Happy Holidays From The Lake!
Nothing says curated, more than Christmas. From colour coordinated tree décor to the perfect wrapping paper scheme, to lavish table settings with all the right details. At Home by Tim + Chris we believe that your own creativity and last-minute decisions are often the best ones and not everything has to be “curated.” Through our many build and design experiences with our Kawartha clients, we know that lake life requires a certain lifestyle, and also because we live it too. Living year round on the lake brings a casual and comfortable feel to our weekends. Holidays in our home, tend towards the “uncurated” with a relaxed and ready for anything approach.
Christmas on the lake in the Kawarthas comes with the first feel of December winds and pristine blankets of snow that we all hope for! Being able to take in the insulating, cozy feeling of snow covered everything, paired with the warmth of the holiday spirit, is where Christmas magic takes flight in the natural wonder of what we call the Kawartha Lakes.
When designing for our Kawartha clients, we consider the many outdoor activities driving the winter months on our various lakes. From skating on the lake to hosting bonfires for friends and family, our homes and cottages need to be resilient and functional for how we enjoy the natural beauty of our region. From cozy communal areas to thoughtful guest rooms, we help our clients design for how they use their homes and cottages. Through our design we tell stories, stories of returning after a day of snowshoeing and hiking, to snuggle under warm blankets and curling up with a hot chocolate. From sauna infused afternoons to receiving friends for the holidays, our design stories create balance between nature and our inside spaces.
Ideas and inspiration for your own Christmas at the lake design story:
That Holiday Feeling
Setting the mood and building ambience is what Christmas at the lake is all about. Layering in plaid throws, wool blankets and cozy pillows both inside and out, creates that indoor outdoor feeling that life on the lake imbues. Whether around the campfire or the hearth, casual means comfort and finding that through layers of textiles and accents means you can create your own rustic lodge.
Sense the Season
Nothing says seasonal cheer like the many holiday scents we suggest layering into your rooms. Scents like pine and balsam evoke memories and nostalgia. From natural boughs and wreaths to candles and diffusers, scent is a big part of setting the holiday atmosphere. Using wood and pine cones to decorate, bring an earthiness and woodsy flair to your room that help lift and maximize scent.
Lakeside Activity
Enjoying everything our area has to offer is part of the natural beauty that living in the Kawarthas presents! Our own backyards boast everything from home-made ice rinks to the age-old tradition of outside bonfires. Campfire décor can include anything from a hot chocolate bar to outdoor games. Sweeping lake views create elevated experiences and an outdoor fire is another way to gather and create holiday memories.
As the holidays approach, tell your own lakeside design story! The “uncurated” Christmas leaves room for unexpected guests, encourages an open mind and invites a more relaxed holiday spirit into our lakeside homes and cottages. So, if you end up using a paddle as a hockey stick on the lake rink, or not serving turkey, or foraging day of, for centrepieces and décor, it’s the art of the beautifully imperfect and “uncurated”Christmas you have mastered!
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Tim + Chris
