Luxury cottage living

A smart layout and well-chosen decor highlight the stunning views in this luxe cottage update

by MICHELLE BERWICK

Living a luxury cottage lifestyle doesn’t mean you need to give up all of the functionality and durability you need while in the wild woods. My latest cottage project is the perfect example of this. Come along to see how you, too, can create luxury living at your home away from home.

Cottages are notorious for having furniture that is not to scale. This often results from a collection of hand-me-downs or pieces that no longer work at the main residence. Before you bring all of your old furniture into your cottage, plan out the rooms. Ask yourself, how are we going to move through the areas? How are we going to use this space overall? How many people are going to be in this area at any given time? Use the answers to these questions to dictate where you are going to start placing of the furniture.

No one wants to worry about sticky little fingers or wet bathing suits during the dog days of summer. Now, we know what you’re thinking... there’s an awful lot of light fabrics in this project. Yes, they aren’t just your average fabrics; they are a high-performance variety that are highly durable and stain-resistant. Most furniture retailers

offer their upholstered pieces in high-performance fabric. You can go with something a little lighter and brighter to create that lifted, luxury look this way.

Most of the time at the cottage, you want a clear view of the scenery. If you want to bring in a touch of luxury, you can frame your windows with floor-to-ceiling drapes. This does a few things for your space. If placed correctly, they will give the illusion of a larger window and soften the room for a more finished look. If you have a smaller window, think about using a nice and simple flat roman blind; they look pretty while drawn up or let down, and provide excellent privacy. The goal is not to take away from the everchanging seasonal views, but to provide a pretty frame for the outside views.

I incorporated natural materials in this cottage, but in a sophisticated way. A two-storey granite fireplace is the centrepiece of this luxe space. This natural stone plays off of the natural rocky landscape this cottage is built on. Wood, stone, concrete and natural textiles all work together in creating a harmonious interior without feeling too heavy.

The best way to create a comfy, cosy and high-end feel in your home away from home is with the scale of furnishings. Choosing furniture, rugs, art and decor that goes with each room’s size is one of the reasons this family cottage project turned out so cohesive and stunning. I didn’t want this cottage to scream, “I’m a cottage.” Instead, I went for a subtle classic, rustic, modern and contemporary approach to the final styling. I mixed in several metals, textures and materials to allow this gem to come together.

pro-tip

Install your drapery rod threequarters of the way up to the wall from the top of the window trim to the ceiling and 12 in. from the sides of your window trim; let those drapes kiss the ground. Your windows will look huge, I promise!

Award-winning Designer Michelle Berwick is the Principal & Creative Founder of Michelle Berwick Design. This notable GTA firm has become sought after for providing livable, stylish and uniquely personal interiors. michelleberwickdesign.com

AWARD WINNING KITCHEN, BATHROOM AND WHOLE HOME RENOVATIONS FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION

MANITOBA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION | RENOVATION OF THE YEAR GOLD AWARD WINNER KITCHENS: 3 YEARS IN A ROW | MANITOBA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION RENOVATION OF THE YEAR GOLD AWARD WINNER | BATHROOMS: 2 YEARS IN A ROW MANITOBA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION | CONSUMER’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER

FINLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

893B Redonda St. | www.hammerdown.ca | 204-793-0500