Homes to Inspire | Cottage in Canada

Part One - The Guest Cottage

This home provides a weekend escape during the summer months for John and Juli Baker, owners of Mjölk, a Scandinavian and Japanese design store in Toronto. Situated on the shores of Lake Huron, on Georgian Bay, both the guest cottage which I'm sharing with you today, and the main cottage, have undergone a full renovation.

In John's words, the cottage was "musty, mouldy and stuck in the seventies". By bringing it back to its original state, with natural pine floors and simple, practical furniture, it now has a fresh, modern feel. I absolutely love the combination of Scandinavian and Japanese style seen throughout the home. When it comes to design, both cultures share strong similarities such as simple forms, clean lines, an emphasis on functionality, and the use of natural materials. 

The original brick fireplace has been plastered and painted white. Details like the iron hook and Japanese palm broom and dustpan break up the white and add interest. 

Bringing nature indoors, I love how the vintage Swedish sconces by Knut Hallgren look like little tree branches.  

Lovely Scandinavian and Japanese design pieces are displayed on a pair of Aalto shelves. 

The stunning dining set, designed in 1955 by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Artek is available at Mjölk. The trio of framed Swedish lithographs were a great find at at Toronto's Junction Flea, while the 1940's cocktail cabinet by Alvar Aalto was an online find.

John opened up the space by removing a drop ceiling. The blue and white dhurrie rug is by Eero Koivisto for Asplund, available at Mjölk.

I love the striped bedlinen from Marimekko. An Alvar Aalto stool makes a great little side table. 

The guest bedroom is furnished with two beautiful Alvar Aalto daybeds, to accommodate extra visitors during the holiday weekends. 

All details of the renovation, including a series of before and after pics can be seen on the Mjölk blog. 

If you were inspired by this delightful little cabin, keep an eye out for Part Two, where I'll show you the main cottage. 

All images via kitkadesigntoronto.com