Ontario’s “cottage country” is a charming region known for its beautiful lakes, forests, and relaxed pace of life. For a retired couple craving a cottage as a special gathering place for their family, it’s the perfect locale. “For them, this cottage serves as a peaceful retreat from their busy lives—a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and spend meaningful time together,” says interior designer Hilary Ramsay. “With twelve grandchildren, it was especially important that the home feel welcoming, relaxed, and designed for hosting.”

This was a new-build cottage, and Hilary was involved from the earliest stages of the project. “I worked closely with the architect to develop a layout that would best support the clients’ lifestyle and their desire to host family and friends,” the designer shares. “My scope included selecting all hard finishes and designing the furnishings throughout, down to the artwork and accessories, ensuring a cohesive and thoughtfully layered home.”

The cottage called for clever design that would allow friends and family to comfortably visit. “Thoughtful sleeping arrangements and generous gathering spaces were key priorities, ensuring the cottage could easily accommodate the many guests who come to experience lake life with them,” Hilary explains. Equal care was given to the more public zones, from the kitchen, which serves as a central gathering point, to the basement TV room, where there is space for the children to spread out. 

 The lakeside location resulted in a few challenges. “Working as an interior designer on projects that are often located outside major urban centers introduces additional layers of coordination and planning,” Hilary explains. “With fewer local suppliers and resources available, scheduling must be carefully managed, and budgets thoughtfully considered. Transporting furniture, lighting, and custom pieces to more remote locations can also present logistical challenges, often requiring longer lead times and higher shipping costs. It is important that we are proactive in planning orders, coordinating deliveries, and ensuring that all elements arrive on site at the right time to keep the project moving forward smoothly.”

The project took around three years, but after years of planning and preparation, it was ready for the first family visit. “They settled in and didn’t want to leave, which is always the best compliment for a designer,” Hilary says with a smile.

Take a tour in the slideshow.