Issuu

E A R LY S U M M E R 2 025

LAKE ROSSEAU’S

NEWLY RENOVATED

STEEL ON STONE

ON LAKE MUSKOKA

Coming Home TO HALIBURTON

UNPLUGGED ON MAGNETAWAN

ourhomes.ca

THE CHANGING GARDEN BLUEBERRY TART

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MUSKOKA

CONSTRUCTION

LANDSCAPING

WATERFRONT

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(705) 787-0399 | info@attainable.ca | www.attainable.ca

At a time when most consumer goods are mass produced in factories half way round the world, every piece of Handstone furniture is designed and handcrafted in Ontario Canada. Not only does this allow the flexibility in manufacturing to offer vast custom choices, you can rest assured that your new purchase is produced with minimal impact on the environment.

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1075 ELMHURST LANE, HALIBURTON | $3,795,000 Welcome to West-Winds, an exquisite custom-crafted timber frame cottage that perfectly blends luxury and natural beauty on the serene shores of Kennisis Lake. This turnkey property invites you to simply turn the key and step into a lifestyle of comfort and relaxation, with everything you need to fully enjoy your new 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home.

1111 MAPLEHURST DRIVE, HUNTSVILLE | $1,695,000 The main level of this charming 3 bedroom cottage features a kid-friendly bedroom with double bunk beds, a cozy sitting area, a play space, and a screened porch for enjoying the fresh air. The upper level offers two additional bedrooms and an openconcept kitchen, living, and dining area. The property boasts an impressive 120 feet of waterfront on Peninsula Lake, featuring a gentle entry for easy access to the water.

26 CURLING ROAD, BRACEBRIDGE | $1,595,000 This stunning home is situated on the South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club’s picturesque course, offering breathtaking views and an idyllic lifestyle. Recent upgrades include a new kitchen with modern countertops, new lighting, and fresh flooring in the mudroom, kitchen, and laundry areas. The home boasts 7 generous-sized bedrooms, 3 full baths and a powder room, offering ample space for family and guests.

1048 LONGLINE LAKE ROAD, LAKE OF BAYS | $1,050,000 Situated between the picturesque towns of Dorset and Baysville, this recently renovated 3 bedroom cottage embodies charm and comfort, making it an ideal retreat for families seeking tranquility and adventure. The thoughtfully designed interiors create a warm atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings or quiet moments. This winterized cottage is perfect for both seasonal retreats and full-time living.

24 HOMESTEAD LANE E, HUNTSVILLE | $999,000 | SOLD Welcome to your sanctuary in the sought-after Settlers Ridge subdivision, where comfort meets elegance. This enchanting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits gracefully on a larger lot, providing a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature’s beauty. As you approach this lovely residence, you’ll be captivated by its inviting curb appeal. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed interior filled with natural light, where spacious rooms create an ambiance of warmth and welcome.

727 GRANDVIEW DRIVE, UNIT #002, HUNTSVILLE | $795,000 Nestled on the original Grandview Resort property, this coveted location boasts 600 feet of stunning shoreline, complete with a sandy beach, infinity pool, and bar, as well as inviting fire pit areas and available boat slips. The exceptional amenities include a spectacular rooftop offering breathtaking views of Fairy Lake, a state-of-the-art gym, and a stylish party room. The condo is a one bedroom plus den, with an open bright kitchen, living, dining, and large primary bedroom with an ensuite and walk-in closet.

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Make your house a home using premium paints and stains. Achieve long-lasting colour and beauty with Benjamin Moore, available only at locally owned stores.

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HUNTSVILLE Wilson’s The Paint Store 90 Howland Dr | 705.789.8061 | wilsonspaint.ca MINDEN Minden Home Hardware Building Centre 16 Bobcaygeon Rd | 705.286.1351 | benjaminmoore.com 120 East Beaver Creek Road Richmond Hill, ON

PARRY SOUND Gray’s Paint & Flooring 32 Gibson St | 705.746.5421 | grayspaint.com ©2024 Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited. Benjamin Moore, Regal, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks and Colour Lock is a trademark of Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited. All other marks are the property of their respective owner. 9/24

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FINISHING YOUR HOME SINCE 1985

BARRIETRIM.COM

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With its sleek, low-profile frame and crisp topstitching, the Colebrook sectional brings sophisticated style and luxurious comfort to any space. Deep seating and squared cushions offer versatile relaxation, while its variety of configurations ensures the perfect fit for your home.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT THAT IS SPENT OUTSIDE. Book a consultation appointment at one of our Design Studios

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Lighting & Plumbing for All Spaces

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Energy Efficient Heat Pumps & Geothermal Enjoy year-round comfort and big energy savings with SMHC’s energy-efficient heat pumps, geothermal systems, and HVAC solutions. Ask us about available rebates to make upgrading even more affordable!

EXPERIENCE THE SIMCOE MUSKOKA HOME COMFORT DIFFERENCE TODAY Expertly handling all HVAC needs, our team excels in installing, maintaining, and servicing a vast array of systems. From cutting-edge technology to classic setups, SMHC ensures top efficiency and comfort. 705.410.6676 • www.smhomecomfort.com • info@smhomecomfort.com •

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INSTALL • MAINTENANCE • EMERGENCY SERVICE

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YOUR CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY & DRAPERY SPECIALISTS

Choose from a vast selection of ready-to-order fabrics & upholsteries

Call Curt and Paula Today! 705.784.0906 • MuskokaUpholstery.com • muskokauph@gmail.com •

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SUNROOMS AND PORCH ENCLOSURES Transform your covered porch

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FREE SHIPPING Install your Kasco Deicer/Blower with a 360 Oscillator on the Dock or on a moveable stand so you can have the blower off the dock.

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WE’VE MOVED!

Visit our New Warehouse Showroom at

61 Keith Road, Bracebridge

LOWER OVERHEAD FOR US MEANS LOWER PRICES FOR YOU. Come check out our new warehouse showroom pricing! Open 9-5 Wednesday through Saturday • Call anytime 705-645-8183 Browse our extensive website at muskokafurniture.net

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705.503.4663 | 130 Saunders Rd., Unit 7, Barrie info@homebarrie.com | www.homeoptionsmadeeasy.ca Serving Ba rrie, Mus ko ka & S urro und ing A re as .

Proudly serviced 3,000+ Muskoka cottages! New to the MBA Association but trusted for decades, pioneers in flooring, stairs & refinishing since 1988. We specialize in supplying and installing high quality solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, vinyl planks and tile, laminate, porcelain tile, and trim. Also, a dedicated refinishing division to restore and enhance existing floors and stairs. Largest showroom in Simcoe County. Visit us just off Hwy 400 in Barrie, on the east side before the Mapleview Exit, your perfect stop on the way to cottage country!

 Furniture Refinishing & Repair including French polishing, on-site touch-ups and refurbishing  Custom Building including harvest tables  Interior & Exterior Woodwork Restoration

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 705.646.2757  ian@masterfurniture.ca  www.masterfurniture.ca

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

In 1934, Francis Thomas and his father, Frank Thomas were exploring ways to make a living during a difficult time. They opted to help their Haliburton Highland neighbours get needed access to building sites like homes and cottages in the spring and summer months. During the fall and winter, the father and son duo hauled supplies to lumber camps and cut ice from local lakes for eventual sale. In doing so, they created a business model that would prove to be a successful, multigenerational family business some 91 years later. During the early years, Thomas Contracting used horses to dig foundations, transport building supplies and skid logs during the winter. By the time the 1960s rolled around, Haliburton County was starting to develop at a pace never seen before, making the horses an antiquated method.

Francis decided to purchase his first loader backhoe. Realizing this machine’s added power and increased efficiency, it wasn’t long before Francis purchased a dozer. With this new roadbuilding equipment, foundation excavations became significantly easier. When combined with buying a single-axle truck, the company continued to expand, and even more doors began to open.

Britt, Susan, Keith, Brandon In the late 1960s, Francis made more improvements to assist with winter logging operations. By the mid-1970s, Francis and his three sons, Allan, Garwood, Roger, and crew, created an efficient operating team. In 1984, Keith, Francis’ grandson, decided to join as a full-time labourer. Keith continued to work his way through every aspect of the company. In 1985, Keith married his wife, Susan, who soon joined the company. Keith and Susan purchased the business in 1994 and are now the company’s President. By doing so, the company built valuable contacts and connections over time. In 1998, Thomas Contracting participated in the area Ministry of Transport snow plowing contract. Even though Thomas Contracting no longer plows the provincial highways today, these past relationships and connections have led to other projects that could not have been done without his reliable team and past connections.

Keith credits the quality work of his crews as part of the company’s success. However, Keith also believes in putting the customer and the public first. Keith and Susan were known to leave a family reunion they were hosting to repair a washout on the local highways they were under contract for maintaining. It wouldn’t be unheard of for Keith to miss out on Christmas Eve or Day to plow roads so contracted customers can still get to their families for the holidays. These are just the general things you would expect from a small town and a man devoted to serving others. Thomas Contracting has grown into a vertically integrated, diverse operation that can adapt to market demands. They can supply many of their materials, pump out septic systems before replacement, and barge their equipment to remote sites to tackle even the most challenging projects of rugged Haliburton County. In 2010, Brandon, Keith’s son, joined the team as a full-time labourer and in 2016 became a full-time equipment operator/truck driver. Keith’s daughter Britt has been a full-time office team member since 2012, working by her mum Susan’s side, and is now the office manager. Britt is most likely one of the friendly voices you hear when you call. Although the names, faces, equipment and logos may have changed over the years at Thomas Contracting, the core values have not. The customer will always come first. Visit www.thomascontracting.ca to see past projects and for more information.

Quinn’s Sunrooms

Welcome to your new favourite space. ENJOY THE LIGHT, THE VIEW Porches. Patios. Garages. And More. & THE PROTECTION.

quinnssunrooms.com 705-773-8569

Quinn’s Sunrooms

Eze-Breeze is ﬂexible. Easy to install. And may just become your favourite spot in your home.

Eze-Breeze is a vinyl glazed sliding panel system that transforms an outdoor area into a beautiful 3-season living space. Contact Rick to help you dream, create and deliver your custom solution. Eze-Breeze® Eze porch. Eze living. Is flexible. Easy to install. And may just become your favourite spot in your home.

Serving the Muskoka/Parry Sound Area

quinnssunrooms.com 705-773-8569

Buying or selling a home or cottage is a big decision… I can help! I’m Terri Lynn Gibson, your go-to realtor in the Parry Sound area! As a proud 5th generation family of McKellar, I bring a unique perspective to the real estate market, combining my deep-rooted knowledge of the local landscape with a passion for helping buyers and sellers achieve their dreams. My extensive expertise and commitment to exceptional service helps me navigate the complexities of real estate with ease, ensuring my clients make informed decisions. Whether you’re looking to buy your dream home or sell your property, my dedication and insights make the process seamless and enjoyable. Trust in me and my team to turn your real estate goals into reality!

Terri Lynn GIBSON

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Team Advantage Realty

BROKERAGE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

705-773-8076

terrilynngibson.ca • tlgibson@royallepage.ca

Supplying everything you need to make your cottage as comfortable as your home.

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REGIONAL PUBLISHERS

Jamie Jefferson

Georgette McCulloch REGIONAL MANAGING EDITOR

Walter Franczyk

REGIONAL PRODUCTION MANAGER

Julia Dempsey

Tyler Annette, 705.445.5065 ext. 201 tyler.annette@ourhomes.ca MARKETING & ADVERTISING

David Reddish, 705.768.6127

dave.reddish@ourhomes.ca

REACH US EASILY: firstname.lastname@ourhomes.ca OUR HOMES is a registered trademark of OUR HOMES MEDIA GROUP INC. OUR HOMES Muskoka is published four times a year. OUR HOMES is distributed free to residents of Muskoka region via precision targeted neighbourhood mail and to cottagers via direct mail. Copies of OUR HOMES are available for free pick up at high traffic locations throughout the region. OUR HOMES is distributed throughout select resorts and hotels, and to select business leaders via direct mail. Please send all letters and/or feedback to OUR HOMES Magazine, 25 Elgin St., Collingwood, ON L9Y 3L6. Or email us at editor@ourhomes.ca. All letters received are subject to editing for grammar and length.

OUR HOMES MEDIA GROUP INC: EDITORIAL

PRODUCTION

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Georgette McCulloch

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Lynn Derrick

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Lori Davis, Walter Franczyk

PRODUCTION MANAGERS

DIGITAL EDITOR Tracey Paul

Julia Dempsey, Kelly Donaldson, Tracy Shuttleworth

MANAGING EDITORS Renee Alkass, Walter Franczyk, Donna Luangmany, Sara Martin, Drew Beth Noble, Brianne Smith, Megan Smith-Harris, Gabrielle Tieman-Lee, Janet White Bardwell

Georgette McCulloch

ART DIRECTOR

Tara Chattell

SERVICES PROVIDED • Design and Consulting • New Construction Custom Electrical Services for your Home, Cottage or Boathouse • Additions / Renovations / Repairs • Lighting Control Systems • Home Automation • Service Upgrades and Panel Changes • Backup Power Solutions

jeff@muskokacustomelectric.com www.muskokacustomelectric.com

jamie.jefferson@ourhomes.ca

MANAGING DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS

ART

Fully licensed and insured electrical contractor with over 30 years experience in both the electrical and telecommunications industry.

O P E R AT I O N S MANAGING DIRECTOR, SALES & MARKETING Jamie Jefferson

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTORS

Sheila Britton, Robynne Sangiuliano DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE & DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION Lisa Ormsby ACCOUNTING Tyler Annette ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Taeler Johnstone

Jason Hartog CONTRIBUTORS

Sheila Britton, Stephani Buchman, Jessica Cinnamon, Lori Davis, Nigel Eves, Walter Franczyk, Bailey Franklyn, Nicole Hilton, Andrew Hind, Josh Hotz, Sandy MacKay, Teresa Matamoros, Phil Mathies, Jenelle McCulloch, Tamarisk McNalty Stephens, Taylor Nullmeyer, Lynne Richardson, Rick Shurman, Clint Spalding, David Turner Advertisements and the content, including photos, of advertisements published within OUR HOMES magazine are supplied solely by the advertiser and neither the publisher nor OUR HOMES Media Group Inc. accept responsibility for opinions expressed in advertisements or for copyright issues with regards to photos, advertising copy and advertisements, nor shall they be held liable thereby. By act of reading this publication, all advertisers and readers agree to indemnify and hold harmless both OUR HOMES Media Group Inc., and the publisher thereby. Copyright ©2025 OUR HOMES Media Group Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

OUR HOMES CAN BE FOUND IN THE FOLLOWING MARKETS: • Barrie/Orillia/Midland • The Golden Horseshoe • Grey Bruce • London • Muskoka • Ottawa • Peterborough • Southern Georgian Bay • Toronto & York Region • Wellington County/Orangeville/Caledon/Waterloo Region • Windsor

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Visit us today to learn more about our full line of high quality products. CONTRACTORS & HOME BUILDERS ARE WELCOME TO INQUIRE Bala: 1003 Moon River Road, Bala, ON P0C 1A0 • Phone: 705-378-9292 Arthur: 100 Charles Street W., Arthur, ON N0G 1A0 • Phone: 519-964-0492

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editor’s note

OUR HOMES TURNS THE PAGE ON A NEW CHAPTER

this spring when OUR HOMES Productions Inc. hosts its first Muskoka Cottage Show. On Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre in Bracebridge, people are invited to discover companies, products and services that enhance life at home. Residents, cottagers and visitors can learn about new trends, get advice and meet the many professionals, tradespeople and suppliers who have helped make OUR HOMES the go-to source for ideas about building, renovating, decorating, landscaping, gardening and home furnishing. The community centre’s new arena as well as the large field house will be teeming with exhibits, experts and visitors. Special guest Frank Ferragine, renowned as City TV’s gardening guru and weatherman Frankie Flowers, will offer advice on the show’s main stage. An award-winning best-selling author, Frank helped his family establish Bradford Greenhouses. Its Barrie location, with 87,000 square feet of nursery stock, is one of Ontario’s largest indoor climatecontrolled nurseries. Frank and I share a heritage. His Italian immigrant forebears worked Bradford’s giant vegetable patch known as the Holland Marsh when they initially arrived in Canada. I got my first summer job on the marsh, weeding vegetables for 40 cents an hour, and spent many subsequent summers planting, tending and harvesting vegetables on a farm bordering Cook’s Bay on Lake Simcoe. The show will also feature 34 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

All My Relations by Kyle Thornley

celebrated designer Jane Lockhart. Jane will present both days. The weekend cottage show will be a great opportunity for many people to see the new community centre for the first time. It’s impressive. Hanging high above the lobby is an enormous steel sculpture of a white pine tree branch, suspended pinecones and needles forged by blacksmith Kyle Thornley. Some of our readers may recall seeing Kyle’s artistry in a home featured in our sister publication OUR HOMES Southern Georgian Bay. Kyle’s company Metal Mind Forge sheathed that home’s massive fireplace in steel and supplied metal light fixtures and cabinet hardware. The cottage show will also be a chance to meet many of the hardworking people who put OUR HOMES magazine together every season. As comedians who mimicked 50s and 60s TV icon Ed Sullivan would say, “It’s a really big show.” Don’t miss it.

