SPRING 2025 - PARRY SOUND|MUSKOKA|HUNTSVILLE|HALIBURTON
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
1042 TRUSCOTT PLACE, LAKE OF BAYS | $2,625,000 | SOLD
This gorgeous 2,700 sqft home on 5+ acres has unsurpassed quality construction. The radiant heat flows through this open loft interior offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a guest suite, open plan kitchen and great room with vaulted ceilings and wall of windows. The main floor primary bedroom with lakeside walkout features a luxurious ensuite and sauna. Truly a special home in a wonderful natural setting.
26 CURLING ROAD, BRACEBRIDGE | $1,595,000
This stunning home is situated on the South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club’s picturesque course, offering breathtaking views and an idyllic lifestyle. Recent upgrades include a new kitchen with modern countertops, new lighting, and fresh flooring in the mudroom, kitchen, and laundry areas. The home boasts 7 generous-sized bedrooms, 3 full baths and a powder room, offering ample space for family and guests.
24 HOMESTEAD LANE E, HUNTSVILLE | $999,000
Welcome to your sanctuary in the sought-after Settlers Ridge subdivision, where comfort meets elegance. This enchanting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits gracefully on a larger lot, providing a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature’s beauty. As you approach this lovely residence, you’ll be captivated by its inviting curb appeal. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed interior filled with natural light, where spacious rooms create an ambiance of warmth and welcome.
1111 MAPLEHURST DRIVE, HUNTSVILLE | $1,795,000
The main level of this charming 3 bedroom cottage features a kid-friendly bedroom with double bunk beds, a cozy sitting area, a play space, and a screened porch for enjoying the fresh air. The upper level offers two additional bedrooms and an openconcept kitchen, living, and dining area. The property boasts an impressive 120 feet of waterfront on Peninsula Lake, featuring a gentle entry for easy access to the water.
359 BRUNEL ROAD, HUNTSVILLE | $1,295,000 | SOLD
This substantial home offers a range of impressive features perfect for comfortable living. With 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a large rec room with a snooker table and inviting indoor hot tub room, there’s plenty of space for everyone. The open concept living, kitchen, and dining areas provide a seamless flow throughout the home, with stunning views of the backyard from the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
727 GRANDVIEW DRIVE, UNIT #002, HUNTSVILLE | $895,000
Nestled on the original Grandview Resort property, this coveted location boasts 600 feet of stunning shoreline, complete with a sandy beach, infinity pool, and bar, as well as inviting fire pit areas and available boat slips. The exceptional amenities include a spectacular rooftop offering breathtaking views of Fairy Lake, a state-of-the-art gym, and a stylish party room. The condo is a one bedroom plus den, with an open bright kitchen, living, dining, and large primary bedroom with an ensuite and walk-in closet.
Your
Canadian Seating Experts Since 1948
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For Those Who Love Undisturbed Natural Beauty.
Sophisticated, modern and minimal. CLEARRAIL is the perfect alternative to traditional railing, allowing you to enjoy your environment. Delight in the beauty of the natural world without the intrusion of traditional wooden or metal railing. Constructed from premium quality 1/2” (12mm) clear tempered glass and stainless-steel hardware, CLEARRAIL can provide safety, security, controlled access, and wind-protection while at the same time allowing you an unhindered view of the world around you.
CRAFTSMANSHIP AT ITS FINEST
At Montgomery Carpentry, we specialize in high-end, custom carpentry, creating one-of-a-kind pieces and detailed finishes that elevate any space.
From unique fireplace mantels to small structure builds, our expert craftsmanship ensures precision and quality in every project.
With a passion for detail and a commitment to excellence, we transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary works of art.
Choose Montgomery Carpentry for unique, timeless creations that are built to last.
Where Precision Meets Perfection
REGIONAL PUBLISHERS Jamie Jefferson Georgette McCulloch
OUR HOMES is a registered trademark of OUR HOMES MEDIA GROUP INC. OUR HOMES Muskoka is published four times a year.
OUR HOMES is distributed free to residents of Muskoka region via precision targeted neighbourhood mail and to cottagers via direct mail. Copies of OUR HOMES are available for free pick up at high traffic locations throughout the region. OUR HOMES is distributed throughout select resorts and hotels, and to select business leaders via direct mail.
Please send all letters and/or feedback to OUR HOMES Magazine, 25 Elgin St., Collingwood, ON L9Y 3L6. Or email us at editor@ourhomes.ca. All letters received are subject to editing for grammar and length.
OUR HOMES MEDIA GROUP INC:
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Georgette McCulloch
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Lori Davis, Walter Franczyk
DIGITAL EDITOR Tracey Paul
MANAGING EDITORS Renee Alkass, Walter Franczyk, Donna Luangmany, Sara Martin, Drew Beth Noble, Brianne Smith, Megan Smith-Harris, Gabrielle Tieman-Lee, Janet White Bardwell
ART
ART DIRECTOR
Tara Chattell
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTORS
Sheila Britton, Robynne Sangiuliano
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Jason Hartog
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Lynn Derrick
PRODUCTION MANAGERS Julia Dempsey, Kelly Donaldson, Tracy Shuttleworth
OPERATIONS
MANAGING DIRECTOR, SALES & MARKETING Jamie Jefferson jamie.jefferson@ourhomes.ca
MANAGING DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Georgette McCulloch
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE & DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION Lisa Ormsby
ACCOUNTING Tyler Annette
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Taeler Johnstone
CONTRIBUTORS
Larry Arnal, Sheila Britton, Tara Chattell, Dale Darcy, Lori Davis, Lucie Desjardins, Walter Franczyk, Bailey Franklyn, Kristyn Gerth, Sabrina Groomes, Nicole Hilton, Nat Kay, Rob Kearns, Sandy MacKay, Sara Martin, Teresa Matamoros, Phil Mathies, Georgette McCulloch, Jenelle McCulloch, Tamarisk McNalty Stephens, Lynne Richardson, Michelle Robertson, Lindsay Thornton, Rob Wray
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
BUILT FOR A LIFETIME
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TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU:
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Visit us today & let us help you make your next project last a lifetime!
A
A WINTRY VISIT TO A MUSKOKA WOOD SHOP
reminded me of a homeowner who shares one of my quirks.
“I hate throwing away any wood,” is how Rob puts it. He and his wife Amber renovated a 116-year-old, red brick home in Lindsay. It was their fourth home restoration and they are experts at repurposing and up-cycling building materials, second-hand wooden furniture and other items found on websites and in thrift stores. Rob did much of the carpentry, built a dining room table of ash and some beautiful shelving, all the while stowing leftover wood for future projects.
I too squirrel away bits of wood that are too potentially useful to discard. In the basement and garden, I keep live-edge walnut slabs and boards that my brother Ted gave me. I’ve cached elm flooring, salvaged from a cottage construction, and three-quarter-inch oak, tongue-and-groove floorboards that neighbours discarded when they sold their home.
I used elm to build stereo shelving and bookcases until we couldn’t use any more bookshelves. I glued the oak flooring into flat slabs and built tables until my wife Lori ruled we had no more room or any need for more tables. I briefly switched to oak shelving, but still have hardwood chunks left for birdhouses and feeders.
While functional and fun, my woodworking projects are just slightly better than primitive. They don’t compare to the craft practised by Ian Daines and Lindsay Edwards in a country workshop near Bracebridge. Operating as Master Furniture Inc., they repair and restore treasured antiques and furniture. “I’m really good at taking things apart, putting things back together and making it look like it never happened,” says Lindsay. She has made an art of reproducing vintage colours and stains. Brimming with well-worn hand tools, their workbenches look like something out of a past century. And they are. See some of their work in our People & Places feature, starting on page 96.
Managing Editor
Discarded hardwood flooring gets a new lease on life.
WALTER
Be
SPRING COTTAGE LIFE SHOW
MARCH 20-23, 2025
The International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga
Thursday, March 20: 12pm – 6pm • Friday, March 21: 10am – 8pm
Saturday, March 22: 9am – 7pm • Sunday, March 23: 10am – 5pm
We are a full-service medical spa with offerings that are individualized to each patient’s specific needs and desires.
If you wish to enhance your best features, the expertise and artistry at Georgian Medical Aesthetics will help you feel comfortable and confident with your look.
The clinic offers injectables, medical skin care, and advanced technologies for adults of all ages, genders, and skin types. Drs Anderson and Gibson take a hands-on approach to provide safe and precise treatment plans with outstanding results.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
• Melasma
• Rosacea
• Acne & acne scarring
• Hyperhydrosis
• Headaches
• TMJ pain
• Joint pain related to osteoarthritis
• Hair loss
• Hirsutism
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
• Cosmetic injectables
• Medical grade facials
• Chemical peels
• Facial rejuvenation with non-ablative laser
• DyeVL (IPL)
• Bela MD facial treatment
• Microneedling
• PRP (platelet rich plasma) & exosomes
• Hair restoration
• Laser hair removal
Dr. Alethea Anderson
Dr. Katie Gibson
New patients welcome. Skin health consultations with a physician are always complimentary.
112 50 40
LOCAL FEATURES
36 Style Picks Cuddly and cute, artful and practical, a lively selection of locally-sourced products offers interesting shopping.
50 Feature Home Cottagers fashion the ultimate in comfort and elegance at their intimate lake house.
74 Spotlight Port Carling’s go-to store, Brown’s Appliances makes the selection of appliances and cookware easy and enjoyable.
80 Feature Home A well-planned reno creates a Lake of Bays getaway with plenty of space for a growing family.
96 People & Places The right expertise makes every home or cottage challenge seem easy.
112 Home & Builder Haliburton newlyweds waste no time building their new mountain-top home.
126 Spotlight When building, renovating or planning a project, Home Building Centre Gravenhurst has it all.
134 Feature Home Authenticity and nostalgia reign on this beloved Kahshe Lake island.
A Discovery Dream Home by D&K Contracting perched high above Haliburton. Story, page 112. Photography by Sandy MacKay.
DEPARTMENTS
26 Editor’s Note
34 Advice Smart Renovations
40 Good Taste Grapefruit Soda
42 Entertaining Botanical Bar
46 Decorating 2025 Paint Colours
62 Gardening Choosing Trees
66 Healthy Living Habits To Embrace
70 Decorating Welcoming Guests
76 Double Take Dining Nook
92 Decorating Citrus Décor
104 Around The House Kids’ Chores
106 Birding Nest Building
108 Crafty Ideas Garden Markers
124 In The Kitchen Deep Clean
130 Design Ideas Staying Neutral
146 Cooking At Home Greek Meatballs
150 Home Resource Directory
152 Finishing Touch Pantone's Mocha Mousse
We design homes, cottages, boathouses, and garages that blend seamlessly with nature while enhancing your lifestyle. Every project balances beauty, function, and sustainability—built to last for generations.
With cutting-edge 3D rendering and virtual walkthroughs, you can explore and refine your space before construction begins, bringing your vision to life with confidence.
Our collaborative approach ensures every detail
Corbin Patten Designs
reflects your style and the way you live. Whether it’s a lakefront retreat or a timeless cottage, we design with light, efficiency, and comfort in mind.
By integrating smart design, sustainable materials, and advanced visualization tools, we bring your project together—creating spaces that elevate your lifestyle and inspire lasting memories.
Let’s create something extraordinary together.
TIME TO RENOVATE?
Designer Tamarisk McNalty Stephens shares her ideas.
There are many factors to consider when embarking on a renovation project – outdated style is not at the top of the list!
DETERIORATION
Like the human body, our homes need constant care and maintenance to keep them in good condition. The age of a house can impact the performance of behindthe-scenes systems, which may require some attention or an upgrade to perform their best. Or perhaps you fell in love with a property, but the house was a fixer-upper with sure signs of wear. Or there may be mould that needs remediation. Structural and safety elements, mechanical systems and building envelope upgrades (i.e. sufficient insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors and a solid, waterproof roof) should take priority over cosmetic improvements.
VALUE
Understand the resale value of homes in your area to ensure an investment in your property makes financial sense. Even if you love the location and intend to stay longterm, there are always extenuating life circumstances, and you don’t want to be upside down should you have to sell. Depending on the scope of the renovation, it might make more sense to move into a new home that checks more boxes than your existing one – and you can also sidestep the stress and expense of a renovation.
FUNCTIONALITY
When moving into a new home, it can be tempting to renovate right away; however, remember that renovating is much more involved than refreshing a space with a few coats of paint. There are small-scale updates you can do in the short term so your home reflects your style without committing to a full renovation. Allowing yourself to live in a home as-is (layout-wise) for a while allows you to discover what works and what doesn’t. You will see where the sun hits at different times of the year and people’s favourite spots to sit and congregate. You will learn whether the mudroom functions well, the laundry room can handle the load, the dining room can accommodate your guests, a fireplace enhances the ambience or if that huge tub warrants the square footage it occupies. Taking your time provides the opportunity to determine your priorities. You can create a solid plan (with limited regrets!) when ready to hit go on your big renovation.
