Page 70 - Designing Ways 283

Summer Lake House

Muskoka, Canada

igh fashion is a constant source of inspiration for abd, so it
is always a pleasure for the studio to work with clients who
Hshare a similar reverence for fine tailoring. When invited to
renovate a family lake house in Muskoka, Ontario, the desire was for
a thoughtful blending of elegance with the casual ease of spending
summers near the water.

While the exterior bones of the six-bedroom cottage have remained
intact, interior structural walls were removed to enhance spatial flow
and carve out quieter areas. Core features, such as the sash windows
and majestic flagstone hearth - a hallmark of the Muskoka region -
remained untouched. abd focussed on infusing the communal areas
and private spaces with a personalised expression, which required
custom-designed furniture from room to room.

Whether in fashion or interior design, tailoring is all about precise
detailing and working with quality materials and makers. It also
involves understanding how a room is used and navigated. Upon
entering the front door, one of the first things the eye connects with is
the curved sofa, strategically placed to take in the stunning lake view.
Splendidly comfortable for seating up to six, the sofa is also rich in
micro-detailing, particularly how the fabric is railroaded to wrap the
back seamlessly. The effect is subtle, but visually powerful, with the
eye naturally drawn to follow its 16-foot contour without seam lines
disrupting the flow.

A curved bench in white oak was also crafted to hug the sofa,
transforming unusable space into a functional area – a spot for a small
sculpture or a seat to take off your shoes. On the floor is a sculpted
carpet with three-dimensional patterns, thoughtfully placed within the
furniture layout. Blush shadows highlight specific areas, such as where
the leg of a chair meets the floor, creating moments of quiet luxury. To enhance both communal and private spaces, abd
incorporated custom-designed furniture, creating a seamless
and harmonious flow throughout the cottage.

70 Issue 283 • dw