Walter Franczyk, Managing Editor walter.franczyk@ourhomes.ca Follow us

online

Subscriptions subscribe@ourhomes.ca Get more at ourhomes.ca

LAKEFRONT BUILDING BREDIN BROTHERS INC.

BUILDER OF FINE WATERFRONT COTTAGES & BOATHOUSES IN MUSKOKA bredinbrothers.ca

start@bredinbrothers.ca

2025

CONTENTS

EARLY SUMMER 2025

LOCAL FEATURES 42 Style Picks This eclectic mix of home fashions and furniture presents a summer realm of inspiring possibilities.

56 Home & Builder A luxurious six-bedroom cottage on Lake Rosseau combines stone, steel and glass to create a spacious all-season retreat. 78 Spotlight On Parry Sound’s waterfront, Huckleberry’s nurtures a family tradition of celebrating Canada’s cottage lifestyle. 88 Home & Designer Laura Ranft creates a modern look with a cottage vibe for a newly-renovated home on Lake Muskoka. 104 People & Places When planning a garden, designing a home, building a kitchen or reading by the fire, these businesses have just the thing. 120 Home & Designer A Haliburton highlander returns to her roots to build a new lake house with the help of family and friends. 136 Spotlight Knowles Plumbing is cottage country’s cornerstone for service, bath and kitchen products and plenty of parts. 142 Home & Designer A charming cottage on the Magnetawan River is home to life’s simple pleasures.

56 ON THE COVER A two-storey boathouse on Lake Rosseau opens doors to a world of water sports and navigation. Story, page 56. Photography by Taylor Nullmeyer.

36 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

136

Floors for Home & Cottage • HARDWOOD • LAMINATE • VINYL PLANK & TILE • VINYL ROLLS • CARPET • CERAMIC • NATURAL STONE & MORE

MODERN HOME CARPET ONE

PARRY SOUND CARPET ONE

TAYLOR CARPET ONE

350 Ecclestone Drive Bracebridge

115 Bowes St. (Inside RONA) Parry Sound

30 Cairns Crescent Huntsville

705.645.2443

carpetonebracebridge.ca

705.746.4802

parrysoundcarpetone.com

705.789.9259

taylorcarpetonehuntsville.com

CONTENTS

EARLY SUMMER 2025

154

142

DEPARTMENTS 34 Editor’s Note

40 Advice Bring The Outside In

46 Good Taste Blackberry Limeade 50 Entertaining Lobster Party

70 Design Ideas Re-thinking Renos

74 Gardening Climate Change Gardening 80 Real Estate Store It

86 Double Take Laundry Day

100 Birding Top Five

118 Around The House Opening Season 132 In The Kitchen Cooking Oil

154 Cooking At Home Lemon Blueberry Tart 158 Home Resource Directory

160 Finishing Touch Outdoor Rockers

86 120 38 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

design | build | management

Get in touch.

705-888-1238 | info@mclean-contracting.ca

mclean-contracting.ca Ontario’s Exclusive Partner & Dealer

advice

How to Bring the

OUTDOORS IN Designer Tamarisk McNalty Stephens shares her ideas.

As a society, we have become accustomed to the flawlessness of massproduced, manufactured goods. However, when endeavouring to bring the outdoors in, to create a home inspired by nature, fabricated precision must make way for the beauty found in imperfection. Embrace the less manicured, less polished and less perfect – how freeing!

RENWIL: Nahanni

HUEY: Margaux Pendant

INDABA: Eros Vase, Dune

INDABA: Linen Gingham Throw, Toffee

INDABA: Lina Linen Queen Duvet Set, Driftwood

RUG & WEAVE: Vintage Antalya Rug

40 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

NATURAL MATERIALS & TEXTURES Walking in nature provides a lesson in combining various textures. Textures are essential to a successful design as they add depth, character and visual interest to any space. One-of-a-kind antique pieces marked with the patina of time should be treasured as they are. Synthetic man-made materials cannot compete with the look and feel of high-quality linen, cotton, silk, wool and cashmere textiles, whether in pillows, throws, tablecloths, drapery, bedding or upholstery. The light emitted through a rattan lampshade or the hand-made quality of a clay fixture can add soft and subtle intimacy. Vintage or hand-knotted wool area rugs, sheepskins or jute floor mats offer an authenticity that nylon and polyester cannot replicate. Opting for a metal that will oxidize and age naturally over time, such as unlacquered brass, is more aligned with the changing cycles of nature. Wood flooring, complete with knots and slight defects, or natural stone flooring such as terracotta, limestone or slate adds to the imperfect quality of a home. The unique character and beauty of natural granite, quartzite or marble countertops cannot be simulated by their manufactured counterparts. Walls covered in a natural grass-cloth wallcovering, a soft, large-scale mural, wood v-groove cladding or a natural clay or limewash finish are inherently inviting.

EARTHY COLOUR PALETTE The preference to live in a space saturated in colour or in a space enveloped in a light and airy neutral tone is entirely personal. Try not to be swayed by current trends. To create an interior environment inspired by nature, look to the soft, muted colours outdoors, such as the browns in a bird’s nest, the varying hues of sand as it shifts from wet to dry, the fresh buds of spring, a farmer’s wheat field or the tones of a moody November sky. Create a cohesive scheme for your home that is gentle on the senses by layering soft tones to establish a soothing, tranquil atmosphere while injecting more saturated, brighter, bolder colours as accents in moderation. Avoid intense primary hues.

NATURAL LIGHT & VIEWS There is much to appreciate in a home designed to connect thoughtfully with the surrounding landscape. Strategically placed windows that offer views, vantage points and moments of pause within a home add so much value to the occupant’s experience of space. Windows provide opportunities for connection between the indoors and out by framing views to capture nature’s art as the seasons evolve. Likewise, connecting indoor spaces to outdoor living, lounging and dining areas makes the natural environment feel like an extension of the home. Whether you live in town or the country, a great landscape design creates outdoor moments for you to enjoy, whether looking out of the kitchen window or sitting around an outdoor fireplace.

GREENERY Bringing in plants and foliage is an instant way to create a naturally inspired home. Take a pair of snips outdoors and come back armed with creativity, whether berry-studded branches or pine boughs in winter, the new buds on a willow branch in spring, local grasses and fresh florals in summer or nearly naked branches with a few dried, clinging leaves in autumn. Develop a collection of vessels and vases to display these natural elements, whether well-worn earthenware or hand-blown glass silhouettes. Sculptural displays of various heights add interest. Houseplants and potted herbs add natural colour and texture to your home without looking too perfect or manicured. OH

Celebrating 80 Years in Business

YOUR PLUMBING, HVAC AND ELECTRICAL SPECIALISTS ~ servicing ~ Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Muskoka, Severn, Torrance and surrounding areas 210 Brock Street, Gravenhurst

705-687-3402

info@gphe.ca • www.gphe.ca

Your neighbourhood bookshop since 1988! Visit us downtown at 26 James St., Parry Sound The Beatty Building — or — shop online at

parrysoundbooks.com — or shop online at — 705-746-7625 • parrysoundbooks@gmail.com

style picks 1

SOUND INTERIORS Ceiling Lights In patinated brass, a metal drum pendant with a striking basket weave mixes shadows and light for a unique look. The steel pendant, topped with grey iron, has a hand-wound wire dome speckled with brass. The smaller pendant is made of wood with oxidized brass highlights. 70 Joseph St., Unit 500-C, Parry Sound 705.771.9414 I soundinteriors.ca

MUSKOKA FURNITURE Woodcraft On display at Muskoka Furniture’s new Warehouse Showroom, this Mennonite made-in-Ontario, wormy maple sideboard has sliding glass doors, ample drawers and brushed nickel pulls. It will enhance any dining space. 61 Keith Rd., Bracebridge 705.645.8183 I muskokafurniture.net

Slipper Chair Upholstered in eye-catching Kravet Couture Pelican Paradise fabric, this antique slipper chair with a mahogany frame has been expertly restored as a bold fashion statement for a bedroom or living room. These chairs were designed during the Victorian era as a comfortable seat in which to don or doff footwear.

ALL SEASON

Styling

MUSKOKA UPHOLSTERY

By Appointment Only 179 Gun Club Rd. Unit E, Huntsville 705.784.0906 I muskokaupholstery.com 4

RAILS END GALLERY & ARTS CENTRE Metal Steeds Sculpted by Haliburton Highlands artist Charles O’Neil, these woven steel horses were created with wire typically found at building supply stores. Charles is an accomplished painter and faculty member at the Haliburton School of Art and Design.

Enhance all the comforts of home. PHOTOG R A PHY WA LTE R F R A NC Z Y K

23 York St., Haliburton 705.457.2330 I railsendgallery.com 5

HILLTOP INTERIORS Table Lamp This distressed light grey, glazed ceramic table lamp offers a simple shape with an upscale fashionable pattern, one of many decorative choices available at this fine furniture and home accessories store. 1150 Hwy. 141, Rosseau 705.732.4040 I hilltopinteriors.com

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OMMMH Woolly Vibrant trivets, baskets and doggy beds handmade in Nepal with balls of 100 per cent New Zealand wool can add a whimsical pop of colour to your favourite space. They’re among an eclectic assortment of home fashions at this downtown hair salon. 8 Milne St., Minden 705.286.4444 I ommmh.com

Continued on page 44

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style picks

RIVERVIEW FURNITURE & FLOORING Leather Seating This 100 per cent Canadianmade, all-leather seat is available as a chair or recliner. It can be complemented with a matching sofa or love seat and is available in a variety of colours or in fabric. 94 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden 705.286.3167 I riverview-furniture.com

BOBCAT OF PARRY SOUND Water Pump Ideal for high-pressure jobs such as water transfer and irrigation, Honda’s commercial grade gaspowered pump can move 500 litres of water per minute. This Canadian model is designed to use with a fire hose nozzle for spraying further distances. 25 Woods Rd., Nobel 705.342.1717 I bobcatofparrysound.com

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OUTDOORZY Outdoor Kitchen Master the art of outdoor living with an exclusive collection of outdoor kitchens, appliances, furniture and heating. Elevate your lifestyle with products designed to transform your outdoor spaces into lavish retreats and entertainment areas. 99 Maple St. (The Emporium) Port Carling 519.591.3900 I outdoorzy.ca OH

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good taste

Blackberry LIMEADE

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY JENELLE MCCULLOCH

THIS VIBRANT LIMEADE IS A REFRESHING BLEND OF TART LIME AND RIPE BLACKBERRIES. IT’S THE IDEAL BALANCE OF CITRUS AND SWEETNESS, MAKING IT A CRISP, COOLING DRINK FOR ANY TIME OF DAY. Continued on page 48

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About Us Transform your living space with bespoke elegance, courtesy of our custom cabinet creations. At K7 Millwork Group, we pride ourselves on crafting timeless pieces that seamlessly blend functionality with exquisite design. Whether you’re seeking a custom home millwork package, doing a renovation, or just looking for a single custom piece, our skilled craftsmen are dedicated to bringing your vision to life. With an array of premium materials and finishes to choose from, each cabinet is meticulously tailored to suit your unique style and space requirements. Experience the epitome of craftsmanship and elevate your home’s aesthetic with K7 Millwork Group. *Showroom Visits By Appointment Only

289.221.9295 / k7millworkgroup.ca info@k7millworkgroup.ca 11-3 Progress Drive, Orillia ON

good taste

INGREDIENTS Makes one large pitcher 3 cups fresh blackberries or unsweetened frozen blackberries 1 cup sugar 1 Tbsp grated lime zest

INSTRUCTIONS

6 cardamom pods

MAKE THE BLACKBERRY SYRUP:

½ tsp juniper berries, dried

In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, lime zest, cardamom, juniper berries and 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the berries break down and release their juices.

1 cup water ¾ cup fresh lime juice (about 4-6 limes) 3 cups water or sparkling water Thin lime slices and blackberries for serving

Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the berries to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the solids and let the syrup cool completely.

PREPARE THE LIMEADE: In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lime juice, blackberry syrup and cold water or sparkling water. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more water if necessary. Fill glasses with ice and pour in the blackberry limeade. Garnish with fresh blackberries and lime slices. Tip: For a sparkling version, substitute part of the water with chilled sparkling water just before serving. OH Get more recipes at ourhomes.ca/blogrecipes

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entertaining

SHELL YEAH!

S T ORY N I CO L E H I LT O N

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE PERFECT LOBSTER FEAST DANESCO: OXO Seafood and Nut Cracker

ABBOTT: Striped Lobster Bib

CRUSTACEAN INVASION

DÉCOR AND TABLE STYLING

Nothing says summer like cracking shells, buttery bites and a table full of friends ready to dig in. For over a decade, I’ve been throwing an annual at-home Lobsterfest, inspired by family trips to the East Coast and my quest to find the best lobster roll. Whether you’re hosting a backyard boil or an elegant coastal-themed dinner, here’s how to plan a lobster party that’s as memorable as it is delicious. ABBOTT: Embroidered Lobster Pillow ABBOTT: Fisherman & Mermaid Wind Chimes

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ABBOTT: Striped Pillow with Lobsters & Lobster-Shaped Pillow

Plan an outdoor feast where the sound of windchimes is reminiscent of catching an ocean breeze, and playful lobster-print cushions help set the scene. If the weather turns, you can always move the party inside – but trust me, that fresh seafood aroma is best left outdoors! As someone who’s collected hundreds of lobster treasures over the years, now’s the time to bring out the essentials for the ultimate shellebration. The coastal vibe will come to life with a seaside palette, including calming blues, pops of red, waves of turquoise and natural woven textures. For the tablescape, start with a layer of newspaper for a laid-back, rustic vibe or a decorative table runner for a more refined look. Seagrass-wrapped glassware, woven placemats and matching coasters bring in the natural beach texture, while themed napkins, salt and pepper shakers and nautical-adorned dishware add a bright, whimsical touch. Remember to include a mini dip dish at each place setting for hot butter – an integral part of every lobster dinner. Continued on page 52

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entertaining HARMAN: Catch of the Day Luncheon Napkins

CARSIM TRADING: Oysters Lunch Napkin MEYER: Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Cover

FROM SEA TO TABLE THE MENU

CARSIM TRADING: Yacht Club Anchor Cocktail Napkin

DANESCO: Natural Living, 8 Piece Shellfish Tool Set

CARSIM TRADING: Lobster Lunch Napkin

HARMAN: Vincent Jug With Handle, Stemless Water Glass & Wine Glass with Woven Accent

GET CRACKING GEAR AND TOOLS

DAVID SHAW DESIGNS: Costa Nova Summer Bliss Plates

DANESCO: LA MER Dip Bowls

ABBOTT: Fringed Placemat Round in Ivory

DANESCO: LA MER Seafood Plates

To pull off the perfect gathering, you’ll need the right tools. For a small group, a nine-litre or 14-litre stainless-steel pot will do the trick. But if you’re hosting a big backyard bash, go all out with the largest pot you can find and set it up on an outdoor propane burner for a true East Coast experience. Keep in mind things will get messy. Wear an apron. When it’s time to serve the lobsters, ensure guests are fully equipped with long forks, sturdy crackers and sharp seafood scissors to get every bite of the savoury meat. Bibs are highly encouraged. For a fun touch, throw an extra crustacean flair into the mix with a cast iron lobster-shaped bottle opener that will have guests cracking open their drinks as effortlessly as the shells!

