A Toronto-based couple wanted a place to escape the hustle and bustle of their busy city lives. They chose to build a getaway retreat on scenic Lake Simcoe, located an hour north of the city.
It was important that the home have a cozy, welcoming feel while also providing a space that could accommodate and entertain guests, including the homeowners’ large extended families. Offering rustic good looks and unassuming charm, a log home fit the bill.
Upstairs, Downstairs
Because the couple entertains often, they decided it made sense for the home to have two kitchens – a personal kitchen situated on the main level and a second kitchen on the lower level for hosting friends and family. That way, visitors could congregate in the lower level, where they could enjoy the patio, pool and lake. It was also important that the kitchens feel like they were part of the nearby spaces, which was accomplished via an open floorplan.
Kevin Swart of Chervin Kitchen & Bath designed the kitchens. He selected vintage-style appliances from Elmira Stove Works for both kitchens, which served as the foundation for the kitchen design. The appliances not only bring character to the spaces but are also able to handle the demands of frequent social gatherings.
Ready for Action
In the lower level kitchen, a large three-tiered island offers ample space for preparing and serving food and libations when the couple’s families come together.
Cabinetry in a woodsy green complements the brick walls, quartz countertops and Northstar retro-inspired appliances in Buttercup Yellow. To avoid overpowering the appliances, Swart chose accents that would add just the right touch of flair – custom corbels (decorative supports) on the island, decorative nails on doors and drawers, and ‘X’ motif crown moulding and roping. A hammered copper farmhouse sink adds warmth and helps to tie together the different design components.
Take Two
The main-level kitchen evokes a more traditional Old World feeling. Soft blue cabinetry is topped once again by ‘X’ moulding, which is backlit around the entire perimeter of the kitchen for added ambiance. Antique copper hardware along with vintage pitchers and jars are accentuated by unexpected elements such as pull down window shades with a trompe l’oeil olive grove.
Elmira Stove Works antique appliances in Bisque provide a subtle contrast to the earthy wood tones in the kitchen and surrounding living area. The large French door refrigerator features Antique Copper trim and offers plenty of space to store food. Because the range is self-ventilating, there was no need for a traditional ventilation hood. Instead, Swart designed a custom shelving unit that enables the homeowners to showcase personal items
The Lake Simcoe cabin is a great example of how vintage appliances can be used to create distinctive looks that work with a range of design styles; and how a home owner, log home builder, kitchen design company and appliance retailer can collaborate on a unique and innovative project. The home was built by True North Log Homes. All appliances were sourced from and delivered by TA Appliances & Barbecues out of Mississauga.
Incorporate Elmira Stove Works appliances into your kitchen design renderings! Elmira Northstar and Antique appliances are catalogued on the 2020 Design 3D CAD cloud platform.