A Quirky Ontario Cabin Gets a Lighter Touch

Eccentricity is what gives a space personality, while its history gives it a soul. Although the rooms in this Tiny Beaches, Ontario, log cabin were dark and a bit peculiar when interior decorator Enza Ricco took on their makeover, she treated the home’s spirit and eccentricities with reverence. “My client really appreciated that I loved the house for all of its personality,” she says. Here’s a look at how Ricco lightened up the space, keeping the rustic spirit alive while adding crisp, more contemporary touches and function.

The kitchen is in an addition built in 1986. “The work was done by a local gentleman who added lots of interesting quirks that presented some challenges,” Ricco says.

For instance, a structural post holding up a balcony in the middle of the kitchen is a big appliance door-blocker and dictated some of the layout. However, Ricco and the homeowner didn’t demolish this and certain other elements, as they are such a part of the home’s personality.

The homeowner already owned the table and chairs, and they’re a great fit for the eat-in space.

The other side of the reclaimed-beam structural post has an attached ladder leading to a trapdoor in the small balcony. The balcony is not used for much, but it’s one of the home’s beloved idiosyncrasies. Also beloved are the original remodeler’s initials carved into another section of the beam.

“Lighting was challenge No. 1,” says Ricco. “All she had were some track lights along the ceiling, and it was very dark in here.” To remedy the situation, Ricco added two Hundi Lanterns, task lighting and sconces.

The owner plans to live here for the rest of her life, so she wanted something soft underfoot. Ricco chose a cork floor in a warm, gray-brown hue.

The black Caesarstone countertops have flecks of brown, and the hardware is oil-rubbed bronze. White cabinets offer a crisp contrast.

Continue… A Quirky Ontario Cabin Gets a Lighter Touch

A Quirky Ontario Cabin Gets a Lighter Touch