This project came to us after a recent renovation that modernized this cottage on the water. Like most homeowners who complete a renovation, our clients were dragging their feet to furnish and decorate their home and needed help pulling it all together. We did incorporate some minor renovations including the powder room and the addition of a custom wine cellar and bar in the dining room. We also are always quick to propose textural elements like wallpaper and lighting to elevate a space.

We started with a beautiful view off the vestibule that connects the mudroom and garage to the rest of the home. A floor to ceiling window really allows natural light to flood this room and the only part that was salvaged is the walnut wall panelling on two of the walls. We love how wood automatically adds a layer of warmth to any space so we decided to keep it. A console table was sourced as a spot to drop your keys as you walk in and the armchair makes this room the perfect corner to take a call or escape for an afternoon read.

The great room encompasses the dining room, living room and kitchen and is the heart of the home. From entertaining, to kids playing, to just every day living, this room needed to be versatile and comfortable. Our clients had conflicting design aesthetics; one was more contemporary and the other was far more cottage. Our job was to marry the two style in a way that pleased both parties while keeping our Hibou flair. We did this by purposefully selecting woods that had visible knots and patterns like plaid in the rug that gave a hint of cottage without going full out farmhouse.

The view overlooking the water surrounded by nature is what sparked our desire to select green upholstery, in an effort to bring nature in and create an effect of indoor/outdoor living. Furniture with low backs were intentionally curated as to not distract from the view as you walk in, and the two chairs in front of the windows are swivel chairs that can be pivoted to face the water and take it all in.

The wine cellar we designed finally gets the booze out of the pantry and into a permanent home. We selected a beautiful Viola marble for the countertop and backsplash of the wet bar and incorporated practical drawers for everything the clients would need while entertaining. We also added that window to bring in some additional natural light and strategically placed it higher than usual to create a contemporary effect that doesn’t distract from the captivating stone on the backsplash.

Photography: Mike Chajecki

Head over to our Portfolio for the full project.