Clean lines and a muted palette give a bright and airy West Coast cottage home a modern twist.
Rustic usually rules when it comes to cottage design. But this oceanfront home atop a bluff on the Sunshine Coast, 40 minutes north of Vancouver by ferry, isn't even a little bit country. The owners, a Canadian family of four that lives in Bermuda year-round and spends summers and spring breaks here, had a more modern look in mind when they were ready to tear down the original structure to build their dream cottage three years ago. "They wanted a sophisticated space with classic, timeless elements and entertaining areas inside and out," says Nicole Mah, an interior designer at Kelly Deck Design in Vancouver.
WIth a little inspiration from the Hamptons beach house featured in the movie Something's Gotta Give, architect Walter Powell of Sunshine Coast Home Design created a stunning 4,500-square-foot four-bedroom cottage with a cedar-shingle exterior. Walls of windows and French doors leading to a wraparound deck create a bright, airy interior that unites the indoor and outdoor spaces and accentuates the sweeping ocean views.
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House tour: Modern West Coast cottage
A living room with a view
Three sets of French doors with transom windows keep the focus on the spectacular ocean view from the living room. The oversized reclaimed-oak coffee table is a perfect spot for playing board games and entertaining friends. "It has a forgiving finish and it's low so it doesn't command too much of the space," says Nicole. Slipcovered sofas, which are both practical and comfortable, are dressed up with splashes of soft blue and seafoam green - the only hues in the otherwise white room.
House tour: Modern West Coast cottage
A living room with a view
Three sets of French doors with transom windows keep the focus on the spectacular ocean view from the living room. The oversized reclaimed-oak coffee table is a perfect spot for playing board games and entertaining friends. "It has a forgiving finish and it's low so it doesn't command too much of the space," says Nicole. Slipcovered sofas, which are both practical and comfortable, are dressed up with splashes of soft blue and seafoam green - the only hues in the otherwise white room.
House tour: Modern West Coast cottage
Grand deck
The exterior is clad in cedar shingles with a warm grey wash to make them look weathered. Clear cedar on the master deck resembles the interior oak floors and offers a seamless transition from indoors to out.
House tour: Modern West Coast cottage
Kitchen design
Topped with dramatic Statuario marble, the generous kitchen island is an ideal hub for entertaining. "The pendant lights above the island have a real nautical feel and reference seaside living," says interior designer Nicole Mah of Kelly Deck Design. Metal stools are easy to clean and well-suited to wet bathing suits.
House tour: Modern West Coast cottage
Grand upstairs galleria
A two-tiered chandelier with vintage flair draws the eye to the vaulted ceiling in the grand upstairs galleria. The tongue-and-groove beadboard ceiling and built-in shelves create visual interest. A wall of family photographs lends a gallery effect.
House tour: Modern West Coast cottage
Master bedroom
Millwork lends character to the lofty master bedroom, which opens to one of two decks. Subtle textures and patterns in layered neutrals give the room its soothing quality. The crystals on the iron chandelier add just a touch of shimmer, while the delicate nature of the fixture doesn't detract from the view.
House tour: Modern West Coast cottage
Daughters' bedroom
The daughters' bedroom features two custom-built bunk beds and armoires (not shown). The teal velvet chair with tapered legs lends a sleek Scandinavian quality. The cotton rug was chosen for its pretty hot pink colour and durability. "The owner didn't want anything too plush or fussy," says Nicole.
House tour: Modern West Coast cottage
Beachy bathroom
With marble mosaic tiles on the floor, ceramic tiles on the wall and a quartz counter on the vanity, the girls' bathroom is fresh and functional. Beachy accents provide contrast to the crisp white.
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