AFFORDABILITY
A renovation will likely cost more than you anticipate. It is very challenging for a contractor to provide an accurate estimate at the outset because there are always unforeseen circumstances in a renovation. Therefore, you should always add a contingency to your budget. Avoid the stress of being stretched beyond your means by ensuring you have the financial ability to fund the project.
STYLE
Aesthetic preferences are personal. Living in a home that does not reflect your taste, personality and life experiences doesn’t feel great. When determining your style, don’t neglect to consider the surrounding site and landscape and the home’s architectural integrity so the finished project is a cohesive package.
A full-scale renovation is very involved and can include anything from re-configuring the layout, adding an addition, upgrading structural elements, new mechanical systems, changing out materials, finishes and fixtures and installing new millwork, furniture, window coverings, area rugs, art, etc. There are many things to consider – know when to hire professionals. A solid team adds insurance to your investment and offers the experience and expertise to help you through the process. OH
Transform your living space with bespoke elegance, courtesy of our custom cabinet creations. At K7 Millwork Group, we pride ourselves on crafting timeless pieces that seamlessly blend functionality with exquisite design. Whether you’re seeking a custom home millwork package, doing a renovation, or just looking for a single custom piece, our skilled craftsmen are dedicated to bringing your vision to life. With an array of premium materials and finishes to choose from, each cabinet is meticulously tailored to suit your unique style and space requirements. Experience the epitome of craftsmanship and elevate your home’s aesthetic with K7 Millwork Group.
*ShowroomVisitsByAppointmentOnly
Springtime SELECTIONS
PHOTOGRAPHY WALTER FRANCZYK
1 THE OLD PALMER HOUSE
Metal Moose
Many people travel to Algonquin Park to look at the moose and wind up their trip searching for mementos. Built in 1870, The Old Palmer House carries all kinds of moose memorabilia, including mitts and mugs, pillows and rugs, stuffies, napkins and matches. This 20-inch high aluminum moose can happily hang over the fireplace or on any interior or exterior wall.
2827 Hwy. 60, Dwight 705.788.4930 I oldpalmerhouse.com
2 RAILS END GALLERY & ARTS CENTRE
Cherry Table
Cut and milled by Martin Sisson of West Guilford, this live-edge cherry table, 46-inches long and 20-inches wide, is mounted on a steel base. It stands 17-inches high. The maple and walnut lidded bowl and wooden plate were crafted by custom woodworker Noeline Noronha.
23 York St., Haliburton 705.457.2330 I railsendgallery.com
3 LIVING LIGHTING PARRY SOUND
Chandelier
Made by Currey & Company, this wrought iron Quillian chandelier with a textured finish was modelled on candelabras in old British castles. About 30-inches wide, it hangs from adjustable chains. It suits a kitchen, dining space, living room or large primary bedroom.
6 Designers Lane, Parry Sound 705.746.8686 I northernlivingkitchenandbath.ca
4 MUSKOKA ARTS & CRAFTS
Wall Art
Paintings from the Muskoka Arts & Crafts Square Foot Exhibition include the work of a variety of local artists such as All That Glitters, a summery oil painting by Gretchen Jeens. The 12 by 12-inch paintings are among many original artworks on display and for sale at the MAC On Main gallery in downtown Bracebridge.
63 Manitoba St., Bracebridge 705.645.5501 I muskokaartsandcrafts.com
30 Howland Dr., Unit 1, Huntsville 705.789.0448 I thecuttersedge.com Continued on page 38 5 3 6 4
5 LAKE OF BAYS GARDEN CENTRE
Critters
Garden veggies are perfectly safe from this herd of cuddly bashful bunnies by Jellycat. Stocked in a variety of sizes and colours including blush, sage, beige and rose, they’re among a variety of creatures and comforts at this year-round garden centre, home décor and fashion store at the north end of Lake of Bays.
2876 Hwy. 60, Dwight I 705.635.1696 lakeofbaysgardencentre.com
6 THE CUTTER’S EDGE
Door Stops
For a fashionable finishing touch, weighted fabric door stops with rope handles add a soft stylish flair to any room. These door stops are part of an extensive assortment of accessories offered at this home furniture, custom kitchen, décor and men’s clothing store.
7 TAMMY COO DESIGNS
Marble Wall Art
Muskoka Lakes artist Tammy Coo creates peaceful artwork inspired by majestic local landscapes and waterways. Tammy's original paintings and art prints can be found in many local shops. See her website for a list of locations.
Township of Muskoka Lakes 705.644.9918 I tammycoodesigns.ca
8 KUBOTA NORTH
Lawn Mower
A powerful 21.5 horsepower Kawasaki gas engine and rugged transmission ensure Kubota’s Zero Turn Mower makes short work of lawn maintenance all summer long. Sturdy roll over protection includes a seat belt and high back seat. In addition to ergonomic controls and vibration reduction, it has a 42-inch deep-welded deck, storage boxes, cup holders and a wide foot pan.
1677 Winhara Rd., Gravenhurst 705.645.1175 I kubotanorth.com
9 UPTOWN DECOR & FINISHES
Parquet Flooring
Available in a range of stains to complement traditional or contemporary décor, this Louis XIV parquet flooring is made of French white oak, the Rolls Royce of oak. A half-inch thick, it’s made in squares of 31 by 31 inches. It can be installed on, above or below grade and over radiant heat.
75 James St., Parry Sound 705.746.8922 I uptowndecor.ca OH
Get more recipes at ourhomes.ca/blogrecipes
GRAPEFRUIT & THYME Soda
RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
THIS MAKE-AHEAD GRAPEFRUIT AND THYME SYRUP IS AN EASY WAY TO ALWAYS HAVE A REFRESHING DRINK ON HAND!
JENELLE MCCULLOCH
INSTRUCTIONS
INGREDIENTS
1 cup grapefruit juice
2 Tbsp lemon juice
Zest from 1 grapefruit
½ cup honey
2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
Soda water, to serve
Combine juices, zest, honey and thyme sprigs into a saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Let the mixture steep for 1 hour before straining through a fine mesh strainer. Store syrup in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. When ready to use, combine 1 ounce of the syrup with 8 ounces of soda water. Serve over ice. OH
CREATE A
Crafting unique cocktails and mocktails at home has never been more popular. What better way to embrace the trend than with a spring-inspired botanical bar? Whether hosting a garden party or a breezy evening indoors, elevate your entertaining game with floral-infused spirits, fresh herb garnishes and nature-inspired glassware. This season, transform your cocktail station into a lush, garden-to-glass experience that’s as beautiful as delicious.
Essential Ingredients
The first step to setting up a botanical bar is to stock it with essentials that bring a garden-fresh vibe to your drinks. Start with botanical spirits like floral gins, elderflower liqueur or herbal vodkas. For mocktails, offer non-alcoholic options such as botanical tonics, sparkling waters or syrups. Fresh herbs like mint, basil, rosemary and edible flowers like pansies and marigolds add a decorative and flavourful touch. Citrus fruits – lemons, limes and oranges – provide bright accents, while their zest enhances the aroma and presentation. Finally, craft syrups and infusions, like lavender simple syrup or honey-rosemary blends, will elevate your creations with subtle complexity.
Glassware & Accessories
Choose barware that blossoms! Embrace the “more is more” movement with bold, floral-patterned highball, lowball and wine glasses that add a cheerful vibe to your setup. Enhance the look with a stylish ice bucket, shaker and cocktail picks in jewel tones inspired by spring blooms. Don’t forget colourful napkins, patterned paper straws and a large serving tray – perfect for transporting your creations to guests. These playful details ensure your bar cart is a functional centrepiece worthy of any garden party.
Continued on page 44
STORY NICOLE HILTON
ABBOTT: Bold Floral Glassware
DAVID SHAW DESIGNS: Embossed Glass Cocktail Set
RIFLE PAPER CO.: Hawthorne Large Rectangular Serving Tray
Styling
No built-in bar? No problem! Transform an existing piece of furniture into a stylish, botanical bar. A shelving unit, bookcase, buffet or antique chest can all be the perfect foundation. Use mirrors, framed artwork or a feature wall with bold wallpaper to create a stunning backdrop. Arrange your glassware together for easy access and intersperse bar tools and ingredients for a functional yet decorative display. Add life to the setup with a fresh bouquet of flowers or a small potted plant. For a personal touch, include a chic cocktail recipe book or handwritten cards to inspire your guests. You can always add some nature-themed twinkle lights for a little ambience. This creative approach ensures your bar is practical and eye-catching for springtime entertaining.
Hosting
Throwing a seasonal cocktail party goes beyond serving signature drinks like rose lemon spritzers or mint julep mocktails. Include a deconstructed bar where guests can craft their own drinks using the provided garnishes – then have them present and name their original cocktails. Pair the drinks with springtime appetizers such as citrus-marinated olives or herbed flatbreads. Set the mood with an upbeat playlist featuring hits like Flowers by Miley Cyrus and Lavender Haze by Taylor Swift. Encourage guests to dress in garden-party attire for a cohesive theme. With these thoughtful touches, your botanical bar will surely grow into an annual springtime event. OH
ABBOTT: Colourful Ball Picks
ABBOTT: Dragonfly LED Light String
RIFLE PAPER CO.: Garden Party Paper Straws
RIFLE PAPER CO.: Garden Party Cocktail Napkins
RIFLE PAPER CO.: Garden Party Peel & Stick Wallpaper
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
Timeless COTTAGE RENO
With prow-shaped front walls and a vaulted ceiling, the cottage living room overlooks a clean, quiet lake north of Dwight. Walls are painted Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee. OPPOSITE, TOP: A roundtop front door from Amberwood Doors Inc. opens to this beautifully-renovated lake house. CENTRE: Muskoka chairs and lounges furnish the cottage dock. BOTTOM: Plants and flowers that nestle the home into its surroundings were sourced from Sandhill Nursery.
STORY LORI DAVIS
PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY
As the soft glow of morning fills the sky, Judy sips coffee, watching loons on the lake and blue jays nibbling peanuts outside her sunroom. “This is my quiet place, and I love it here,” she says. The threeseason sunroom is just one of the beautifully renovated spaces in this charming, five-bedroom cottage overlooking a small lake northeast of Huntsville.
“Scott and I bought the property in 2014, but it was built in 1985 and needed a refresh,” recalls Judy. The couple were delighted to find this lake house in the same area where they spent summers at their family cottages.
Although an extensive renovation was required, the original cottage was well-built. “There was no need to tear it down because the guts were good,” she says. “The windows were starting to rot, so we replaced all the windows and doors and then decided on a new floor plan. It was a snowball effect.” The result is an intimate yet spacious bungalow with plenty of room for family and friends.
Blending traditional and modern styles, Judy crafted a cottage with old-world charm and a distinctive farmhouse flair. “We love mixing old with new and didn’t want anything too trendy. We tried to make choices that felt timeless,” she explains. Judy incorporated wood, textured fabrics and a light colour palette to produce a neutral, comfy feel. Warm green and blue accents mirror the surrounding natural landscape. “I didn’t want the cottage to feel stuffy and sterile. We want people to come in and relax,” she says. Continued on page 52
Phil Moon Construction spearheaded the renovation with a redesign of the main level. “We love to entertain, so we wanted enough floor space to accommodate a lot of people,” says Judy. Phil removed all the interior walls and relocated the staircase to create an open and spacious kitchen. “He solved challenges and was open to pushing the boundaries to meet our needs,” says Judy. “He also had access to all the trades required to make our vision come true. Updating the kitchen was the main reason for the renovation, and now it’s the centre of our home.”
The kitchen revolves around a spacious island elegantly finished in Calacatta Monet marble with gold and grey veins, installed by Nova Stone Countertops. An inlaid double sink features unlacquered
brass fixtures (House of Rohl) that will develop a rich patina over time. “EMCO Barrie was incredible. They were our one-stop shop for all our plumbing needs,” Judy says. Dual pendants in Portland Gray from Light House Co. provide plenty of light.
The Cutter’s Edge designed and built the warm oak kitchen cabinetry, neatly tucked away on one side of the island. “They worked closely with me to design the layout of the kitchen as well as build and install all the cabinetry in the kitchen, office, built-in bedside tables and entertainment unit,” Judy says. “We love to cook, so we purchased a 48-inch Wolf double stove from Best Brand Appliance.” The island also houses a built-in dishwasher and microwave. The coffee station and bar counters are finished in quartz for contrast and practicality.
LEFT: A new glass-guarded stairway, crafted by Stone Tree Studio, descends by the back of the fireplace to the ground floor where Taylor Carpet One Floor & Home furnished the Calypso Oak flooring. ABOVE: A large closet, wooden bench and coat hooks at the side entrance provide space for donning or doffing outerwear.
