end of the cottage season
As the cool September air sets in, I thought I’d look back to the warmer days of summer and share a few images from this past August. Here are a few snapshots of cottage life. Quintessential Canadian cottage life:
wool blankets. pillows. quiet nooks to take a nap.
books. games. a large table for family dinners.
rainwear. memorabilia from summers past.
a wood burning fireplace for cool nights and cozy mornings.
trees. rocks. dappled sunshine. clear cool water.
This cottage was built by hand on Lake Clear in the ’70′s by the grandparents of my spouse. 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren later, the cottage is used all summer-long by everyone in the family. I have been lucky to visit every August for the past 8 years or so and I hope that our son will get to spend many summers there, as his Dad once did. This cottage has never been touched by a decorator or graced with any new furniture but I wouldn’t touch a thing. The hodge-podge collection of its contents are the result of decades or memories, laughter, and love. And that folks, is inspiration.
On a related topic, go out and pick up the October 2011 issue of Canadian House & Home to see the absolutely serene cottage of Suzanne Dimma. Though this it is a newly built cottage, infused with a good amount of cash and style, I do applaud the design approach taken by Suzanne and her architect husband. I am loving the limited use of colour, in favour of natural woods and a neutral palette. The large windows let in so much lovely northern Ontario light and provide the perfect backdrop for a family gathering (or wedding!). Oh and check out the gorgeous placement of this window – perfectly framing a rock face…
For most of us, cottage season is over but I am already looking forward to next summer! You?
(images: 1-5 me, 6-canadian house & home )
