The Simple Life:132 pages of creating a happy home without the fuss

Choices matter more than ever in cottage-style kitchens. Whether you’re optimizing space, keeping to budget or adding entertaining essentials, this kitchen shows how compromise, creativity and collaboration get the job done.

When the owners of this 1850s stone cottage in Creemore,

a farmbased community about two hours north of Toronto, decided to update their kitchen, their goal was two-fold: to create a functional fit while also honoring the original period elements and heritage images in the home.

“They sit down together for every meal,” says Meghan Carter, owner of Meghan Carter Design. “So we thought, let’s make it comfortable for the entire family.” Meghan and her team believe that interiors should tell the homeowners’ story and fit with their lifestyle.

CUSTOM CHOICES

The island was designed about two or three inches higher than the perimeter structures, in order to suit the tall family. “It’s subtle, but it also creates better separation between the dining room and kitchen,” Meghan adds.

Meghan also opted for Caesarstone for the countertops, a modern product with an Old World-friendly look. Caesarstone, made of up to 93 percent quartz, is perfect for surfaces that require longevity. Quartz is one of nature’s strongest minerals; it’s resistant to stains, cracks, scratches and impervious to temperature extremes and household chemicals too.

The cabinet profile reflects

the traditional trim, while the gray cabinets and flooring bring out the natural, earthy tones

in the fireplace.

In terms of the aesthetic, “we wanted to embrace the trim around the windows, the old stone fireplace,” Meghan says. “But we used soft, gray tones … White felt too stark.”The cabinet profile reflects the traditional trim, while the gray cabinets and flooring bring out the natural, earthy tones in the fireplace. As for the Alpine Mist countertops, “we wanted them to look like stone, but soft and warm. We didn’t use marble because it’s not practical, and the Caesarstone brings the beauty of a natural look,” says Meghan.

To top it off, the family introduced hints of “true country living” that reflect their surroundings with their furniture choices and collection of antiques. A beautiful juxtaposition is created between the modern geometric pattern of the rug and the vintage art above the fireplace. Brass candlesticks under a sleek contemporary chandelier add interest and fun. Old meets new in the best way!

Great design, for Meghan, is achieved through the balance of imagination and function. Her thoughtful process with each client produces meticulously curated interiors that both reflect clients’ personalities and enrich their lives.

A CLEAR VIEW. This chandelier is just as intentional as it is stylish: The see-through glass shades create an open atmosphere and don’t block the view of the painting above the fireplace. Canadian summer can also get buggy, but with this light fixture, flies can’t get stuck in the basin and detract from the décor.

|TOP| SET INTENTIONS. The homeowners chose Caesarstone for its lowmaintenance, scratch- and stain-resistant qualities. Another intentional choice was that the sink is extra deep, so the family can enjoy their meals without a view of dirty dishes.

|BOTTOM RIGHT| CHARACTER PIECES. A vintage bird cage, a collection of animal figurines and a stack of old books add subtle charm atop the hutch. Most of the furniture comes from thrift stores or as hand-me-downs, including this wooden hutch. It also happens to be where the family hides their microwave.