Northern Ontario first beckoned to Justine Melman after she attended summer camp in the region as a child. When the time came for Justine to build her own cottage on Lake Muskoka, she knew exactly the look she wanted: light and breezy with a nod to some of the older, more historic homes in the area. "Being up north evokes such a sense of peacefulness for me, and I wanted to emulate that indoors." White walls and rustic wood floors set the scene while an eclectic mix of furniture keeps it feeling young and modern. Natural touches that echo the breathtaking beauty outside are brought inside. Canoe paddles adorn the walls, antlers decorate the mantelpiece and driftwood objects grace the shelves. Justine, a marketing executive for Yahoo!, did all of the interior decorating herself, sourcing most of the furnishings online and finding Canadian suppliers where possible. "By keeping everything fresh and airy and taking advantage of the natural light, I can't help but feel calm and happy here."
Photo by Roberto CarusoWhether it's a chair, a coffee table, a swinging bench or all of the above, deck furniture does not have to be limited to the outdoors. The natural textures of wicker and wood look right at home in this sunroom. Install windows with large openings to allow the refreshing breezes of the lake to cool down the space.
Striped fabric (on swing), Kravet. Wicker and wood furniture, Restoration Hardware. Rug, Dominion Rug.
Give new life to a chest of drawers by fitting it with a sink and taps. The closed cabinet provides plenty of storage for all those beach towels and bottles of sunscreen. The aged wood and dark hardware on this dresser complement the cottage decor.
Vanity, Muskoka Living. Mirror, Jamie Young. Light, Restoration Hardware.
A casual seating area with views of the lake is a favourite family breakfast spot. The dramatic chandelier and decorative canoe paddles are rustic details that bring the outdoors in. Juxtaposed against mid-century-modern-inspired chairs, the look is fresh and youthful.
Chandelier, Sescolite. Table, paddles, Pottery Barn. Similar chairs, Modernica.
Cottage living often means sandy feet, sticky fingers and wet bathing suits. Easy-to-care-for leather and neutral fabrics like tweed on the button-tufted ottoman are super-durable and lend a relaxed vibe.
Declutter trick: Place your television in a glass-doored cabinet to hide it when not in use. Line the doors with a custom-made decal and watch it disappear.
Leather chairs, Restoration Hardware. Sofa, ottoman, Cooper Bros. Cabinet, BooBoo & Lefty. Rug, Dominion Rug. Ceiling fan, Wilcorp.
Considerable thought went into finding the perfect wood floors for this cottage. Antique elm with an oiled finish is the ideal choice. With grey driftwood-inspired counter stools and a reclaimed-oak island, the contrasting wood elements add a welcome organic touch.
Stools, Bungalow 5. Faucet, Ginger's. Pendant light, Jamie Young.
This impressive range in robin's egg blue is the focal point of the kitchen. The playful shade makes the space bright and is repeated on the dining room chairs and in the living room.
Range, Lacanche. Backsplash, Saltillo Imports.
Elegant white-painted chairs and an impressive vine-covered chandelier add a bit of glamour to the dining room, while the rough-hewn wood table keeps it informal. Bare floors and windows are easy to maintain and cottage-like.
Install a fuss-free patterned wood floor in lieu of an area rug.
Chairs, Pottery Barn. Table, Restoration Hardware. Chandelier, Union Lighting and Furnishings.
Indulge in the peace and serenity that a country property provides with your own spa. A stand-alone bathtub with stunning views and separate shower is the ultimate in luxury.
Tiles, Saltillo Imports. Tub, Cheviot Products. Faucet, Ginger's.
For maximum impact, display antique-store treasures together. A bingo spinner, an old radio, a yo-yo and a wood die create a playful composition on this rustic dresser.
Dresser, Aidan Gray Home. Deer, radio, Christie Antique Show. Bingo spinner, Restoration Hardware. Die, ABC Carpet & Home. Bell, Pottery Barn.
An interlaced double-diamond custom wall trellis creates this alternative to wallpaper.
Bed frame, Charles P. Rogers Beds Direct. Sheets, Peacock Alley. Nightstand, Bungalow 5. Lamp, Cocoon Furnishings.
Clockwise from top left: Throw, $49, West Elm. Pillow, $30, HomeSense. Pendant lamp, $70, Home Depot. Mirror, $30, Target. Oar, $35, Nature's Window. Hook, $29, Urban Outfitters.
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