An entertainment unit by The Cutter’s Edge holds the Axiom sound system that fills the living room with music. Muskoka Splitrock mason Matt Hutcheson downsized the cottage’s original fireplace and clad it in stone. ABOVE: Classic album covers by Pink Floyd, Rush and David Bowie, among others, are framed on walls to one side of the sound system. ABOVE RIGHT: The open-concept design affords family and guests a spacious ambience when they gather for dinner.
The dining space has a sliding glass door that opens to the front deck. Northern Wide Plank supplied the European oak flooring.
OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT: A corner stove warms the glass-walled sunroom where vintage Huntsville pennants and well-worn wooden snowshoes above the windows lend the space an old-world character. TOP RIGHT: A wooden table from the original cottage makes a pleasant spot to enjoy a morning coffee.
BOTTOM: An early map of Lake of Bays hangs above a wooden cabinet near the sunroom entrance.
The living room’s large apex windows are crowned with triangular panes, adding a distinctive architectural touch. Sweeping, panoramic views of the lake invite the beauty of nature indoors. “We wanted to maintain the feel of the original cottage because of the magnificent views. We chose modern windows and maximized the size of each one,” explains Judy. “Nature is our greatest artwork.” Engineered European oak floors by Northern Wide Plank provide a refined, cohesive finish.
A stately free-standing fireplace anchors the room with its commanding presence. Muskoka Splitrock Inc. refinished the original red brick in neutral limestone and converted it from wood burning to propane. “The fireplace is the centrepiece of our home, and it’s large even though stone mason Matt Hutcheson reduced it by 18 inches on either side,” says Judy. Plush sofas and chairs are ideal for curling up, enjoying the view and listening to music.
“Music has always been a mainstay in our cottage,” Judy says. The Cutter’s Edge designed a custom media centre with plenty of open shelving to house the couple’s extensive vinyl record collection, while Axiom provided all the audio equipment. Continued on page 56
Generous space gives multiple chefs and their helpers plenty of elbow room in the large new kitchen where The Cutter’s
and furnished the
the
Edge designed
cabinetry and range hood above
double-oven Wolf stove. Nova Stone Countertops installed the Calacatta Monet marble from Marble Trend on the kitchen island.
“THIS IS MY SAFE PLACE WHERE I CAN LOSE MYSELF IN NATURE,” SAYS JUDY. “IT’S WHERE OUR FAMILY COMES TOGETHER, AND WE ARE SO HAPPY TO SHARE THE MAGIC OF OUR BEAUTIFUL COTTAGE.”
ABOVE: The Cutter’s Edge cabinetry with a quartz countertop forms the bar on one side of the kitchen. TOP
RIGHT: The well-equipped kitchen island and dining bar is a natural gathering spot. FAR RIGHT: A pocket door with ripple glass connects the side entrance foyer with the kitchen.
At the rear of the living room fireplace, Stone Tree Studio built the new stairway to the home’s lower level as well as the posts and woodcapped railings that guard the staircase. The primary bedroom is cleverly divided into two open spaces. The couple’s sleeping area is an intimate alcove with just enough room for a king-size bed. They wake up to a sweeping lakeside vista framed by an oversize window. “We removed a wrap-around deck to allow a panoramic view,” says Judy. “Now, we have an unobstructed view of the sun and moonrise during certain times of the year.” The other half of the room, coined the “cloffice,” blends functionality and style with a large office workspace, closets and a small deck walk-out.
SOURCE GUIDE
• Alarm Pro • Blackburn Industrial Services • Duncan Ross
Inc. • Northern Wide Plank • Nova Stone Countertops • Phil Moon
Construction • Pristine Exterior Cleaning • Rolston Home Building
Centre • Sandhill Nursery • Stone Tree Studio • Taylor Carpet
One Floor & Home • The Cutter’s Edge • Wavemaker Pool Spa
Showroom • Wilson’s The Paint Store • Zen Zone Custom Glass
The couple combined a large, custom-built closet with a home office to create a space they call their “cloffice” on the north side of the primary bedroom. RIGHT: Handmade in California, Fireclay tiles enclose three walls and the brass hardware of the powder room shower. BELOW: Wallpaper bursts with striking foliage above the wall-mounted powder room vanity.
The ultimate in comfort and elegance, the en suite offers the perfect escape with its spa-like faucets and flawless finishes. A freestanding soaker tub from Victoria + Albert beside a large window invites relaxation. Dual sinks inlaid in quartz countertops (Nova Stone Countertops), an oversize shower, heated porcelain floors and a small water closet with a bidet elevate this space. Blackburn Industrial Services plumbed the kitchen and bathrooms.
Since retiring, the couple divides their time between Toronto and the cottage. “The minute I arrive, I take a deep breath,” says Judy. “This is my safe place where I can lose myself in nature,” says Judy. “It’s where our family comes together, and we are so happy to share the magic of our beautiful cottage.” OH
TOP LEFT: The en suite bathroom vanity, built by The Cutter’s Edge, is topped with quartz by Nova Stone Countertops. Windows framing the soaker tub offer views of the lake and forest. ABOVE AND FAR LEFT: A large picture window near the foot of the bed in the primary bedroom overlooks the lake, sunny skies and seasonal moonrises. LEFT: The glass-sided en suite shower is finished with square wall tiles and hexagonal floor tiles.
SMALL TREES for Small Gardens
STORY TERESA MATAMOROS
There’s nothing lovelier than sitting under a large shade tree in the heat of the summer. But many of us don’t have the space to plant a large shade tree like an oak or sugar maple.
Don’t despair! There are several smaller trees, less than 10 metres, that are well suited and very desirable that we can plant in our city or town gardens.
Here is a list of some native and some non-native trees that I think deserve some attention. They are hardy for most of Southern Ontario, have some all-year interest, generally don’t require special growing conditions and still attract pollinators with either flowers or fruit.
You won’t find birches, crabapples, Japanese maples or serviceberries on this list, as they are already well-represented in many of our gardens.
1. Katsura tree – Native to Japan, cercidiphyllum japonicum, “Hanna’s Heart,” grows to eight metres tall and three metres wide. Pyramidal in youth and a more compact growth habit. Heart-shaped green leaves turn apricot yellow in fall and have a wonderful spicy cotton candy odour.
2. Eastern redbud – Cercis canadensis is a native of the Carolinian forest. It is a very versatile tree for small properties. It comes with purple leaves (“forest pansy”), yellow leaves (“hearts of gold”) and upright, weeping and contorted forms with pink or white flowers.
3. Magnolia stellata – “Royal star,” not uncommon, is a hardy shrub or a small tree from Japan, growing up to five metres with a three-metre spread. The upright branches have large, fragrant, overlapping, strap-like double-white flowers. The burst of flowers and fragrance is worth the lack of fall colour! It also has nice bark and fuzzy flower buds for winter interest. There are many smaller magnolias on the market now that are suitable for smaller properties.
PHOTO: CONNON NURSERIES
PHOTO: NVK NURSERIES | J FRANK SCHMIDT & SONS
4. Purple fountain beech – Fagus sylvatica, “purple fountain,” is the perfect specimen when you need a deep purple colour to offset the rest of the garden. This weeping variety of beech tops out at ninemetres high and three-metres wide, adding architectural interest. Leaves can turn tan and stay on the tree for the winter. Every garden needs a beech tree!
5. Ironwood – Ostrya Virginiana is an eastern native reaching up to 12-metres tall. Has birch-like leaves turning yellow in the fall with interesting hop-like seed pods. Naturally growing as an understory tree, it can take a lot of shade.
6. Paperbark maple – Acer griseum, a non-invasive native to central China, has very cool bark. Curls of cinnamon-coloured bark on this small tree are reminiscent of our paper birch, a plus for winter interest. The green leaves turn brilliant red in the fall.
7. Crusader hawthorn – Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis, (meaning no thorns), “crusader” is an interesting tree for the home garden as it can be as wide as it is tall. So, when you need a horizontal element in the design, this tree will fit the bill. White flowers give over to red-orange fruit enjoyed by the birds, and there is good fall colour as well.
8. Blue beech/musclewood – Carpinus caroliniana is a handsome native from Ontario to Nova Scotia. Often seen in the woods, so it will take some shade. The bark is lovely, grey-coloured and has the appearance of flexed biceps and forearm muscles, hence the name musclewood.
9. Nannyberry – Viburnum lentago is a six-metre small tree or large shrub with flat-topped white flowers followed by bluish-black fruit that birds love. The glossy green leaves turn reddish-purple in the fall. They take some shade as well.
10. Pin cherry – Prunus pensylvanica, one of our native cherries, is only 10-metres tall. It has white flowers and long-lasting red pin-like fruit that the birds and wildlife like. It also has exfoliating bark for winter interest. Cherries have great ecological importance for our environment.
11. Persian spire – Parrotia persica, “Persian spire,” is native to Iran but grows quite well here and needs to be planted more. It is part of the witch hazel family and has very few pests. The leaves turn from yellow to orange to scarlet in the fall. The bark is interesting in the winter, too, as it has a grey, green, white and brown mosaic as it matures.
While the charm of large shade trees is undeniable, numerous smaller alternatives can thrive in urban gardens and provide a wealth of beauty and interest throughout the seasons. With any of these trees, you can create vibrant, sustainable green spaces that enhance your surroundings and support local wildlife and pollinators. Whether you’re drawn to fragrant blossoms, brilliant fall colours, or unique bark textures, these trees offer something for every garden enthusiast.
Teresa Matamoros has a Bachelor of Science degree, an Ontario Diploma in Horticulture and is an ISA Certified Arborist.
PHOTO:
PHOTO:
PHOTO: NVK NURSERIES
FRANK SCHMIDT & SONS
FRESH START
10 Daily Habits For Your Health
STORY BAILEY FRANKLYN | ILLUSTRATIONS SHEILA BRITTON
The start of a new season 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 sugar-free 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.
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.
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
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.
Sweet Retreat
HOW TO CREATE A GUEST ROOM THEY’LL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE
STORY LINDSAY THORNTON PHOTOGRAPHY NAT KAY
When it comes to hosting overnight visitors, a guest bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep. It should be a haven of comfort and warmth that makes your guests feel pampered and welcome. Here’s how you can create a guest bedroom so cosy and inviting your guests will find it hard to leave.
Creature Comforts
The bed is the focal point of any bedroom, especially in a guest room where comfort is paramount. Start by investing in a quality mattress that provides the perfect balance of support and softness. Even if your mattress is on the firmer side, a plush mattress topper can add a layer of comfort that feels like sleeping on a cloud. When it comes to bedding, think layers. Start with high-thread-count cotton sheets, as they are breathable and soft against the skin. Add a lightweight blanket or quilt, and top it off with a cosy duvet or comforter. Be sure to offer a variety of pillows – some firmer, some softer – so your guests can choose what works best for them.
A few decorative pillows and a throw blanket at the foot of the bed add a touch of style while offering extra warmth on chilly nights.
TIP: As much as we designers love pillows, don’t put too many on the guest bed, as most guests can get overwhelmed when trying to put them all back in your preferred position! We love a lumbar pillow or two or three accent pillows in a guest suite.
Create the Right Ambience
The secret to making anyone feel at home is to make everyone feel at home. Neutral colours and finishes go a long way in creating serenity for many.
Lighting also plays a crucial role in setting the right mood. I start with a soft, warm overhead light for general illumination. Supplement this ambient lighting with table lamps on the nightstands or install wall-mounted sconces on either side of the bed. These provide focused light for reading without being too harsh. Choose lamps with dimmers, which allow your guests to adjust the light to their liking. A small nightlight can also be a thoughtful addition, helping your guests navigate the room in the dark.
Thoughtful Staples
Take a cue from a memorable hotel stay, and strive to pamper your guests. Outfit the room with some basics: fresh towels and washcloths, placed either in the room or in the adjacent bathroom. Extra pillows and blankets should be easily accessible, perhaps stored in a decorative basket or ottoman. Consider adding a pair of cosy slippers or a plush robe for your guests to use during their stay. These small touches can make a big difference, especially on cold mornings. A water carafe and glasses on the nightstand, along with a few snacks can make visitors feel at home when they’re staying at yours.
Engage the Senses
Scents play a significant role in creating a welcoming atmosphere. A lightly scented candle or an essential oil diffuser can fill the room with calming aromas like lavender, vanilla or sandalwood, which are known to promote relaxation and sleep. Be sure to choose scents that are subtle and not overwhelming.
Seasonal fresh flowers always elevate the room, adding both a visual and olfactory appeal. A small bouquet on the nightstand or dresser brightens the space. If fresh flowers aren’t practical, consider a small potted plant.
