Charming Contemporary Cabin
STORY LAUREN LONG
PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY
FLORALS COLLINGWOOD FLOWERS AND HOME DECOR
Matching sofas from Distinct Furniture surround the contemporary gas fireplace from Chantico Fireplace Gallery. Two Mid-century modern nesting tables display design books and flowers.
The snow-covered hills of The Blue Mountains offer the ultimate alpine adventure. Skiers love spending the day gliding through the powdery white slopes and gathering for fireside cocktails and conversation at night. This ritual is even more meaningful when it happens at home.
Within walking distance to the slopes of Alpine Ski Club, this traditional log home is situated in the perfect location. An interested buyer saw its potential and sought out local professionals with the expertise to redesign the interior space into a cosy modern home.
Collaborating with the existing partnership of Sharon Croxon Design Inc. and Mazenga Building Group, the humble old log cabin was restored by adding contemporary luxuries while maintaining the charm of a classic log cabin.
Sharon Croxon, of Sharon Croxon Design Inc. and Matt Hill of Mazenga Building Group.
“We redesigned the old space, which was really chopped up and not very functional, into a really nice ski chalet,” says Matt Hill of Mazenga Building Group. “This was all done within the existing footprint of the structure and mainly completed by reworking the roof structure to suit the spaces better.”
Sharon Croxon Design Inc. has had a long-standing relationship with Mazenga as a local builder who understands the building landscape in the Southern Georgian Bay area. Having worked together for almost 10 years, they are familiar with the challenges and rewards that come with renovating log homes.
Black accents in the dining area are found in the tripod base of the dining table, the chair bases and the custom linear chandelier from Artisan’s Gallery. Combined, the black accents make a bold impact against the newly blasted interior logs.
A wall separating the kitchen and living room area was removed to create a single space for cooking, dining and entertaining. Expansive windows offer panoramic views of the property and allow optimal natural lighting for the whole entertainment area.
“The beauty of what we did allowed us to transition the existing space into a more unified living space,” explains Sharon. “Light-coloured woods and an open space are a contrast to the original dark and enclosed rooms of a traditional log home.”
The island’s Caesarstone counter in Fresh Concrete from Marbletech has a waterfall edge. For comfortable dining, an oak extension to the island sits at a lower height. Clear glass pendants are from Georgian Design Centre.
One of the key components of log-home restoration is blasting the logs to remove the old finishes to prepare for new staining. As the existing interior and exterior of the logs were in tough shape, the logs were blasted and restained to reveal and exploit the beautiful oak colour, leaving the wood much lighter than traditionally dark log cabins.
Solid-core stained white-oak doors and Valencia European oak flooring create a feel that is light and contemporary, while seamlessly blending with the existing, newly-stained logs of the cabin.
A beautiful glass-panel staircase is one of the many statement features of the home – a collaborative decision between the client, Mazenga Building Group and Sharon Croxon Design Inc.
“The glass panels not only bring in a simple and clean design element, but they let in light and open up small spaces such as this one,” explains Sharon.
The homeowner had a clear vision of the design style – modern meets rustic. Everything in the renovation and remodel was to be brand new, giving Sharon a blank canvas for creativity.
Extra-large tiles in Realstone slate were used for the backsplash in the kitchen. Custom cabinetry from Across The Grain is painted Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal. The flat-panel doors and drawer fronts have channel pulls.
In the kitchen, streamlined charcoal cabinetry and Caesarstone quartz countertops in a soft grey concrete colour offer contemporary elegance. One of the unique features is the kitchen backsplash with extra-large tiles in a striking Realstone slate.
The Biyork European oak floors in Valencia came from Georgian Design Centre and were installed by Jeffery Custom Hardwood Flooring. The built-in pantry by the refrigerator offers floor-to-ceiling storage.
Exposed log walls and beams allow the cosiness of the log cabin to echo throughout the home. Contemporary furniture and a standalone gas fireplace in the living room blend modern accents against a rustic backdrop. The large linear dining room chandelier above the table was custom-made, acting as both a conversation piece and a focal point while entertaining.
A separate media room on the main floor is a gathering spot for movie nights. Windows by Ridley Windows & Doors Inc. were installed by Mazenga Building Group. Window coverings were supplied by Ashtons Blinds Draperies Shutters.
Boasting a warm and inviting ambience, accommodating guests was at the forefront of the design. Four bedrooms on the upper-level offer space to comfortably accommodate friends and family. Each room was afforded a generous window. When you come in to warm up from a day on the slopes, the views make it feel like you’re still out enjoying nature.
In the primary bedroom, a cube-style bedside table complements the wood frame of the upholstered headboard. Walls are painted Benjamin Moore Glacier White.
The white oak double vanity has wall-mounted faucets and a quartz countertop. The mirror fills the space between the solid quartz backsplash and the start of the sloped ceiling. The roof of the home was installed by All Pro Roofing.
The tile and bath fixtures for the primary bathroom shower were sourced at Georgian Design Centre. The inset shelf and the large bench are thoughtful design details.
The main bathroom on the upper level uses the same porcelain tile for the heated floors and the shower, both installed by BCK Custom Tile.
The mudroom was custom designed for homeowners who love to ski and enjoy outdoor activities offered in all four seasons. The custom millwork provides a functional storage area for all outdoor activities.
There are two exterior doors opposite each other in the mudroom. One opens to the front of the cabin and the other opens to the deck where a hot tub is located. This functional space has benches and open storage to keep outdoor gear organized. Interior doors were supplied by Forest View Industries.
Taking just over a year to complete, the project went smoothly, thanks to the effectiveness and familiarity of communication between Sharon Croxon Design Inc. and Mazenga Building Group, and the support and direction they had from their client.
“It is always important that a designer work closely with the builder in a collaborative process to ensure that our design ideas can be executed from a construction standpoint,” says Sharon.
“I think the client was excited during each phase of the project and happy with the final outcome,” says Matt. “That is the most important thing.” OH