Bird’s Nest

STORY MARG BRUINEMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY

As seen in the Barrie Spring 2026 Issue.

A semi-retired couple and their son are loving their newly-constructed waterfront condo with an enviable view of Kempenfelt Bay.

It was out with the old and in with the new. “They originally moved in with just their clothing,” begins Michael Miller, who co-owns Aboda Decor in Barrie with Ryan Wilson. “Everything in the condo was brand new.” Ken and Donna Dubroy decided it was time to downsize their home and their possessions. Only a few personal items came with them.

These included several wildlife prints, which Miller updated and reframed to suit the new décor, and three model ships that belonged to Donna’s brothers. Miller had shelving installed in the den to display the ships, along with a sailboat painting Donna’s brother gave her.

Working from a blank slate during the early stages of the building’s construction, the designers drew inspiration from the lake, creating a subtle blue theme.

When looking at condo options, the family chose one with a southwest view of Kempenfelt Bay and the city of Barrie. The condo came with approximately 65 feet of windows, giving them a spectacular view from just about every room.

“When we bought this unit, we decided having a lakefront view meant new furniture would be in order,” explains Ken. “We went to Aboda Decor, which has the reputation of being one of the finest furniture stores in Barrie. There we met Michael Miller, whom we’d heard so much about as a top designer. We gave him a free hand in making all decisions of what was needed.”

Since they felt this could be their last move, they upgraded everything the builder had to offer. That included appliances and cabinetry in the kitchen and bathroom, along with hardwood floors throughout.

Leaving nothing to chance, they relied on Michael to figure out the rest. “The day we took possession, Michael had the trucks here,” Ken says. “It was amazing. We got here at four or five o’clock and the condo was all furnished.”

Tasked with a top-to-bottom design, Michael worked on the project during construction. Unable to get into the unit, he worked from the architectural drawings to develop a clear vision and ensure accurate measurements. The whole design unfolded naturally from the new living environment.

“Aboda is a furniture store, but everything is custom,” Michael says. “All our sales associates have a design background. We are sort of a one-stop shop and able to go into a home to see what’s required. We are very hands on, and we usually develop close relationships with our clients.”

“In this condo, we wanted to keep it very light with an underlying blue theme. We took the waterfront as inspiration. It’s just spectacular. It’s like being in a bird’s nest.”

The colour scheme was confirmed once they were able to enter the condo and the painting began. Then came the décor.

Some furnishings came from Stressless of Norway, which features ergonomic designs. The rest is Canadian, custom-made with a Scandinavian vibe, consistent with the overall complex, which was created by Aalto Development and ISM Architects Inc.

Miller says the dining table is a showstopper. It’s Italian porcelain with greyish veining designed in Quebec.

Built-in units for the main living room wall were designed to provide storage and contains a special fireplace from Napoleon Home Comfort. It is all complemented by ultra-contemporary lighting throughout.

The balcony, enclosed with Lumon glass, opens to a breeze from the lake. It is now home to top-of-the-line outdoor furniture that withstands the harsh sun and elements.

The end result is just what the family wanted: a comfortable living space with a stunning view and minimal upkeep.

“We never wanted to regret that we should have done things differently,” says Ken about how they approached the project. “Let’s just make sure it is done right the first time. We counted on Michael and Aboda Decor to fulfill our wishes, which were accomplished.” OH