Project Details
Project Name: Muskoka Cottage
Location: Lake Muskoka Ontario
Area: 6600 sf (615 m2)
Completion: 2022
Architecture & Interiors: Reigo & Bauer
Design Team: Merike Bauer, Stephen Bauer
Construction: Stockridge Construction
Millwork Fabrication: Renca + Heilimo Inc
Metal Fabrication: Filo Timo
Photography: Doublespace Photography
A Tribute to Timeless Architecture
Tucked away in the picturesque lake country of Ontario, the Muskoka Cottage stands as a testament to the region’s architectural heritage. This nearly 200-year-old gem, a scenic two-hour jaunt north of Toronto, is the brainchild of the design maestros at Reigo & Bauer. Known for their work that sings praises to historical charm, they were handed the baton to revive this waterside retreat while keeping its storied past alive.
A Fusion of Old and New
Reigo & Bauer, armed with the trust earned from prior collaborations, embarked on a journey to blend the cottage’s antique allure with a zest of contemporary flair. Imagine a 6,700-square-foot canvas, where each stroke of renovation by the studio is a deliberate dance of contrast and harmony. The traditional shingle-clad exterior whispers tales of yore, while the interiors buzz with a modernist’s bold vision. Their approach? A soft minimalism that respects the past yet boldly asserts the present.
Spaces Reimagined with a Modern Twist
Step inside and the narrative unfolds – a white storage unit and a blue bench greet you, an artful symphony against the original western red cedar. The kitchen transforms into a culinary stage where stainless steel meets rustic panels, creating a visual dialogue between eras. Bathrooms, adorned with steel-framed vanities and hexagon-tiled showers, echo the meticulous craftsmanship of a gallery.
Artistry in Every Corner
Reigo & Bauer’s design philosophy breathes life into every nook. Furniture isn’t just furniture; it’s a statement, a splash of color, a textural delight that infuses each room with personality. From the oversized lighting fixtures that guide you from space to space to the playful lamps that cast a warm glow, every element is a nod to the clients’ love for Pop Art and a wink to the whimsical.
Blurring Boundaries Between Indoors and Out
The transformation reaches its zenith in the back veranda. Once a simple screened area, now a luminous sanctuary, it gazes out to the tranquil waters, inviting nature to be part of the home narrative. Outfitted with resilient yet elegant outdoor pieces, it’s a space that celebrates both solitude and social gatherings. And then there’s the dock – not just a dock, but an entertainment hub that gracefully faces the elements with its powder-coated aluminum build.
The Reigo & Bauer Signature
The Muskoka Cottage by Reigo & Bauer stands not just as a renovated space, but as a narrative of time itself. It’s where every modern insertion doesn’t overshadow but instead highlights the beauty of the existing. It’s a dance of eras, a conversation between the old soul and the new spirit, choreographed by the visionary hands of Reigo & Bauer, leaving us with a space that’s not afraid to wear its history with pride while striding confidently into the future.