DANESCO: LA MER Seafood Forks CARSIM TRADING: Lobster Apron

CARSIM TRADING: Lobster Table Runner

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BLACK MAPLE TRADING CO.: Canadian Lobster Alliance T-Shirt

PINCH OF FUN

GAMES AND DRESS CODE

ABBOTT: Lobster Bottle Opener HARMAN: Lobster Boil Salt & Pepper

When I hosted my lobster party last summer, I went all out with whole lobsters, claws and shrimp, crab dip, oysters, calamari over greens and even a small taste of lobster cannelloni. If you want to simplify your spread, start with a crowd-pleasing appetizer like crab or lobster dip alongside a classic wedge salad. For the main course, serve whole lobster with easy-to-prepare sides like corn on the cob or potato salad. If your get-together is over lunch, keep it light with lobster rolls or lobster mac and cheese. For your summer bar menu, offer cool, refreshing drinks like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, an ice-cold light lager, or a signature margarita that can be adapted into a mocktail for non-drinkers.

While the lobsters boil, I always enjoy entertaining guests with fun games, including a rubber lobster toss, a “guess the number of lobster candies in the jar” challenge and Canadian lobster trivia. To make the party even more entertaining, give a lobster-themed prize to each winner. Lastly, dress the part. Encourage everyone to embrace the theme with nautical stripes and lobster-patterned shirts. Nothing says commitment like showing up wearing the guest of honour! OH

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Build. Renovate. Landscape. Maintain.

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home & builder

TUNES & TRANQUILITY STO RY L OR I D AVI S | P H OT OG R AP H Y TAYL O R N U L L MEYER

As he strums his guitar and savours the serenity of Lake Rosseau, this cottager marvels at the beauty of his natural surroundings. “My favourite place is this sofa at the end of the dock where I play my guitar and think how lucky I am to be here,” he says. Continued on page 58

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Built on a small peninsula on the west side of Lake Rosseau, this new six-bedroom cottage and boathouse are a Toronto family’s spacious and relaxing oasis. TOP RIGHT: A stone patio, footpaths, river rock and strategic plantings nestle the lake house into its waterfront environment. MIDDLE & BOTTOM RIGHT: Muskoka chairs encircle a fire pit and stone terrace carved into the Canadian Shield.

ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 | 57

home & builder

The challenges of working from home in Toronto during the pandemic made it clear his family needed more space. “We were going crazy. I knew we needed more room and freedom, so I started looking for a place in Muskoka,” he recalls. He found the ideal spot at the end of a long, private road where water and sky converge on Lake Rosseau. “The view was breathtaking, and the property had the privacy I was looking for,” he adds. The timing was perfect. Corbin Patten designed the cottage while William Kelly and Simon Kelly, owners of Kelly Project Management Muskoka, handled the construction. The homeowner knew the cottage was a great fit even in its early stages. “We loved it and didn’t make many changes,” he says.

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ABOVE: Kelly Project Management Muskoka built the 6,000 sq. ft. lake house, designed by Corbin Patten Designs. Stone To Steel Inc. landscaped the property. BELOW LEFT: This side view of the upland portico shows a tall stairwell window that extends below the home’s main level. BELOW RIGHT: Glass railings guard the stairway in the front foyer where the family has ample room for welcoming guests.

Josh McDermott & Sons Construction prepared the building site with excavation and blasting, constructed roads and installed the septic system. This magnificent 6,000 sq. ft. bungalow has six bedrooms, breathtaking views and a stunning boathouse. “One of the key discoveries was the generous width of the property, which opened up exciting possibilities for maximizing views of the lake,” explains Corbin. “The design naturally evolved into a long, rectangular form that allows multiple rooms to enjoy expansive waterfront vistas.” His residential design firm, Corbin Patten Designs, creates unique and environmentally mindful cottages and boathouses. He collaborated with William and Simon in a quick turnaround. Construction began in 2020 and finished in July 2021. “We worked with Corbin and came up with some neat concepts,” says William. Continued on page 61

RIGHT: Seen from the front entrance, wooden beams intersect the great room’s high ceiling while the lake view beckons. BELOW: The homeowners furnished their great room gathering place with a large sectional sofa and blue swivel chairs.

ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 | 59

home & builder LEFT: Just off the main entrance, the bright, modern kitchen, designed and furnished by 1st Choice Kitchens, includes an island and dining bar for breakfasts and informal meals. BELOW LEFT: Providing chefs plenty of natural light, large vertical windows flank the eight-burner Wolf propane range supplied by Brown’s Appliances. BELOW RIGHT: Topped with quartz, the kitchen island with a built-in sink and faucet provides extra space for meal preparation in a setting that enjoys a beautiful view of the lake. OPPOSITE, TOP: With seating for 12, this mainfloor dining room has glass doors that open to the adjacent Muskoka room. BOTTOM: Built on a front corner of the cottage, the Muskoka room is furnished to create two distinct gathering spaces.

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The Kelly brothers started their construction company 10 years ago with some modest projects. “The projects progressively got bigger, and now we run two crews simultaneously,” William says. Teamwork, attention to detail and communication are the cornerstones of their company. “What sets us apart is our amazing team. We have great people who take pride in their work,” says William. Ledger Steel Systems Inc. supplied and erected the structural steel for the boathouse and cottage. Corbin’s distinctive design enhanced the relationship between the cottage and its surroundings by drawing the building toward the lake and crafting a welcoming entryway. “This approach resulted in a distinctive T-shaped design, where one axis naturally guides you toward the main entrance, while the other pulls you visually and physically toward the water,” Corbin tells us. The open-concept interior lends an airy ambience throughout the main level. Bathed in natural light, this streamlined, modern home is framed by full-height windows (Lepage Millwork) that blur the boundaries between indoors and out. “It’s like living in a glass box,” the cottager tells us. Corbin’s design philosophy revolves around seamlessly connecting the indoors and outdoors. “Standing at the front door, you are immediately greeted by expansive windows that frame the lake, drawing you inside,” says Corbin. Continued on page 62 ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 | 61

home & builder Rising to a stunning apex, the cathedral ceiling in the great room is defined by pine beams, adding depth and texture. Wide plank flooring mirrors the ceiling accents, adding warmth and contrast. The homeowner’s wife decorated the interior in a simple, minimalist style with neutral colours and contrasting accents. A creamy sectional sofa curves gracefully around a propane fireplace inset in a stacked stone accent wall. Blue swivel lounge chairs and pillows add colour and comfort to this intimate sitting area. “We tried to strike a balance between very modern but also warm and cosy,” says the homeowner. 1st Choice Kitchens designed and installed the kitchen cabinetry while Brown’s Appliances supplied kitchen and laundry equipment. Next to the kitchen/dining area is a four-season Muskoka room with an adjacent Continued on page 64

LEFT: Installed by Lee Plumbing, a soaker tub framed by corner windows, a double vanity and glass shower furnish the primary bedroom’s elegant en suite bathroom. MIDDLE LEFT: The owner’s guitar rests silently on one side of the cottage office. BOTTOM LEFT: Space will never be in short supply with the drawers and cupboards in this spacious walk-in closet, designed and installed by 1st Choice Kitchens. BELOW: The primary bedroom overlooks the front yard on Lake Rosseau, the family’s boathouse and dock.

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In comfortable leather sofas and armchairs, clustered at the ground floor fireplace, the family can choose to watch television or simply relax by a flickering fire. ABOVE LEFT: Descending to the cottage’s ground floor, the open-tread staircase is bathed in light through tall corner windows. TOP RIGHT: A climate-controlled wine room stores an array of favourite adult beverages. ABOVE RIGHT: A pool table augments the ground floor entertainment space.

ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 | 63

home & builder

deck, enabling indoor and outdoor entertaining. This space flows effortlessly into the home through a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door. A focal point for the front entrance, a cleverly designed drop window diffuses natural light throughout the lower level. “You can see the impact at the bottom of the stairs. There is lots of light, and it doesn’t feel like a basement,” says the homeowner. Four bedrooms, a bar and TV area, a pool table, wine cellar, a gym and bathroom provide plenty of room and entertainment for family and friends. A striking waterfront retreat, the boathouse epitomizes refined lakeside living and entertaining. “It’s the place where I spend all my time in the summer. We love water sports,” says the homeowner. With three boat slips and plenty of room for all the toys, this marine oasis combines functionality with comfort and style. The ground level boasts a spacious dock (Stone To Steel Inc.) with a lounge area and dining space. Continued on page 66

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ABOVE: The three-slip boathouse has a large upper deck and a welcoming dock. RIGHT: This lakeside sofa is the homeowner’s favourite spot in which to play his guitar and reflect on the pleasures of life on the lake. OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT: The ground floor gym has a mirrored wall and an overhead television to watch while pedalling the exercise bike. TOP RIGHT: Backing onto the gym, this bathroom features a giant walk-in shower. BOTTOM LEFT: The home has two laundry rooms designed and installed by 1st Choice Kitchens. MIDDLE RIGHT: One of the cottage’s six roomy bedrooms enjoys a placid lake view. BOTTOM RIGHT: Large format grey porcelain tile sheathes the shower in this dual bathroom that joins two bedrooms on the home’s lower level.

ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 | 65

home & builder

Oversize garage doors create a seamless transition between the outdoors and the boathouse interior. The rooftop offers a serene escape, featuring a sitting area and an outdoor bar. “When you are on the roof, it feels like you are in a boat,” the cottager says. Two well-appointed bedrooms afford guests the ultimate in comfort. Continued on page 68

Lounge chairs on the second-floor boathouse deck and dock are a great place to watch the sun rise over the eastern horizon. They’re also ideal for basking in the mid-day sun. TOP & MIDDLE LEFT: Oversize glass doors roll up to make the boathouse interior and exterior one space. Sunstream lifts keep the family’s Sea-doos and boats safely stowed. ABOVE: Glass railings shelter sunbathers from the breeze without obstructing the view.

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We design homes, cottages, boathouses, and garages that blend seamlessly with nature while enhancing your lifestyle. Every project balances beauty, function, and sustainability—built to last for generations. With cutting-edge 3D rendering and virtual walkthroughs, you can explore and refine your space before construction begins, bringing your vision to life with confidence. Our collaborative approach ensures every detail

Corbin Patten Designs

reflects your style and the way you live. Whether it’s a lakefront retreat or a timeless cottage, we design with light, efficiency, and comfort in mind. By integrating smart design, sustainable materials, and advanced visualization tools, we bring your project together—creating spaces that elevate your lifestyle and inspire lasting memories. Let’s create something extraordinary together.

TORONTO • MUSKOKA 877-562-1959 • corbinpatten.com

home & builder

ENGINEERING A BEAUTY Steenhof Building Services Group was responsible for the structural design of this unique cottage.

Corbin Patten and his team were

instrumental in translating Steenhof’s work into detailed drawings.

“The structure of the project is

quite unique, particularly with the cantilevered awnings over all the windows and the timber-framed

accents that enhance its aesthetic,” says professional engineer Zachary

Plugers, Steenhof’s vice-president of structural engineering. “The decks

are another standout feature, framed with Douglas fir timber beams and

joists, which add both strength and character to the design.”

One of the biggest challenges

was adding internal shear walls to

effectively resist the wind loads on

Corbin has realized his company’s mission with this simple, elegant and thoughtfully designed family cottage. “We create spaces that invite people to gather, connect and immerse themselves in nature,” he says. For the homeowner, it’s a cottage that perfectly fits his family’s lifestyle. “I knew that as soon as I saw it,” he says. OH

TOP & ABOVE: The second storey of the boathouse contains a lounge with great lake views and a kitchenette equipped by Brown’s Appliances. BELOW: The boathouse offers extra space for guests or family members who prefer a maritime environment.

such a large structure, especially

given the extensive window openings in the end walls, Zachary explains.

“Additionally, we encountered some difficulties with the staircase and

the surrounding structural elements,

which required careful coordination.” Steenhof is licensed to provide fully integrated design and engineering services across Canada.

LOCAL SOURCE GUIDE • 1 s t C h o i c e K i t c h e n s • B r o w n ’s Appliances • Corbin Patten Designs • Josh McDermott & Sons Construction • Kelly Project Management Muskoka • Lee Plumbing • Ledger Steel Systems Inc. • Lepage Millwork • Steenhof Building Services Group • Stone To Steel

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705.765.5700

•

108 Maple Street, Port Carling

•

brownsappliances.com

Custom Workroom Creations for Exceptional Homes, Businesses & Cottages Custom sewn indoor or outdoor designs including drapery, roman blinds, cornices, cushion covers & pillows, bed linen including duvet covers, coverlets, pillow shams and bed skirts.

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carlingsewing@gmail.com carlingcustomsewing.ca @carlingcustomsewing Serving the Muskoka & Parry Sound Areas

design ideas

5 RENOVATIONS

WORTH RE-THINKING Renovations can transform your home, but not all upgrades are created equal. From open-concept layouts to material selection, this guide breaks down five key design decisions to rethink, ensuring your space balances style, functionality and long-term value.

ST O RY JESSI CA CI N NA M ON P HO T OGRAPHY STEP HA NI B U C H M A N

A home renovation is as much about strategy as it is about creativity. It’s an opportunity to reimagine your space, redefine its purpose and elevate its aesthetic. But with every sledgehammer-ready wall comes decisions that can shape the success of your project. While some upgrades are obvious wins, others demand careful consideration to avoid regret or unnecessary costs. Here’s a savvy breakdown of five renovation ideas worth pausing before committing.

1. REMOVING WALLS Open-concept layouts are prized for their airy feel and seamless social flow, but they’re not without challenges. While they maximize natural light and connectivity, they can compromise privacy, noise control and structural integrity. Removing loadbearing walls requires professional reinforcement, adding complexity and cost. Consider partial walls, glass partitions or strategic openings for a balanced approach. These options preserve openness while creating functional zones, offering the best of both worlds without sacrificing the home’s character or stability. Continued on page 72

Jessica Cinnamon is an award-winning principal designer and founder of Toronto-based Jessica Cinnamon Design Inc.

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Elevate Your Cottage Living with Smart Home Solutions! Network Solutions: Stay Connected Anywhere

• High-Speed Internet Setup: Seamless browsing, streaming, and gaming. • Mesh Wi-Fi Systems: Eliminate dead zones and ensure full coverage throughout your cottage. • Secure Networking: Protect your data with advanced security protocols. • Smart Device Integration: Connect and control all your devices effortlessly. • Remote Access: Manage your home from anywhere with easy-to-use apps.

Security Systems: Peace of Mind Anytime

3 4

• Smart Security Cameras: Keep an eye on your property 24/7 with high-definition video. • Intrusion Detection: Receive alerts and notifications for any unusual activity. • Smart Locks: Control access to your home from your smartphone.

Audio and Video Systems: Immerse Yourself in Entertainment • Whole-Home Audio: Enjoy music throughout your cottage with a seamless audio experience. • Home Theatre Systems: Create a cinematic experience with our custom AV installations. • Multi-Room Video Solutions: Stream your favourite shows in any room with ease. • Smart Control Integration: Use your smartphone or tablet to manage your audio and video systems.

Home Automation and Control: Simplify Your Life • Smart Lighting: Control your lights with ease and set the perfect ambiance. • Climate Control: Optimize your heating and cooling systems for comfort and efficiency. • Automated Routines: Schedule your devices to run automatically for convenience. • Centralized Control: Manage all your smart home devices from one intuitive app.

We can can bring any network, control, & audio/video solution to life for you — Contact us to find out more lakehouseintegrations.ca • 705.734.8479 • info@lakehouseintegrations.ca SERVING PARRY SOUND/BRACEBRIDGE/SEGUIN/BALA AND ANY SURROUNDING AREAS

PHOTO: MIKE CHAJECKI

design ideas

2. MATERIAL SELECTIONS Selecting the perfect materials for a project is crucial to achieve the intended look, durability and eco-conscious goals. Yet, with countless options available, making the right choice can be overwhelming, especially as quality varies widely. For instance, hardwood floors bring timeless charm and natural warmth but require consistent care and are prone to water damage. Alternatively, luxury vinyl planks replicate hardwood’s appeal at a lower cost while offering durability and easy maintenance. Similarly, natural stone countertops like marble or quartzite showcase unmatched beauty but demand higher investment and regular sealing to resist stains. By contrast, quartz surfaces deliver similar elegance with better stain resistance and effortless upkeep. Assessing key factors such as budget, lifestyle needs and environmental impact will help you select materials that complement your priorities and future aspirations.

4. OVER-THE-TOP TRENDS Trends can bring fresh energy to a space, but their appeal often fades quickly. Bold wallpapers, vibrant feature walls and statement fixtures inject character but risk feeling dated before long. Assess your comfort with change – prioritize enduring design elements if frequent updates aren’t in your plans. Neutral colour schemes, iconic furniture styles and adaptable décor create a foundation that evolves effortlessly. This approach balances personal expression with lasting appeal, ensuring your home stays current and sophisticated for years to come.

