In fact, we gave all the bedrooms monikers like Linden, Dewhurst and Tiverton, named after streets our friends live on. Archways were made to measure for doors I'd scavenged over the years, and the original doors were refurbished and re-hung. It's a source of pride that visitors can't tell the difference between old and new.
We spend a lot of time in the kitchen - Tim cooks, I bake and friends pitch in - so we designed the room around our collections, furniture and work space for several chefs. Reproduction schoolhouse fixtures light up the open shelves we've lined with antique bowls and old kitchen tins, while my favourite vintage signs adorn the walls. The baking counter was influenced by the number of glass canisters we wanted to line up. Windows face the garden and lake, allowing views of birds, deer, otters, heron, beaver, even the odd bear.
Inspired by old fabrics, rugs and cedar shingles, we chose a palette of greens, creams and yellows. I mix and match the same colours in every room, but the wall texture, room location and accessories produce different effects. The limited colour scheme creates continuity, while enhancing the nutty brown wood floors and drawing attention to the antiques. It all adds to the vintage feel.
When we purchased the cottage, we thought of ourselves as city folk with cottaging in our hearts - the plan was to pursue a different lifestyle, not necessarily escape the city. But now, each morning Tim heads to his office upstairs and I plan my day as a life coach and real estate representative for Kawartha Waterfront Realty. We don't get mail delivered, but the post office is a hot bed for socializing. There aren't any Starbucks, but Kathleen at Kawartha Coffee Co. makes a mean latte. We don't get to the movies, but we see more stars from our dock than we ever imagined. There's a balance. Life at the Lakehouse is healthy and rich.
Read more in Decorating and Feature Homes
You might also enjoy:
0 Comment