A home in Quebec’s Eastern Townships gets a bright refresh that invites relaxing both indoors and out.

The year-round charm and pastoral beauty of Lake Brome has long enchanted many Montrealers, including the owners of this idyllic abode. The former city-dwelling couple made this their permanent residence after falling for the home’s handsome exterior and blissful views. “It just looked like the perfect country house and it had such a stunning setting, we wanted to make it our forever home,” says one of the owners. Set on 21⁄2 acres, the 3,500-square-foot home offered ample room for welcoming their five children and three grandkids, not to mention the couple’s poodle, Charlie.

While the home was in great shape structurally, the owners fancied a more contemporary take on its traditional interior. They redesigned the bathrooms and kitchen, laid new oak floors and widened doorways to create an open-plan feeling, then freshened everything with an aesthetic reboot. A neutral palette throughout unifies, natural materials layer in rustic interest, and relaxed furnishings enhance the country ambience. But perhaps the most interesting, even brave, design choice was to forgo all window coverings. “We didn’t want anything blocking the view,” says an owner. “Even when we’re inside enjoying the house, we feel like we’re part of our natural surroundings.”

A slate herringbone floor defines the front entryway and feels both upscale and durable. Its charcoal hue is complemented by black hardware, which continues throughout the house; a wooden bench is practical and reinforces the use of black as an accent. The closet doors were painted navy blue, and the insect artwork, appropriate for a country house, is by one of the owners’ favourite artists. 

Dark chairs punctuate the airy dining space off of the living room and keep it from feeling too matchy; the sconces and framed artwork further the lively effect. With family gatherings of up to 15 in mind, the owner custom-designed the table to extend horizontally and accommodate two guests at each short end of the table.

A built-in bench on one side of the table is a form-meets-function touch. It finishes the space aesthetically while offering even more seating. “We often linger here after dinner and the grandchildren like to climb up on the bench in their PJs and hang out with us.” A hammered metal pendant with brass interior imparts texture and soft-glow lighting.

The new kitchen has a bright practicality that feels relaxing. A chevron application of tiles behind the range creates eye-catching yet subtle interest that acts as a textural counterpoint in the expansive space. The range’s built-in retractable exhaust fan meant there was no need for a bulky hood, opening the door for a bold light fixture that ties in with the room’s black accents.

A compact island replaces the original, two-level L-shaped one. Its wooden finish gives off a relaxed, casual air that’s nicely foiled by a stunning countertop cabinet. “It’s custom-designed glass and iron and a local blacksmith crafted it by hand,” says the owner. “I thought a traditional wood cabinet wouldn’t look as cool as this, and everyone who sees it for the first time says ‘Wow.’” The sofa borders a lounge area that works for entertaining and enjoying morning coffee. 

“All the light and windows make our kitchen a happy place. It has such leafy views and we often see deer walking by – it’s very peaceful.”

The living room’s original fireplace, which had a formal Victorian air and marble mantel, was given a rustic rejig with a floor-to-ceiling stone and mortar facade. Naturally shed antlers amp up the outdoorsy vibe. Wood furnishings counter the cool blue accessories with warm tones, and cushy sofas are contrasted with striking woven seagrass armchairs that the owners purchased on a trip to Kennebunk, Maine.

“I resisted strong colours that would compete with the view, but did add a bit of blue to the living room. It feels like a natural complement to the sky and the lake.”

The primary bedroom fea- tures an ingeniously designed divider wall. “We built it so we could place the bed in front of it and be closer to the room’s triple sliding glass doors, which showcase the beautiful view,” says the owner. To maximize an airy aesthetic, the wall doesn’t touch the ceiling and the space behind it acts as an open dressing area with built-in drawers and cabinets.

Custom oak-based wall niches take the place of bedside tables and are tucked beneath striking black sconces. The custom-made bed has a simple fabric base that helps to keep the focus on the framed artwork. A rug, with hints of blue, complements the bedding and creates a layered, cozy effect.

“We like to linger here, especially on sunny mornings when we slide open the doors to take in the fresh air and views. It’s so relaxing.” 

Skylights bathe the guest/ kids’ bathroom in natural light and set the tone for its bright appeal. The custom vanity has a handy lower shelf that is stocked with storage baskets and piles of towels for overnighters when they come to stay. The owner designed one large mirror to balance the scale of the vanity and chose clear pendants that wouldn’t compete with the reflection.

Old-world porcelain floor tiles in watery blue tones lend a cheery and casual touch to the utilitarian space. A soaker tub elevates the rustic wood elements and country look with sculptural sleekness, and the chair offers a perfect place for moms to sit while little ones bathe. 

“I wanted the guest bathroom to look great and really function – our three grandchildren can be in here all at once without any fuss.”

With knockout views to rolling fields, the front deck is the spot for sundowners and casual dinners. The owner chose a table with white legs that would be a bright contrast to the deck, and she followed suit with white chairs. “I also wanted really comfortable seating, but without cushions,” she says. “I like that I can leave these outside and just wipe them off if they get wet.”

An umbrella and simple teak-and-cotton pool loungers, without cushions, con- tinue the low-maintenance ease and layer in modern style. The nat- ural teak is in keeping with the leafy backdrop, which is comple- mented by a border of raised flower beds planted with hydran- geas. “They just need a trim in the fall,” says the owner. “The whole setting is very relaxed and we feel privileged and grateful to hang out here and just take in the beauty.”

The owner transformed a pass-through space beneath the second-floor deck into an attractive outdoor room that’s a hit with Charlie. “I wanted this spot to feel cozy,” she says. “It’s a shady retreat from the sun and we can still watch the grandchildren in the pool.” The woven wood-tone furniture has a natural presence, but it and the Muskoka chair are resin for no-fuss care. Weathered antique wooden paddles break up the expansive wall. 

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