Cynthia possesses an incredible ability to see the potential for a space and then make it come to life. For years she has been exercising her creativity through interior design by transforming her family’s city and country homes. With the support and collaborative efforts of her husband, Graham, the couple have managed to cultivate this cozy family getaway spot in the charming town of Keene, Ontario (about two hours from Toronto).

The home consists of the original small house and a modern addition, both married beautifully by Cynthia’s sense of style. She wanted the home to remain more “farmhouse” in mood and design than “cottage.” Built on a foundation of white, the space feels bright and airy. The use of windows, especially along the east side of the home toward the lake, adds to the openness. And finally, a harmony between outdoor and indoor living is essential and ever present. This is especially apparent in Cynthia’s use of natural elements such as home-grown flowers and foliage as decor throughout the home. Alongside her passion for interior design, she has also begun a floral business.

The most important aspect of the design plan was to take in the magical views over the lake, which can be seen from the home. The couple wanted a casual, organic-feeling interior space that mirrored and respected the natural environment outside — so you’ll see a lot of rough-hewn wood, simple cabinetry, marble, linen and a palette of white with a little grey and green. Decorative elements are sparse but powerful, like the floor-to-ceiling wood wall, the over-sized barn lighting above the kitchen island, or the rotating display of seasonal foliage.

Our Style: Breezy, cheeky, new traditional.

Inspiration: Joanna Gaines meets Calvin Klein.

Favorite Element: Our wall of wood. It’s nature as art.

Biggest Challenge: Water. We had a real challenge getting our well water balanced. After we finished the addition, we still had too much iron in our system so the first time we took a shower, our pure white tiles turned rusty pink.

What Friends Say: OHH – that’s quite the view.

Biggest Embarrassment: When people call our 100 acres of designated wetland, a swamp. LOL

Proudest DIY: Our little flower farm. We started with nothing but a field and nurtured botanical magic.

Biggest Indulgence: Marble countertops in the kitchen. Everyone told us not to do it. That it wasn’t practical and it would stain. But we said oh well.

Best Advice: You do you. High and low. Treasures and trash. Big box and boutique. DIY and couture. Old and new. When you surround yourself with what you love, it will all go together. And, if it doesn’t, who cares?!

AND, always have flowers.

Dream Sources: Loving the brightness and cheer of Madcap Cottage and the peace and rawness of Eva Kosmas Flores and the romance and simplicity of Puscina Flowers.

PAINT & COLORS
Benjamin Moore Simply White throughout the entire interior, except for the two bathrooms on the main floor which are Benjamin Moore Gray Owl.

ENTRY
Bench – HomeSense
Grandfather clock – family heirloom
White and gold basket – Home Outfitters

LIVING ROOM
Ash floor – Revival Flooring
Coffee table – HD Threshing Floor Furniture
Stockholm Sofas (no longer made) – IKEA
Lennox Montecito Estate fireplace – Friendly Fires
Roger Moore print – Indigo
LOHALS rug – IKEA
Black hutch – Kimberly Jackson (no longer in business)

DINING ROOM
Table and bench – Kimberly Jackson (no longer in business)
Basket – HomeSense
Chairs – antiques (store no longer open)

KITCHEN
Cabinets – AyA
Bianco Carrara marble – Interstone
Original Warehouse Pendant lights – Barn Light
Hudson counter stools – Structube
Blanco under mount sink QUATRUS R15 U2 – Home Depot

FAMILY ROOM
KIVIK sectional sofa – IKEA
Coffee table – roadside find
LOHALS rug – IKEA
Side table – family heirloom
Chairs – roadside find
Chair upholstery – Restwell Upholstery
Lamp – HomeSense

BEDROOM
Beds – IKEA
Linens – HomeSense and IKEA
Chair – Green’s Antiques
Chair Upholstery – Scarboro Interiors

BATHROOMS
Shower kits – Moen
Vanities – Home Depot
Lighting – Schoolhouse Electric
Shower curtains – HomeSense

OFFICE
Green chairs from the House of Commons – antique pop-up
Console, table and day bed – IKEA
LOHALS rug – IKEA

CONTRACTOR/BUILDER
Gilbert + Burke

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