Houzz Tour: A Minimalist and Mono Lake House Canada - spare and elegant are not equal cold and austere. Although the family wanted a monochromatic, minimalist aesthetic to their vacation home on Lake Simcoe in Canada, they also wanted comfort. Interior designer Shirley Meisels paid particular attention to textural contrast and color, add warmth and interest to the uncluttered space in subtle ways. To fulfill the desire to make their vacation home as "super simple owners" and hassle free as possible, she emphasized the extensive lake views, made the most of natural light and create a harmonious balance between gallons of white paint and darker accents.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here A couple and their three (soon four) children
Location Lake Simcoe, north of Toronto, Canada
Size 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
interior designer Shirley Meisels
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here A couple and their three (soon four) children
Location Lake Simcoe, north of Toronto, Canada
Size 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
interior designer Shirley Meisels
Stephani Buchman Photography
Shirley joined the project on time, the family received their first set of architectural plans. His marching orders: "They wanted something spare and uncluttered, not having to worry about cleaning," she said. In addition, the house can withstand the abuse; she carefully selected kid-friendly and sustainable materials and surfaces.
The front door opens into a hallway with great views across the hall and on the lake. A console table creates a landing zone and the mirror reflects the view of the lake and natural light.
Table, Strut by Blu Dot. Mirror, Restoration Hardware.
The front door opens into a hallway with great views across the hall and on the lake. A console table creates a landing zone and the mirror reflects the view of the lake and natural light.
Table, Strut by Blu Dot. Mirror, Restoration Hardware.
Shirley Meisels
the kitchen, dining room and family room are all contained in a large open space. The windows one and a half floors have led many of the design; Shirley did not impede or distract stunning views of the lake. To improve the clarity and light, she opted for all white walls and light oak floor. Oak continues the kitchen wall on the cabinets, making the transition seamless.
"We wanted to create functional spaces that are comfortable for the whole family to be together," says Shirley. A wool rug defines the family "room"; a dining table creates a buffer between this area and the kitchen.
Browse ideas for the open plan living
"We wanted to create functional spaces that are comfortable for the whole family to be together," says Shirley. A wool rug defines the family "room"; a dining table creates a buffer between this area and the kitchen.
Browse ideas for the open plan living
Shirley Meisels
the same Caesarstone is used on worktops and splashback, also to keep the smooth look. The owners wanted one wall of cabinets. "Open shelves are born of necessity, says the designer. "They wanted an easy place for children to capture and store their cups and plates." As a bonus, the objects on the shelves add visual interest.
To temper the sleekness, Shirley introduced in contrasting color, a variety of textures and striking silhouettes. "Even if everything is clean and simple, I wanted to take slightly with imperfect elements, such as rough wood, pottery and hammered steel, she said. "The chalet itself is quite smooth; if everything was clean and monotonous, it would feel very sterile. "
One of the biggest 'manhandled' elements it adds is the dining room table. "The contrast of black crushed using space and balance the other half of the room, she said. The curved silhouettes chairs Vitra Panton throw some curves in all modern and straight lines.
Table Restoration Hardware.
Be inspired by the monochromatic schemes
To temper the sleekness, Shirley introduced in contrasting color, a variety of textures and striking silhouettes. "Even if everything is clean and simple, I wanted to take slightly with imperfect elements, such as rough wood, pottery and hammered steel, she said. "The chalet itself is quite smooth; if everything was clean and monotonous, it would feel very sterile. "
One of the biggest 'manhandled' elements it adds is the dining room table. "The contrast of black crushed using space and balance the other half of the room, she said. The curved silhouettes chairs Vitra Panton throw some curves in all modern and straight lines.
Table Restoration Hardware.
Be inspired by the monochromatic schemes
Stephani Buchman Photography
Shirley Meisels
family members come to the lake to spend the majority of their time to enjoy the outdoors, so they should not keep things here. They have a comfortable place for the collection of watching TV in the family room. A large deep sofa, two large upholstered ottomans and two chairs provide comfortable seating Paulistano. A custom lacquered cabinet provides storage for toys and books.
Shirley picked up a fabric stain resistant to the couch and washable leather couches and chairs. Details such as wooden tables and nesting metal and wooden bedside table bring a certain roughness and texture. "I wanted to layer in some natural elements, she said. "The wooden side table also contributes to equality in caramel leather chairs on the Paulistano. 'Throw pillows and blankets add more sweetness. black leather ottomans and other dark accents balance things with contrast, while pieces of pottery add interesting silhouettes.
sofa and ottomans, personalized via Shirley Meisels. Carpet Restoration Hardware. Nesting tables, West Elm. B lack pitcher, Stefania Vasquez for Diamantini & Domeniconi
Shirley picked up a fabric stain resistant to the couch and washable leather couches and chairs. Details such as wooden tables and nesting metal and wooden bedside table bring a certain roughness and texture. "I wanted to layer in some natural elements, she said. "The wooden side table also contributes to equality in caramel leather chairs on the Paulistano. 'Throw pillows and blankets add more sweetness. black leather ottomans and other dark accents balance things with contrast, while pieces of pottery add interesting silhouettes.
sofa and ottomans, personalized via Shirley Meisels. Carpet Restoration Hardware. Nesting tables, West Elm. B lack pitcher, Stefania Vasquez for Diamantini & Domeniconi
Shirley Meisels
In the master bedroom, Shirley continued its draft strategy to the simple white space. 'The use of textures really help warm things in a light room, "she said. The bed is padded carpet adds softness stuffed feet, and mango wood bedside table adds an industrial feel uncouth. "The combination of textures makes it super comfortable room, she said.
Shirley Meisels
imperfect Pottery forms helps keep things from feeling too smooth and straight.
House nightstand, West Elm. Pottery, Target. Table lamp, Restoration Hardware.
House nightstand, West Elm. Pottery, Target. Table lamp, Restoration Hardware.
Shirley Meisels
in the master bathroom, Shirley used the same oak that she used in the kitchen on the furniture and even Caesarstone countertop. The floor frame and a dark mirror provide contrast. The floor tiles are porcelain plates as boards Shirley laid in a herringbone pattern. She clever ways to keep things from getting boring.
Stephani Buchman Photography
Huge 24in by 48in porcelain tiles that look like marble covering the walls of the bathroom. Paired with clear glass, they create a smooth transition in the shower. A slightly inclined floor directs the water in a long, straight drain.
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Tell us ...
What do you think of this house? Share your thoughts in the comments below.