Finishing Touches
Finally, consider some “extras” that will make your guest bedroom truly special. A selection of books or magazines on the nightstand offers guests something to read as they wind down for the night. A charging station for phones and other devices is a modern convenience that will be appreciated. Personal touches like a framed photo or a small piece of artwork can make the room feel more like home. If space allows, a comfortable chair or bench adds a place to sit and relax, further enhancing the room’s cosy vibe.
Creating a cosy guest bedroom is all about attention to detail. If done right, your visitors may never want to leave. But when they do, you’ll have a stunning space to indulge in, without ever leaving the comfort of home. OH
Pat Clark Contracting
With over 30 years in the construction industry in Muskoka, Pat Clark Contracting knows the area, we know the land, the lakes and how best to build for this unique area.
Whether you are looking to build you new dream lakefront cottage, add some space to your existing place, or doing some interior renovations, we are the company for you!
As a family business, we have two generations working side by side, blending quality workmanship to modern design standards. The dedication to quality that comes from a small and tight knit crew is apparent in every stage of the project.
Specializing in new builds, project management, renovations and additions, docks and boathouses, timber framing and so much more, all with our unique Muskoka flair.
www.patclark.ca
pat@patclark • @patclarkcontracting
What’s Cooking?
THE PLACE
Established 52 years ago, Brown's Appliances remains an ideal source and a top choice for premium appliances in Muskoka and surrounding areas. "Appliances have really evolved over the 26 years that I have been here,” says owner Jennifer Veitch. The downtown Port Carling building originally housed a plumbing/electrical business owned by Clive Brown, Jennifer's grandfather. It was then purchased and transitioned to Brown’s Appliances in 1973 by Bill and Peggy Grigg, Jennifer's parents.
TRENDS
“Appliance choices are not only a reflection of customers’ needs but also the desire to have their selections really reflect their individual personalities and lifestyle,” says Jennifer. “It is a pleasure for Ariel, Lily and I to help lead them through the process.” For some clients, appliance choices are daunting and challenging, for others an exciting part of the process. In all cases Brown’s tries to make the process of selecting models easy and enjoyable. The sales team at Brown’s Appliances has extensive knowledge of appliance brands and often attends manufacturer product trainings as well as kitchen industry shows throughout Canada and the U.S.
AVAILABILITY
Brown's Appliances has an extensive inventory of best-selling models warehoused locally so it can quickly provide those items to clients with its own delivery service. Beyond what is available online at brownsappliances.com, a visit to the store presents a variety of high-quality appliances, cookware and accessories. The store is open year-round.
PRODUCTS
The Port Carling Store offers many high-end, built-in products – cooktops, refrigerators, ovens, under-counter refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers. It also carries many small appliances and high-quality cookware. Brown’s furnishes homes, cottages, bunkies, boathouses, garages, sports pavilions and outdoor cooking areas. OH
Jennifer Veitch
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
& warm FRESH
STORY LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY SABRINA GROOMES
For a family of hardworking dairy farmers, this updated cottage on Lake of Bays is a refreshing retreat from the routine of farm life.“It’s a special place where we can come and relax and enjoy the outdoors,” says Ashley Livingston.
Continued on page 82
In Ashley Livingston and Glenn Beckett’s newly-renovated Lake of Bays cottage, cabinetry for the generously-sized cooking space was crafted by Kitchens By Bakers. Leather stools at the island are trimmed with brass nail heads.
RIGHT: Muskoka Lighting Company supplied wall sconces for the kitchen’s layered lighting.
FAR RIGHT: Glass doors on this warm walnut-stained white oak cabinet eliminate guessing when reaching for glasses or dinnerware. BELOW: The kitchen’s perimeter counters are covered in Nebula Alpha Silestone Ariel installed by Nova Stone Countertops. OPPOSITE: Painted Benjamin Moore Polo Blue, the kitchen island sits on a granite floor made with Muskoka Rock Company’s dimensional honed flooring.
ASHLEY, HER HUSBAND GLENN BECKETT,
and their daughters Lily, Grace and Faith enjoyed a small cottage on Tooke Lake. As the girls grew older, Ashley and Glenn knew they needed more space. “Glenn’s family has been on the lake for over 70 years, and we still own the cottage beside them,” says Ashley. “But we wanted more room so we started looking on Lake of Bays.” They found the ideal cottage on a flat, wooded property three years ago. “An older man owned it for 40 years, and he really hit it off with Glenn. We didn’t want land that sloped down to the water or a lot of stairs, so it was perfect,” recalls Ashley.
What began as a renovation turned into a full gut, tackled by Dol Contracting. “Mark Dol is a good friend of ours, and he is great at what he does,” says Ashley. “He’s very detailed and the subcontractors he works with are top-notch.” One of the couple’s “must haves” was more room for family and guests. Paige Elizabeth Interiors designed the converted storage area in the basement to accommodate more sleeping quarters, a kitchenette and lakeside mudroom. Dol executed the plan. The mudroom’s heated floors and convenient built-in storage for towels and gear make it a cosy and functional space for all seasons. Plush swivel chairs from Decorated on Main encircle the fireplace. “We wanted comfortable furniture because we spend a lot of time down here,” says Ashley.
Paige Groomes, owner of Paige Elizabeth Interiors, helped design and decorate the entire seven-bedroom cottage. “I don’t have any concept of colour or measurements, so I started looking for help,” says Ashley. She found Paige by chance. “I was reading about various designers and noticed Paige attended Sheridan College. I worked there when I was younger, and my mom spent her entire career at Sheridan,” Ashley recalls. “Paige was fabulous and definitely the perfect fit.”
The tranquil blue of Lake of Bays is reflected in the indigo tones flowing seamlessly throughout the cottage. Paige intertwined blue accents in a soothing grey palette inspired by the timeless charm of a traditional Muskoka/Cape Cod essence. “I love the colour blue. It’s timeless, beautiful and works so well with our décor,” says Ashley. Paige blended rustic elegance with coastal simplicity. “The design features a striking contrast between its crisp colour scheme and rich wood tones, creating a harmonious blend of freshness and warmth,” says Paige. “The furnishings evoke a cosy cottage feel with slipcovered seating, swivel chairs and velvets,” she adds. Continued on page 84
The fully-equipped kitchen is grounded by an oversize island that comfortably seats the entire family. Painted in Benjamin Moore Polo Blue and topped with Silestone Charcoal Soapstone (Nova Stone Countertops), the island contrasts with the white (Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace) perimeter cabinetry (Kitchens by Bakers) and stained oak display cabinets. Dual sinks, a built-in mini-fridge and extra storage make the island a convenient place to gather. Grey granite flooring from the Muskoka Rock Company beautifully offsets the blue island. A large fridge, cooktop and double oven from Brown’s Appliances make cooking and meal prep easy and efficient.
The great room is the essence of warmth and comfort. Clad in black
and grey ashlar stone veneer (PatternStone Inc.), the fireplace is a captivating centrepiece. “Originally, there was knotty pine everywhere, so we put stone on the fireplace and shiplap on the walls,” says Ashley. Blue Notch swivel chairs and a grey-coloured sofa are inviting places to relax. “We love this room in the winter. It has a great view of the lake and is such a warm space,” says Ashley. White walls dramatically contrast with the dark engineered hardwood ceiling and Woodland Deerskin floors from Flooring & Tile Solutions Window Quilt Muskoka furnished sunshade roller shades while Muskoka Lighting Company provided light fixtures to illuminate the home. Continued on page 86
ABOVE: The focal point of the living room is a stone veneer fireplace, built by Dol Contracting with material supplied by PatternStone Inc. Engineered hardwood covers the ceiling. TOP RIGHT: The living room’s comfortable armchairs echo the home’s classic blue and white colour scheme. RIGHT: A circular mirror above a table in the front entry is a convenient spot for a quick check of head gear, outerwear and other styles.
A pocket door separates the primary suite into two complementary spaces. In the bedroom, natural light dances off the vaulted shiplap ceilings, accentuating the white and grey colour scheme. A black wagon wheel chandelier ringed with Edison bulbs lights a king-size bed from Veranda. Beyond the pocket door, Ashley fashioned a beautiful, inviting space to read or relax. “It’s so warm
and comfy in here. Everyone gravitates to this space,” she says. Matching chaise loungers from Simply Cottage face a bank of windows overlooking a picturesque view of the lake.
The en suite is a serene and elegant retreat. “We used a variety of marble tile finishes in the bathrooms to create a luxurious feel,” says Paige. The focal point is a freestanding soaker tub gently lit by a circular chandelier.
The vanity, topped with sleek Carrara marble, is from Restoration Hardware. Dual sinks offer ample space for morning routines, while polished nickel fixtures add a touch of modern flair. Layered lighting adds warmth and versatility, including the chandelier, pots, and dual sconces over the vanity. “It feels like a sanctuary in here, so warm and comfy,” says Ashley. Continued on page 88
In this inviting space, the view of the lake and Helen Island make it a popular retreat.
LEFT: Matching chaise lounges harmonize classic charm with natural serenity. RIGHT: This guest bathroom has a Carrara marble countertop with fixtures in a mix of brass finishes. BOTTOM LEFT: This well-furnished mudroom serves the mainfloor entry. BELOW: A blind by Window Quilt Muskoka helps regulate natural light in the main-floor laundry room.
LEFT: The redesign of the primary suite features a luxurious en suite with a freestanding tub, a spacious shower and stunning marble tile, creating a serene and elegant retreat. ABOVE: Paige Elizabeth Interiors supplied the canvas print above this dresser in the primary bedroom. BELOW: A tufted headboard against a background of white board-and-batten enhances the serenity of the primary bedroom.
Continued on page 90
SOURCE GUIDE
• Brown’s Appliances
• Decorated On Main • Dol Contracting • Flooring & Tile Solutions • Groomes Roofing Solutions • Kitchens by Bakers • Paige Elizabeth Interiors • PatternStone Inc. • Simply Cottage
• Muskoka Lighting Company
• Muskoka Living • Muskoka Rock Company • Window Quilt Musksoka • Veranda
ABOVE: Designers incorporated a games table with the lower-level kitchenette.
ABOVE RIGHT: Several manufacturers supplied brass fixtures for the cottage bathrooms and kitchen. RIGHT: The shower in the lower-level guest bathroom is clad in grey lilac marble on the walls and floor. FAR
The cottage is a special place for daughter Lily to relax and recharge. “It’s like a retreat, separate from home, and I love spending time here,” she says.
Ashley and Glenn treasure their time here and are delighted with the results of the renovation. “It looks fabulous, and we will enjoy spending time here for many years to come,” says Ashley. OH
RIGHT: Paige Elizabeth Interiors supplied the kitchenette’s wooden bar stools, manufactured by Mercana.
ORANGE you glad it’s SPRING?
STORY NICOLE HILTON
10 CITRUS-THEMED HOME DÉCOR PIECES MAKING A SPLASH THIS SEASON
Nothing says spring quite like the vibrant, zesty appeal of citrus. From oranges and grapefruits to lemons and limes, these cheerful fruits don’t just brighten up your palate – they can also energize your home. Whether a splash of colour on a table runner or playful motifs on dinnerware, citrus-inspired décor adds a refreshing touch to any space. This season, let the lively hues and bold citrus patterns infuse your home with a sunny sweetness. Here are 10 delightful ways to lighten your space and uplift your mood daily.
1Beverage Jug
How fun is it to include this generously sized pitcher with textured oranges on your table? This showstopper isn’t just a serving piece – it’s a conversation starter. It’s a versatile addition to your kitchen, perfect for orange juice or mimosas in the morning and sangria in the evening. Display the jug on your counter all season for a playful pop of cheer.
2
Glassware
Sip in style with this signature stemless wine glass featuring a tiny lemon at the base. Whimsical yet sophisticated, it’s the ultimate companion for springtime afternoons on the patio. Pair it with a citrus cocktail for an added touch of charm.
3
Doormat
Step into spring with a lemon-patterned doormat made from durable coir fibre and PVC. Built to withstand wear and tear, it’s as functional as it is fun. Pair it with potted plants and a citrus wreath to create a vibrant, inviting entryway.
4
Recipe Tin
Organize your favourite recipes in a citrus-inspired tin that’s as practical as it is beautiful. Featuring a metallic gold interior, a gold-framed label and coordinating recipe cards with dividers, this cheerful tin is useful for spring baking adventures – think orange marmalade and key lime pie!
ABBOTT: Allover Lemons Doormat
RIFLE PAPER CO.: Citrus Floral Recipe Tin
ABBOTT: Large Jug with Oranges
ABBOTT: Lemon Icon Stemless Wine Glass
Our four curated showrooms are filled with a vast inventory that you will love for both your home and cottage. Take advantage of VERANDA’s complimentary design services, a comprehensive website listing our entire collection, and unlimited free customer storage for all of your purchases. For over twenty years, competitive pricing and superior customer service are the hallmarks of VERANDA.