5. PUTTING AESTHETICS OVER FUNCTIONALITY

3. BUILT-INS As a designer, I appreciate the functionality and aesthetic benefits of custom built-ins. They provide tailored storage solutions and streamline organization but are not always the most cost-effective option. Built-ins are inherently permanent, limiting flexibility in furniture arrangement and future renovations. A creative built-in will maximize your storage in smaller spaces where every inch counts. We believe a clutter-free space with custom built-ins and hidden storage makes small spaces feel larger. If budget is a concern, opting for freestanding furniture pieces offers versatility and mobility while allowing for easy reconfiguration as needs evolve. 72 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

A beautiful home captures attention, but form without function can quickly lead to frustrations. Eye-catching furniture that lacks comfort, awkward layouts that hinder flow or décor that disrupts usability can compromise the experience. Prioritizing a harmony of style and practicality ensures your space is visually striking and seamlessly supports your daily life. By carefully considering how each element will enhance a room’s look and feel, you can create a home that is not only visually impressive but also a pleasure to live in. Think ergonomically designed furniture that invites relaxation, intuitive layouts that make daily routines effortless and décor that complements rather than complicates your lifestyle. Home renovations unlock and bring a world of potential, but thoughtful planning is key to avoiding missteps and ensuring lasting satisfaction. Approach every choice focusing on style, functionality and budget while anticipating your future needs. This intentional strategy guarantees your space embodies your vision and retains its timeless charm. OH

gardening

CLIMATE CHANGE

In The Garden

What Can We Do? To ensure our gardens remain resilient and productive, we must adopt strategies for climate resilience, adaptation and mitigation.

CLIMATE RESILIENCE We can design landscapes that can tolerate and recover from climate events by fostering healthy management practices: Diversity is more important than ever. We should be planting diverse, well-adapted species to create robust ecosystems. Take care of the soil through composting and mulching to enhance water retention and microbial activity. Plant more trees! Increase tree canopy cover to provide shade, regulate temperatures and reduce stormwater runoff.

CLIMATE ADAPTATION Adjust gardening practices to prepare for future climate conditions:

STO RY TE R E SA M ATA M OR O S

Our changing climate is significantly impacting gardens everywhere. Temperatures are projected to rise by almost 2°C. Natural disasters, including storms, droughts and heatwaves are becoming more frequent. Gardeners must adapt to new challenges. Reduced precipitation creates drier soils. Trees and plants can become more susceptible to pests, diseases and late spring frosts. Our older trees and those with poor structural integrity will be at greater risk from these environmental stressors. 74 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

Utilize drought-tolerant plants that can withstand longer dry periods. Add plants from the Carolinian forest – we’re located at its northernmost tip – with a higher zone rating. Expand your current hardiness rating zone to include plants from one zone higher. Take care of your trees by having them pruned for extreme wind events to reduce the risk of breakage. Plant trees with lots of root space to grow, creating a good anchor in the ground. Planting the right plant in the right place will help mitigate stressors like pests and diseases. Cover the soil with organic mulch, leaves or plants. For farmers, using cover crops is vital. Plant more pollinator-friendly plants from higher gardening zones, especially for warmer springs, which bring bees out earlier. Continued on page 76

of Parry Sound

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gardening SITE MITIGATION We can reduce the environmental impact of our horticultural practices by: Minimizing the use of gas-powered equipment such as leaf blowers and lawnmowers in favour of electric or manual alternatives. Reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which are derived from fossil fuels and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Incorporating more native plants that require less maintenance and are better suited to local climate conditions, as research suggests they outperform exotic species in resilience.

What To Plant & Why? Selecting the right plants is key to creating a sustainable, climateresilient garden. HARDY TREES: Choose species that can tolerate changing temperatures, drought and pests, such as bur oak, sugar maple, cherries and eastern red cedar. If you know an old tree on your property will need to be removed someday, it is time to plant a new replacement. DROUGHT-RESISTANT SHRUBS AND PERENNIALS: Consider native species like butterfly weed, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan and prairie-type grasses (little and big bluestems), which require less water and attract pollinators. MOSSES AND GROUNDCOVERS: Replace traditional lawns with mosses (if you have lots of shade) or droughttolerant groundcovers like clover, creeping thyme or sedums to reduce water consumption and maintenance. MIYAWAKI FORESTS: This involves planting dense, fast-growing native mini forests in small urban areas. These forests can help sequester carbon, enhance biodiversity and improve local climate conditions. 76 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

Keys To Success PROPER PLANTING: Ensure correct depth, spacing and soil preparation when planting trees and shrubs. SITE MATCHING: Select species suited to soil type, sunlight exposure and available space. AFTERCARE: Provide adequate watering, mulching and monitoring during the establishment period. Because our situation is very different these days, planting might involve trial and error until we find what works in our gardens. Don’t be afraid to push the planting boundaries. By implementing some or all of these strategies, we can help mitigate climate change impacts while fostering healthy and resilient landscapes. OH Teresa Matamoros has a Bachelor of Science degree, an Ontario Diploma in Horticulture and is an ISA Certified Arborist.

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THE PLACE Established on the Parry Sound waterfront 23 years ago, Huckleberry’s is housed in a beautifully-preserved 1873 heritage building. With stunning harbour views, this charming two-storey shop celebrates Canada’s cottage lifestyle with its well curated collection of furniture, décor and home accessories.

INVITING “We want every customer to enjoy a welcoming and inspiring shopping experience,” says owner Bernice Anderson. “Friendly service and a warm smile await you.”

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INSPIRATION PRODUCTS Huckleberry’s showcases beautifully-crafted wooden furniture from Quebec and Ontario-made outdoor chairs and tables fashioned from recycled plastic for ecoconscious design. Locallysourced fire pits add warmth and charm to outdoor spaces. Inside, you’ll find pottery, kitchen essentials, soft linens, woollen blankets, rugs, original art and unique table lamps. Colourful feltstitched pennants celebrate Georgian Bay landmarks and Muskoka’s cherished lakes. Soaps, bath lotions, hand washes and home fragrances fill the shop with inviting aromas, making every visit a sensory delight.

“At Huckleberry’s, we celebrate cottage living,” says Bernice. “Inspired by nature and cottage tradition, we focus on creating inviting spaces.” This comes to life through handcrafted wooden furniture, cosy throw pillows, layered linen bedding and original art unique to the area.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE “Delivery to your dock by boat on Georgian Bay or directly to your cottage laneway makes it even easier to bring a touch of cottage style to your space,” she says. Four generations of the Anderson family have made their home on Georgian Bay, proudly serving local residents, cottagers and visitors. OH

GET THERE 14 Bay St., Town Dock, Parry Sound 705.746.2799 I huckleberrys.ca

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PHOTO: JOSH HOTZ

real estate

S T ORY A N D REW H I N D

STORAGE WARS THE GROWING DEMAND FOR SELF-STORAGE In the past, the public perception of self-storage facilities wasn’t favourable. Driven largely by unflattering depictions on television and in movies, they were viewed as perhaps a bit seedy, as places where one might discard things they had no use for or wished to keep hidden. Continued on page 82

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• Construction is underway and you still have time to jump in and apply your own personal touches • Long southern views from this custom built, state-of-the-art Linwood Home • Cathedral ceilings, floor to sky windows overlooking the largest body of Lake Muskoka • 178 ft of gently sloping shoreline, private dock

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real estate Times have changed. Self-storage facilities have gone mainstream and are now in greater demand than ever before. Despite what television might depict, it’s not hoarders or thieves behind this growing demand, but everyday people like you and me.

The Canadian self-storage market has seen an explosion of growth since 2000. In March 2023, MPAC reported that Ontario had 37.3 million square feet of commercial self-storage space – the equivalent of the total ice surface of approximately 2,200 NHL rinks. “As of November 2024, our records indicate that the number has increased to 42.8 million, and we expect this sector to continue to grow,” explains Natasha Hinds Fitzsimmins, Issues Management & Media Relations Lead for MPAC. MPAC, Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, is an independent, not-forprofit corporation funded by Ontario’s municipalities. Its role is to accurately assess and classify all properties in Ontario. MPAC is accountable to the province, municipalities and property taxpayers through its 13-member board of directors. Indeed, demand for self-storage has outstripped supply in primary Canadian markets like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver for many years.

REASONS BEHIND THE SURGE There are a host of reasons behind this increased interest in self-storage facilities. Perhaps foremost among them is a rise in the construction of smaller condominiums that provide less space to store personal possessions. “The increase is consistent with data we released in 2022, showing Ontario condominiums are 35 percent smaller on average than 25 years ago,” says Natasha. Perhaps unsurprisingly, in Ontario, the demand for self-storage has been especially pronounced in Toronto, Ottawa and Mississauga, Ontario’s most densely populated cities with the largest concentrations of condos. 82 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

PHOTO: YALCINSONAT1

GROWING DEMAND

The housing market, once again particularly challenging in Ontario’s largest cities, is another major contributor to the increase in self-storage demand. The last five years have seen a level of immigration unprecedented in recent memory, driven by high immigration targets set by the federal government. This surge in population, combined with labour shortages and sluggishness on the part of municipalities to provide zoning for new builds, created a housing crisis. The net result is smaller living spaces with little or no storage. Many people have turned to storage facilities out of necessity. According to MPAC, in 2023, Toronto had more than eight million square feet of commercial self-storage space, Ottawa had more than three million square feet and Mississauga more than two million square feet. There are other factors contributing to the growth of self-storage units. People who have transitioned to working from home need to store items once kept in

spaces now occupied by home offices. There is a rise in people renovating homes rather than moving to larger homes as they might have in the past because of high prices. Companies and individuals are downsizing and increasing urbanization.

THE FUTURE Self-storage units are changing as the demand grows. Sprawling, suburban, low-rise, mini-warehouse structures were the norm until recently. Now, self-storage units are going urban and high-tech. We’re evolving towards fully enclosed units with enhanced security, 24-hour access, drive-in bays, climate-control systems and improved aesthetics. These facilities are often multileveled with aesthetically-pleasing exteriors to blend into their urban areas. MPAC anticipates that while the growth may not match what we’ve seen in recent years, demand for self-storage will remain robust as the root causes behind the growing demand remain. OH

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PHOTO: SANDY MACKAY | DESIGNER: CORALEE MONAGHAN

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home & designer

VERANDA’S

Calm

AFTER THE STORM STORY LORI D AVI S | PHO TO G R A PHY SA N D Y MA CK AY

Laura Ranft of Veranda

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Braving slick roads and swirling snow, an intrepid delivery team weathered a severe winter storm to furnish Doug and Leigh-Ann’s lakeside cottage on time. “They were having guests for the holidays, so everything had to be done by a certain date, and we made it happen,” recalls Veranda designer Laura Ranft. “Our team set up the whole place in a snowstorm.” Continued on page 90

Gliding swivel chairs, upholstered in fade-and-spill resistant fabric, gather at a low table near the cottage’s two-storey dining room. Fir beams cross the open space above while window walls surround the room on three sides. OPPOSITE, TOP & BOTTOM RIGHT: At the main entrance, the foyer has a low bench with a bouclé cover on one side and a sturdy wooden table on black steel legs on the other.

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home & designer

The couple’s search for a cottage began last year when they decided to move to Muskoka. “We sold our house in Etobicoke and our cottage in Port Carling. Our children are adults, so we figured it was time to downsize to a smaller home closer to Gravenhurst,” explains Leigh-Ann. When Leigh-Ann and Doug, a retired media executive, first saw this property on Lake Muskoka, with its stunning lakeside panoramas and generous lot, they knew it was a rare find. “We looked at other cottages that were nicer but didn’t have this exceptional view,” recalls Leigh-Ann. “The property has amazing potential. Doug has a good eye for what looks interesting and unique.” Because their properties sold quickly, they had to furnish and decorate their cottage promptly. They turned to Veranda for furnishings, décor and design advice. “Veranda played a key role in getting us into our home so quickly,” says LeighAnn, who works in the horticultural industry. Located in downtown Bracebridge, Veranda, owned by Elise Boyer, offers design services and high-quality home furnishings and accessories. “Leigh-Ann had a vision and we were able to put together what she wanted in terms of look, style and comfort,” says Laura, who has more than 25 years of design experience. “I love what I do and get to meet so many nice people.” Continued on page 92

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Wide plank oak covers all the floors on the home’s main level while white shiplap sheathes the walls and ceilings. OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT: Di Pietra Design furnished the waterfall island for the living room bar where a glass door cooler and a glassware cabinet bookend the sink and open shelving. BOTTOM LEFT: Polished black stone surrounds the great room fireplace. RIGHT: In a cosy corner, upholstered armchairs face the living room bar.

“LEIGH-ANN HAD A VISION AND WE WERE ABLE TO PUT TOGETHER WHAT SHE WANTED IN TERMS OF LOOK, STYLE AND COMFORT.” –LAURA RANFT

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home & designer

“I WANTED A MODERN LOOK WITH A BIT OF A COTTAGE VIBE AND LAURA HELPED ME PULL IT ALL TOGETHER.” –LEIGH-ANN Nestled along the lakeshore, the five-bedroom home is only about 15-20 feet from the water. The couple are pleased with the cottage, completely renovated by R-Star Developments, but have already envisioned upgrades. “They did a great job but didn’t go far enough for what we want,” says Leigh-Ann. “We need more living space because we do a lot of entertaining,” she explains. They plan to add a threecar garage with a second-storey suite equipped with a sauna, golf simulator, gym, guest bedroom and bath. Accessible from the cottage’s upper level, this addition will provide plenty of entertainment options for guests. “People often stay overnight,” says Leigh-Ann. “We will have all these different spaces to hang out in.” A lovely, elegant ambience with rustic overtones infuses the cottage’s open-concept main level. “I wanted a modern look with a bit of a cottage vibe and Laura helped me pull it all together,” says Leigh-Ann. Wide plank oak flooring (Grandeur Flooring) flows throughout the principal level. Classic white shiplap walls augment black, grey and light furniture and accents. “We used a lot of rich wood tones to offset the white sofa and grey accessories,” says Laura. An extra-long sectional provides plenty of room to seat guests. “We took a sofa Leigh-Ann liked and customized it,” Laura tells us. “At Veranda, I have the tools, fabrics, finishes and rug samples to serve our clients’ needs.” Continued on page 94

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OPPOSITE: Steel stools with soft leather sit at the kitchen island equipped with a dishwasher, microwave oven and a large double sink. THIS PAGE, TOP LEFT: Cookware drawers flank the kitchen’s six-burner stove. LEFT: Just around the corner from the kitchen, the large pantry includes an extra refrigerator and ample space for baking preparations. TOP RIGHT & BELOW: The ground-floor laundry sits just inside a secondary entrance where a bench with drawers, cupboards and coat hooks provides outerwear storage.

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home & designer Laura enjoys creating new and innovative designs and believes every home reflects the owner’s unique personality. “It’s up to me to gain insight into their personality, so listening to our clients is really important.” Laura’s favourite aspect of this project is the graceful, orchestrated flow throughout. “Nothing is disjointed,” she says. With two distinct sitting areas, the great room blends different textures and styles. Four gliding swivel chairs, upholstered in easy-care polyester, rest atop a white area rug. A couple of comfy armchairs patterned in houndstooth sit by the windows (Royal Building Products). The adjoining 1,900 sq. ft. deck overlooking the lake accommodates a large outdoor kitchen. “This is my favourite space. When you are on the deck, it feels like you are looking out over an infinity pool,” says Leigh-Ann. Bold black granite, laced with striking white veins, frames the Napoleon Home Comfort gas fireplace. Tall grey cabinets (Cabico Custom Cabinetry) with glass fronts flank open shelving in the adjoining bar area. A small waterfall island by Di Pietra Design echoes the black granite fireplace and houses a convenient Miele dishwasher. Continued on page 96

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ABOVE: In the primary en suite, the wooden vanity pops against the dark grey shiplap walls. RIGHT & FAR RIGHT: The en suite soaker tub offers a view of the surrounding forest. With room for two, the double shower has a convenient wall niche for toiletries. OPPOSITE: Slipcovered armchairs from Veranda furnish one corner of the primary bedroom where beloved family pooches Henry and Baxter have a doggy ramp at the foot of the bed.

