A family's beloved four-season getaway borrows its sophisticated seaside vibe from Cape Cod.

Is that sand on the floor? Are those wet bathing suits on the sofas? Such questions are not welcome in this casually elegant 6,000-square-foot eight-bedroom cottage on Lake Simcoe in Barrie, Ont. “I love beautiful sofas and luxurious marble, but I don’t care if red wine or strawberry stains eventually end up on the surfaces,” says one of the owners of this four-season lakefront retreat, which she frequents with her husband, their four children and Havanese dog to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

To complement the classic cedar-shingled cottage, the couple envisioned a contemporary Cape Cod look and turned to designer Tara Fingold to execute it. To begin, Tara created a refined seaside-inspired envelope, selecting an off-white wall paint, pale-toned hardwood floors and sophisticated finishes, such as Carrara marble for the kitchen. She then layered the vast space with graphic patterns and easy-going textures in shades of white, grey and blue, which recall sandy beaches, sun-bleached driftwood and cloudy skies. The serene scheme is consistent from room to room, imbuing the entire cottage with a feeling of cohesiveness. “As soon as you walk into the home, it feels unified, airy and friendly,” says Tara.

Muskoka room
Lake views and a cozy vibe - blankets at the ready, a fireplace waiting to roar - make the Muskoka room a picture of tranquility and a favourite family hangout. The fireplace features the same stone used on the exterior of the cottage to create a connection between indoors and out. 

Gorgeous kitchen design
Designer Tara Fingold nixed upper cabinetry to keep the kitchen open and airy and put focus on the gorgeous Carrara marble backsplash and waterfall countertops. Quaint California shutters give the space a coastal flair. The slabs of Carrara marble cover many of the kitchen's surfaces and add interest to the all-white space.

A grand great room
Boasting an alluring half-moon clerestory window, the great room has generously sized sofas to fit the scale of the space. "We had them upholstered in a heavy-duty charcoal chenille," says Tara, "so, in additon to be extremely cozy, they're very easy to clean."

Graphic dining room
The drapes and dining chair backs feature graphic patterns in coordinating colours, which quietly animate the dining room. The lantern-style pendant light doesn't detract from the view of Lake Simcoe through the glass doors.