Relaxed & Refined

STORY DENISE O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG
Featured in Best of Ontario Holiday/Winter 2023/24

The soaring ceilings and the enormous stone hearth combine to fashion an undeniably majestic great room.

After acquiring several beloved furniture pieces from Veranda for their new home, these York Region homeowners knew they had stumbled across a wonderful resource. They sought the expertise of Veranda’s principal designer Laura Ranft to help them put their own signature on the grand but rustic and traditional post-and-beam-style home amid spectacular surroundings.

Veranda designer Laura Ranft collaborated with a couple from York Region to infuse their grand new acquisition with a cosy and relaxed ambience.

The homeowners had good instincts when they sensed they had discovered a gem. Veranda, a leading destination for home furniture and accessories, has become a trusted go-to for designers, homeowners and cottagers. Founded by Elise Boyer in Huntsville two decades ago, it features an exceptional collection of home furnishings and décor. Due to its success, Veranda rapidly expanded and has now established a prominent presence in downtown Bracebridge. The store’s vast space features four galleries, each hosting a full collection of furnishings and accessories reflecting varied styles for homes, lodges, cottages and condominium retreats. “What is amazing about Veranda is that it has everything you could ever want or need for interior design,” says Laura. “The store carries a large inventory of furniture, rugs, art, lighting, linens, window coverings, complimentary design services and many custom options.”

Thoughtfully selected furniture and décor from Veranda craft a warm and sophisticated ambience.

After spending more than 20 years transforming luxury home and cottage interiors, Laura has also proven herself as a trusted resource for design advice and guidance. Having grown up in the Aurora area and as a fourth-generation lifelong cottager on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka, she definitely knows rustic style. For this project, Laura collaborated closely with the homeowners to discover the desired style and functionality of their home. They emphasized their preference for a relaxed and comfortable ambience, a vision that she incorporated into every decision.

The inclusion of a rustic sideboard contributes to the relaxed and casual aesthetic that the homeowners desired.

According to Laura, the home possesses “amazing bones.” Its wide-plank oak wood flooring and the wooden trussing encircling the windows provide a solid foundation for inspiring design and décor. Architectural elements such as beamed ceilings, pillars and arched passageways are scattered throughout the space, adding to its overall grandeur.

The addition of upholstered chairs at the ends of the dining table completes the space and enhances its comfort for mealtime.

With Laura leading the project, Veranda supplied all design services, furnishings and accessories. Laura designed the interiors of the loft, lower level, dining room, living room, primary suite and the foyers. In the living room, the focal point is a towering stone fireplace and an immense window that brings in a spectacular view of the landscape. A central focal point in the living room is a richly hued dark-blue-and-cream wool area rug. It harmonizes with the surrounding elements, including a cream-coloured sofa, a leather chair and ottoman, and two swivel chairs with intricate patterns. A set of rounded nesting coffee tables crafted from a combination of wood and metal add both functionality and visual appeal.

A view of the main level showcases the home’s stunning wood beams and rich wide-plank flooring. A quiet corner is created with a neutral-toned bench and organically refined table and lamp.

Laura’s strategy for the lower level was to echo the beauty of the natural outdoor environment. The space is large and mostly used as a media room. Comfort is key, and the juxtaposition of darker furnishings against the pristine white walls works exceptionally well in this space. An elegant sectional sofa upholstered in herringbone fabric with nail detailing, complemented by two swivel chairs in rich chocolate brown leather, together create a tasteful seating arrangement. A thick woven wool rug adds the warmth needed underfoot in this welcoming space.

Laura has crafted a serene and inviting atmosphere in the primary bedroom, featuring an upholstered bed, soothing muted tones, drapery-free windows and a dreamy multi-coloured rug.

In the bedroom, a cosy nook was created, complete with a comfortable fireside chair and matching ottoman. A sliding barn door provides access to the primary en suite, with its hardware extending into the bathroom, adding a rustic and charming appeal to the space.

In the primary bedroom, a white granite fireplace pops against dramatic dark grey walls. Laura chose a soft palette to suit her clients’ desire for a relaxed and comfortable ambience. A beautiful tufted bed with custom bedding, coordinating nightstands, lamps, a fluffy swivel chair, marble table, a large rug and some lovely art complete the refined but casual appeal. A hide bench reflects the clients’ love of horses.

On the lower level, the recreation room serves as the ideal space for entertaining and cosy movie nights with family and friends.

In the dining room Laura added new upholstered chairs at each end of the dining table to add a dramatic and comforting presence. To round out the room, a mirror, some art pieces and a rug create a relaxed yet polished look.

Laura says the homeowners are beyond pleased with the result and feel comfortable and relaxed in their new space – exactly how they wanted to feel. “I truly enjoy working with my clients and listening to what they are passionate about, and then creating a space that they really like,” she says. “I can work in any style, I am very versatile.”

A simple workout room is fitted with glass doors, ensuring a bright and airy atmosphere for daily exercise sessions.

As a result, Laura says homeowners she works with often evolve into long-term clients and, more importantly, friends. Cultivating these close relationships provides her with a deeper understanding of their tastes and preferences, facilitating a more seamless and harmonious design process as they continue to collaborate. OH