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Lake Views Take Centre Stage In This Ottawa Valley Cottage
PHOTOGRAPHY PATRICK BILLER
House Tours
Lake Views Take Centre Stage In This Ottawa Valley Cottage
This cottage in the Ottawa Valley has a stylish presence that’s at one with its idyllic lakeside location.
When designing this new-build cottage, designer Candace Plotz was faced with an old dilemma: balancing the owners’ differing aesthetics. “The husband leans toward modernism, while the wife has an affinity for softer transitional styles,” says Candace. To craft a getaway that would resonate with them both, the designer found inspiration in the architecture of the 3,700-square-foot space and its natural setting. “Playing off the contemporary lines of the structure, I layered in warmth with soft furnishings and a colour palette inspired by the lakeside setting,” she says. It’s a winning equation that seamlessly marries the surrounding natural beauty of the outdoors to the elegant comfort within and, most importantly, pleases both husband and wife.
Easy Elegance
DESIGN, custom DINING CHAIRS, Candace Plotz Design. CHANDELIER, Visual Comfort. Custom TABLE, Woodcraft.ca.
The dining room’s neutral aesthetic keeps the view to the lake front and centre. Designer Candace Plotz opted for vinyl plank flooring throughout the cottage. “Given the sandy beach setting, it was crucial to have low-maintenance floors and these ones beautifully mimic elegant white oak,” she says. The dining table was custom-made to accommodate ample seating and, because of the open floor plan, Candace designed the chairs in the style of the kitchen stools. “My aim was to maintain consistency and foster a cohesive and harmonious continuity,” she says. The striking chandelier adds easy sophistication.
Fully connected
STOOLS, Candace Plotz Design. WALL PAINT (throughout), Simply White OC-117, Benjamin Moore. MILLWORK (throughout), Cedar Ridge Designs & Custom Cabinetry. FLOORING, Logs End. Dekton COUNTERTOPS, Cosentino. HARDWARE (throughout), Rejuvenation. APPLIANCES, Fisher & Paykel. FAUCET, Waterstone Faucets. GLASSWARE, Crate and Barrel. ESPRESSO MACHINE, Jura. ARTWORK, Homeful.
“I wanted the kitchen to feel less like a utilitarian space and more like a relaxed gathering spot for family and friends,” says Candace. The designer charged its clean-lined elements with nuanced accessories, including pendant lights that introduce gentle curves, a patterned runner that lends softness, and cane-backed stools that afford textured warmth. Fresh greenery subtly alludes to the views outside. Candace says, “The kitchen is tailored and artful with a touch of the unexpected.”
Pretty practical
While the kitchen packs an aesthetic punch, it’s no slouch when it comes to practicality. “The countertops and back- splash have the look of natural stone but they’re porcelain, so they’re easy to clean and resistant to abrasions and stains,” says Candace (shown here). For the black millwork, the designer selected a matte finish specially made to be impervious to fingerprints. The reflective lamp is a snazzy and unexpected contrast to the warm veining of the walls and a neat visual break amidst all the edges, including the custom range hood. A coffee and cocktail bar features custom floating shelves and lighting – it’s built in behind a door and can be hidden when not in use.
“Upon entering, you feel both a connection with nature and as though you’ve arrived at a grand destination with all the creature comforts.”
Space management
CHAIR, SECTIONAL, BURLED SIDE TABLE, Candace Plotz Design. COFFEE TABLE, Woodcraft.ca. ROUND SIDE TABLE, Crate and Barrel. FIREPLACE, Ortal. RUG, CUSHIONS, TABLE LAMP, FAUX TREE, Homeful.
“I custom-designed the coffee table to tuck in front of the sectional perfectly, then I finished it with a contemporary black stain to complement the window frames both here and in the kitchen, which is just around the corner,” says Candace. “Continuity is very important in an open-concept space.” The “artwork” above the fireplace is a Frame TV, and the chair is another custom piece. “It’s a lovely marriage of clean lines and tufted panels. I designed it to swivel, so it can easily be turned to enjoy the remarkable views.”
Tactile Triumph
Candace’s use of texture takes the living room’s design up a stylish notch. “While the colour palette remains neutral, it’s enriched with a variety of materials that add depth and character,” she says. “The sectional is wrapped in buttery leather, the natural wool rug is nubby and the burled-wood side table adds a touch of sophistication.” She designed the handrail that leads to the lower level. “It is one seamless piece and a true work of art.” A potted tree brings some outdoors in and, at over nine feet tall, enlivens the otherwise unused corner space.
“The living room is a multipurpose delight. It seamlessly transitions from an entertainment hub to a cozy spot for morning coffee or catching up on favourite TV shows. And the view is everything!”
A soft touch
BED, NIGHTSTANDS, BENCH, Candace Plotz Design. BEDDING, CUSHIONS, VASES, RUG, Homeful. SCONCE, Visual Comfort.