5
Kitchen Towels
Bring zest to your bar cart or kitchen with these lime-patterned towels. Featuring a cocktail recipe printed right on the fabric, they’re perfect for inspiring impromptu happy hours. Use them to dry glassware, line a serving tray or add a splash of green to your kitchen décor.
6
Accessories
Show your guests you’re in the know about the citrus craze by adding a themed accessory to your tablescape. A salt and pepper shaker set adorned with a spirited lemon design is a simple and subtle way to join the trend. Perfect for garden parties, brunches, baby showers or even a spring picnic.
7
Kids’ Room
Squeeze the day with this adorable clementine plush toy. This cuddly citrus is whimsical and huggable, featuring a fuzzy peel, corduroy leaves and little boots. It will surely add a bit of fruity fun to a child’s room or play area.
8
Decorative Bowls
Bring sun-kissed goodness into your kitchen with this pink Floridian citrus bowl. It’s been painted by hand inside and out, lending a lively hue to just about any table setting. Complete the collection with lemon and lime bowls that pack a punch.
9
Tumbler
Take your citrus on the go with this stylish stainless steel wine tumbler featuring a charming watercolour lemon design. Insulated to keep beverages refreshingly cold for up to eight hours or warm for up to four hours, it’s appealing for outdoor gatherings or even your morning coffee.
10Feature Wall
Transform any room with peel-and-stick wallpaper featuring lush citrus groves filled with lemons, oranges and delicate blossoms. Easy to apply and remove, it’s a renter-friendly way to make a bold statement. Ideal for accent walls or even a backsplash behind open shelves, this look is ripe for the picking. OH
RIFLE PAPER CO.: Citrus Grove Peel & Stick Wallpaper
CANDYM: Primitives by Kathy Salt & Pepper Set – Lemon
Quality and competence you can count on to get the job done.
PHOTOGRAPHY WALTER FRANCZYK
MUSKOKA TILE
Muskoka Tile brings clients’ vision to life with custom tile services that elevate any space, indoors or out. “From stunning custom showers and floors to vanities, fireplaces, and even large-format tiles, we do it all,” says Roman Gardiner. “Need a stylish outdoor patio? We’ve got you covered there too.” Led by Roman, the owner and lead installer, the company is all about craftsmanship, on-site fabrication and attention to detail.
EXCELLENCE
“What truly sets us apart is our passion for perfection,” says Roman. “We combine toptier artistry with flawless execution and we never lose sight of communication. From start to finish, we keep you in the loop, ensuring the job aligns with your dreams.” The team brings skill, positivity and energy to every project, creating a collaborative, upbeat vibe on every site.
DESIGN
With Muskoka Tile, clients get end-to-end project management, turning clients’ ideas into reality. “We deliver unique, trend-setting designs that leave a lasting impression, one tile at a time.”
Brittany Choban, project coordinator
Roman Gardiner, owner
people & places
MASTER FURNITURE INC.
Master Furniture Inc. rejuvenates treasured articles. Founded in 1947 in Oakville, it specializes in repairing and restoring antiques and fine furniture. In 2006, owner Ian Daines, who purchased the company in 1981, moved Master Furniture north to a location nestled in the treed expanse of rural Muskoka.
COLLABORATION
Ian Daines and Lindsay Edwards use their extensive knowledge and skills to collaborate with customers on a unique approach for each piece to ensure beloved antiques are either restored to their original splendour or updated to accommodate a new décor. Collaborating with homeowners, designers, and decorators, they also build custom furniture and restore interior and exterior woodwork.
EXPERTISE
Lindsay Edwards joined the team in 2014, adding her many talents, including colour-matching. She is adept at reproducing vintage hues and stains, some dating back more than a century. She is also an expert at making repairs in such a way as to be almost impossible to perceive.
Ian Daines & Lindsay Edwards
Kevin Devoe, Nik Kaczor & owner Dave Gibson
SERVICES
In addition to selling and installing garage doors, Georgian Bay Overhead Doors also provides repair services, which are a significant part of their business. The company offers the installation of manual and powered screens for porches, Muskoka rooms and garages, providing protection from black flies and mosquitoes.
GEORGIAN BAY OVERHEAD DOORS
Georgian Bay Overhead Doors is a new business based in Parry Sound, offering the sale and service of garage doors for homes, cottages and businesses across Muskoka and Parry Sound. The company offers a wide range of energy-efficient aluminum and steel Haas doors, along with automatic openers. These doors and openers come in various sizes, thicknesses, finishes and colours, and are available with or without windows, ensuring there’s a design and price point for every application.
MAINTENANCE
Garage doors are often overlooked until they break, but Georgian Bay Overhead Doors has a solution. They’ve introduced a planned maintenance program for homeowners and businesses within their service area. This program helps identify and address potential issues before they become costly problems, ensuring your garage door stays in optimal condition.
people & places
PINE SWEPT BLINDS
With more than 20 years of combined experience, Tina Read and Howard Fritch are specialists in custom-made, Hunter Douglas window treatments. “I’ve worked with Hunter Douglas products for over 15 years,” says Tina. “We love their customer service and their attention to detail. Their support is phenomenal. They stand behind their work.”
SERVICE
Howard and Tina honed their skills at Carpets-N-Colours in Parry Sound. They launched their own business two years ago, offering clients in-home shopping. “We bring the samples they’re looking for to their home so it’s basically one-stop shopping,” says Tina. “It takes the legwork and the guesswork out of having to come to a store.”
INSTALLATION
As the installer of blinds, shutters and sun screens, Howard knows exactly what will work and what won’t. “The customers really like that I’m honest with them,” he says. They both have a wealth of solid advice. “I like sharing the knowledge I have so clients make a better, informed decision,” says Tina. OH
Tina Read & Howard Fritch
STORY PHIL MATHIES ILLUSTRATION SHEILA BRITTON
DAD’S PERSPECTIVE
fFrom the place in the kitchen that gets the most morning sun, the spot right by the coffee maker, I stack two laundry hampers overflowing with clothes ready to be folded and put away. I pause here most mornings to pour myself a cup and leave the laundry in the sunlight for a moment.
Just as there is a cycle of seasons that defines the landscape around me – the trees, the lake, the sky and the sparkling light over the water that peeks inside my kitchen window – there is also a laundry cycle. These cycles continue without ceasing, seeming to obey a powerful and ancient natural law beyond anything yet imagined by humans.
I asked my sons, while I sipped coffee at the old pine table, “When will I get to stop doing your laundry?”
My youngest isn’t shy. He drives a hard bargain. “Never,” he said. Then, he took a bite of peanut butter toast and washed it down with cold milk.
My other son, his older brother, said, “It’s your job, isn’t it, Dad?”
“Right now it is,” I said, “But at some point, this will be your job, don’t you think?”
“Like when we’re adults?” he said.
“No, like, how about tomorrow?” I said.
“Hmm. No, not tomorrow,” he said, “but soon.” Soon is better than never.
As parents, we want to see our children develop independence and gain skills that can help them grow and thrive, but part of what motivates our desire to instill discipline in our children is that we want them to look after their own messes. The proverbial piece of Lego left on the stairs – the one that will no doubt impale an adult human foot the longer it stays there.
However, I do know that when he says “soon,” he means it. Over the past year, he’s
started doing more chores. All three of our kids have. We have our own messes to make and our own messes to clean. It’s time for them to chip in more.
Over a year and a half ago, my wife and I took my son out to dinner for a business meeting away from siblings so we could discuss issues more openly. We had a slick black notebook to take minutes in and a luxury pen I inherited from my grandfather. The intent was to create a professional environment where people and ideas are taken seriously. Chores are serious, after all.
The meeting began shortly after we ordered drinks. As chair of the meeting, I began by setting the agenda. We felt that it was also important for him and his siblings to contribute to household tasks that everyone benefited from but that no one really wanted to do. Cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, sweeping floors and doing dishes are but a few of the chores necessary to operate a home, and he could make a more sizable contribution.
When it was his turn to speak, he told us about some of the difficult parts of life, like school and dealing with teachers, and his brother trying and succeeding to annoy him. He told us about what he wants to be when he grows up and why it’s a good idea to sort your recycling. Some of these issues get dealt with quickly, and some, like his desire to be a professional athlete, need more discussion.
He happened to mention a fishing rod he wanted to buy. This was an opportunity. We told him that we thought we might be able to help him out a bit with his fishing equipment expenses if he would sign on to become one of our family’s three new vice presidents of sanitation. He ultimately agreed, which made me suspect that the soft drink refills had made him more pliable. Parents, make a mental note.
As many will attest, most meetings are boring, and nothing ever gets decided at them. This one, however, seemed to make a difference. Each day, his duties as VP include making his bed, making his lunch, clearing the table, loading the dishwasher and sweeping the floor. It may not be done to professional standards, but the boy is learning discipline, and, more importantly, now I’m not the one doing it all.
The change wasn’t immediate. Like any tale of growth, there were steps forward and steps back. For instance, standing right next to him while he scrubs the toilet doesn’t make me feel free to do other, more pressing things. The job isn’t that rewarding normally, so supervising someone else doing it while they do it poorly isn’t much better.
You’d think that clearing the table would be self-explanatory. You’d be wrong. I had a foreman on a construction site who used the term “lazy man’s load” when someone would carry too much all at once in order to avoid making multiple trips and, inevitably, drop expensive tools or dent newly finished floors from their hubris and indolence. We’ve had a few lazy man’s loads that ended up with jam on the rug or broken coffee mugs exploding across the kitchen floor like porcelain hand grenades. We soldiered on, though, once more into the breach, dear friends. And while the cycle of laundry continues, so does the personal growth we’d hoped to see in our little helpers.
I stop and wonder as I finish my coffee and pick up the hamper of unfolded, clean clothes that still bask in the morning sunshine. When is our next business meeting? And I’m reminded of my son’s answer. Soon. OH
Phil is a creative writing teacher, a property manager and a father of three. Based in Muskoka, he writes about the world around him – trees, lakes and family. Continued on page 106
HOME SWEET HOME
If you build it, they will come
NESTS
When you think of a songbird’s nest, what comes to mind? Perhaps it is the familiar robin’s nest – a neat woven cup of grasses cemented together with dabs of mud. This somewhat insulated nest cup is nature’s natural incubator, with the adult birds’ warm belly brood patch being the heat source.
With about 300 breeding bird species in Ontario, there are hundreds of variations in how cup nests are constructed. In fact, each nest is made precisely to the size, shape and style with nest-building materials unique to each individual bird species and identifiable to that species. The same is true of each species’ nesting habitats and sites, which are almost always diagnostic to the bird that built it. Nests are impressive feats of architecture, construction and site selection by sweet little birds using only their beaks and their tiny bird brains.
But despite most of our birds’ widespread use of the cup nest type, this unroofed housing model has its drawbacks. It is exposed to the elements and to sharp-eyed predators. Even when tucked deep into the branches of trees, shrubs, grasses and reeds, they’re not always warm, dry, safe or secure. So, not surprisingly, a range of birds has figured out a way, or evolved, to get around these challenges. Their preferred accommodation is in a hole or cavity of a tree.
NEW BUILDS
The master cavity builders of the bird world, as expected by their name and revealed by their big beaks, are the woodpecker family. From the diminutive downy to the crow-sized pileated, this family of nine Ontario woodpecker species has been in the new build business for a long time. With a specially evolved head structure endowed with excellent shock absorbers, they tap, chip and hammer away at trees, opening holes and excavating cavities for nesting and roosting. They’re master woodworkers.
HOUSE HUNTERS
These woodpecker holes house a family for a season or two, and then, for various reasons, they often move on to another tree. This leaves their abandoned home up for grabs for a variety of potential new tenants. This is a good thing because, besides woodpeckers, a number of other species are also cavity nesters. Bluebirds, tree swallows, the ubiquitous house wrens, as well as increasingly larger species such as purple martins, great crested flycatchers, American kestrels, several species of ducks and a few species of owls are all in the market for an enclosed cavity for their nest site. However, these birds do not have the beak or the ability to excavate their own nest holes, so they have become the house hunters of the bird world. They go about the woods looking for vacant woodpecker holes. Abandoned downy diggings suit wrens nicely, while roomy pileated holes will suit a screech owl just fine. This symbiotic relationship creates a connected community of bird housing.
STORY LYNNE RICHARDSON
PHOTO: ROB WRAY
PHOTOS: LUCIE DESJARDINS
Northern Flicker
Screech Owl & Robin
Pileated Woodpecker
FIXER UPPER
There are a few cavity nesters that can fix up their own site. Chickadees and nuthatches are such enterprising species. All they need is a dead or dying tree, with perhaps a poppedout knot hole and a soft, decaying interior. They’ll take advantage of these run-down conditions and, in true fixer-upper fashion, gather the rotting wood chips with their weak little beaks and toss them out. Once these digs are dug out to their liking, they’ll start interior decorating with nesting materials like soft green mosses and fine dry grasses.
