthetics – indeed the whole vibe of the place – made for a wonderfully romantic evening out. Collingwood has a wealth of amazing eateries, and we can’t wait to try them all.

OH: Any local shopping gems that you’ve discovered?

IC: I’ve been super impressed by the number and quality of the local artisans. I just picked up some fantastic coasters from Margaret Cora. We also love the local design shops: The Nest and White Hill Home are must stops anytime we are downtown. And the newly opened Nottawa Cottage Bookstore is a new favourite. There’s nothing better than grabbing a coffee from the Nottawa General Café and popping into the bookstore to pick up an interesting read. I am an absolute bibliophile and it is an endless source of temptation! OH

WITH YOUR HELP AND GENEROSITY, WE WERE ABLE TO DONATE $40,815 TO THE ROYAL LEPAGE SHELTER FOUNDATION AND OTHER LOCAL CHARITIES!

SPONSORS

Holly Stone

Jenny Beattie

Karen Willison

DESIGNERS

Mia Hacking

The Interior Atelier

The Nest

Melissa Vassallo Idiens

Hunson Homes

Dovetail Interiors

Bradford Greenhouses

Jessica Hobson

Jessica Hobson Event Artistry

Aidan Cusson

Design Democracy

Patrick Egan & Vivienne Bent AD GENEROUSLY DONATED BY

Stone Project MGMT

Georgian Blue Group

DONATIONS:

Duntroon Highlands Nordic

Ed Christie's

Trish Duncan

Dee's Delights

The Candy Factory

Living Waters Spa

Loved You Madly

Happi (aka Julia Wood)

Kimberly Brent & Sandy Salazar from Scentsy

Sidelaunch Brewing Company

Home Depot Collingwood

Jason Booth Photography

Ian Hawkins

Desmond von Teichman

1. KLIPPAN: Birka Throws 2. MACAUSLAND’S WOOLEN MILLS: Navy Blue with Natural White Striped Blanket 3. PENDLETON: Chief Joseph Jacquard Blanket – Chief Joseph Rosewood 4. KLIPPAN: Lima Throw in Sand 5. MADE IN CANADA GIFTS: First Nations Throw Blanket –Spirit Sky 6. KLIPPAN: Twist in Ivory 7. KANATA: Cottage Plaid Cabin Throw 8. POKOLOKO: Large Check Alpaca Blanket 9. HBC: Multistripe Point Blanket 10. KLIPPAN: Tartan in Dark Grey 11. PENDLETON: The College Fund Jacquard Robe Drum Keepers 12. KLIPPAN: Sarek Multi 13. MADE IN CANADA GIFTS: First Nations Throw Blanket – Sacred Fire 14. KLIPPAN: Hampus in Grey/Avocado 15. KLIPPAN: Moose in Grey 16. KANATA: Capri Fringed Throw 17. KLIPPAN: Arrow in Multi OH