Charming Lakeside Home
Crisp and simple, that's Shingle-style architecture in a few words. Creating a 5,500-square-foot masterpiece of Shingle-style architecture--a little piece of Martha's Vineyard on a picturesque Canadian lake--took a careful eye for details. Besides the profusion of its namesake cladding, Shingle style is known for restrained ornamentation.
On this home, adornment consists of a mix of square Arts and Crafts and round Tuscan columns, a stone chimney, and an arched window with a decorative grille.
Drawing on the New England vernacular, the execution is pitch-perfect. Or, in the case of the multigabled roof, pitched perfectly.
A Gorgeous View
The octagonal roofline, covered in cedar shingles, is pure Shingle style, but the large gazebo was intended for lakefront living. Walls of windows along the back of the house and plenty of outdoor space, including a private deck off the master bedroom, a screen porch off the dining room , and a porch connected to the great room, encourage outdoor gathering. The effect is a home better connected with its stunning location.
LUXURY TOUCHES: Locally quarried stone was chosen for use throughout the home. A gorgeous chandelier keeps the gazebo inviting, well into the evening.
Showy Stairs
Here's a first impression: The front hall graciously welcomes with an architecturally point-on gas lantern , divided sidelights, and crisp white wainscoting . Stairs become an attention-grabbing centerpiece by mixing wood and white paint. Recessed panel newel posts echo the exterior columns.
LUXURY TOUCH: Hardwood floors throughout the home are made from black walnut.
Living Room with Custom Windows
A 12-foot-high ceiling leaves plenty of room for tall windows and French doors topped with divided transom windows . Smartly arranged, the windows create a bright living room with breathtaking views.
Smart Storage
Customized storage doesn't just stow your stuff; it improves its appearance. Here, inset shelves, backed with cozy beaded board, create a beautiful background for beloved odds and ends. A nook frames the television, putting the screen at an optimal height for viewing.
Handsome Millwork
Here are several beautiful examples of luxury details at work:paneled vestibule creates a dramatic accent for this taupe and white great-room. The keystone is a recurring detail throughout the home.
Paneling subtly changes the tone of the room, adding a higher level of elegance and detail. Note the refined lines of the coffered ceiling and geometric shape of the wall paneling.
Judicious Details
The right molding conveys everything. A simple wood keystone atop this doorway conjures timeless style, simplicity, and attention to detail--all the architectural flourish needed in this great-room.
Clean Design
A variety of elements mingle harmoniously, united by simple white paint:Ceiling beams. Painted beams add refined detail to a room.Recessed paneling. The geometric pattern uses panels of varied sizes for a custom effect that accentuates the room's best elements.Tongue-and-groove ceiling boards. A traditional touch that's at once cozy and light.
Dining Room Features Local Materials
Choosing local materials creates a unique look with a meaningful connection to surroundings. This mantel, constructed from local granite, adds a rugged, textured element , perfect for a weekend getaway.
Meanwhile, more formal choices keep the room from slipping into a lodge look. A 24-arm chandelier dazzles. Sleek, dark hardwood floors are an elegant foundation. And floor-to-ceiling windows make the whole space glow.
Custom Kitchen Cabinetry
A deep farmhouse sink and furniture-style cabinetry set the tone for this timeless kitchen .
STYLE TIPS: soapstone provides a striking contrast to the cabinets .cabinet doors are decorated with squares of glass that echo the look of the home's windows.tile backsplash , mixing subway tile with herringbone-pattern tile, adds unique character to the kitchen.
Natural Connections
Here's a dining area that's happily connected to its lake country setting, from the use of natural materials to the shingles that match those on the home's exterior. Large windows and a deck create a space that transitions effortlessly from indoors to out. Another custom element linked to nature: the mantel, created from local salvaged wood.
Mindful of Materials
An iron lantern--a historical reproduction fixture that would be equally at home indoors or out--finds a pretty perch above a mantel made from local materials. The fireplace was built using local granite and the beams are local salvaged wood.
Hands-On Luxury
Architecturally suitable hardware looks fantastic, functioning as a jewelry-like embellishment for the home. These oil-rubbed bronze handles are a dark counterpoint to a pair of bright and light French doors.
Another reason to go high-end with hardware in your home? It's an element you'll have hands-on contact with every day. And well-made hardware just plain feels better in the hand.
Arched Adornment in the Bedroom
This huge, gorgeous window floods the bedroom with light. And its striking shape provides a dominant focal point for the room. The French doors lead out to a private balcony overlooking the lake. The secluded space is a favorite place for early morning coffee or evening nightcaps.
A Stately Bath
The inspiration for this posh paneled bath seems to be a dignified library or dining room . Dark mahogany walls and cool white tile , wainscoting, and cabinetry recall a dining room or traditional library.
The cabinetry and tub surround are custom, creating a unified look for the room. Marble counters complete the luxurious look.
Gazebo Provides a Breezy Space for Sitting
Outdoor rooms are the best place to enjoy a soft summer breeze and lake views. In addition to a screen porch , this open-air, octagonal gazebo adds interest to the facade and connects a sizable porch along the back of the house. Outfitted with a glamorous chandelier , the room is an inviting gathering space for family and friends.
LUXURY TOUCHES: Stone, Tuscan columns, and a wrought-iron balustrade create a signature look.
Floor Plan: Lower Level
Long blocks of windows and French doors create a home well-connected with the surrounding lake scenery. The home makes the most of outdoor living, with porches extending all the way across the back of the home.
Floor Plan: Upper Level
Initially planned as a 9,500-square-foot home, this lakeside retreat was reduced to 5,500 square feet. The resulting design did away with solitary areas such as bedroom sitting spaces, and instead emphasizes public gathering spaces. However, the master bedroom has an adjacent private deck for a fresh-air space.
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