Page 91 - Designing Ways 273

Muskoka Cottage

Muskoka Lakes, Canada

Set in the scenic landscape of Ontario’s lake country, two hour’s drive
north of Toronto, the Muskoka Cottage is an almost 200-year-old
dwelling built in the style typical of the region. The waterside property,
once part of a sprawling resort that was gradually demolished, had
been added to and updated over the decades by its current owner as
a summer retreat.

The request to design studio Reigo & Bauer, which had worked with
the clients on two previous interior projects, was to retain and restore
as much of the 6,700-square-foot building's historic charm and
original details as possible, while imbuing the spaces with character
that reflects the family’s contemporary aesthetic tastes.

Reigo & Bauer’s sensitive yet impactful renovation of the traditional
shingle-clad cottage involved modernising the interiors, and
curating a selection of bold and playful furniture pieces that would
both contrast the existing architecture and complement the clients’
impressive collection of Pop Art, Warhols et al.

Approaching the former innkeeper’s lodge with soft minimalism—
which has become the studio’s signature—contemporary elements
were carefully inserted into the house as a layer added over the original
western red cedar panels that blanket the interiors. Architectural
interventions were limited to a crisp black and white palette, while
colour was introduced sparingly yet dynamically through accent
pieces.

Dock Lounge

Dining Room & Kitchen Living Room Entrance
- Hola 367 chair Cassina - Beam sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina
- Avico suspension lamp Fontana Arte - Original 1227 Giant Floor Lamp by Anglepoise
- Custom kitchen by Reigo & Bauer with Renca + Heilimo - Piano by Thrush Holmes
- Hola 367 chair Cassina
- Avico suspension lamp Fontana Arte

dw • Issue 273 91