A chance encounter between a savvy owner, a bold architect, and an imaginative interior designer. The result: a country home overlooking the Brome Lake that has become a focal point for creativity. A beguiling transformation.
The first things to catch the owner’s eye were the exceptional lakeside location and breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. “The house was already there, though it did have some drawbacks,” explains interior designer Scott Yetman. “However, with the help of the architect and landscaper, it has become what it is today. It was a true collaborative effort with the owner, who knew exactly what she wanted and with whom we had worked on a previous project.”
Although the façade is still discreet, behind it lies a renovated space that also includes an addition. The two-storey home is built around the central living room, which one enters directly from the foyer. “In addition to preventing drafts, the black framed French doors offer a view directly into the house. The same contemporary frames are used on the windows.” Since it is a country house, the owner wanted a relaxed atmosphere. This led to the selection of comfortable furniture designed for the scale of this large home and a number of eclectic accent pieces, including some antiques chosen for their patina. The materials used—wooden wall boards, whitewashed oak parquet floors, sliding barn doors, and new beams for the living room ceiling—also add to the country vibe, as does the greyish-white wall colour. “This shade of white brings out the textures, volume, and geometry of the interior while also highlighting each individual object,” notes Yetman.
The owner loves to cook and entertain, so special attention was paid to the kitchen, a clever blend of Scandinavian and farmhouse style. The wooden ceiling slats, granite brick fireplace, and reading area with light blue armchair make the space feel warm. “The oversized central kitchen island is composed of two separate elements: one has storage and a metal countertop, while the other is a removable wood table,” explains the designer. The kitchen also features a very laid-back conversation area. “It’s my favourite spot in the house,” confesses Yetman, who was inspired by an armchair from the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris for the design of the sofa. The adjoining dining room, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, sets the scene for an aerial ballet of Noguchi ceiling lamps. The diaphanous window treatments only add to the fairy-like ambience.
Relaxation, creativity, and comfort are without doubt the recurring themes of this inviting home. Highlights include a reading corner with a comfy chair surrounded by beautifully pleated curtains and a TV room with an enormous sofa big enough for the whole family. The guest rooms are unpretentious, with decorative touches that subtly reference the fact that it is indeed a vacation home. And when one has had enough of the indoors, there is the long terrace along the back of the house with chairs, chaises longues, a swimming pool, and, of course, the spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.
Sofa, armchairs, custom daybed, lighting, and foyer light fixture, SYD.
Custom lacquered and maple cabinets, kitchen island, sofa and armchair, SYD;
ceiling lamp, Noguchi; carpet, Red Carpet & Rug; Grasshopper lamp, Gubi.
Saarinen chairs, Knoll Studio; table, ceiling lamps, Noguchi; window treatments: fabric by Kravet, creation by SYD.
Womb chair, Knoll Studio; carpet, Red Carpet & Rug; window treatments: fabric by Crescendo, creation by SYD; antique desk, Ruth Stalker Antiques.
Marble bathroom tiles, Ciot; vanity, Batimat.
Cover Photo: Antique sign, Ruth Stalker Antiques; painting, La Guilde; sisal rug, Red Carpet & Rug; light fixture, Visual Comfort; coffee table, SYD.
Photos Drew Hadley