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home & designer

The kitchen is small but well-equipped. A simple white island doubles as a breakfast bar with contrasting black stools. The adjacent butler’s pantry is a hidden gem that helps Leigh-Ann keep the main kitchen clean and organized. The nearby dining space is anchored by a rich, rustic table lit by an oversize wagon wheel chandelier (Union Lighting). White upholstered chairs slide easily over the flat weave area rug. There are two primary suites, one upstairs and one on the main floor. The main floor primary bedroom is inviting and informal, with a comfy sitting area for reading on rainy days and plenty of room for canine companions Henry and Baxter and their dog beds and toys. In the en suite, a soaker tub overlooks a scenic view of the surrounding woods, while heated floors add a touch of luxury. “I love the bathroom. It feels like you are bathing in the woods,” says Leigh-Ann. Continued on page 98

LEFT: With its padded headboard and footboard, the bed in this main-floor guest bedroom faces a beautiful view of Lake Muskoka. BELOW MIDDLE, LEFT & RIGHT: A fluted wooden door slides open to the guest room’s well-equipped en suite.

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Lake Vernon, Huntsville Elise Boyer, Owner/Operator

hopping at Veranda is an inspiring experience; our well curated showrooms are filled with timeless furnishings and accessories for your home and cottage, expressively Canadian. Take advantage of our complimentary design services with Laura; preview her extensive portfolio online. We offer free storage of your furnishing purchases all the time. Our comprehensive website lists the entire collection of in stock products. With over 23 years as owner/ operator, I’m proud that superior customer service and competitive pricing has become a VERANDA hallmark.

I N T E R I O R S

Veranda Interiors is expanding and moving to a new location in Bracebridge at 505 Muskoka Road 118 West, marking an exciting new chapter for our beloved furnishing and design store. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new home in July 2025.

24 MANITOBA STREET, BRACEBRIDGE ON • 705 645 6451 • VERANDACOLLECTION.CA

FURNISHINGS • OUTDOOR LIVING • DESIGN SERVICES • ART • RUGS • LIGHTING

home & designer

An elegant oak staircase by Barrie Trim & Mouldings Inc. leads to the upper level. The upstairs landing offers a sweeping view of the main floor and panoramic vistas beyond. Doug’s grandfather’s antique desk lends a touch of nostalgia to the upper hall. With balmy summer days on the horizon, Doug and Leigh-Ann hope to finish their planned addition in August. “We want to turn our home into a place where our family and friends love to hang out,” Leigh-Ann tells us. OH

RIGHT: Veranda’s slip-covered armchairs, nesting tables and art furnish the secondfloor landing. BELOW LEFT: A treasured and intricately carved oak table, made by Doug’s grandfather, has a prominent spot overlooking the two-storey dining room and the lake view beyond. BELOW MIDDLE: The second floor includes a second primary bedroom furnished by Veranda. BELOW RIGHT: Barrie Trim & Mouldings Inc. built the oak staircase that ascends to the home’s upper level.

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Natural Stone / Quartz / Porcelain / Solid Surfaces Kitchens: Counter, Pantry & Island Tops, Full Height Back Splashes Bathrooms: Vanities, Showers, Sills Living Spaces: Fireplaces, Wall Applications, Bars

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CONVENIENT FINANCING PACKAGES AVAILABLE*, MANUFACTURER REBATES & ACCESSORIES ON VARIOUS ITEMS. PLEASE SEE THE STORE FOR DETAILS. *ON APPROVED CREDIT.

24 Napoleon Road, Hwy 11 & 93, Barrie, ON 705.721.1214 NapoleonHomeComfort.ca

birding

Treasure HUNT

STORY LYNNE RICHARDSON PHOTOGRAPHY NIGEL EVES & DAVID TURNER

“Not all Treasure is Silver and Gold” –CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

THE HUNT Think of a quest for these five particular birds as going on a treasure hunt. Every treasure hunter needs clues that will lead them to the hidden treasure. Knowing something about each species’ particular niche in the wild will help narrow down the search. But before we get to the clues, we need to know what our five are.

THE BIG FIVE Here they are: the five treasures that will hopefully knock your socks off when you first lay eyes on them. They come in dazzling colours – the brilliant orange Baltimore Oriole, the indigo blue of the Indigo Bunting, the Scarlet Tanager, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak and the Red-headed Woodpecker. Now, let’s get started.

BALTIMORE ORIOLE

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

SENSE OF WONDER When I was a kid, my parents gifted me a little bird guide for my birthday. It focused my budding interest and put names to birds I previously didn’t know. It introduced me to birds I didn’t even know existed. I still remember going through that book page by page, wondering if I would be lucky enough to see birds such as the stunning Scarlet Tanager or the brilliant Indigo Bunting. Others caught my eye as well, but a group of five or so really stuck with me. Years later, when out birding with a friend, he said something that reminded me of this handful of beautiful birds I had so desperately wanted to see. He opined that showing anyone five particular birds could potentially wow them into becoming birders. It turned out that his five birds were the same as the five I had seen in my childhood bird book. He 100 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

called them, somewhat tongue-incheek, the Big Five. Most of you are no doubt familiar with Africa’s Big Five, a term widely used by ecotour companies to describe the five big mammals that are the most eagerly sought after on safaris – elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros and African buffalo. This has caught on in other countries as well, with Canada boasting its own Big Five, often featured in our northern wildlife tours. Think polar bears, black bears, moose, beluga whales and bison. So why not a Big Five for birders? I loved this idea, especially for beginning birders, as seeking out these species is rewarding because they are colourful, beautiful birds. It also gives you a start, a goal, a mission and fun. In fact, it has all the components of a classic treasure hunt.

A bird of tall, open deciduous woods, the Baltimore Oriole is perhaps the easiest treasure to find, as even the trees in your own backyard will attract this relatively common species. A bonus is their enthusiastic willingness to visit your feeders. Get an Oriole feeder, put out halved oranges or even grape jelly. But beware, the best time to see them is during spring migration when they are not picky about their habitat. They’re hungry and need to fuel up after their journey north and before they settle down to raising young. This window is fairly short, so be ready to start this search in May, as soon as they arrive. Listen for their clear, whistling song and a harsh chatter as they swoop onto the feeder. Finally, if you haven’t caught up with them during their migratory period, scan the outer ends of branches for their unique, long hanging nests swaying in the breeze. This treasure should be in the bag with relative ease (after all, I gave you at least six clues).

Baltimore Oriole

Continued on page 102

birding Indigo Bunting

to favour the mid-to-lower parts of the woods, so you can give your neck a break after scanning the tops for the Scarlet Tanager. Another bonus is that this bird will briefly visit your feeders during the May migration. Ok, enough clues. I don’t want to make this hunt too easy.

INDIGO BUNTING Next up is the Indigo Bunting, a much sought-after species that people always seem to have difficulty finding, despite being fairly common and widespread. It’s a bird of open, shrubby fields and woodland edges. It sings its sweet, choppy song persistently from the top of a tall tree, so its notes can carry across a distance. But it’s a bit of a trickster, hiding its brilliant blue plumage by virtue of the fact that its feathers are actually not blue at all. It often looks like a nondescript small black bird sitting up there. Their colour comes from microscopic feather structures that refract and reflect blue light, much like the airborne particles that make the sky blue. So, don’t be fooled. Scan the tips of the highest tree branches for these stunners and wait for the light to shine right to reveal their brilliant blue. Bonus clue – Indigo Buntings may appear at your feeder for a day or two in their spring migration. Just don’t blink or you’ll miss them!

SCARLET TANAGER Now the hunt gets a little harder. You’ll have to take a walk in the woods to find this dapper fellow, and even then, it’s a challenge as the Scarlet Tanager favours hanging out in the high canopy of tall, deciduous trees. Be prepared for a game of hide and seek. But the search is worth it. This species is a gorgeous bird. Its plumage has the look of red and black velvet. Fortunately, it has a giveaway in its song, which esembles that of a Robin in tempo and note but with a hoarse, burry 102 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

overtone. So, tune up your ears and scan the leafy treetops for this raspy singer. This brilliant black-winged redbird will not hide from you indefinitely. And the wait will be worth it. Scarlet Tanager

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK While in the woods, now is your chance to discover the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, which is somewhat more common and less shy than its scarlet neighbour. This denizen of deciduous woods is another forest feast for the eyes. It wears a striking, rose-coloured heart on its pure, white chest. If it flies by you, flashes of the rosy colour also adorn its underwings. But the first thing you might notice is its big, white beak! It’s a honker, hence the name. This species also has a Robin-like song, but it is a tad sweeter and faster. So, listen for the familiar, beautiful song of the American Robin, then pause and listen some more. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak may very well be the songster and may even pass near you as it forages through the forest. A bonus is that it tends

Red-headed Woodpeckers

RED-HEADED WOODPECKER As a kid, this striking species was my number one most-wanted bird, with the new bird book – my holy grail bird. I still get a thrill each time I see a Red-headed Woodpecker. Unfortunately, this isn’t too often, as Ontario has experienced a steep decline in numbers. But with a few clues and a little luck, you might strike it rich. This bird has simply immaculate plumage tailored in bespoke clean lines of the richest red, midnight black and crisp whiteness, set off by an impressive, long, tapered bill. To find one, you’ll need to leave the upland forests and search instead among wooded swamps, dry wood edges and open areas where the birds might swoop across a field to snag an airborne bug or be clinging to a tree pecking around for food. And, oh yes, if they are in the area, they also learn to come to your peanut feeder. Oh, to be so lucky!

GOOD LUCK That little bird book from my childhood opened a whole new world. Although I have now been birding for years, I still remember those magic days when I eventually found each of my Big Five. It was a thrill each time. It really was like finding treasure. Happy hunting and good luck to you in your own quest! OH

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JUST A CALL AWAY Specialists love what they do and do what they love.

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PRATT’S GARDEN CENTRE “At Pratt’s Garden Centre we have the cure for NDD – Nature Deficit Disorder,” says Jennifer. “It’s time to get outside and really enjoy the true north strong and free.” There is no better investment that appreciates in value than a well-planned landscape, she says. With more than 20 years in the landscape industry, Jennifer and her expert team can help people create what they truly desire for their space.

TRENDS Self-care is at the forefront of wellness. Saunas, cold plunges, outdoor showers and tubs all offer a way to recharge in nature. “As a space for ideal relaxation, your backyard can be your favourite spa,” Jennifer says. Lowmaintenance, lush gardens are inspiring. Stone and wood contrast perfectly with natural vegetation and enhance the textures of bark and greenery.

Jennifer Davies

AROUND THE FIRE A campfire has always been a great Muskoka conversation area. With regular fire bans, the mess of wood and having to stay up until all the coals are out, a propane table is a great alternative for those early nights. They are safe to use on decks, docks and boathouse tops.

Continued on page 106

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people & places

COMPASS DESIGN STUDIO As a budding Haliburton Highlands business, Compass Design Studio’s core service offering is full-scope interior design. This includes space planning, cabinetry design, electrical layouts, finish and fixture selections, as well as complete interior drawing packages and 3D modelling. The company also offers interior decorating, including custom furniture, window coverings and home styling.

Lauren Trueman

EXPERTISE As an ARIDO registered interior designer, Lauren also has expertise deeply rooted with design/ build firms where contractors and trades all worked under one roof. “That gave me the opportunity to learn directly from the people who are actually building projects, seeing the challenges that they were running into on site and helping to troubleshoot everything in a close-knit environment.”

ON THE JOB Lauren also offers design management. Site check-ins ensure her clients’ requests are fulfilled and that open communication with the trades eliminates unnecessary headaches. “I’d be available to answer any questions from the job site, helping to make sure every detail is captured for an intentional and tailored finish. If there’s anything that comes up I’m available to help.”

Continued on page 108

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Stone Masonry & Restoration

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people & places

PARRY SOUND BOOKS Parry Sound Books has been a beloved independent bookstore in downtown Parry Sound since 1988. “We proudly serve our local customers year-round,” says Sara, who bought the store in April 2024. “We look forward to continuing the tradition of welcoming our summer residents and those visiting Parry Sound, Georgian Bay and Muskoka for years to come.”

Sara Strachan

ECLECTIC The store offers more than just books. It carries stationery, greeting cards, puzzles, nature guides and art supplies. “You’ll also find Peepers reading glasses and a beautiful selection of baby gifts, including Moulin Roty, Folkmanis puppets and Copper Pearl,” Sara says.

SELECTION “Curating the store’s offerings is one of the things that makes owning a bookshop so much fun,” says Sara. “With limited space, every item must earn its place.” Sara follows bestseller lists, social media and current events. She loves to discover new authors to recommend to customers and attends annual book fairs and gift shows.

Continued on page 110

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people & places

PRODUCTS Inside Northern Living’s beautiful showroom is a vast selection of cabinet ideas and fixtures for the home or cottage, from kitchens and bathrooms to offices, dens, closets and even fully-customized outdoor kitchens. “On top of that, we showcase a great selection of carefully chosen plumbing and lighting fixtures, tiles, hardware and countertops.”

SERVICE

Jason Robertson, Candice Brownley, Brenda Klie, Trina Hogg & Tiffanie Dayman

During initial site visits and showroom consultations, Northern Living designers are with clients every step of the way to ensure homeowners’ visions become reality. Visit the showroom just south of Parry Sound to meet the team and see for yourself, says Jason.

NORTHERN LIVING KITCHEN & BATH The design team at Northern Living has been helping with cabinet design solutions for any space, inside and out, since 2005. “With the many years of combined design, installation and renovation experience, the team at Northern Living will help bring your dream to life,” says Jason.

Continued on page 112

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Overhead Doors 77 Bowes St. Parry Sound 705-746-8922 info@uptowndecor.ca

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people & places Brandi Hewson, Chloe Hartwig, Emery Bagshaw, Naomi Russell & Tamara Bain

KOHARA + CO. Kohara + Co. is Haliburton’s fullscope design showroom focused on interior and exterior lighting, fashion-bath plumbing and home décor. The company collaborates with a community of designers, trades and clients for a truly valued and personalized result. Its team of experts provides a personal approach with each client and project.

SCOPE Dedicated design professionals and trade account managers specialize in simplifying interior design, says Brandi. “The goal is to streamline your project management, offering in-person consultations and turnkey design solutions that guide your vision from concept to reality.” From space planning to product selection, sourcing, plumbing and lighting expertise, furnishings and home décor, the team handles every detail.

COMMUNITY Community and collaboration are key. Working with trades and designers across Canada and Haliburton, the company offers lighting and plumbing sourcing and in-depth product knowledge. It provides discounted topquality products, free drop shipping across Canada, as well as professional and dedicated account management. “Partnership and support result in stunning finished products and happy clients,” says Brandi. Continued on page 114

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See us at the OUR HOMES Muskoka Cottage Show May 24 & 25 – Muskoka Lumber CC, Bracebridge

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people & places

McKEE CABINETREE McKee Cabinetree, located in Port Carling, has been manufacturing custom cabinetry and woodworking solutions in the Muskoka region for more than 40 years. Specializing in custom kitchens, it combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design to create personalized spaces.

REPERTOIRE Ian McKee

Under the leadership of Ian McKee, an engineer and craftsman, the company emphasizes attention to detail and innovative design elements. Its portfolio showcases diverse projects, including custom kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and statement furniture pieces, all tailored to reflect a client’s individual style.

SATISFACTION Clients commend McKee Cabinetree for exceptional craftsmanship and personalized service. The team collaborates closely with clients, ensuring each project aligns with their vision and enhances their living spaces. Prospective clients can explore their services and portfolio through McKee’s official website. Continued on page 116

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ON THE NAPOLEON HOME COMFORT STAGE

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Discover the help you need to complete your next home project! Find Inspiration and Expert Tips as industry icons take the Napoleon Home Comfort Stage.

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people & places

WINDOW QUILT MUSKOKA

Ashley West

Window Quilt Muskoka is a leader in premium window covering solutions for homes and cottages throughout Muskoka and surrounding areas. For 35 years, the company has been proudly assisting contractors, designers and homeowners with their interior window coverings, exterior insect and weather protection projects.

VERSATILITY

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The Huntsville showroom features a comprehensive collection of roller shades, custom drapery, and Hunter Douglas window coverings to address privacy, light control, energy efficiency and UV concerns. A selection of retractable screens, awnings and security shutters can convert outdoor areas into fully usable spaces, extend seasonal usage and provide security and protection from the elements.

