Inspired by high fashion’s attention to detail and fine tailoring, Ashley Botten Design (abd) takes pride in collaborating closely with clients who share a similar reverence for meticulous craftsmanship. This shared vision is beautifully realised in the renovation of a family lake house in Muskoka, Ontario, where abd seamlessly blends refined elegance with the casual ease of spending summers near the water. Tasked with updating the six-bedroom cottage, the studio’s approach honours both the home’s natural surroundings and its architectural heritage, creating a harmonious retreat that exudes quiet sophistication.
While the exterior bones of the cottage have remained intact, abd reimagined the interiors by removing select structural walls, enhancing the flow between spaces and carving out quieter, more intimate areas. Core features, such as the classic sash windows and the majestic flagstone hearth—a hallmark of the Muskoka region—were preserved. The studio’s distinctive touch is evident throughout, with custom-designed furniture thoughtfully tailored to each room, offering a personalised expression of the home’s unique character.
Ashley Botten Design excels in creating experiential interiors that resonate on a sensory level, and this project was no exception. The studio’s modern sophistication shines through in their meticulous attention to detail and calming sense of balance and proportion—principles that echo their broader design philosophy.
Upon entering the cottage, guests are greeted by a striking curved sofa that draws the eye toward the stunning lake views. Designed to comfortably seat up to six, the sofa is rich in micro-detailing, such as seamlessly railroaded fabric that wraps around the back without visible seams. This careful craftsmanship creates a subtle yet powerful visual impact, allowing the sofa’s expansive contour to flow uninterrupted.
Nearby, a custom curved bench in white oak hugs the sofa, transforming previously unusable space into a functional area for a small sculpture or a seat to remove shoes. The area is anchored by a sculpted carpet with three-dimensional patterns that cast blush shadows, creating moments of quiet luxury.
On the ground level, a bold interplay of materials creates a sense of dynamism. Wide-plank Douglas fir flooring contrasts with the straight-grained larch that encases the half-turn staircase, leading up to a catwalk hallway. The kitchen cabinetry, also in larch, pairs beautifully with slabs of honed charcoal bedrock on the countertops, backsplash, and range hood. This rich palette is further enhanced with an open aluminum shelf for displaying dishware and an island kitchen surrounded by nubuck leather counter stools.
The primary bedroom and ensuite adopt a softer, more subdued tone, with walls painted in a textured sea salt hue and woven linen window coverings that diffuse dappled light. The bed frame, tightly upholstered in wool suiting, along with strategically placed millwork, offers an alternative passageway to the ensuite, enhancing the room’s functionality and flow.
Throughout the house, abd’s attention to sensory experiences elevates everyday living. In the ensuite, the studio designed an extended metal towel rack that doubles as a resting tray for burning incense, infusing the space with a serene ambiance. Privacy is thoughtfully considered with glass pocket doors in the bar lounge to buffer television noise, while an upholstered pod near the living room serves as a cosy nook for children.
Ashley Botten and her team at abd are known for their curated approach, where every detail is intentional and fits naturally within the dimensions of a room. From the selection of nuanced materials to the positioning of furniture, abd’s work reflects a deeply refined appreciation of quality and artistry. This family retreat, with its timeless style and careful attention to refinement, is designed to evolve beautifully with use and memories, becoming a layered and beloved home for generations.
Credits
Design: Ashley Botten Design
Builder: Tamarack North
Photography: Patrick Biller
