Easy Breezy
STORY DENISE WILSON
PHOTOGRAPHY MATTHEW YOUNG
Nothing says summer comfort like a lakefront home with a breezy vibe, which is why the homeowners of this Lake Erie cottage-style house fell in love with its old-world charm and stunning location.
After purchasing the house in the fall of 2020 as their primary residence, they turned to designer Taylor Rumble of Simply White Interiors to give the home the beachy feel it deserved without going overboard on the nautical.
The process included a few in-house visits before the homeowners moved in. Taylor took measurements and started planning furniture layout, area rug placement and fabric choices. Texture and colour were vital to making this summer cottage feel like a year-round home.
Low ceilings meant lighting was key, Taylor noted. The blonde maple floors help keep the space light and airy, but evenings and winter can be dark without layered lighting.
Also key? “The electrical had to be fixed immediately,” Taylor says.
Old homes are notorious for behind-the-wall surprises, so the plan was to keep the renovation simple, updating electrical where needed and avoiding structural changes or anything requiring major alterations to plumbing or gas lines. The entire project took three months, including a few delays due to the pandemic. The house was rewired by Hemlock Industrial Inc. and new light fixtures and home décor were sourced by Taylor from Hilltop Interiors, Kravet Canada and Lakeside Livin’.
The goal was to create a casual warmth to the open-concept space, but the flow was just as important. This is where the homeowners showed their faith in their designer.
“Each piece in every room had to connect in some way,” Taylor says. “When I’m in a house, I get a feel for the space and the homeowners. In this case, I combined the water with the couple’s love of cottage country and art to create a beachy yet calm aesthetic that carries from room to room, and through the seasons.”
The second floor boasts two bedrooms and a living area where guests can relax or escape for an afternoon siesta. Friends can curl up with a good book knowing their comforts have been considered at length. Family, including the homeowners’ son, who is away at university, love to visit.
“The homeowners felt it was important that guests have their own space when they come to stay,” Taylor says.
The open dining area and living room are also great for family gatherings, and the two-tiered backyard with steps down to the beach is ideal for outdoor entertaining. “The couple hasn’t been able to have friends over yet, but they are looking forward to a full house,” Taylor says, referring to pandemic restrictions.
Wood shiplap was used on feature walls to break up long spaces and add visual texture. Shiplap has the added benefit of creating warmth and dimension to a room. Rustic wood touches, including a barn door entry to the main bedroom, made and installed
by Sider Bros. Builders, exist elsewhere in the house for the same reason. “We got creative and added a barn door in the (main) bedroom to offer additional privacy,” Taylor says.
The neutral walls, trim and ceilings were painted by Primary Coatings with Benjamin Moore paints. Chantilly Lace was used on the main floor and Collingwood offers a slightly different hue in the upper level. The gallery-style white walls are a simple yet stunning backdrop to the family’s art collection, including masterpieces from local artists David Drum and Ronald Boaks.
The great room dictated the overall vibe. “We used patterned upholstery to ground the larger furniture pieces with darker tones and comfy textures,” Taylor explains.
Lee Industries muslin fabric furniture was purchased through Cocoon Furnishings and custom upholstered by Simply White Interiors. Taylor organized custom window treatments and natural linen bedding “to complement the Cape Cod look with an infusion of rustic cottage flair and a dash of Ralph Lauren.”
The perfect area rugs were found at Dash & Albert. “Always start with carpeting,” Taylor says. “It’s best to design from the ground up.”
The couple’s previous home was sold fully furnished, so new furniture dots every room here. “We focused on clean lines and a mix of classic, traditional pieces. It’s important a home with new furniture looks lived-in and not staged,” Taylor notes.
Although the project ran smoothly, older homes can surprise even those in the know. The fireplace was the only element to cause significant issues. While installing the gas insert fireplace within the cavern of the old wood-burning fireplace, repairs were needed, requiring the removal of the stone facing. But it turned out for the best.
“In the end, it worked better,” Taylor says. “We fixed the structural issues and replaced the old stone with a warmer granite that ties in with the home’s new aesthetic.”
While the hiccup increased the budget, the homeowners now love the fireplace, and the remote-controlled unit is much more convenient. The gas fireplace was supplied and installed by The One Stop Fireplace Shop.
Further ambience was created with the help of The Electronic Depot, which handled audio/video updates. Alliance Security Niagara installed security to keep their investment safe.
Every single change ensures the family that calls this Lake Erie beachfront cottage home can enjoy the warm breeze off the water, watch spectacular sunsets and welcome guests with open arms. Nothing but blue skies and easy breezy summer days ahead.