The company’s success is rooted in a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and quality custom products that complement unique requirements and budgets. Embracing the latest products, technology and industry trends, its dedicated team members are well equipped with knowledge, skill and experience. OH

SEE OUR DIRECTORY FOR ALL CONTACT INFORMATION. 116 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

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celebrating life at home

around the house

OPENING WEEKEND S TORY PH I L M ATHI E S | IL L USTR ATIO N S H EI L A BRI T T O N

Have we unplugged the fridge? Did you drain the water lines? Has the door been locked? Have I made sure that everything that’s important to do is added to a checklist? Check, check and check. Well…not quite.

Checklists are vital to our survival, and I don’t just mean the survival of our marriages. There are other, less important activities like landing a plane or performing surgery that are safer when aided by a solid and detailed checklist. Nowhere is the checklist more important than when we’re opening a cottage for the summer. The place has been vacant for months, and things you didn’t know could go wrong have definitely gone wrong. Now you must fix these, plus all the annual work that has to be done. A job like this requires a plan that everyone will stick to – a checklist! I’m lucky to have a family cottage on a semi-remote part of Georgian Bay, north of Parry Sound. The granite and gneiss far outweigh the windswept pines there, but the silhouettes of the latter stick in your memory, sometimes for a lifetime. The cottage is simple, with a handful of dark-brown cabins and forest-green metal roofs. There are a few composting toilets and the gentle roar of waves lapping against the shoals and small rocky islands as the bay signals its restlessness. It’s often quiet and, more often than not, peaceful until the family shows up. It’s a mild spring Friday afternoon when our work crew arrives at the cottage by boat. The marina is about 30 minutes behind us through barren rock islands covered in a cornucopia of lichen and moss and the odd white pine bent over from the relentless wind. We have two days to get the place ready, performing the standard chores for the summer and its various visitors. We must stack a pile of firewood that’s been dropped off by the barge. We have to build a snow diverter to protect our hot water vent from being ripped off the roof by sliding snow and ice, and we need to rebuild a walkway that’s been rotting for two years, something we’ve been putting off for too long now. We try not to put things off because winters 118 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

on the bay are rough on the infrastructure. We kept asking the bay if we could use asphalt shingles, and every time we asked, the bay said, “Nope.” Each winter, the winds would blow a few sections of our 20-year-old shingles onto the ground as a reminder. Finally, we stopped putting it off, listened to what the bay was telling us, and replaced the roofs with the green metal you see now – built to withstand the frigid gales of January. As far as we can tell, this has pleased the bay and quenched its appetite for destruction. Well, it’s Friday, the sun is shining for at least a few more hours, and even though we’ve just arrived, we’re already two or three checklists deep. There was the grocery checklist, the packing checklist and the tools and materials checklist. The opening weekend project checklist looms. There’s the emergency water pump to test, the inflatable dinghy to blow up, the deck furniture to set out and the screens on the porch to mend (the bay doesn’t love those). We also have to check the water lines and drains for damage – and, of course, one unlucky person has to open the composting toilet tank to ensure the system still works. There’s a word for the person who does that job: Dad. But then again, we all get our hands dirty in one way or another during opening weekend. The whole place will need to be swept, cleaned and organized before Sunday comes. While we’re eating dinner by candlelight, the sun has set already; we regale each other about things we did during the winter. We debate the best thing to do about that walkway. We opine on whether or not that movie really deserved an Oscar, and, of course, we argue about politics like everyone else. It’s the best. Whether it’s dinner at the table with a view of the water or playing cards around a coffee table by the crackling fireplace, I notice the checklists fade into the background. These things aren’t meant to be done efficiently.

We don’t have to worry about forgetting to do them. They are the reason for being at the cottage in the first place. However, the thing that we’ll remember, even when it’s time to replace this new walkway we’re building now, is all of us being together. We blow out the candles and do the dishes, singing songs from summer camp when we were kids. Someone makes a claim while drying a stock pot that someone else objects to, and we forget that we’re actually doing chores because it’s just fun to make a good point while shaking a wooden spoon at someone. Saturday goes just like Friday. Tasks get done, work gets completed, lists are checked, and we have a great time working because it doesn’t really feel like work. It feels this way, especially because at work, you aren’t allowed to quit at 3:30 p.m. to have gin and tonics on the dock. It’s “drinks o’clock” when you’re on cottage time. Sunday comes, and we load ourselves onto the boat again. Everyone feels good because we got everything done. We could never have done it all without careful planning, and it warms the soul to see our older family members walking safely along the new walkway, carrying their things with ease. Although the checklist has been vital to getting us here and keeping us here, it becomes clear that what we get out of being at the cottage isn’t found on the list. It’s bigger than any list can contain. No list can tell us how it will feel to spend time with loved ones, watching the sunset over the bay, nor can a fully “checked” list describe the importance of making the place safe for all ages. The young will inherit the cottage stories and traditions from their elders. With any luck, that new walkway, and others like it, will have my dad coming to the cottage for several more decades. After all, when he can’t come anymore, someone else will inherit the job of dealing with that composting toilet. OH

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home & designer

High windows on either side of the fireplace cast natural light on the living room in Lori Dunham’s new Haliburton Highlands home.

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Coming

HOME STO RY WA LTE R F R A N CZYK | P H OT OG RAP H Y S A N D Y MA CK AY

Lauren Trueman & Lori Dunham

LORI DUNHAM ALWAYS KNEW SHE’D RETURN TO HALIBURTON. IT WAS JUST A MATTER OF WHEN. SHE GREW UP IN THE AREA BUT LEFT TO ATTEND UNIVERSITY. “I DIDN’T MOVE BACK BECAUSE JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN MY FIELD WERE LIMITED,” SHE SAYS. Continued on page 122 ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 | 121

home & designer

LEFT: Wood-look tiles from Cordell Carpet surround the home’s propane fireplace. Above the mantel, the frame TV can display art and images, the couple’s favourite television show or hockey games. BELOW: A leather sectional sofa with a matching ottoman from Homestead Furniture & Appliances furnishes the comfy front room. OPPOSITE: Chaulk, a Minden manufacturer, built cabinets for the coffee station cleverly tucked below the Kawartha Stair & Rail Inc. staircase.

That gradually changed after she bought her waterfront property near Minden. With the help of high school friend and real estate agent Drew Bishop, Lori found a cottage on Little Canning Lake. A small narrow lake, Little Canning is the western link in a chain of five lakes stretching all the way to downtown Haliburton. The cottage site had a lot of potential because Lori knew she could build on either side of the right-of-way that transects her land. “I really liked the feel of the property.” Two years later, she sold her Port Perry home and moved to her cottage where she lived while building a garage with an apartment. She then moved into the garage, tore down the old cottage and built her new house. Coming back to Haliburton was a cherished homecoming. “I love it here,” Lori says. “I have a lot of family in Minden and close high school friends.” In planning her new home, Lori collaborated with Ben DeCarlo, an architectural designer with Highland Design. With a life-long involvement in construction, Ben has an extensive network of connections with local contractors and trades. Lori told Ben she wanted her home to look as pleasing from the road as it would from the lake. “I also wanted a lot of windows and natural light,” she says. “I just wanted it to feel light and airy.” As the lakefront area of the property wasn’t big enough for a bungalow, they designed her new house with two storeys – a bungaloft. “I wanted our bedroom on the main floor, so as we get a little older we don’t want to be going up and down stairs.” Continued on page 125 122 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

“I HAVE AN EMOTIONAL CONNECTION TO IT BECAUSE I WAS INVOLVED WITH EVERY DECISION.” – LORI DUNHAM ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 | 123

home & designer

Farmhouse style Hinkley pendants, finished in antique brass with distressed black accents, supplied by Kohara + Co., illuminate the kitchen island where Riverview Furniture & Flooring furnished the Canadian-made wooden stools.

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Carey Durant, Lori’s partner, says he’s very proud of Lori and her ability to amalgamate plans from two different houses to design and create a lake house she envisioned from start to finish. “It’s the nicest place I’ve lived,” Carey says. As the general contractor for the home’s construction, Lori tapped family, friends and local connections. Her cousin John Dillon of Dillon Contracting worked alongside his son-in-law Steven Harper of Sharper Construction and his crew. They built the foundation and framed the house, installed wooden flooring and tiles from Cordell Carpet, drywall, trim and exterior decks. Coty Electrical Services wired the home. “I tried to use as many trades and resources from here as I could,” Lori says. While living in the apartment above her garage, Lori was just steps away from the construction site and could visit every day. “It was easy for me to come over and look at the project, answer questions, ask questions and collaborate with John and Steven,” she recalls. As construction proceeded, Lori realised she needed professional advice with all the choices she faced. “There were so many decisions to make and I was still working full-time and trying to do all that.” Through a friend, she had met interior designer Lauren Trueman of Compass Design Studio. “I called her up and said, ‘would you work on this project with me. I need some help and some guidance.’ ” Lauren helped mingle the various perspectives involved in designing, building and finishing the home. She was involved with custom cabinetry design throughout the house. “She was great,” Lori says. Refresh Painting Co. finished the home using Benjamin Moore Evening Dove and Collingwood. Continued on page 127

ABOVE: Lori designed her kitchen around a professional-grade ILVE Majestic stove. The dual-fuel range has multiple gas burners and two ovens. LEFT: A panel discreetly conceals the nearby kitchen pantry. RIGHT: The home’s openconcept design allows family and guests to easily congregate.

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home & designer

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Chaulk manufactured cabinets for the great room, kitchen, coffee bar, pantry, en suite, master closet and upstairs main bath. Lauren helped Lori choose colours and textures, bringing design elements together. “She was really good with highlighting little things that I hadn’t thought about,” Lori says. With large windows on three sides of the main floor, the open-concept living space has a high vaulted ceiling that soars nearly 30 feet above the great room. A leather sectional sofa from Homestead Furniture & Appliances faces a linear fireplace with a lofty overmantel that stretches to the room’s apex. Flanking the fireplace, Chaulk’s built-in cabinets are stepped down to mirror the upper windows that punctuate the wall. Positioned between the large windows overlooking the lake, brass sconces from Kohara + Co. light the main floor in the evenings and at night. The kitchen with its large island and long dinner table was built around an ILVE Majestic stove. Riverview Furniture & Flooring supplied the wooden dining table and chairs as well as stools for the island. Lori wanted a nice kitchen that would fit lots of people. “When we have people over everybody can talk to everyone else in one spot without moving all over the place,” she says. The space is open enough to entertain a group of friends but cosy enough for family get-togethers. Large overhead pendants from Kohara + Co. illuminate the kitchen and dining space. Continued on page 130

OPPOSITE: Large windows on two sides of the dining table offer a beautiful view of Little Canning Lake. THIS PAGE, ABOVE: The home’s vaulted ceiling rises almost 30 feet above the living room. LEFT: A second bathroom serves the bedrooms and Lori’s office on the second floor. RIGHT: Supplied by Riverview Flooring & Furniture, a single bed and matching double bed furnish a family space in this upstairs bedroom.

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home & designer

The main-floor primary bedroom is a quiet sanctuary with a westerly view of the lakeside forest.

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home & designer Painted navy blue, the primary bedroom’s feature wall has handy switches for overhead sconces.

The loft contains extra bedrooms as well as Lori’s home office, which overlooks the great room. Outside, while sitting on their dock, Lori and Carey meet a lot of neighbours and boaters who slow down to gently navigate the narrow channel between Little Canning Lake and its sister Canning Lake. “It’s a community of people coming back and forth and everybody is really friendly,” says Carey. Lori admits to a heartfelt attachment to her new home. “I love everything about it,” she says. “I have an emotional connection to it because I was involved with every decision, every little thing.” OH

LOCAL SOURCE GUIDE • Chaulk • Compass Design Studio • Cordell Carpet • Coty Electrical Services • Dillon Contracting • Drew Bishop • Highland Design • Homestead Furniture & Appliances • Kawartha Lakes Window & Doors • Kawartha Stair & Railings • Kohara + Co. • Lake Scugog Lumber • Parker Landscaping • Refresh Painting Co. • Riverview Furniture & Flooring • Sharper Construction

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The primary bedroom’s en suite bathroom includes a luxurious soaker tub. ABOVE & LEFT: Chaulk built the en suite vanity as well as the custom cabinetry and shelves for the nearby walk-in closet.

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YOUR WINDOW & DOOR SPECIALISTS Diverse selection of products • Traditional & contemporary designs Knowledgeable staff to assist you with the best selections, working alongside your architects, designers and builders on your new or renovation projects

SERVING MUSKOKA & AREA FOR 37 YEARS! 2358 Hwy 11, Gravenhurst

705-687-7617 • 1-800-668-9858

sales@windowworksmuskoka.net • windowworksmuskoka.net

HOST IN HARMONY ENTERTAIN IN ELEGANCE CONNECT IN COMFORT

MAKE YOUR HOME YOURS.

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Custom kitchens, custom bathrooms, and the craftsmanship behind each cabinet, table, and trim to make your home truly unique.

in the kitchen

How to Choose the Best

COOKING OIL

ST O RY BAI LEY FRAN KLY N

Oils are an essential part of cooking. They provide flavour, texture and nutrients and can help elevate a dish. However, not all oils are created equal in their culinary uses and nutritional profiles. Some oils are best suited for cooking at high temperatures, some are more flavourful and some have more health benefits.

When choosing an oil to cook with, consider what you’ll use it for. Will you be adding it to baked goods and salad dressings, roasting or deep frying? Oils have a range of smoke points, or the temperature at which the oil breaks down, producing free radicals and acrolein, the chemical responsible for the burnt, bitter flavour and smell. If you’re cooking something at a high temperature, you want to choose an oil with a high smoke point. From a nutritional lens, choose oils high in monounsaturated and omega-3 fats, which are healthy. Additionally, look for oils that are less refined. They are less processed and therefore contain more nutrients. Just note that refined oils have a higher smoke point, whereas unrefined oils are more sensitive to heat and may go rancid quicker. Continued on page 134

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IF YOU GET DIRTY IN MUSKOKA YOU SHOULD GET CLEAN MUSKOKA STYLE. At the Wharf: 900 Bay Street, Gravenhurst

HawkestoneSoapCo.com

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3 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge

705-645-2810 www.cornercabinet.ca

It’s not just a dock, it’s a lifestyle!

BOATHOUSE BOUTIQUE & BIKINI BEANS CAFE GIFTS | CLOTHING | JEWELRY COFFEE | SANDWICHES | BAKED GOODS Floating Docks & Pontoons • Lifetime Pontoon Warranty 705-636-0042 • CottageClassicDocks.ca

AND SO MUCH MORE

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in the kitchen

COMMON COOKING OILS:

AVOCADO OIL: High in monounsaturated fats, making it one of the healthier oils. Refined avocado oil has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point (520˚F), making it versatile for any type of cooking, including high-heat methods like roasting, sautéing or frying.

OLIVE OIL: High in healthy fats and a staple in the Mediterranean diet. Extra virgin olive oil is unrefined and has a lower smoke point (350˚F), making it better suited to low temperature cooking, baked goods and dressings. Regular olive oil is refined, has a more neutral flavour and a higher smoke point.

CANOLA OIL: Once demonized, research has shown that canola oil is high in healthy fats like monounsaturated and omega-3s, and isn’t something to be feared. It has a neutral flavour, is inexpensive, with a high smoke point and is the go-to choice for deep frying.

VEGETABLE OIL: A blend of different refined oils, vegetable oil has a neutral flavour, a high smoke point and is inexpensive. It’s higher in omega-6 fatty acids than the other oils, so it’s not an oil to consume in excess.

COCONUT OIL: Because it’s higher in saturated fats than other oils, it remains solid at room temperature. Unrefined coconut oil tastes and smells like coconut, whereas refined coconut oil has a neutral flavour and a higher smoke point. Coconut oil can be used in baked goods and lower-heat cooking methods.

FLAXSEED, HEMP SEED, WALNUT AND PUMPKIN SEED OILS are all very heat-sensitive. They’re quite flavourful, some have health benefits and make great additions to salad dressings or as a finishing oil. But don’t cook with them.

Bottom Line: No one oil is universally best. Instead, choose the oil best suited for the recipe you’re using and your personal preference. Bailey Franklyn is a Registered Dietitian living in Meaford.

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spotlight

PHOTO: WALTER FRANCZYK

Lisa Brown

MUSKOKA’S

WATER WORKS

THE PLACE Knowles Plumbing is Muskoka’s one-stopshop for bath, kitchen products and service – a cornerstone of cottage country for more than 60 years. A full showroom in downtown Bracebridge features the latest trends in bathroom and kitchen design. Service pros offer sage advice and installation, backing every product. And chances are the company’s fully stocked parts department has that one obscure plumbing part you need when you need it.

