Natural Beauty
STORY DREW BETH NOBLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BRITTANY TOWNSEND
As seen in the Peterborough Early Summer 2026 Issue.
The owner of this rural Fenelon Falls home set out to capture the beauty of the natural landscape and bring it inside to create a welcoming home for family and friends. To achieve her goals, she reached out to Coralee Monaghan Interiors to redesign certain rooms of the home. OUR HOMES spoke with principal designer Coralee Monaghan about bringing her client’s vision to life.
OUR HOMES: Tell us about your design firm.
Coralee Monaghan: Coralee Monaghan Interiors is a luxury interior design studio specializing in high-end residential interiors and waterfront estates throughout Central Ontario and Muskoka. Our comprehensive, end-to-end process manages every phase of the project, ensuring a seamless, fully coordinated transformation of your home or cottage. Located in beautiful downtown Orillia, as a small company, we’re able to provide clients with a one-on-one experience to ensure a personalized design that meets the highest standards.
OH: What were the first steps in establishing this project’s design?
CM: We began with a creative direction meeting to define the overall scope of the project and better understand the style our client was most
drawn to. During this process, we identified which rooms would be included and thoughtfully developed a cohesive palette tailored to each space. For this project, we worked on the living room, dining room, TV room and three bedrooms. (Loloi rugs were sourced at Floortrends Lindsay.)
OH: What was the inspiration behind the home’s design?
CM: Our vision was to create a warm, inviting atmosphere rooted in the natural beauty that surrounds the home. Drawing inspiration from the peaceful rural landscape, we layered earth tones and organic textures throughout. Our client wasn’t afraid of colour and allowed us to incorporate soft, nature-inspired hues that feel grounded and serene. A palette of blues and greens flows throughout the home, creating a seamless connection between the interior and its surroundings.
OH: What unique features, products or design elements did you incorporate in this project?
CM: Many rooms throughout the home feature distinctive design elements that collectively elevate the overall aesthetic. In the living room, striking 10-foot-long custom draperies frame the space, complemented by bespoke furnishings and a beautifully hung tapestry that adds texture and artistry. The TV room introduces a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, anchored by a custom cuddler sofa perfectly scaled to the space and upholstered in custom blue fabric. Situated just off the primary bedroom, this room was designed to create a seamless connection between the two spaces. The rooms are tied together not only by colour palette, but by a design choice to incorporate the same fabric from the cuddler sofa into the trim of the custom headboard in the primary bedroom. A wall-mounted light was integrated into the design, providing extra functionality for reading in the corner. In the primary bedroom, a full wallpaper feature wall paired with painted trim and baseboards creates a seamless, immersive effect.
This thoughtful detailing adds depth and character, completing the room and giving it a serene, enveloping quality that feels both polished and deeply restful. We complemented it with custom drapery, a fully custom bench and a tailored bed frame. Staying true to earth tones and natural elements, we chose wallpaper that aligns with this theme, while the bedding is crafted from organic materials like linen and cotton. In the second guest bedroom, we selected a rich blue palette to colour drench the room. Since it faces north, we embraced the limited light to cultivate a moody atmosphere.
OH: What materials or finishes did you choose and why?
CM: The custom finishes and fabrics selected for this home play a key role in defining its character. We incorporated a range of luxurious textiles alongside thoughtfully chosen patterned fabrics to add visual interest and create a rich mix of textures. Since the client embraced colour, we introduced muted tones that feel balanced and sophisticated – never overpowering but full of personality. Custom upholstered green velvet sofas were added to anchor the living room, bringing both elegance and a tactile sense of comfort. Custom draperies in each room add softness and depth, while a blend of materials such as wood, woven rattan and layered textiles enhance the organic feel of the space. Rugs, blankets and throw pillows were carefully curated to complete each room, adding dimension and comfort while ensuring every element remains cohesive and true to the home’s overall palette.
OH: What were the homeowner’s design must-haves?
CM: Our client envisioned a home with spaces perfect for hosting family and friends, while also offering inviting areas where they could unwind and enjoy quiet evenings. With a deep passion for her local community and agriculture, our client wanted artwork that reflected this interest in a refined way, avoiding anything overly themed or kitschy. Therefore, we incorporated locally inspired pieces and agricultural elements throughout each room. Embracing her love of colour, we also introduced distinctive hues into every space, creating a home that feels vibrant, personal and cohesive.
OH: What makes this project stand out?
CM: The standout aspect of this project was the level of creative trust our client placed in us, giving us the freedom to take thoughtful risks and confidently incorporate colour and pattern to bring each space to life.
OH: What’s your favourite part of the completed project?
CM: Our favourite part of this project was designing and selecting the custom furnishings for each space, which brought both personality and functionality to the home. We also loved the striking wallpaper in the bedroom, which elevates the room with its rich texture and visual interest, all while remaining perfectly aligned with the soothing blue palette. Together, these elements create a layered, inviting environment that feels both curated and comfortable. OH