A woodland getaway beckons with a relaxed interior inspired by the idyllic serenity of its surrounds.

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

 

If this mountain refuge appears to be a study in nostalgic calm, it’s intentional. “My husband, Louis, and I wanted a reinterpretation of the simple cottages that we knew when we were young: ones that smelled like wood and were decorated with bits of nature,” says Jacinthe Piotte, a decor specialist, art director and co-owner of Maison Tuuli. The Montreal-based couple and their 17-year-old son, Maël, escape as often as they can to their four-season cottage in St-Donat, Que. “We call our cottage The Nest, as it really does feel like our family’s nest,” says Jacinthe. “It’s our magical dream come true.”

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

 

Cottage owner Jacinthe Piotte not only designed the 1,500-square-foot space but also hired all of the tradespeople and managed the entire project. “It really was built with my love,” she says. The interiors are almost entirely clad in pine that was whitewashed to prevent it from turning yellow, while still allowing it to maintain its woodsy fragrance. “It’s the perfect backdrop for relaxing,” she says. “After our long drive from the city, all I need to do is start the fire and light some candles.”

DESIGN, Jacinthe Piotte, Collaab. ARCHITECTURAL PLANS, D’aoust Architecture. doors, WINDOWS, Auroral Doors
and Windows.

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

 

The spherical pendant lights above the dining table have an airy, snow-globe effect that references the landscape outside. They also pop against the pale pine. “I made sure to keep all of the lines simple and the materials natural,” says Jacinthe. “Even with whimsical accessories like these delicate paper light shades, the cottage has this authentic feel that’s in tune with the forest and mountains.” She found the teak armchairs “in the garbage” and the bentwood chairs online. The faux-fur throws channel a winter-cabin look.

Custom DINING TABLE, BENCH, Ébénisterie GD Pro. Chair UPHoLSTERY, PENDANT LIGHTS, Maison Tuuli.

“We wanted the cottage to blend in with nature as much as possible.”

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

Pale custom-made cabinetry keeps the look clean and minimal, while brass hardware and delicate pendant lights exude just the right amount of warmth. A vase of red berries adds a hint of colour and is a testament to Jacinthe’s love of nature. “I love botanical decor, and I often forage for berries and greenery in the woods around the cottage.”

CABINETRY, Ébénisterie GD Pro. Cabinetry HARDWARE, Emtek. Custom CEILING LIGHTS, AM/PM Lighting. FAUCET, Ramacieri Soligo. RUNNER, ISLAND STOOLS, Wayfair.

“It’s just the three of us at the cottage, but we invite as many friends and family over as we can for big, loud and fun dinners,” says Jacinthe. The open floor plan makes for a practical entertaining space that includes easy-to-access shelves Jacinthe designed to corral her collection of vintage glasses. “I wanted to display them, but not in a chic way. I wanted them to be accessible for everyday use,” she says. The shelves that flank the range hood extend the idea.

The living area, a favourite spot of Ozzy’s (he loves to keep watch at the glass doors), is a stylish and effortless mix of vintage, new and handmade pieces.

“This is our winter paradise – outside we ski and snowshoe, and inside we relax by the fire. It’s very Zen.”

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

The main living space belies the fact that Jacinthe owns a window-coverings boutique. “When choosing window treatments, I always consider the story the space needs to tell,” she says. “Our cottage needed to be minimalistic with its window treatments, plus we have no neighbours, so privacy isn’t an issue.” The black window frames match the cabin’s dark exterior and nicely frame the snowy vistas from within the space.

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

 

The surround for the wood stove was ingeniously custom-designed to be raised off the floor, allowing a handy spot to neatly stack wood underneath. The top of the unit extends seamlessly to the wall, acting like a console that demarcates the TV area. “As soon as we arrive at the cottage, I light a fire and that sets the relaxing tone,” says Jacinthe. When they’re not reading, the family watches movies and TV here. “I didn’t want to conceal the screen. Its placement by the stove makes movie night even cozier.”

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

The tonal palette of the primary bedroom is punctuated by a black roller blind, along with black light fixtures: one a sleek, contemporary sconce; the other a tactile, macramé pendant. A built-in shelf behind the bed negates the need for bedside furniture so the look remains simple and uncluttered, yet it is still personalized with a few mementos.

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

Jacinthe (shown) designed the hanging chair and had a friend weave its fabric. It offers a bird’s-eye view of the lake and mountains beyond. “The round window reminds me of the entrance to a birdhouse,” she says, explaining how the family came to dub their cottage The Nest.

BEDDING, H&M Home. WINDOW BLIND, Maison Tuuli. Amulette PENDANT LIGHT, Annie Legault.

“I love sitting in this chair to read or just relax and look out the window. It’s so peaceful, it feels like I’m in a spaceship.”

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

 

The under-the-eaves powder room off the primary bedroom features an antique mirror and a simple sink that parlays an old-fashioned charm, heightened by the sconces’ exposed bulbs. Says Jacinthe: “I really wanted this tiny space to feel super simple, but kind of rustic, and the sink helps achieve that look.”

Metal SINK, Rejuvenation. SCONCES, Etsy.

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

The main bathroom feels both modern and rustic thanks to the riveting mix of whitewashed pine with glossy wall tiles and contemporary slate floor tiles. The brass fixtures echo those in the kitchen and, once again, lend some warmth. A custom niche keeps the look seamless.

WALL TILES, Ciot. FLOOR TILES, Ramacieri Soligo. Kids’ STOOL, IKEA. Custom VANITY, Ébénisterie GD Pro. Glass CABINET, Must Société.

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

Open-plan shower she saw when the family visited Japan, so she copied the look – note the slight recess in the floor tiles below the shower, which allows for efficient drainage. She also custom-designed the pine vanity to include much-needed closed storage, and painted it for a light look that ties in with the vessel tub.

 

Photography, Maxime Desbiens

 

The entryway, brimming with open and closed shelving, is even more efficient than it appears. “I designed the bench with slats so it looks airy, but I also placed heaters underneath it,” explains Jacinthe. “The heat comes up through the slats, so wet ski clothes, gloves and hats dry quickly.”

Custom SHELVING, Ébénisterie GD Pro. BASKETS, Wayfair. Floor TILES, Ramacieri Soligo.

“Why not hang a bouquet of eucalyptus in the shower? it smells so good when it’s wet.”