PRODUCTS Knowles Plumbing’s showroom displays a wide selection of Canadian-made plumbing fixtures, from vanities and vessel sinks to shower doors, toilets, freestanding tubs and an array of faucets for bathrooms and kitchens. “We do our best to stick with products made in Canada,” says Lisa Brown, director of sales. Featured on the showroom floor are the latest trends: faucets in chrome, polished nickel and matte black, shower enclosures with frameless doors, LED lighted mirrors and vanities in varying styles and colours. “We have long-standing relationships with Canadian companies such as Riobel, Fleurco, Stonewood, Cheviot and Aquabrass,” Lisa says. “These relationships allow us to offer quality products at competitive prices without having to cross the border.”

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TRENDS “We’re seeing many spa-like features in bathroom design,” Lisa says. “Vanities in calming colours such as soft blues and greys, quartz tops with simple, light-coloured veining and shower kits with rainheads that give you that gentle, spa-like water flow.” Marble shower bases and walls are very popular in place of tile, especially as these seamless walls eliminate the need for groutcleaning in years to come. Freestanding tubs come in more shapes, sizes and colours than ever before. Accessories such as towel bars and shampoo shelves are now integrated with grab bars, melding function with style. SERVICES

PHOTOS: WALTER FRANCZYK

The company’s iconic red service trucks can be seen skirting nearly every lake and town in Muskoka. After more than 60 years in the business, the family-owned company specializes in installations for new builds and renos, along with solving everyday plumbing problems. Water treatment solutions are also part of the company’s expertise. OH

GET THERE 279 Manitoba St., Bracebridge 705.645.2671 I knowlesplumbing.com

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SOURCE IT

ENJOY THE LIGHT, THE VIEW AND THE PROTECTION

Weatherwall Canada has been helping cottagers and homeowners convert open and underused spaces into threeseason rooms across the country since 1979. That’s 46 years of helping you enjoy your porch, vestibule, gazebo, balcony, cabana or breezeway. Our Eze-Breeze Vertical Four Tracks adjust in seconds to open up 75% of the area for ventilation. Our 10 mil Elasto Vinyl is lighter in weight than glass making the panels easy to operate and remove. The vinyl reduces solar heat gain and filters 99% of harmful UV rays. The full fibreglass screening helps to keep out pesky bugs. The extruded aluminum frames are available in three standard colours – White, Bronze and Sandstone – and two premium colours – Black and Pebble/Khaki. The Elasto Vinyl is available in Clear, Bronze, Muskoka Blue and Smoke Grey. Each system is custom made to fit the size of the room you’ll be creating. Season to season, you’ll get more comfort and enjoyment from your outdoor living area when it’s protected with PGT Eze-Breeze Panels by Weatherwall Canada. Locate a dealer near you by visiting our website weatherwallcanada.com or call 1.800.567.5872 and we will connect you with a dealer in your area. (Please see ad on pg 28)

OUTDOORZY

THE NEW, NEAT, UNIQUE, AND FABULOUS IN MUSKOKA AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Master the art of outdoor living with our exceptional collection of luxury products that will redefine your outdoor experience. Outdoorzy offers an exclusive range of outdoor kitchens, appliances, furniture, heating solutions, and more, carefully crafted to deliver unparalleled comfort, style, and sophistication. Our curated selection brings together the finest materials and innovative designs, ensuring that each piece adds both beauty and function to your space. Whether you’re hosting large gatherings or enjoying serene moments of solitude, our products elevate every occasion, turning your outdoor areas into lavish retreats and entertainment hubs. Prepare your meals on a new, premium outdoor kitchen, surrounded by elegantly designed furniture and the warmth and ambience of a perfectly placed fire table and outdoor heaters that extend your enjoyment throughout the spring and fall seasons. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond aesthetics. Each item in our collection is designed for durability and performance, ensuring that your outdoor living spaces remain stunning and functional. Indulge in the ultimate luxury as you transform your backyard into a sanctuary of refined elegance and comfort, perfect for creating lasting memories with family and friends. Elevate your lifestyle with Outdoorzy’s exquisite, high-end products, and make your outdoor space truly extraordinary. 99 Maple St (in the Muskoka Emporium), Port Carling 519.591.3900 | outdoorzy.ca outdoorzyca (Please see ad on pg 12)

GEORGIAN MEDICAL AESTHETICS

With advanced technology and tailored treatment plans, Georgian Medical Aesthetics is a physician-led medical spa in the heart of Parry Sound. Led by Dr. Alethea Anderson and Dr. Kathryn Gibson, the clinic offers a hands-on approach to advanced aesthetics treatments for patients of all ages, genders, and skin types. The team at GMA takes pride in ensuring individual skin health goals are the cornerstone of every appointment. What really makes GMA stand out is their focus on education and safety. The team regularly participates in seminars, conferences, and workshops to advance their skills and knowledge. Using technology such as ultrasound during treatment, safety is never compromised. You will also be empowered to ask questions about your own skin health giving you the tools to work towards your goals at home too. Currently located in the downtown core, GMA’s new home in the medical hub of Parry Sound is currently under construction. With plans to grow, GMA looks forward to bringing more advanced laser therapies and pelvic wellness services to the area. If you wish to enhance your best features and improve your overall skin health, the expertise and artistry at GMA will help you feel comfortable and confident while achieving outstanding results. 705.774.5700 georgianmedicalaesthetics.ca info@ georgianmedicalaesthetics.ca (Please see ad on pg 119)

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WOOD & HEART DESIGN CO.

Wood & Heart Design Co. is a small-batch candle and lifestyle brand rooted in the heart of Muskoka, Ontario. Based in Huntsville, we specialize in hand-poured soy candles and thoughtfully crafted home and body products designed to bring warmth, calm, and luxury into your everyday rituals. Inspired by nature and created with care, each product is made using mindful ingredients that are safe for people, pets, and the planet. Whether you’re seeking the perfect gift, customizing candles for an event, or looking to stock your shelves with something special, we offer wholesale, private label, and corporate gifting options tailored to your needs. Our timeless, earthy aesthetic pairs beautifully with clean ingredients and ecoconscious practices, making Wood & Heart a favourite for those who appreciate simplicity with soul. Visit our website to find out which markets and events we will be attending this summer! Let’s create something meaningful together. woodandheartdesignco.com @shopwoodandheart woodandheartdesignco@ outlook.com 705.783.3540 (Please see ad on pg 30)

SOURCE IT

BCIN Certified PDF Drawings in 24 Hours

PERMIT READY GARAGE PLANS 249-287-9855 • www.backyardplans.ca

HANDSTONE FURNITURE

In this day and age, not many things are built to last. But Handstone Furniture isn’t one of them. We refuse to compromise. It’s been that way since we started in 1999 as a one-man woodworking shop. Today we remain a familyowned Canadian manufacturer of custom-made, solid wood furniture. We still hand-select the kiln-dried walnut, cherry, maple and red oak hardwoods we work with. We continually invest in adding state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to our facilities. And we never forget that the only thing equal to the precision and accuracy of modern manufacturing process is the technique and attention to detail that comes from having a reverence for old world craftsmanship. We practice lean manufacturing methods and each piece is built-to-order. Handstone Furniture is different. It takes a little longer to build. You’ll wait a little longer to get it delivered. But we think you’ll agree...its lasting beauty is worth it. To explore our designer collections and vast customizable options visit handstone.ca (Please see ad on pg 4)

LIGHTHOUSE GROUP

Behn and Hillary Mitchell are the proud owners of Lighthouse Group. The Lighthouse Group, originally established in 2010 as Lighthouse Windows, provides high-quality window cleaning services. Having expanded their services over the years, they’ve become a one-stop shop for all your professional cleaning and maintenance needs. Lighthouse Group offers window cleaning, power washing and soft washing for exterior surfaces such as decks, patios, siding, and roofs, gutter cleaning, gardening, housekeeping, and handyman services. Lighthouse Group has two sister companies: Shades at Blue providing custom window coverings and Lights at Blue offering commercial-grade exterior lighting for the holidays, landscape and patio lighting, and wedding lighting. Behn and Hillary love living in Collingwood and being members of its active community. Hillary originates from Parry Sound and the family continues to enjoy summers at the family cottage in Bayfield Inlet. For years, their clients have been requesting their services up North, which led to expanding their business to now service the Muskoka and surrounding areas. Lighthouse Group is proud to provide the best professional cleaning services. Their focus on client and employee satisfaction shapes their reputation for excellence in the communities they serve. 705.445.5656 info@lighthousegroup.ca lighthousegroup.ca

From concept, to construction, to completion, Ian & Valerie can handle your project BIG or small.

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DOORS WINDOWS . FLOORING . DECKS RAILINGS . DOCKS and more Call to discuss your next project! 705.687.2289

(Please see ad on pg 119)

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Confederation Log & Timber Frame has been delivering award-winning homes all around the world for over 45 years. Whether you are dreaming of a modern timber frame, a classic log home, or something in between, we invite you to experience the Confederation difference. Always custom. Amazing support. The total package.

OUR PASSION, YOUR DREAMS. SINCE 1979.

O v e r 10 0 P l a n s O n l i n e ! C ONFEDERATIONLOGHOMES.C OM County Road 36, Bobcaygeon ON ( 87 7 ) 4 6 2 - 5 6 4 7

home & designer

UNPLUGGED

Family Retreat STORY RI CK SHU R M A N PHOTOGRAPHY C L I NT SPA L D I NG

Built by James and Robin Wood, this modern new cottage on the Magnetawan River is all about the space. Owners of The Cutter’s Edge, the couple applied their considerable skills and knowledge to create a serene getaway for family and friends.

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home & designer

ANYONE LOOKING INTO LIFE IN COTTAGE COUNTRY, and more specifically the town of Huntsville, might believe it is all about recreation, relaxation and time well spent in the pursuit of a road less travelled. You would not be mistaken if you were simply spending a few days, weeks or even a season in this welcoming and enchanting part of rural Ontario. Nature abounds and it is all there for the taking by the thousands of visitors who frequent the region annually. However, for many locals who live, work and support the area throughout the year, even this idyllic piece of geography can come at a price. The wear and tear of day-to-day existence is not restricted to major cities. Hard work, industrious endeavours and a busy family life 144 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

can be found just about everywhere. Simply ask Robin Wood, owner and operator of The Cutter’s Edge in Huntsville and Verner. “We have a busy life that we all enjoy, but we felt we needed a change of perspective,” Robin offers. The Woods are not only extremely busy entrepreneurs, they are also involved in the community, children’s schools and a variety of allconsuming activities. “As a family, my husband, the kids and I needed to disconnect from the everyday and enjoy a different experience together,” says Robin. “We wanted to create a space that would offer an intimate setting, where we could interact as a family without the normal distractions.” Continued on page 146

“WE WANTED TO CREATE A SPACE THAT WOULD OFFER AN INTIMATE SETTING, WHERE WE COULD INTERACT AS A FAMILY WITHOUT THE NORMAL DISTRACTIONS.” –ROBIN WOOD

ABOVE: Open shelving and a deliberate omission of upper cabinets lend the kitchen an efficient and uncluttered appeal. Nova Stone Countertops fabricated and installed the kitchen counters. RIGHT: Custom-made, black steel ladders ascend to the bedroom lofts at either end of the cottage.

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home & designer

A circle of leather armchairs from The Cutter’s Edge creates one of the home’s many different spots for conversation, reading or quiet reflection. BELOW: The living room’s large, custom-made sectional sofa defined the dimensions of its surrounding space. OPPOSITE: Below a modern linear chandelier from Muskoka Lighting Company, the oversize dining table has enough room for 10 hungry cottagers.

The Woods discovered just that situation on the banks of the Magnetawan River, not far from their home in Burk’s Falls. A bush road into this remote acreage created access for the design and creation of their very special, somewhat minimalist, unplugged family retreat. This place was to be all about comfort and a calming effect for the family. A modest footprint, with the best use of space possible. A gathering place for family and friends. They didn’t want a large cottage, nothing like many of the projects they are normally associated with. Just a moderate, functional one that would offer a practical design and a wealth of common areas. “We wanted to be in the space as a family and be able to have plenty of friends drop by. The kind of spot where everyone has an opportunity to engage and enjoy each other’s company or disengage and find a little corner of peace and quiet.” Their new cottage can sleep 12, and according to Robin and likely anyone who has had the pleasure of visiting, it is extra cosy. At each end of the roughly 800 sq. ft. main area, there is a loft accessed by bespoke, black steel ladders bolted to the walls. One over the primary bedroom and the other over the kitchen, each loft is replete with two queen size beds that suit the space perfectly. Continued on page 149

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home & designer

“WE DID NOT WANT TO RECREATE OUR PRIMARY HOME. IT IS ALL ABOUT THE SURROUNDINGS AND THE TIME TOGETHER.” –ROBIN WOOD

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Finding a spot to relax and kick back is just a matter of choice. Perch on a stool at the kitchen island, or lounge in the sitting area, perfectly positioned with four plush leather chairs and a Vermont Casting wood stove. There is a lovely custom-built sectional at one end of the living space. Interestingly, the sectional’s design and scale were considered first and then the space was constructed specifically for it. It doesn’t just appear like it was made to be there; it actually determined the dimensions of the area it occupies. An expansive dining table that can seat 10 effortlessly completes the options. From the furnishings to the wall finishes in Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, the cabin speaks to understatement, classic comfort and an easy-going sensibility. “We did not want to recreate our primary home. It is all about the surroundings and the time together,” says Robin. “We have no television, although we do use a projector for movies at times. We spend our free time playing cards, board games and reading.” Comfort and functionality really do come first. Continued on page 150

LEFT: A warm blazing fire atop a stone patio makes a natural gathering place for a family that enjoys the outdoors at every opportunity in every season. ABOVE: The Magnetawan River flows from its source in Algonquin Park past the Wood family cottage and all the way to the coast of Georgian Bay at Byng Inlet.

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home & designer

The Cutter’s Edge kitchen is beautifully designed and discreet with freezer and fridge drawers built in and no looming appliances. Nova Stone Countertops furnished the food prep areas and dining bar surface while Muskoka Lighting Company supplied simple linear fixtures. A hot plate and a microwave handle most of the daily cooking requirements, with the outdoor grill and a portable oven doing the heavy lifting. “We have all that we need and are purposeful about not accumulating anything beyond that,” suggests Robin. The common areas, which were the prerequisite, extend to the outside spaces as well. A fire pit, plenty of deck and dock areas with comfortable chairs scattered about, allow a view to the river from every vantage point. “We spend as much time together outdoors as we can,” says Robin. “Campfires, music, reading, kayaking, canoeing, swimming or paddleboarding, and snowshoeing and hiking in the winter. We enjoy the nature around us in every way we can.” Continued on page 152

LEFT: Nova Stone Countertops furnished the vanity counter in the cottage’s black-accented bathroom. ABOVE: Cutting Edge Window & Door supplied the bay window in this bedroom as well as the windows and interior doors throughout the home.

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INDOOR • OUTDOOR • LANDSCAPE

Your Home & Cottage Mattress Centre THE LARGEST SELECTION OF IN-STOCK MATTRESSES IN MUSKOKA

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR FULL LIST OF SUPPLIERS CURATED LIFESTYLE COLLECTION by Marshall Mattress

V I S I T O U R NE W LOCAT ION

195 Wellington Street, Bracebridge 705.646.2557 • mattressesofmuskoka.com

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Serving Muskoka, Parry Sound and the Islands of Georgian Bay for 35 years. We service ALL your electrical needs!

licensed electricians . certified generator installations new homes . cottages . renovations . upgrades . panel changes

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home & designer

The Woods often host up to 20 people at their retreat, which brings everyone together in another manner, rallying around the cooking demands that come with the guest list. “It allows us all another activity that we absolutely enjoy sharing.” Quite naturally, this home, this cottage, this refuge, is as tastefully designed and curated as any larger scale property Robin and The Cutter’s Edge have helped create. However, one might suggest it is more thoughtfully orchestrated than many. It had to have all the family’s needs met, without wasting the most important, if not most critical element of all – space. It is elegant, yet down to earth. Minimal, but lacking nothing in the way of creature comforts. It is without question a flawless fit for the Wood family, by design and by nature. OH

LOCAL SOURCE GUIDE • Burk’s Falls Home Building Centre • Caplan’s Appliances • Cutting Edge Window & Door • Bruce Hodder • Muskoka Lighting Company • Nova Stone Countertops • PatternStone Inc. • Rolston Home Building Centre • The Cutter’s Edge

Each of the bright cottage lofts is furnished with two queen-size beds. ABOVE: Set on a background painted Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, the black steel rungs of the loft ladders are a dramatic design statement.

