An empty nest couple elevate their lakeside home to accentuate the view and accommodate easy entertaining
By. Gabriele Pizzale
Photography By: Mike Chajecki
Blessed with an abundance of friends and five grown children who visit often, this couple with two dogs craved an open-concept home that could accommodate easy entertaining; the fact that the house backs onto Lake Ontario is an added bonus. To do justice to the gorgeous lakeside view, this tired, old bungalow received a major facelift, alongside a generous bedroom addition. All new millwork, finishes and furniture basically transformed the entire home.
OPTIMIZING THE WATERFRONT VIEW
As their designers, we were excited to go on this journey with them, and create a very welcoming design that is also polished. They wanted a west-coast feel, which worked well because it is a waterfront property. This earthy design scheme, with a touch of rustic charm, allowed for the interiors to complement the beautiful outdoors. The view of the lake is breathtaking, and the sunrises are outstanding. Therefore, installing new floor-to-ceiling windows ensured that the homeowners could enjoy the scenery to the fullest extent. By choosing a black frame on all the windows, we not only updated the space, but this colour choice makes the view pop out of a framed-like picture hanging on the wall!
PRIVACY PLEASE
To separate the two-storey entrance from the sitting room, we installed an MDF screen as a room divider. This creates a cosy nook to snuggle and watch TV in. Soft-linen sheers are used throughout the space; they diffuse the light and provide some privacy when needed. Walnut, live-edge wood and natural fabrics create a warm and inviting space.
KITCHEN CENTRAL
The kitchen is the focal point of the main floor, as it is open to every other room. Its cabinetry has walnut-slab doors, which are accented with dark-charcoal gables in the lower half; the same dark charcoal was applied to the island to ground it. The two quartz countertops from Cambria are contrasted in colour to add visual interest. We selected Harlech for the island because it has amazing movement to it, and it offers a bit of sparkle, which appealed to the homeowner’s glamorous side. The minimal hardware of brushed nickel was purposeful, as to not take away from the gorgeous walnut grain of the cabinetry.
PARTY-READY
A large, square walnut dining table and grand banquette allow for a maximum number of guests at the table. It is cosy yet spacious. The same fabric was used on the dining chairs, counter stools as well as the banquette; it is a practical fabric that can be spot-cleaned if necessary, always handy when a space gets a lot of use!
STATEMENT LIGHTING
Lighting is such an important aspect of any project; we always strive to source something unique and unexpected. Scale is also key, bigger is better! For this project, we wanted the rustic elements to soften some of the more modern lines of the furniture and millwork.
NATURE-INSPIRED HUES
Getting lost in the view is easy to do. The colours of nature are reflected in the fabrics of the upholstery, which are all sourced from Kravet and offer a relaxed luxury. Solid-coloured sofa and chairs are enlivened with cutvelvet cushions that play off the abstract rug. An added bonus of this rug is that it will hide a multitude of sins, like dog footprints.
STYLISH SANCTUARY
With all the entertaining they do, the couple needs an oasis to call their own, and their master bedroom addition fits the bill perfectly as the ultimate retreat. From the moment you enter the room, you see the distinct accent wall of modular walnut slats. The room is quite spacious, with larger scale furniture filling it, yet it still feels cosy. The chairs were completely restyled and recovered, giving the existing furniture new life. Custom nightstands were designed to echo the side table. The lavish vaulted ceiling called for an impactful light fixture, this one is a combination of rustic sophistication. Kravet fabric was also used to make the unique custom cushions on this king-sized bed.
FRESH MIX OF FINISHES
No master suite would be complete without a stunning bathroom. When we saw this tile we knew it was perfect for the space. It resembles worn barn board, but had a light feel so the vibe would still remain fresh. Custom vanities in white oak, stained soft grey were a good balance to the oil-rubbed bronze faucets and accessories. We especially love the oil rubbed bronze frame in the shower, which mimics the black window frames in the rest of the house.
FIVE-STAR GUEST EXPERIENCE
When guests come to stay, they have the luxury of their very own bathroom. This main bath has an inlay of mosaic tile that encompass all the colours of the home. Oil-rubbed bronze faucets create a nice contrast to the light finishes. The worn-wood mirror frame and sea-inspired artwork are both reminiscent of the lake. All of these elements created a comfortable and welcoming bath for guests to use.
A HOME THAT MATCHES THE VIEW
These homeowners were a joy to work with and so appreciative of their new home. They are a down-to-earth couple who didn’t want a fussy look but certainly are at a stage in their life to have a sophisticated space. The wide-open plan and incredible lake view certainly contribute to the wow-factor in their home. Natural and practical fabrics, walnut wood and clean lines create a timeless beauty they can enjoy for years to come.
SOURCES
FABRICS Kravet; COUNTERS Cambria; PAINT OC 20 Pale Oak Benjamin Moore; TILE Ciot Furniture SITTING ROOM SIDE TABLES Crate & Barrel; STOOLS and DINING CHAIRS ISA International Inc.; SOFA, Upholstered CHAIRS Kravet; NIGHT STANDS Geovin; LIGHTING KITCHEN ISLAND Kichler Lighting; DINING TABLE, MASTER BATH Elk Lighting; LAMPS Uttermost Lighting; MAIN BATH Hinkley Lighting CARPETS Surya; PLUMBING FIXTURES Kitchen Pfister; BATH Delta
Pizzale Design Inc. loves to infuse colour and pattern into every project, while offering liveable luxury. Most important is their process for design and efficient project management, which bring your vision to life. You may recognize Gabriele Pizzale from her 12-year stint as a design expert on Cityline. Pizzale Design Inc.