Five tips on decorating your cottage home
Ted Yarwood
Island living
"It was a dream job," recalls
interior designer Jennifer Worts,
speaking of the custom-built home
she lovingly designed. The family’s main
objective in building this stunning retreat
in Ontario’s cottage country was to create
an unassuming and inviting place for the
large clan to gather. And while the home’s
interior was certainly important, it was the
cottage’s island location and the spectacular
natural surroundings that dictated their vision.
“What they wanted above all was a home
that integrated its surroundings seamlessly.
They wanted to bring the outside in, and the
inside out.”
The simplicity of this philosophy
is felt throughout. Though quite large, the
home is essentially one expansive, multipurpose
room that feels straightforward,
unpretentious and laid-back. The central
space is made up of four different zones: a
kitchen, a dining room, a living room and a
recreation area. The front wall is outfitted
with huge doors that slide back completely
and open up onto a large screened-in porch.
With all the doors gone, it’s hard to tell where
the wood-clad timber structure ends and the
trees begin. And that’s just how it should be.
1. Mix geometric patterns
Get a casual cottage look by
mixing different patterns. The key
to making it work is keeping the
colours consistent — in this case,
reds and browns from the rug
are picked up in the stripes and
medallions on the pillows.
Get a similar look: Geometric Kibak rug, Ikea. Bench, Stacaro. Redford
house mirror, Peaks and Rafters. Harbor sconce, Restoration Hardware.com. Pillows, Pottery Barn.
2. Choose lamps with matching finishes and similar shapes
Keep lights cohesive when outfitting
a large space like a great room.
A wrought-iron chandelier over the
living area works well with the black-iron
lights over the pool table.
Get a similar look: Black chandelier, club
chairs, both Restoration Hardware. Black
armoire, Cornerstone Home Interiors. New
country black side chairs, Ethan Allen.
Hallway decor: mounted canoe ceiling display
A tall ceiling in a hallway is the perfect
place to hang a family treasure, like this
antique hull. Oars, flags, canoes or
a collection of baskets would make an
equally fun and unexpected statement.
Get a similar look: Teak chairs, Fresh Home & Garden. Basque honey console table, basay basket,
both Crate&Barrel. Similar chair, Ikea.
4. Accent wood with hits of black
In a home where many different colours
of wood are used, a single accent colour,
like black, can really pull the look together.
Here, chairs, lights, accessories and
even the kitchen counter are all a soft
matte black.
Get a similar look: Chandeliers, Elte. Wooden bowls, Snob. Wool blanket, West Elm.
5. Mix indoor and outdoor pieces
An enclosed porch sits somewhere between
indoor and outdoor spaces. Play up the look
by juxtaposing soft interior furnishings like
pillows and rugs with exterior details like
this glass and iron lantern.
Get a similar look: Pendant light, Restoration Hardware. Vintage sign, Smash. Sectional sofa, Andrew Richard Designs. Floral pillows, 1212.
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