High fashion is a constant source of inspiration for abd, so it is always a pleasure for the studio to work with clients who share a similar reverence for fine tailoring. When invited to renovate a family lake house in Muskoka, Ontario, the desire was for a thoughtful blending of elegance with the casual ease of spending summers near the water.

While the exterior bones of the six-bedroom cottage have remained intact, interior structural walls were removed to enhance spatial flow and carve out quieter areas. Core features, such as the sash windows and majestic flagstone hearth—a hallmark of the Muskoka region—remained untouched. 

Ashley Botten focussed on infusing the communal areas and private spaces with a personalized expression, which required custom-designed furniture from room to room. Whether in fashion or interior design, tailoring is all about precious detailing and working with quality materials and makers. It also involves understanding how a room is used and navigated. 

Upon entering the front door, one of the first things your eye connects with is the curved sofa placed to take in the stunning lake view. Splendidly comfortable for seating up to six, the sofa is also rich in micro-detailing, particularly how the fabric is railroaded to wrap the back seamlessly.

The primary bedroom and ensuite embrace a more subdued mood, with walls painted in a textured sea salt hue and woven linen window coverings diffusing dappled light. The bed frame is tightly upholstered in wool suitingwith a millwork piece set away from the wall to allow for an alternate passageway to the ensuite bathroom. At every turn, abd has paid close attention to sensory experiences that enhance the sweet comforts of living easy. In the ensuite, the studio devised an extended metal towel rack with a resting tray for burning incense.