A masterful and respectful collaboration, Muskoka blends KWD’s vision and interiors with the craftsmanship and execution of Adam Magnus whom I hold in such high esteem. We have worked closely on a number of extraordinary projects along with Heath Blair of Plume Studio, whose stunning landscape design unites the interior with the exterior so effortlessly.
Capturing the essence of the sublime lakeside region of Muskoka in Canada, this home is enchanting and transportive. Relevant and timeless, Muskoka is at once surprising and familiar, and works equally as well as a weekender and a permanent home with its gutsy, confident, calm yet soothing aesthetic.
“I have always been enamoured by American architecture,” explains Kate. “Through my research into the various architectural styles I discovered, and was particularly drawn to, the Muskoka region of Canada. It is a breathtaking area that feels so familiar, and combines two of my loves – the countryside and water.”
The house designs that sit lakeside at Muskoka offer the perfect blend of beautifully crafted, highly detailed homes with an industrial edge. A serene and sophisticated coastal foundation is balanced with a more robust, masculine edge – so the relaxed yet refined aesthetic has a gutsy elegance.
Adds Kate, “Interestingly, the Mornington Peninsula perfectly reflects coast and country, which is one of the key reasons we love working on projects in this region. From the rolling hills and hinterland there’s a beautiful view across Port Phillip Bay which creates a feeling so reminiscent of Muskoka.”
Whilst this was the first home designed solely around a Muskoka design aesthetic, it carries all the hallmarks of a KWD home. Our ethos runs through every home we work on, however the aesthetic we envision differs based on the architecture, the surrounding landscape, the client and the climate. All of our design principles remain consistent regardless of the aesthetic, and this special project is peppered with the essence of Muskoka – rich navy, camels, terracottas and colours of the earth, integrating shades of blue that reflect a lakeside rather than the seaside.
The home feels beautiful and cocooning with textural layers and details throughout. The floor plan is spacious without feeling overwhelmingly large. When you move through the home there’s no reverberation, it feels acoustically treated. Each surface has been considered and lovingly installed, from the linen curtains to the textured carpet, so once you step into the home, it’s quiet.
Every single element, whilst individually dynamic and possibly polarising, came together seamlessly to create a layered story that just works. The Mystic Blue stone we featured on the kitchen splashback is so beautiful. And the graphic Blue Roma Quartzite makes such a strong statement whilst still blending in so perfectly with the ensuite design.
The kitchen is central to the main living space and creates a bridge between the primary suite and the family end of the home. It works as a place to connect for the family. The brief for this kitchen focused on the use of beautiful, natural materials to create a breathtaking statement – a sophisticated highlight and point of connection at the heart of the home. The longevity of the design and the finishes were important to maximise the functionality and practicality of the space. A seamless workflow with strategically designed storage solutions ensures the kitchen is not only an entertainer’s delight, it works smoothly and effectively for a large family. A separate pantry adds to the functionality and usability of the space.
KWD’s approach to kitchen design integrates the 4 C’s: Cooking, Cleaning, Consumables, and Connection. A well-designed kitchen embodies a fusion of intuitive functionality and scientific precision. Combined with aesthetic appeal, these space planning considerations elevate the kitchen into an area of seamless operation.
It is the sum of all the parts which make this kitchen feel so well resolved. From the feature lighting from The Montauk Lighting Co. to the Ilve Majestic Cooker and the Liebherr refrigeration, to the striking natural stone benchtops and splashback that contrasts with and complements the enormous yet perfectly formed island bench with built in cabinetry, this kitchen is designed for connection, for entertaining and for joyful living.
“My favourite space would be the primary suite,” says Kate. “I love the light that filters through, it is so soft and beautiful. The space feels like a warm hug. It’s so private and cocooning. It’s a complete departure from the rest of the home, not just by where is located on the floor plan, but also in terms of the colouring and tone. From the bedroom there is a sight line through the ensuite bathroom, through to the pool and alfresco area and all the way to the rear part of the house, so there is a wonderful separation yet connection.
I’m so proud of the result of the combined effort – of the partnerships, and of the team who executed every detail. There’s no single hero. From the care that was taken with the polished plaster to the erection of the letterbox to the hanging of the artwork – it takes a village to create our projects. To be able to design the home with complete freedom, have a builder execute it to perfection, and have the landscape design that complements every element of the home, that is a beautiful ending to a wonderful journey.
Interior Design: KWD
Builder: Magnus Construction
Building Design: Rod Hannah
Landscape Designer: Plume Studio
Joinery: DMA Kitchens
Photography: Stephanie Rooney
Styling: Belle Hemming