PREFABS
Despite all this industrious digging, there is still a housing crisis in the bird world. Even with woodpeckers providing new builds each year, the housing supply never quite keeps up with the demand. Inventory is always low. There are more cavity nesters than there are woodpeckers. Dead and dying trees are cut down by humans or eventually fall on their own, taking the nest sites with them. Competition is fierce, especially in preferred-habitat neighbourhoods, and many birds are outcompeted.
So, this is where humans can lend a helping hand. You can build a bird box. But build a better bird box. Properly constructed and placed, birdhouses can help fill the demand for good solid housing for cavity nesters. An incorrectly constructed box may lure our trusting feathered friends to their ultimate demise if they choose a box not built to their specifications. Their growing brood could suffer from crowded or poorly ventilated conditions or predation from an intruder who can access a too-large entry hole. Turns out there is a bird building code for each cavity nester’s house.
BUILDING CODE
A well-built bird box can provide a luxury home for birds if it is built to “code.” Nest boxes should be made from plans specific to the species using them. As with any good construction, proper structural design matters. Beware of the many cutesy birdhouses out there with their oversized nest holes and too-big or too-small boxes. Entrance hole diameters vary in size according to the species (one inch for a wren, two-and-a-quarter inches for a bluebird, etc.). They should be precise for the safety of the bird against intruders, including predators and bigger birds. And always lose the perch. Tree nest holes don’t have perches, and neither should your birdhouse. They actually impede the entry and exit of both the parent and the fledging young. Paint is optional but unnecessary and should be on the exterior only and be safe for animals. Most importantly, every bird box should be openable. They need to be cleaned out at the season’s end each fall. A box stuffed full of dusty old nesting material and perhaps bugs is not a healthy place for the next generation to move into. Regardless, it will not pass house inspection by the next potentially interested family. So, buy your bird boxes only from specialty stores or clubs that build them to proper specs, or build yours from plans from reputable websites! (Audubon, Nestwatch, Eastern Bluebird Society). And finally, pay attention to placement. The sites instructing you on building a better bird box will also tell you where to place the box, in what habitat, how high, how many, how close together, etc.
CONDOS
Two more housing types deserve mention here. We have a few specialty builds in our mix of bird housing. The purple martin, our largest swallow, shows a strong preference
– almost exclusive – for nesting in high-rise, condo-style housing. With their unique colonial style of nesting, they have adapted well to nesting in these condos. Lakeside property owners across southern Ontario have long been lending the unique purple martin a helping hand by erecting these substantial structures beside a lake or pond. Purple martins, acrobatic aerial insectivores, are welcome neighbours at homes and cottages for their voracious appetite for pesky bugs. But despite this attainable housing, a purple martin’s range is shrinking quickly in Ontario. Consider yourself lucky if you are still host to a colony.
HAPPY TRAILS
Finally, there is a success story to talk about. The brilliant blue eastern bluebird was once seriously declining across most of its range due to a lack of nest cavity sites. The formation of the North American Bluebird Society in the 1970s contributed to a successful rebound of its numbers by encouraging thousands of individuals and groups across North America to put up bluebird-specific nestboxes. These boxes were placed along roadside fences adjacent to farm pasture lands – the birds’ preferred habitat – sometimes forming lengthy trails of boxes down the roads. These trails are largely credited with bringing the beautiful “bluebird of happiness” back to our rural landscapes.
COMMUNITIES
There we have it, an entire range and style of homes for nesting birds throughout our own towns and countryside. Whether they be soft woven cups tucked under tree branches and leaves, in holes hammered out courtesy of the woodpecker family, in nestboxes, condos or trails put up by helpful humans, they form a great housing community of birds. OH
PHOTO: ROB KEARNS
PHOTO: LUCIE DESJARDINS
Eastern Screech Owl
Purple Martin House
Tree Swallows Black-capped Chickadee
PROJECT SARA MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY TARA CHATTELL
garden SEED MARKERS
LABEL YOUR SEEDS AS YOU PLANT YOUR VEGETABLE OR FLOWER GARDENS THIS YEAR. THESE MARKERS ARE EASY TO MAKE AND WILL ADD COLOUR AND INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PLANTINGS SO YOU WON’T FORGET WHAT YOU PLANTED WHERE. THEY’LL HELP YOUR GARDEN BEDS SING WITH NEW GROWTH. Continued on page 110
materials
Wooden generic paint stir sticks (we made 10)*
Exterior paint (we used five different colours)**
Wood saw
One-inch foam brushes
Ruler
Pencil
Permanent fine-tip marker
*Stakes were found at Home Depot paint department in bundles of 10.
With a pencil, mark the centre along the curved edge of a paint stick. Using a ruler, from the centre dot, measure 1.5 inches on the diagonal to each side of the stick and mark with a dot. Connect the dots on each side to form a point. Using the wood saw, cut along the marked line on both sides.
Holding the pointed end of the stake, paint one side and the edges in a colour of your choice to just above the stick’s curve. Let dry. Repeat on the other side. Finish with 3 coats of paint. Repeat with additional paint colours and additional stakes.
When stakes are completely dry, use the permanent fine-tip marker to print the names of the seeds being sowed. Stakes can be used for garden beds and individual pots. OH
STURDY TIMBERS
STORY WALTER FRANCZYK | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY
RRobin and Cody Mills admit building their new home was a rush. “We decided to build a new house and get married in the same year,” Cody laughs.
They received their home occupancy permit just 11 months after breaking ground for construction. “Everything went absolutely perfect,” Cody says. “Very rarely does a build go like this where you have zero down time.” Their timber frame house sits prominently atop the mountain that skirts Haliburton Village. Its high, sweeping view overlooks Head Lake, the forested shoreline and the highlands beyond. On their front deck, they can bask in glorious sunsets and see the approaching weather. “Watching the storms from up here is pretty cool,” Robin says. “You can see the storms coming,” says Cody. From the driveway, their home looks like a low-rise house with a sturdy timber-framed porch. Inside the front door, the ceiling soars, revealing a spectacular panorama through two-storey windows that form the front wall of the great room.
The Discovery Dream Home built by Robin and Cody Mills has a bird’s eye view of Head Lake, the highest in a chain of five lakes that reaches from Haliburton to nearly Minden. RIGHT: Cody and Robin wasted no time, building their mountaintop house in a little less than a year. BELOW: Rusticated beams support the home’s timber frame portico. Pine Reflections Gifts & Garden Centre supplied flowers and greenery. OPPOSITE: Dawson Cabinetworks Inc. built the home’s custom kitchen cabinetry topped with granite from SCF Countertops.
A Red Seal carpenter at age 21, Cody has been building homes for 20 years. He and his father Kevin own D&K Contracting, the company that built this five-bedroom house, designed and manufactured by Discovery Dream Homes. “I have built this design a few times and really had my heart set on building this one,” Cody says. “The lot is perfect for it. It’s sitting up on the edge of the cliff.”
For the past 15 years, Cody has been erecting homes by Discovery Dream Homes. “They have a superior product, in my opinion,” he says. “It’s a great team we’ve put together in 15 years with management, design staff and sales staff, so I thoroughly enjoy every project with them.” Building Discovery homes indulges his penchant for rugged construction. “I love timber frame and log. I’m naturally drawn to it and love it.”
The home’s galley-style kitchen, built by Dawson Cabinetworks Inc., faces the great room and the front wall of high windows supplied by Nortech. It contains two of Robin’s must-haves, a double oven and a large pullout pantry. “I’m the one that spends time in the kitchen, cooking all our meals,” she explains. “There are lots of little things in the kitchen I am attracted to.”
ABOVE: A mudroom just off the kitchen is furnished with a wide wooden bench and low drawers, a closet and cupboards. It connects the home with the garage. TOP
RIGHT: A farmhouse kitchen sink with a pulldown faucet overlooks a view of the street-side yard and front entrance. RIGHT: Compass Design Studio owner and interior designer Lauren Trueman plans homes to be functional, efficient and beautiful. OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT: The street view shows the home’s monoslope roofs and the large two-bay garage, which is one of Cody’s favourite spaces. BOTTOM LEFT: Komi Creations Inc. redesigned an iconic armchair to create all-weather ORI Muskoka chairs. They sit on the home’s front deck. BOTTOM RIGHT: A double oven and a large pull-out pantry were two of Robin’s must-haves for the kitchen.
The couple enlisted interior designer Lauren Trueman of Compass Design Studio to help them plan this home. A graduate of Ryerson’s School of Interior Design, Lauren worked for design/build firms in Toronto and Haliburton before going solo and launching her own company. Her maxim is straightforward. “Make your house work for you so that you don’t have to work for your house. That’s what I try to achieve.”
With the home’s architectural work largely done by Discovery Dream Homes, Lauren helped design the kitchen cabinetry and the kitchen’s entry to the adjacent mudroom. She tweaked the main bathroom and laundry layout, as well as the main entrance stairway to provide a little more space and make it feel more open. She also helped choose light fixtures from Kohara + Co. and other suppliers, as well as stonework, plumbing fixtures, paint colours, furniture and accessories. She mixed lighter tones with wood elements. “I wanted to give it a lot of depth with different colours and layers.”
home & builder
A luxurious dining space with a forested view occupies one corner of the great room. OPPOSITE, TOP: A double tier of large windows supplied by Nortech illuminates the living space with a northern sky light. Behind the dinner table, glass doors open to a screened porch and a great view of the sunset. BOTTOM LEFT: Lauren tweaked the design of the front entrance to make it more spacious. BOTTOM RIGHT: Charlie, the couple’s Bernese Mountain dog, is a strong, friendly companion.
Lauren describes Robin’s style as light, lofty and a little unconventional. Lauren mingled Robin’s design taste with the rustic style that Cody loves. “It was blending these two styles as well as we could and just keeping it fun, comfortable and youthful,” she says. This project was a departure from Lauren’s customary practice of plotting a road map to guide her design. “I’ve had a lot of success making all the decisions up front.” Working with Cody, however, involved more engagement and discussions as building progressed. “We were able to make some decisions on the fly and problemsolve together.” Continued on page 118
home & builder
The floors on the home’s main level living spaces are covered in elm, a durable hardwood, reclaimed from old buildings and milled in varied widths by Authentic Antiquewoods Ltd. Installed by Authentic owner Greg Kinaschuk, the elm was left unstained in its warm natural tone. That warmth extends to the three bedrooms that complete the main floor. Komi Creations Inc. furnished the front deck with ORI Muskoka chairs. Designed and manufactured in Ontario, these newly styled, all-weather chairs were inspired by Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding.
Paradigm Electric Inc. installed cameras for the home’s security system. Along with Haliburton Electric, Paradigm wired
the home and installed light fixtures, soffit and under-cabinet lighting.
The home’s lower floor contains a gym, two more bedrooms, a bathroom and a large bright family room with tall windows overlooking the terraced front yard. Robin Ball groomed the surrounding property, sourcing plants and flowers from Pine Reflections Gift & Garden Centre . Cody also applied his expertise outside. “I’m a firm believer in rusticated timber frame, which you can see on the exterior of this building.” Timbers were wire-brushed to ensure greater penetration of stain, making them more weather-resistant. “It’s a key thing for me,” he says. “The stain bonds better. You get longevity with the material and the stain.” Continued on page 120
ABOVE: “It’s comfy, cosy and invites large gatherings,” is how Robin describes the home’s great room. Muskoka Stone & Hearth Company supplied the fireplace stone installed by Middaugh Masonry.
TOP RIGHT: A glass-guarded open-tread stairway descends to the home’s lower-level living room and two additional bedrooms. RIGHT: This downstairs room serves as Robin’s workout space. FAR RIGHT: An undermount sink complements the minimalist style of this bathroom.
home & builder
ABOVE: A navy-coloured wall backstops this ground-floor bedroom accented with leather pillows, wood and black metal hardware. RIGHT: Wooden timbers throughout the interior give the home a solid character. BELOW LEFT: Pro Plumbers & Pumps installed the home’s bathroom vanities and fixtures. CENTRE: With a convenient niche for toiletries, this shower mimics the black hardware and fixtures of the bathroom vanity. RIGHT: A ground-floor corner guest room gets natural light from two sides as well as a view of the manicured front yard. Continued on page 122
home & builder
SOURCE GUIDE
• Authentic Antiquewoods Ltd. • Benjamin Moore
• Bridgewood Engineering Services • Compass Design Studio • Cordell Carpet • Creative Concepts Flooring Co. Ltd. • D&K Contracting • Dawson Cabinetworks Inc. • Discovery Dream Homes
• Don-Lea Lumber Ltd. • Haliburton Timber Mart
• Haliburton Electric Ltd. • Kohara + Co. • Komi Creations Inc. • Nortech • Middaugh Masonry • Mx Metal • Paradigm Electric Inc. • Pine Reflections Gift & Garden Centre • Pro Plumbers & Pumps • Snaffle & Mane Floral + Plant Design • The Muskoka Stone & Hearth Co.
