Cape Cod Charm On Lake Muskoka

STORY LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY ZACK TOSSWILL

While they have lived all over the world, these homeowners call this six-bedroom lakeside cottage home. “This is where we can relax, recharge and enjoy our family and friends,” they say.

"The family has had to relocate frequently to accommodate the owner’s career. In 2017, they decided it was time to look for a home base that would eventually become their permanent residence. A home on Lake Muskoka caught their attention. “I loved it the minute we walked in the door,” says the owner. “It had a nice flow with a big open space to hang out, lots of bedrooms and a beautiful view of the lake.”

After a few summers of cottaging, they decided to transform the property into a year-round home where they could eventually retire. They enlisted architectural firm Spencer Douglas Planning & Design to develop the design, custom home builder PattyMac to oversee construction and Shayla Knight, founder and principal designer of Warm Welcome Design Inc., to lead the interior design.

"The original plan focused on adding a large Muskoka room, but the project soon evolved into a renovation of the entire main level. This included the addition of a butler’s pantry, a new kitchen, laundry room and the rebuilding of the staircase connecting the upper and lower levels, all completed by PattyMac.

The couple wanted traditional, comfortable décor with nothing too rustic. “When we bought the cottage, everything was knotty pine, even the countertops,” says the owner. “It was beautiful in its time, but it was a lot.” They turned to Shayla to begin the redesign. “Our architect recommended Shayla. She was easy to work with and the whole process felt so comfortable,” the owner says.

Shayla’s passion is creating quality, timeless interiors. “We focus on designing customized solutions for our clients and interiors that are meant to be shared,” she says. While Shayla’s signature style is contemporary, she pivots to suit her clients’ needs. “We accommodate any aesthetic preferences,” she says.

Shayla describes the owner’s style as Nantucket Cape Cod, with its laid-back, beachy charm. “She loves blue and likes a classic coastal look, but we also incorporated a more neutral approach in some areas,” says Shayla.

Because the family frequently hosts guests, they wanted a welcoming, modern design with the conveniences of a permanent home. “This is their family home. It had to feel like Muskoka but also function efficiently,” Shayla explains.

A butler’s pantry provides extra storage and space, while a redesigned kitchen and laundry room improve functionality and ease of entertaining. “The extra storage and space are a huge bonus as the owners love to cook and entertain,” says Shayla.

What started as a three-season Muskoka room evolved into a striking, year-round heart of the home where family and friends can play games, enjoy a cocktail, read a book or gather around the fireplace. “It’s the hub of the home and where we make memories,” says the owner. Warm timber trusses define the vaulted ceiling, giving the room classic cottage character.

Layered lighting from Visual Comfort & Co. adds depth and dimension to the space, while LED lights weave through the trusses, casting a soft glow across the ceiling. One wall is outfitted with custom cabinetry, a wet bar, hutch and wine fridge.

The long dining table shifts easily from weeknight dinners to afternoon board games, while a sitting area in front of large windows from Muskoka Window and Door Centre, overlooks the lake. “Shayla did a great job helping us define the different areas in the room,” says the homeowner.

The custom kitchen is functional and inviting. “We’ve never lived long enough in one place to customize anything, so it’s a dream come true,” the owner reflects.

Dual islands support food preparation and provide generous space for gathering. “It’s big enough so we can all cook together, play games or just hang out. It’s where everyone wants to be,” she adds. The islands are oriented to face the windows – a must-have for the owner.

“I want to be able to look out the window while I’m cooking,” she says. To accomplish this, Shayla pushed one wall into the garage to gain the depth needed to integrate a butler’s pantry behind the kitchen. This allowed her to flip the islands’ orientation and better organize the space.

The custom cabinetry, crafted by Top Notch Cabinets, is finished in Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue, reinforcing the Cape Cod-inspired palette while providing a striking contrast with the light walls. High-end appliances from Wolf Gourmet and Thermador ensure the kitchen functions as beautifully as it looks.

Originally, the interior combined an array of different woods, creating a disjointed patchwork effect. “We streamlined the woods into a more intentional scheme,” says Shayla. Instead of keeping the knotty pine on the walls, she opted for classic white tongue-and-groove panelling and a clear pine ceiling. Vintage Hardwood Flooring supplied the materials throughout.

“It’s modernized in terms of the wood colour and continuity, which overall gives a more connected, finished and harmonious feeling,” explains Shayla.

With the renovations complete, this lake house now has everything in place to serve as the family’s permanent home. “It’s special in so many ways,” say the owners. “When we walk in the door and see the lake and trees out the windows, we feel at peace. It’s more than just a getaway now, it’s a home base for our family that is functional and comfortable.” OH