STORY RENEE ALKASS | PHOTOGRAPHY JULES LEE

As seen in the Barrie Summer 2026 Issue.

Inside this Horseshoe Valley home, soft colours, subtle textures and playful patterns come together in quiet harmony. These intentional design choices have created a home that feels relaxed and tailored. That was the plan when the homeowners contacted designer Coralee Monaghan of Coralee Monaghan Interiors.

“Each room was designed to feel cohesive yet distinct, with an emphasis on livability,” explains Coralee. The result is an elevated interior that will age gracefully. Coralee chats with OUR HOMES to explore the design choices and creative risks she took during the execution of this project.

OUR HOMES: How would you describe your client’s asthetic? What were some of their design goals?

CORALEE MONAGHAN: Their aesthetic was rooted in comfortable rustic with a touch of English country. They were drawn to organic materials, natural textiles and a soft, earthy colour palette that feels timeless. The stone fireplace and natural light throughout gave us a strong foundation to build on, so our approach focused on enhancing rather than overpowering. Our goal was to introduce contrast and subtle patterns to keep the spaces visually engaging.

OH: The front entry makes an elegant first impression. What inspired its design?

CM: Our client wanted to set the tone for the rest of the home when you first entered, so we designed the entryway to feel welcoming and warm. We leaned into natural woods, subtle textures and soft colours to create a sense of calm from the moment you walk in. By balancing simplicity with mindful details, the result is an entry that feels effortless yet polished while being practical for everyday use.

OH: The living room feels intentional and inviting. Can you walk us through how you approached its layout and material selections?

CM: To make the most of the home’s natural architectural features, we started with centring everything around the stone fireplace. It acted as the focal point while keeping the room open and conversational. Seating was arranged to encourage connection, with a mix of upholstered pieces that feel relaxed yet tailored. From there, we focused on layering to add depth and warmth. We balanced heavier elements with softer materials to keep the space feeling approachable. While staying within a muted, earthy palette, we incorporated classic patterns through pillows and textiles to add interest without overwhelming the space.

OH: In the bedrooms, shades of blue and layered textiles welcome a tranquil aura. How did you approach designing these spaces?

CM: In the bedrooms, the goal was to create spaces that felt restful, layered and quietly elevated. We used shades of blue, as it naturally evokes a sense of calm while still offering enough depth for the rooms to feel interesting and lived in. Both rooms began with a foundational colour palette on the bed, which allowed us to build outward in a cohesive way. In the primary bedroom, we kept the approach more restrained, focusing on soft, tonal layering and subtle texture to create a serene, retreat-like atmosphere. The mix of linens, neutrals and gentle patterns keeps the space feeling calm. In the guest bedroom, we took a slightly more playful approach by introducing more pattern and contrast within the same blue palette. This added personality and visual interest while still maintaining a sense of harmony with the rest of the home. We also incorporated natural materials and warm accents to balance the cooler tones.

OH: How did you go about selecting the right lighting and fixtures for each room? Does lighting have a big impact on the overall atmosphere of a home?

CM: Lighting was an essential part of the design process, as it has such a strong impact on how a space looks and feels. In each room, we thought about combining ambient, task and accent lighting to ensure the home feels functional while also creating a warm atmosphere. We wanted the lighting to feel intentional and elevated but never overpower the architectural elements or furnishings. Table and floor lamps were used to create pockets of softness and bring a more intimate scale, especially in the evenings. Lighting absolutely has a major impact on the overall atmosphere of a home, adding warmth, depth and dimension.

OH: The drapery adds a distinct softness to the home. How did you approach these selections and what role does drapery play in defining a space?

CM: We approached these selections as both functional and decorative. In the primary bedroom, we kept things more understated with a soft blue fabric accented by a delicate trim, which adds just enough detail while preserving the room’s serene, restful quality. For the guest bedroom, we introduced a patterned blue floral drapery to bring in a bit more personality and charm. Drapery played a key role in softening the overall feel of the home and adding another layer of texture and movement to each space.

OH: Did you take any creative risks in this project or explore any new design directions?

CM: One of the creative directions we explored was the use of pattern in a very intentional, controlled way. Instead of making it a dominant feature, we added it through moments in the guest bedroom and textiles in the living spaces, allowing it to add personality without overwhelming the calm, cohesive feel of the home. As the project progressed, our client became more trusting of our ideas, and more risks were taken, allowing us to introduce bolder patterns, refined detailing and more contrast within the palette.

OH: With the project now complete, what do you feel most proud of?

CM: What we feel most proud of is the relationship that came out of this project. From the very beginning, there was a strong sense of collaboration, and that trust only deepened as the design evolved. It allowed us to push the design in thoughtful ways and ultimately create a home that feels very personal to our client. That relationship didn’t end when the project was completed – we continue to work together to this day on different aspects of the home. For us, that’s the most meaningful outcome. It speaks not only to the success of the design but to the experience as a whole and the level of trust that was built throughout the process. OH

Cultivated Interior

Building The Next Chapter