In the primary bedroom’s large en suite, Robin’s styling centred around twin Moroccan sinks with golden-hued faucets. Walls of the curbless, glass-sided shower are finished in softly-scalloped tile. Shower fixtures are also from Morocco. “I love the calmness of our bedroom and bathroom,” Robin says. “I wanted that spa-like feel. That was the vibe.” Buoyed by their mutual success with this construction, Cody and Lauren continue collaborating on more projects. OH
ABOVE LEFT: Moroccan vessel sinks and faucets below matching oval mirrors complete the en suite bathroom vanity. TOP RIGHT: A wide headboard made of white oak slats anchors the bed in the primary sleeping space. ABOVE: A wooden bench furnishes the en suite’s curbless shower. ABOVE RIGHT: The freestanding soaker tub provides a view of Head Lake and beyond.
HOW TO GET YOUR KITCHEN
Ready for Spring
STORY BAILEY FRANKLYN | ILLUSTRATION SHEILA BRITTON
Spring is the perfect time of year for a deep clean. As we come out of hibernation and put away our winter gear, let’s start a new season with a clean slate and kitchen.
Chances are you clean your kitchen often, but as the most-used room in the house, it likely doesn’t get the regular deep clean it deserves. Use this guide as a checklist to clean all the nooks and crannies to get your kitchen spring-ready.
Fridge & Freezer
Remove everything and throw out anything that is expired or empty. Wipe down the shelves and drawers of the fridge with an all-purpose cleaner, and then take this opportunity to get organized. Label and date containers, restock with frequently used items easily accessible and ensure things are stored properly to prevent food waste and spoilage.
Pantry, Cupboards & Drawers
Similar to cleaning the fridge, remove all the contents and toss anything expired. Then vacuum/sweep any lingering crumbs and wipe down all surfaces. If you have a cutlery tray, be sure to remove all the cutlery, and give the tray a clean too. Don’t forget about the exterior. Wipe down handles, knobs and the outer surface of your cupboards and drawers.
Oven & Stove
The best practice for cleaning your stovetop depends on the type of stove (gas, induction/glass or electric). Don’t overlook the range hood, vents and knobs. These need to be cleaned too. For the oven, the built-in cleaning function isn’t effective enough for our deep cleaning purposes. It’s best to do it by hand with some elbow grease. This includes removing and cleaning the racks and scrubbing the interior glass door, inside and outside.
Microwave
One method to remove stains and gunk is to microwave a bowl of water and vinegar and let the steam loosen things up. Remove the turntable and wipe it and the inside of the microwave with a clean cloth. Don’t forget to give the exterior a wipe too.
Dishwasher
The “how to clean” will differ depending on the type of machine, but the “what to clean” is the same. The exterior surface, cupboards around the dishwasher, the filter, hinges and interior should all be thoroughly cleaned.
Garbage, Recycling & Compost
Often overlooked, these containers can cause unpleasant odours. Empty the containers and remove any remaining food bits. Wash the cans outside with a hose or in a bathtub and pat dry. Spray and scrub with a disinfectant cleaner, then rinse and dry. Be sure to clean the inside, outside, bottom and the area around where the containers are stored in your kitchen.
PRO TIP: Set yourself up for success by getting organized. Label and date anything in the fridge, freezer or pantry that doesn’t already have a label. Transfer spices, flour, sugar and other dry goods into clear containers.
Bailey Franklyn is a Registered Dietitian living in Meaford.
THE WORKS in one spot
THE PLACE
PHOTOGRAPHY WALTER FRANCZYK
On a seven-acre site, just west of the Muskoka Wharf, Home Building Centre Gravenhurst offers 20,000 square feet of building supplies, hardware, tools, paint, plumbing, electrical supplies and much, much more. “We have everything you need to complete any building project, whether it’s a home repair or a whole house,” says Robert Glecoff. He and his wife Aly manage the business. They specialize in building contractor services. “We’re a complete building supply company,” Robert says.
RESOURCES
“We have a Pro Lumber desk where we can assist with the framing and all the rough building materials,” says Robert. “And we have our paint department, which can help you pick your colours and help with your decorating.” With a wide selection of cabinets, doors, countertops, sinks and faucets, the kitchen department can assist customers in planning new or renovated spaces. “We design kitchens and baths and we install them as well,” Robert says. “We can do it all from top to bottom.”
HOMES
Beaver Homes & Cottages consultant Chris Hamilton leads the store’s in-house custom home design program. “People start with Chris. They can choose a model home or start from scratch. It’s completely up to them,” says Robert. More than 120 Beaver model homes, cottages and bunkies are completely customizable. “Chris brings them through the process from beginning to end.” He can answer any question they have while the store can supply everything needed to build the project. Chris can also help clients find a builder.
Chris Hamilton
SERVICES
Building centre staff can also design custom decks, docks and garages. “We have a program to help install your small projects, screen doors, decks or a window,” says Robert. A fleet of delivery trucks can get building materials to homes and work sites in a timely, professional manner.
TEAMWORK
The building centre employs about 50 knowledgeable and friendly people. “They’re the reason we’re here and they’re the reason why we’re so successful,” Robert says. “We’re the store with all the new innovative items but that old customer service. We truly believe every customer who walks in the door is important.” OH
Aly & Robert Glecoff
PARADIGM ELECTRIC INC.
Paradigm Electric Inc. is locally owned and specializes in residential and commercial services in Haliburton and surrounding areas. Whether you need a small wiring fix or you are building a brand new home, we get the job done right.
Paradigm Electric provides thorough consultation to explain your available options. With that information, you can choose the scope of work that’s right for your home or business and for your budget.
We strive to save you both time and money by combining experience, high quality parts and equipment, and exceptional service. We will stick with the job until you are satisfied.
Here’s what customers are saying: “A not-so-easy project renovating a 60-year-old cabin. Dylan and his team did a fantastic job!! He was also quick to respond to questions (and we had lots!!). A big thank you to Paradigm!!!” -- Maureen
Reach out to our team at Paradigm Electric Inc. and let’s get started!
If you are looking for a creative professional to help you fill in the blanks between vision and execution, look no further than the Minden-based Compass Design Studio. Offering a wide range of services from colour consultations to construction drawings, Lauren will work with you to manage every detail down to the last pillow.
As the only ARIDO
Registered Interior Designer in Haliburton County, Lauren offers the highest quality in full-scope interior design and design management for your next build or renovation project. Allow Lauren at Compass Design Studio to bring your vision to life while she guides you through the decision-making process and ensures continuity through each phase of construction.
• Floor plans
• Virtual 3D modelling
• Kitchen and bath design
• Electrical drawings
• Finish selection
• Furniture and fixture selection
• Product procurement
Now booking projects for Fall 2025!
Check out our website for more details.
compassdesignstudio.ca
705.854.0090
(Please see ad on pg 121)
HALIBURTON TIMBER MART
Welcome to Haliburton Timber Mart located in beautiful cottage country. Haliburton Timber Mart, also known as Haliburton Lumber, first opened its doors on July 27, 1968. Since that time we have undergone many expansions with our most extensive renovation taking place in 2022. Our expanded showroom and state-of-the-art design centre now encompass more than 10,000 square feet to serve you better.
With our full service lumber yard and extensive fleet of delivery vehicles you can be sure we can provide fast and efficient delivery of building materials to your site. The most recent addition to our delivery fleet is a M2-106 Freightliner with an 8 tonne knuckle boom and 40’ of reach, allowing us to get your materials to even the most challenging areas.
Haliburton Timber Mart has seen many changes since 1968, but the foundation of our business has never waivered: To serve the great people of Haliburton with quality products and friendly service while maintaining small town and family business values.
Haliburton Timber Mart is locally owned and operated and is proud to serve our community and surrounding areas.
5148 County Rd 21, Haliburton 705.457.2510
1.877.425.5862
haliburtonlumber.com
(Please see ad on pg 121)
WINDOW QUILT MUSKOKA
Window Quilt Muskoka is a leading supplier in Muskoka and surrounding areas of:
• Quality interior window coverings
• Custom drapery
• Phantom insect screening
• Retractable screen doors
• Security shutters
• Retractable awnings
• Weather protection solutions
For 35 years, the dedicated team has been assisting contractors, designers and homeowners with their interior and exterior projects. Their commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and premium custom product is a key component of their continued success and long-standing reputation. The team of personable sales consultants and installation technicians, led by owner Ashley West, is well equipped with the skill, knowledge and experience necessary to tackle any job.
Add beauty, style and function to any room at any budget with their extensive collection of custom roller shades, window coverings, and drapery.
With a wide range of exterior products, they can assist with outdoor living areas by converting them into fully usable spaces, extending seasonal usage, providing security, and protection from the elements.
Contact them during initial stages of new construction or renovation projects to discuss options and integration for a truly cohesive design. All product offerings can be viewed by appointment at their Huntsville Showroom, with home and on-site consultations also available. 705.789.1236
In this day and age, not many things are built to last. But Handstone Furniture isn’t one of them. We refuse to compromise. It’s been that way since we started in 1999 as a one-man woodworking shop. Today we remain a familyowned Canadian manufacturer of custom-made, solid wood furniture. We still hand-select the kiln-dried walnut, cherry, maple and red oak hardwoods we work with. We continually invest in adding state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to our facilities. And we never forget that the only thing equal to the precision and accuracy of modern manufacturing process is the technique and attention to detail that comes from having a reverence for old world craftsmanship. We practice lean manufacturing methods and each piece is built-to-order. Handstone Furniture is different. It takes a little longer to build. You’ll wait a little longer to get it delivered. But we think you’ll agree...its lasting beauty is worth it.
To explore our designer collections and vast customizable options visit handstone.ca
(Please see ad on pg 4)
DOL CONTRACTING
Dol Contracting is a leader in the general contracting – custom homes and excavating in the industry.
With a firm commitment to reliability and an unwavering commitment to delivering the best work, we’ve become the locally trusted contractor homeowners and businesses rely on for a streamlined design and construction experience. We’re been in business since 1997 and are known for our honesty, service and quality workmanship. Working with our team is as convenient as it gets. We’ll help you with repairs or large construction jobs and custom homes projects from conception to completion and work with your budget.
Do you have questions about any of our building services? We’d love to hear from you.
Mark Dol
markdcon@hotmail.com
905.476.0428 Office
905.955.4841 Cell (Please see ad on pg 91)
DESIGNING with NEUTRALS
A PALETTE OF POSSIBILITIES
Neutral colours are often synonymous with simplicity in interior design. While they provide a calming canvas, many fear a neutral palette will result in a bland, uninspiring or uninviting space. Now, in 2025, the world of interior design is embracing a fresh take on colour, including neutrals. Long considered a safe choice, neutrals are evolving into a statement of sophistication and style. When used thoughtfully, neutral colours can be anything but boring. They can elevate a space, creating timeless, modern, warm and inviting environments. Here are my tips on mastering the art of working with neutrals while ensuring your space maintains character and interest.
THE NEW NEUTRAL
Neutrals encompass a broad spectrum of hues, and the magic lies in their versatility. They can mix and match effortlessly and offer a beautiful backdrop to various design styles. The “new neutral” goes beyond the traditional spectrum of whites, beiges and greys. In 2025, we’ll shift toward deeper, richer shades that provide warmth and depth while maintaining a calming balance. Think of a move away from cool greys and stark whites and towards creamy taupe, warm greige, soft sage greens and even earthy terracotta. These tones are designed to create environments that are not only soothing but also engaging and reflective of our personal identities. This new wave of neutrals allows homeowners to express individuality while remaining grounded in versatility.
STORY
KRISTYN GERTH
design ideas
INTEGRATING NEUTRALS INTO YOUR DESIGN
TEXTURE
One of the most effective ways to inject warmth, depth and interest into a neutral palette is by layering different textures. While neutral colours might appear understated, they can come to life through tactile contrasts. Consider layering textured elements like chunky throw blankets, textured accent pillows, woven baskets, ceramic vases and patterned rugs. These elements create visual interest while maintaining the serene backdrop of an overall neutral colour palette.
BALANCE THROUGH CONTRAST
While neutral tones serve as a beautiful base, they provide the opportunity to create striking contrasts. Introducing contrasting elements in your design, like the juxtaposition of light and dark elements, elevates your design and adds instant interest. Use accent furniture in dark saturated colours or bold patterns, unique artwork and décor or add warm wood accents to create an instant sense of balance and refinement to a neutral space. Playing with shapes and forms also offers an opportunity for contrast. Mix modern and traditional pieces and integrate opposing shapes like rounded armchairs with angular coffee tables to add visual contrast, making a neutral space subtly more dynamic.
