Tranquil Cabin with Organic Influences

After being vacant for almost two decades, Ashley Montgomery Design has significantly renovated the property to create her own tranquil cabin, transforming the space into a cosy and welcoming retreat layered with luxurious finishes and textures to create a home that evokes a feeling of complete comfort.

“The cabin was a love at first sight moment. I was going through a transition in my own life and felt like the cabin was a perfect place for a fresh start; located in my hometown of Oro-Medonte, just north of Toronto, it sits on a quiet tree-lined street across from Lake Simcoe,” shares Ashley.

Honouring the original features of the property, Ashley’s kitchen design beautifully balances traditional and modern elements - a design direction that is carried throughout. The choice of seating complements wooden beams, a marble island counter is paired with an Aga, and sculptural objects dress the shelving in a thoughtfully curated assortment of old and new.

Painted cabinets in ‘Pantalon’ by Farrow & Ball add an atmospheric and earthy feel to the kitchen, whilst setting the scene for subtle farmhouse touches.

Creating contrast to the dark green tones, butter yellow accents add a radiant feel, beautifully mirrored by brass fixtures and fittings.

In the cabin’s utility room, muted mocha brown panelling and aged brass accessories bring a rustic quality to the design. Classic hooks dress the walls, with everyday items displayed for an authentic, understated influence.

Quietly decadent, Ashley’s cabin bathroom evokes a feeling of indulgence and calm. A rich olive hue achieves earthy appeal, a nod to the surroundings, whilst details like decorative cabinet vents and a free-standing bath bring effortless boutique-inspired character to the interior.

On undertaking a complete home renovation, Ashley advises, “Trust your gut. If you love it and it feels good to you, that’s what you should do. Sure, there are rules and guidelines you should follow when it comes to design, but colouring outside the lines creates the most magical spaces.”

From the hallway to the living room and beyond, every space is brimming with character that feels unique to the room, whilst ensuring fluidity to the overall design.

Ashley notes, “With the cabin constructed from hand-hewn logs, a lot of design choices were already dictated, but I wanted to balance out the 'country' feel with clean lines and a fresh aesthetic. I wanted there to be a bit of juxtaposition with the finishes without losing the soul that the cabin has. I was able to do this with lighting, hardware, and material selections throughout.”

Opting for brass details throughout the cabin, Ashley shares, “I wanted to bring a little glimmer into the space. The pop of brass works so well with the aged wood and the neutral colour tones throughout the space. While the Armac Martin hardware is in a polished brass finish, the style of the hardware pays homage to the historic feel of the home.”

To discover more of Ashley’s interiors, follow @ashleymontgomerydesign on Instagram.