In the quaint town of Lakefield, Ont., a shop owner celebrates the season in a subtle yet cozy way.
As a designer and furniture shop owner, Lisa Besseling admits that her house has been known to fall victim to experimentation. Operating Stony Lake Furniture Co. in her hometown of Lakefield, Ont., means she has ready access to the store’s comfortable and stylish furnishings and accessories. But after four years in the 2,800-square-foot house she shares with her husband, Marlon Hazlewood, and their dog, Owen, Lisa has finally settled on a look she loves. “It used to feel like everything in our home was for sale,” she says. “I once even sold a sofa from under Marlon!
After some extensive cosmetic upgrades to the space, the style Lisa has cultivated is a modern take on country with plenty of warmth. The spare, almost Scandinavian look forms a neutral backdrop perfect for Christmastime, when she likes to keep things simple with fresh greenery punctuated by hits of red. “To be honest, I wasn’t a big Christmas person before we owned this place, so I prefer a fairly minimal approach to holiday decorating,” she confesses. “But the tree keeps getting bigger every year.”
Photo Gallery
House tour: Simple seasonal decor
Featuring red
Pops of red (including the locally made red dock chair) in the otherwise crisp white entryway announce the holidays. The original banister is festooned with abundant natural greenery.
House tour: Simple seasonal decor
Featuring red
Pops of red (including the locally made red dock chair) in the otherwise crisp white entryway announce the holidays. The original banister is festooned with abundant natural greenery.
House tour: Simple seasonal decor
Bringing outside in
In this entryway vignette, found moose antlers and a pine wreath sit atop a vintage dresser and set the tone for the country Christmas vibe throughout.
House tour: Simple seasonal decor
Staying cozy and warm
The living room, with its wood-burning fireplace, is the perfect cozy spot for gathering in the winter. The spruce Christmas tree is courtesy of a friend who lives on a former tree farm.
House tour: Simple seasonal decor
Family friendly
Although the sunroom is the smallest space in the house, “It’s definitely our favourite,” says homeowner Lisa Besseling, pictured here with her husband, Marlon Hazlewood, and their dog, Owen.
House tour: Simple seasonal decor
Bright accents
Since the dining table is wooden with pinecones and green accents, these brightly coloured napkins add a seasonal touch to make the table inviting for a family dinner.
House tour: Simple seasonal decor
Simplistic cheer
In the guest room, an antique brass bed frame layered with plush patterned bedding makes a cozy retreat for holiday visitors. A few festive touches provide additional cheer.
House tour: Simple seasonal decor
Creative design
Lisa painted the sunroom’s original cinder-block wall white and had cushions and slipcovers made for a pair of plywood storage boxes, which now act as comfy benches to curl up on. The stump stools serve as side tables or extra seating.
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