STRATEGIC LIGHTING
Lighting plays a pivotal role in how we perceive colour and in showcasing neutral colours. Natural light enhances the warmth of neutral hues, so consider maximizing window space with curtains that allow light to filter through. Use layered lighting such as ambient, task and accent lighting to create depth and interest in your space. Opt for warm-toned bulbs to bring out the cosy feel in your neutral design and enhance your warm palette.
NEUTRALS AS A STATEMENT
Don’t miss the opportunity for neutrals to make a bold statement on their own. Colour drenching has taken hold as a leading trend in both fashion and design and will continue to play a star role this year. Go all in with your chosen neutrals by painting your walls, trim and even ceiling in the same hue or slightly varying shade. Match key elements like drapery and furniture for a striking, sophisticated and thoughtfully layered curated look.
Working with neutral colours in interior design doesn’t mean sacrificing warmth or interest. New neutral colours are set to redefine the parameters of interior design. These rich tones invite warmth, interest and individuality into your space. You can create a stylish home that feels contemporary, warm and timeless by layering textures, creating contrast through bold colours or shapes, using light or going all-in with your neutral hue. OH
Kristyn Gerth is the founder and creative director of Ash + Oak Interiors.
ISLAND treasured
LEFT: This island cottage on Kahshe Lake has been a summer home and winter snowmobiling destination for multiple generations of the Bradley family. BELOW RIGHT: Claudine and Matt Bradley had their old cottage raised on a new insulated concrete foundation, built a two-storey addition for a primary bedroom suite and Muskoka room, and completely renovated the interior.
mMatt Bradley uses a four-letter word to describe what spurred a makeover of his family’s island cottage. “Mice.” As in many old cottages, mice had burrowed into the walls of the tiny cabin that Matt’s father bought on Kahshe Lake more than 60 years ago.
But it wasn’t just mice, Matt’s wife Claudine explains. With four daughters, their husbands and boyfriends, parents and beloved canine companions, Matt and Claudine wanted more room. “It was hard finding places for people to sleep,” Claudine says.
PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY
Sleeping space wasn’t a problem when Matt’s parents owned the cottage. Matt and his eight brothers and sisters all slept in a low upstairs loft. “This was the place where they spent all of their summers,” says Claudine. Matt’s aunt and uncle, who owned a cottage across the bay, had 11 children. “This bay was filled with the laughter and hilarity of 20 children, aunts and uncles,” Matt recalls. “Because this cottage meant so much to everybody in the family, we wanted to keep it,” says Claudine.
Matt and Claudine bought the cottage in 2018. They gave it a new lease on life by expanding the footprint to include a new Muskoka room, a primary bedroom and en suite. They raised the roof of the loft, where they installed new windows with a lake view. They renovated the kitchen and dining space, created a lounge and built the Muskoka room with painstaking attention to detail and authenticity. “Claudine did it all,” says Matt. “It was really Claudine’s project. She did it from soup to nuts,” he says.
“We tried to make this place feel like it had been here a long time,” says Claudine. “I wanted everything to be stone or wood.” They kept the main-floor ceilings low, as in the original cottage, but sheathed the ceilings and walls in custom-milled, one by 12-inch, wire-brushed pine produced by Hoffmeyer’s Mill. Floors were finished with Northern Wide Plank reclaimed oak. Matt worked with Hoffmeyer’s Mill owner Reg Ogilvie to design knives to cut the custom profile of the dark ash beadboard that covers the walls and vaulted ceiling in the Muskoka room. “The Muskoka room was all Matt,” says Claudine. “He had an idea, right from the get-go, of what he wanted that room to feel like.” The look is reminiscent of old Muskoka boathouses and the Rockhaven Inn, a nearby Kahshe Lake resort. Continued on page 139
ABOVE: Set In Stone Muskoka Inc. built the river rock fireplace on the north side of the Muskoka room. RIGHT: A tiny school of porcelain minnows floats above the vanity in the main-floor bathroom. OPPOSITE: Interior walls and ceilings are clad in 12-inch wire-brushed pine while the floors are covered in reclaimed oak in various widths.
“WHAT’S A MUSKOKA ROOM IF YOU DON’T HAVE THE WIND BLOWING THROUGH IT,” SAYS MATT. “YOU CAN HAVE THAT WIND RIPPING THROUGH THERE, THEN BUTTON IT UP IN THE WINTER AND IT’S COSY AS ANYTHING.”
At the centre of the Muskoka room, stonemason Tim Smith of Set in Stone Muskoka Inc. built an old-fashioned river rock fireplace. Matt describes Tim’s work as exceptional. “We just gave him a sketch and he did it precisely the way we wanted it.” Eightfoot-high LePage windows from Window Works (Muskoka) flank the fireplace. The windows open 90 degrees to admit the summer breeze. “What’s a Muskoka room if you don’t have the wind blowing through it,” says Matt. “You can have that wind ripping through there, then button it up in the winter and it’s cosy as anything.”
Retractable LePage bi-fold glass doors can separate the Muskoka room from the living room lounge, sealing it almost soundproof when children play games there or when they want to keep their wet dogs out.
RIGHT: The cottage lounge can be separated from the Muskoka room with retractable LePage bi-fold doors furnished by Window Works (Muskoka.) BELOW: Matt planned the Muskoka room with plenty of tall windows and dark ash beadboard walls and ceiling. He collaborated with Reg Ogilvie of Hoffmeyer’s Mill to design the knives that cut the hardwood.
Woodsmiths of Muskoka built the kitchen cabinetry while Elegant Solutions furnished countertops made of walnut, the couple’s favourite wood. Brass drawer and door pulls have been left unfinished so they patinate.
At the heart of the kitchen, the cooktop backsplash is a porcelain mosaic created by Meg Leslie of Atherley Arts, a lake scene that celebrates the Bradley family. Acorns and oak leaves surround a large capital B at its centre. The names of the couple’s parents are etched just above the waterline. In the water below, two bass, depicting Matt and Claudine, flank a little pink heart. Tiny porcelain minnows, representing their children, swim below. Under a profusion of lily pads lurks a fabled muskie that Matt’s mother, an avid angler, talked about but never caught. Claudine and Meg designed the backsplash over two years, talking about the family and what the couple love about the cottage. “It’s just absolutely incredible what she did,” Claudine says.
Susannah Benattar-Vibert designed the cottage kitchen with walnut cabinetry, custom-built by Woodsmiths of Muskoka Elegant Solutions furnished the walnut countertops and the wooden surface of the central kitchen island. “Walnut is our favourite wood,” says Claudine. Brown’s Appliances supplied culinary equipment by JennAir. The brass hardware on the cabinets in the kitchen, door and drawer pulls, were left to patinate over time. Continued on page 142
ABOVE: The kitchen’s porcelain backsplash, created by Meg Lesley of Atherley Arts, is an ode to the Bradley family history and its Kahshe Lake environment. RIGHT: The dining space links the kitchen with the cottage lounge and the Muskoka room. BELOW: A JennAir double oven, supplied by Brown’s Appliances, ensures versatility when planning meals for family gatherings.
Heating, ventilation and cooling specialists Simcoe Muskoka Home Comfort supplied and installed a system to control air quality and humidity while keeping the cottage comfortable in all seasons.
At the top of the lake house, the new primary bedroom enjoys a view of the morning sun over the lake. With flooring by Greensville Soapstone Company, the adjacent en suite bathroom is warm and luxurious. “The heated soapstone floor is one of my favourite things,” says Claudine. The lake views are what Matt likes most about their cottage. “From every angle you can see the lake – either the reflection of the lake or a view of the lake – it’s always a glance away.”
ABOVE: Catching the morning sunlight, the new primary bedroom overlooks a channel that separates the island from the mainland. RIGHT: Pine walls and ceilings throughout the cottage help make it look like it’s been here a long time. FAR
RIGHT: A heated soapstone floor in the en suite is one of Claudine’s favourite pleasures.
SOURCE GUIDE
Outside, descending from the wide cottage deck to the dock, the shoreline is sculpted with granite stairs, footpaths, boulders and a large patio surrounding a smokeless Solo Stove fire pit.
The cottage is a gathering place for their family. Eventually, Claudine and Matt plan to live here six months of the year, from spring to early fall. “But I’ll come back because I love the winter here,” says Matt. “Winter is my favourite season. It’s so peaceful. There’s nobody here. You just hear the wind and there’s lots of snow outside.”
Nostalgia and authenticity define this quiet island retreat, a place of cherished memories and great expectations. The mice have moved on. OH
• Greensville Soapstone Company • Hoffmeyer’s Mill • LePage Millwork • Northern Wide Plank • Pin-Co Power • Set in Stone Muskoka Inc. • Simcoe Muskoka Home Comfort • The Fire Within • The Security Guys • Tile Depot • Window Works (Muskoka) • Woodsmiths of Muskoka • Yester Home Hardware & Homeware
ABOVE: Matt and Claudine hope to make their island cottage their permanent summer home when they retire. RIGHT: The couple’s pontoon boat provides versatile transportation for guests and cottage supplies.
RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
MEDITERRANEAN Chicken Meatballs
Serve these chicken meatballs with a side of herb yogurt as an appetizer, or pair them with fresh vegetables and rice for a healthy, hearty dish. Continued on page 148
JENELLE MCCULLOCH
cooking at home
INGREDIENTS
1 lb ground chicken
1 egg
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small white onion, diced
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp dill*
1 ½ tsp oregano*
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
*Herbs can be fresh or dried. If using fresh, double the amount listed.
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined. Using your hands, gently form balls just a bit smaller than golf balls and place them onto a baking sheet.
Transfer to the oven and bake for 16-18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Serve warm with your favourite dipping sauces and sides! OH
MARCH 29 & 30, 2025
Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
MUSKOKA COTTAGE SHOW BARRIE HOME & LIFESTYLE 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
SADLON ARENA 555 Bayview Drive, Barrie THE SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW
OCTOBER 10 & 11, 2025
ALPINE SKI CLUB 17-242 Arrowhead Road, The Blue Mountains
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.
Lifetime Lumber Products – Division of Baycrest Distribution, 25
FABRIC/UPHOLSTERY/CANVAS
Muskoka Upholstery, 111
FENCING/DECKS/GATES
Lifetime Lumber Products – Division of Baycrest Distribution, 25
FINANCIAL/INSURANCE/ MORTGAGE/INVESTING
Parry Sound Insurance Brokers Ltd., 14
FIREPLACES & STOVES/ACCESSORIES
Fireplace & Leisure Centre, 17
Napoleon Home Comfort, 39
FLOORING
Brooklace Kitchen & Bath, 77
Cordell Carpet, 22
Gray’s Paint & Flooring, 22
Refined Kitchen & Bath, 41
Riverview Furniture & Flooring, 133
Taylor Carpet One, 59
Uptown Decor & Finishes, 8, 93
FOOD & DRINK/RESTAURANTS/ CATERING/DELI
Boathouse Boutique / Bikini Beans Café, 43
Cast Iron Restaurant, 121
FOUNDATIONS
North Country Contracting, 19
FURNITURE & HOME DECOR/ ACCENTS/GIFTS/COLLECTIBLES
Boathouse Boutique / Bikini Beans Café, 43
Handstone Furniture, 4, 129
HillTop Interiors, 155
Huckleberry’s, 43
Kohara + Co, 121
Lakeshore Designs, 43
Master Furniture, 73
Riverview Furniture & Flooring, 133
Sound Interiors, 131
The Chesterfield Shop, 10
The Corner Cabinet, 129
The Cutter’s Edge, 2 Veranda, 93
GARDEN CENTRES/GREENHOUSES/ NURSERIES
Pratt’s Lawn Care & Landscapes –Pratt’s Garden Centre, 63
HEATING & COOLING
Gravenhurst Plumbing, Heating & Electric, 43
Napoleon Home Comfort, 39
Simcoe Muskoka Home Comfort, 145
HOME IMPROVEMENTS/RENOVATIONS
Backyard Plans by Cottage Country Design, 71
Braun Custom Builds, 129
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 tyler.annette@ourhomes.ca. To have your business listed in our Home Resource Directory, call us to advertise at
Ferncliffe Development, 77
Johnson Log Home Restorations, 129
Ready Pine, 131
INSULATION
Bedrock Finishes, 49
INTERIOR DECORATING/INTERIOR DESIGN/HOME STAGING
Compass Design Studio, 121, 128
Coralee Monaghan Interiors, 47
Lakeshore Designs, 43
Paige Elizabeth Interiors, 89
Sotheby's International Realty Canada –McLeod Team, 6&7
Sound Interiors, 131 Veranda, 93
KITCHEN & BATH
Brooklace Kitchen & Bath, 77
Haliburton Timber Mart, 121, 128
Home Options Made Easy, 23
Northern Living Kitchen & Bath/ Living Lighting, 18