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CRAFTED FOR COMFORT Premium wood furniture handcrafted in Canada using sustainably-sourced Canadian lumber.

logfurnitureandmore.ca info@logfurnitureandmore.ca (647) 601-3400

Free delivery to your home or cottage

MANUFACTURING QUALITY DOCKING AND BOAT LIFT SYSTEMS SINCE 1976 Proudly Canadian Made in Lakefield, Ontario Secure your home with Georgian Bay Overhead Doors & Haas High quality doors and openers to keep your property safe Ask about our Planned Maintenance Program for added peace of mind NEW INSTALLS • REPAIRS

REP FOR PARRY SOUND DISTRICT

georgianbayoverheaddoors.com 705-774-1928 • georgianbayoverheaddoors@gmail.com

Visit our photo gallery at rjmachine.ca 1-800-461-7638

cooking at home

Lemon

BLUEBERRY TART R E C I P E AN D P H OT OG R AP H Y J EN EL L E MCCU L L O CH

This delicious dessert combines a tart lemon filling and sweet blueberries for the most refreshing treat!

Get more recipes at ourhomes.ca/blogrecipes Continued on page 156

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Sale

on in-stock

LIGHTING Lighting & Fans • Blinds & Drapes Home Decor • Sansin Stains & Chalk Paint

Located in the North End Mall Plaza 70 Joseph Street, Parry Sound Tue-Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am-4pm CLOSED Sun & Mon 705.771.9414 • soundinteriors.ca

77 Bowes St. Parry Sound info@uptowndecor.ca 705-746-8922

Muskoka Rooms Windows Doors Motorization Available

cooking at home

Instructions Preheat oven to 350ºF.

CRUST In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Mix well and press into a 9-inch pie or tart pan. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the baked graham cracker crust from the oven and let cool.

TO ASSEMBLE Layer the bottom of the tart with blueberry jam. Top with a layer of pastry cream and fresh blueberries. Add an extra garnish of toasted sliced almonds and a sprinkle of icing sugar, if desired. OH

Ingredients CRUST 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs ¼ cup melted butter LEMON PASTRY CREAM 1 Tbsp freshly grated lemon zest 2 cups whole milk ½ cup granulated sugar

LEMON PASTRY CREAM

3 Tbsp cornstarch

In a medium saucepan, combine lemon zest and milk. Heat until just simmering.

¼ tsp salt 5 egg yolks 1 oz unsalted butter, cubed 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice TO ASSEMBLE ½ cup blueberry jam 1 cup fresh blueberries ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted

In a heatproof bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt and egg yolks. Whisk for 1 minute until pale and fluffy. Slowly add warm milk to the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Once combined, add the mixture back into the saucepan and set over medium heat. Whisk for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Take off the heat and add butter. Whisk until melted and combined. Add lemon juice and whisk until combined. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Press plastic wrap over pastry cream so a film does not form. Chill in the fridge until ready to assemble.

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CABINETRY, LIGHTING & PLUMBING DESIGN CENTRE Parry Sound • Muskoka • Georgian Bay 6 Designer’s Lane at Oastler Park Drive and Hunter Drive 705.746.8686 • inspired@northernliving.ca

www.northernliving.ca

directory OUR HOMES attracts the area’s finest businesses to advertise in our pages, and utilize our unparalleled distribution and coffee-table appeal to market their products and services. We’re making it easier for you, our readers, to become educated as you plan your home- and real estaterelated purchasing decisions. View these business ads online at ourhomes.ca. The listings below are organized alphabetically by industry.

APPLIANCES Brown’s Appliances, 69 AQUACULTURE/AQUATIC WEED CONTROL/POND MAINTENANCE Lake Weeds Away, 23 ARCHITECTS/ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN/ ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGISTS/ DRAFTSMEN & DESIGN Corbin Patten Designs, 67 ART/ARTISANS/ART GALLERIES/ STUDIOS/WORKSHOPS Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre, 51 AUDIO VIDEO/HOME AUTOMATION/ ELECTRONICS/SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY Lakehouse Integrations, 71 McKee Security & Audio Systems, 45 AWNINGS/TENTS/SHELTERS Muskokify, 22, 109 Window Quilt Muskoka, 5 BATH & BEAUTY/AESTHETICS/ HAIR/SPA Georgian Medical Aesthetics, 119, 138 Hawkestone Soap Company, 133 BBQS/GRILLS/FIRE PITS Napoleon Home Comfort, 99 Outdoorzy, 12, 138 BEDS & BEDDING/MATTRESSES/ SLEEP PRODUCTS Mattresses of Muskoka, 151 Riverview Furniture & Flooring, 129 BOAT LIFT SYSTEMS R & J Machine, 153 BOOKS/BOOKSTORES Parry Sound Books, 41 BUILDERS 1867 Confederation Log Homes, 140&141 Attainable Solutions Inc., 3 Avrame Canada, 11 Backyard Plans by Cottage Country Design, 139 Braun Custom Builds, 103 Bredin Brothers Inc., 35 CDH Carpentry Ltd., 161 Colonial Concepts Log & Timberframe, 135 Discovery Dream Homes, 32&33 Ferncliffe Development, 53 GBS Contracting Inc., 113 Kelly Project Management Muskoka, 54&55 McLean Contracting, 39 Peter Smith Construction, 107 True North Log & Timber Homes, 16 158 | ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5

BUILDING/LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES Emmerson Lumber Limited, 131 Gravenhurst Home Building Centre, 139 Great North Building Supplies, 113 Kidd's Home Hardware Building Centre, 117 Ontario Agra Piping & Supplies Inc, 29 CABINETS & MILLWORK/CARPENTRY/ FINE WOODWORKING/CUSTOM FURNITURE Home Options Made Easy, 25 K7 Millwork Group, 47 Log Furniture & More, 153 McKee Cabinetree, 131 Muskoka Furniture, 24 Riverview Furniture & Flooring, 129 The Cutter’s Edge, 2 CLEANING Lighthouse Group, 119, 139 CLOTHING/FASHION/FOOTWEAR/ JEWELRY/LUGGAGE & LEATHER GOODS Boathouse Boutique / Bikini Beans Café, 133 The Boathouse, 49 The Cutter’s Edge, 2 COUNTERTOPS Di Pietra Design, 99 DOCKS Cottage Classic Docks, 133 Nordcap Steel Docks Inc., 103 R & J Machine, 153 RONA Parry Sound, 83 ELECTRICAL Coon's Electrical Ltd., 151 Graziotto Electric, 45 Muskoka Custom Electric, 30 EXCAVATING/SITE PREP/SEPTIC Francis Thomas Contracting Ltd., 27 Schlager, 77 Scott’s Excavating & Landscapes, 13 Total Site Services, 49 EXTERIOR FINISHES/IMPROVEMENTS Lifetime Lumber Products – Division of Baycrest Distribution, 31 FABRIC/UPHOLSTERY/CANVAS Muskoka Upholstery, 21 FENCING/DECKS/GATES Lifetime Lumber Products – Division of Baycrest Distribution, 31 FINANCIAL/INSURANCE/ MORTGAGE/INVESTING Parry Sound Insurance Brokers Ltd., 14 FIREPLACES & STOVES/ACCESSORIES Fireplace & Leisure Centre, 87

Napoleon Home Comfort, 99 FLOORING Brooklace Kitchen & Bath, 87 Cordell Carpet, 8 Grand Floors, 26 Gray’s Paint & Flooring, 8 Modern Home Carpet One, 37 Parry Sound Carpet One, 37 Refined Kitchen & Bath, 113 Riverview Furniture & Flooring, 129 Taylor Carpet One, 37 Uptown Decor & Finishes, 21, 155 FOOD & DRINK/RESTAURANTS/ CATERING/DELI Boathouse Boutique / Bikini Beans Café, 133 Cast Iron Restaurant, 133 FOUNDATIONS Francis Thomas Contracting Ltd., 27 North Country Contracting, 19 FURNITURE & HOME DECOR/ ACCENTS/GIFTS/COLLECTIBLES Boathouse Boutique / Bikini Beans Café, 133 Handstone Furniture, 4, 139 HillTop Interiors, 163 Huckleberry’s, 49 Kohara + Co, 129 Lakeshore Designs, 133 Lockside Trading Company, 83 Master Furniture, 26 Muskoka Furniture, 24 Riverview Furniture & Flooring, 129 Sound Interiors, 155 The Chesterfield Shop, 10 The Corner Cabinet, 133 The Cutter’s Edge, 2 The Mag, 77 The Old Palmer House, 51 Veranda, 97 Wood & Heart Design Co., 30, 138 GARDEN CENTRES/GREENHOUSES/ NURSERIES Pratt’s Lawn Care & Landscapes – Pratt’s Garden Centre, 77 GEOTHERMAL Casey’s Water Well & Geothermal, 45 HEATING & COOLING Gravenhurst Plumbing, Heating & Electric, 41 Napoleon Home Comfort, 99 Simcoe Muskoka Home Comfort, 18 HOME IMPROVEMENTS/RENOVATIONS Backyard Plans by Cottage Country Design, 139 Braun Custom Builds, 103 Bredin Brothers Inc., 35

OUR HOMES is committed to ensuring the businesses below appear under the correct headings. To make a correction, or to have your business listed under more than one heading, please email tyler.annette@ourhomes.ca. To have your business listed in our Home Resource Directory, call us to advertise at 705.888.5706.

Ferncliffe Development, 53 Johnson Log Home Restorations, 117 Kelly Project Management Muskoka, 54&55 Ready Pine, 155 HOME SECURITY Lakehouse Integrations, 71 McKee Security & Audio Systems, 45 INTERIOR DECORATING/INTERIOR DESIGN/HOME STAGING Compass Design Studio, 129 Coralee Monaghan Interiors, 53 Lakeshore Designs, 133 Paige Elizabeth Interiors, 73 Sotheby's International Realty Canada – McLeod Team, 6&7 Sound Interiors, 155 Veranda, 97 KITCHEN & BATH Brooklace Kitchen & Bath, 87 Emmerson Lumber Limited, 131 Home Options Made Easy, 25 Knowles Plumbing, 73 Northern Living Kitchen & Bath/ Living Lighting, 17, 157 Refined Kitchen & Bath, 113 RONA Parry Sound, 83 The Cutter’s Edge, 2 LANDSCAPE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE/ LANDSCAPING/LAWN & GARDEN Attainable Solutions Inc., 3 CLEARRAIL, Frameless Glass Systems Inc., 15 Ferncliffe Development, 53 Pratt’s Lawn Care & Landscapes – Pratt’s Garden Centre, 77 Schlager, 77 Scott’s Excavating & Landscapes, 13 Total Site Services, 49 LIGHTING HillTop Interiors, 163 Kohara + Co, 129 Living Lighting Parry Sound/ Northern Living, 17, 157 Muskoka Lighting Company, 151 Sound Interiors, 155 MACHINERY/SMALL EQUIPMENT/ FARM SUPPLIES Bobcat of Parry Sound, 75 MASONRY/STONEWORK Muskoka Splitrock Inc., 107 North Country Contracting, 19 OUTDOOR FURNITURE/STRUCTURES HillTop Interiors, 163 Outdoorzy, 12, 138

OUTDOOR KITCHENS Fireplace & Leisure Centre, 87 Outdoorzy, 12, 138

SPECIAL EVENTS Muskoka Cottage Show – OUR HOMES Productions, 115

OVERHEAD/GARAGE DOORS Georgian Bay Overhead Doors, 153 Uptown Overhead Doors, 111

SPORTING SUPPLY/RECREATIONAL OUTFITTERS Bobcat of Parry Sound, 75

PAINTING & DECORATING Benjamin Moore, 8 Cordell Carpet, 8 Gray’s Paint & Flooring, 8 Minden Home Hardware Building Centre, 8 Pro Painters Muskoka, 84&85 Sound Interiors, 155 Wilson’s The Paint Store, 8

STAIRS/RAILINGS Barrie Trim & Mouldings, 9 Muskokify, 22, 109 NorthVue Frameless Glass Railings, 41

PAINTING, PRIMING, BLASTING & STAINING Cedar Laine Restoration, 83 Surface Restoration Services, 45 PEST CONTROL Environmental Pest Control, 139 Mosquito Busters, 51 PLUMBING Gravenhurst Plumbing, Heating & Electric, 41 Knowles Plumbing, 73 Northern Living Kitchen & Bath/ Living Lighting, 17, 157 POOLS/HOT TUBS/SAUNAS/SPAS CLEARRAIL, Frameless Glass Systems Inc., 15 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/ MAINTENANCE Lighthouse Group, 119, 139 REAL ESTATE Forest Hill Real Estate Inc. – Marc Thibodeau, 81 Royal LePage Team Advantage Realty – Terri Lynn Gibson, 28 Sotheby's International Realty Canada – McLeod Team, 6&7 Sotheby’s International Realty Canada – Chuck Murney, 53 ROOFING GBS Contracting Inc., 113 JN Roofing, 103 SCREEN SYSTEMS Uptown Decor & Finishes, 21, 155 Window Quilt Muskoka, 5 SOLARIUMS & SUNROOMS Muskokify, 22, 109 Weatherwall Enclosure Systems Inc., 28, 138

STONE PRODUCTS/VENEER Refined Kitchen & Bath, 113 RONA Parry Sound, 83 TILE Di Pietra Design, 99 Uptown Decor & Finishes, 21, 155 TRIM/MOULDING/CASING Barrie Trim & Mouldings, 9 Brooklace Kitchen & Bath, 87 WATER TREATMENT/FILTRATION Casey’s Water Well & Geothermal, 45 Water Depot – Bracebridge & Parry Sound, 20 WELL DRILLING/INSPECTION/REPAIR/ MAINTENANCE Casey’s Water Well & Geothermal, 45 WINDOW CLEANING Lighthouse Group, 119, 139 WINDOW TREATMENTS Carling Custom Sewing, 69 Cordell Carpet, 8 HillTop Interiors, 163 Pine Swept Blinds Parry Sound – Muskoka, 87 Sound Interiors, 155 Uptown Decor & Finishes, 21, 155 White Oak Blinds, 111 Window Quilt Muskoka, 5 WINDOWS & DOORS Barrie Trim & Mouldings, 9 Kempenfelt Windows & Doors, 101 Muskoka Window and Door Centre, 164 Muskokify, 22, 109 RONA Parry Sound, 83 Weatherwall Enclosure Systems Inc., 28, 138 Window Works Muskoka, 131 WOOD REFINISHING/RESTORATION Cedar Laine Restoration, 83 Johnson Log Home Restorations, 117 Master Furniture, 26

ourhomes E A R L Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 | 159

finishing touch

ROCK ON!

Refresh and relax in a summer must-have rocker. 1. SIMONS: Outo Outdoor Rocking Chair 2. HAUSER: Coastal Swivel Glider Club Chair 3. CORLIVING: Brown Outdoor Rocking Chair 4. HAUSER: Loll Rapson Rocking Chair 5. ARTICLE: Eleya 31.5” Outdoor Rocking Chair 6. CANADIAN TIRE: CANVAS Cove All-Weather Steel & Wicker Outdoor/Patio Rocking Chair with Large UV-Resistant Cushion 7. HOME HARDWARE: INSTYLE Maple Creek Rocker Chat Set 8. C.R. PLASTIC PRODUCTS: Porch Rocker 9. HAUSER: Oxford Swivel Rocker 10. CANADIAN TIRE: Blue Wave Wood Frame Dual Rocking Lounger With Canopy 11. ARTICLE: Beltane 30.5” Outdoor Rocking Lounge Chair – Wicker 12. ARTICLE: Lynea 27.25” Outdoor Rocking Lounge Chair 13. HAUSER: Kingsley Bate Chelsea Swivel Rocker 14. CORLIVING: Black and Grey Wicker Outdoor Rocking Chair 15. ARTICLE: Medan 24.5” Outdoor Rocking Lounge Chair 16. C.R. PLASTIC PRODUCTS: Adirondack Rocker OH

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finishing touch

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YOUR STYLE YOUR HOME

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YOUR LIFE

BEDDING & DECOR 705.732.4040

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KITCHEN & BATH

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