The primary bedroom’s textural finishes effectively create continuity with the rest of the cottage. “To establish cohesion, I chose a striking black accent wall as a unifying element here,” says Candace. “The addition of a wood-reeded wall serves as the ideal focal point and elevates the room’s overall design.” Sconces free up table space below and cast a lovely glow, while an upholstered headboard, linen bedding and block-printed pillows feel calm and restful.
Water therapy
TILES, Euro Tile & Stone (wall); Centura (floor). Silestone COUNTERTOP, Consentino. Victoria & Albert TUB, House of Rohl. PENDANT, Visual Comfort. PLUMBING FIXTURES, California Faucets. PLINTH, Wood Duck Manufacturing. RUG (in closet), STOOL, Homeful.
A freestanding limestone tub sets a spa- like tone in the primary ensuite. Candace positioned it to take in the views and create a relaxation effect that’s echoed in the tiles. “Black and white bathrooms can often feel cold, but not with this tile,” she says. “It adds so much warmth, and I’m drawn to the interplay of pattern and scale, which is the reason I extended it up the shower wall and juxtaposed it with narrow tiles on the adjacent walls.”
A custom marble bench makes a statement; the vanity’s reeded white oak front brings more warmth and texture. The bedroom’s walk-in closet follows suit with a mix of opaque custom millwork relieved by transparent reeded glass panels.
Welcome home
Quartz COUNTERTOP, BACKSPLASH, FLOATING SHELF, HanStone. OTTOMAN, Candace Plotz Design. COUNTER STOOLS, SECTIONAL, Urban Barn. PENDANTS, SCONCES, Visual Comfort. FAUCET, Riobel. ARTWORK, VASES, TRAY, RUG, Homeful. CUSHIONS, Tonic Living.
The owners love to entertain and wanted the whole lower level of the cottage to be a separate suite for overnight guests. Soft, upholstered furniture, including the island stools, give the space a casually comfortable look that’s sharpened by custom millwork. “Because this is an occasional-use kitchen, storage wasn’t the primary focus,” says Candace. “I added a floating ledge in the same material as the countertops and backsplash. It offers space for pretty details, such as leaning artwork, wall sconces and accessories. It also provides the perfect focal point within the open space.”
Sleep well
COUNTERTOP, HanStone. FAUCET, Rubinet. SINK, Kohler. TOILET, DXV. Custom SHOWER CURTAIN, Ottawa Drapery & Supplies. ARTWORK, MIRROR, Homeful.
“Luxury is key in a guest bedroom, which is why I incorporated sumptuous linen bedding here,” says Candace. “I introduced multiple patterns and textures to create a comfortable, layered look.” The attention to detail extends to the ensuite’s framed artwork and custom shower curtain.
Luxe details
DRESSER, Candace Plotz Design. BED, Candace & Basil. BEDDING, CUSHIONS, LAMP, VASES, Homeful. FRAME TV, Samsung.
Candace’s mandate for luxury in a guest bedroom is apparent in the dresser she designed. “It feels modern yet classic, and I accessorized the shade of taupe we used with bronze drawer pulls that are hand-wrapped in rattan.” Outside, the cottage’s glass railings keep the lake view unobstructed.
Clean design
LG WASHER, DRYER, Universal Appliances. RUNNER, Homeful.
The smart design and soothing palette of the laundry room bring beauty and order to everyday tasks. Says Candace, “Meticulously crafted floor-to-ceiling millwork provides ample space to keep everything organized. And for delicate items, a clothing bar was added for practicality and convenience.”
Beach day
VANITY MILLWORK, Cedar Ridge Designs & Custom Cabinetry. Dekton COUNTERTOP, Cosentino. SINK, Kohler. FAUCET, FIXTURES, Rubinet. SHOWER FLOOR AND WALL TILES, Euro Tile & Stone. SCONCES, MIRROR, ARTWORK, BENCH, Homeful.
The lower level features another bathroom, which is positioned close to the beach and serves as a change room and place to shower off sand. “I love to mix materials and finishes in bathrooms, which can sometimes read as sterile and cold with all the hard elements,” says Candace. “The brass sconces are a lovely way to add softness and warmth, and the rattan is the perfect cottage-vibe material.”
Rest zone
SAUNA, Sauna Specialist.
“This summer home incorporates all the technological bells and whistles, and features a showstopper spa with cedar sauna.”
The home spa features a seating area with a tiled floor that’s practical, along with comfy armchairs where the owners can relax and chat over a cup of tea. The palette and floating shelf echo the design of the principal rooms and create a finished effect.
Hot stuff
FLOOR TILE, Olympia Tile. SIDE TABLE, ARTWORK, VASES, Homeful. CHAIRS, Urban Barn.
“The indoor sauna is such a luxurious retreat,” says the designer. “It’s crafted from aromatic cedar and offers a delightful alternative to the adjacent hot tub [not shown]. It was designed keeping in mind the owners’ preference for both dry and wet heat and provides the ultimate relaxation experience.”
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