Bunkie Bliss

Today we go to Muskoka.

The Red Zone = Muskoka

A legendary lake with a rich and fascinating history, it’s comprised of three big lakes (Muskoka, Rosseau & Joe which join via a set of locks) with Lake of Bays to the NE and smaller ones all around.

Lake Muskoka

It’s been called Malibu of the North and more recently the equivalent of the Hamptons but either way their are some signature Muskoka building staples and one of them is a bunkie.  These 108 st feet buildings (any bigger and you’ll need a building permit) are commonly used for storage but more often than not sleeping.

Bunkie = Small Cabin

It’s Muskoka’s version of camping, probably better referred to as glamping.  All the amenities are a stones throw away in the main cottage but you are generally without bathroom, and often electricity!

Stairs are the Bunkie; Other Building the Cottage

Two summer’s ago our founder, Kelly, was tasked with building a bunkie at her family cottage there.  Custom designed and built it was her first foray into from the ground up.

From the Ground Up – In Progress

Despite the island nuisance of having to barge materials over to the site and having to pick up and drop off the building crew twice daily for what seemed like the entire summer (it’s all in the details!), this fabulous space ensued!

Club F Bunkie – Benjamin Moore Dragons Breath Was the Perfect Addition

With the building done, it was time to furnish … except then the weather turned and everyone moved into the cottage, then cottage season ended and when we returned in Spring of 2014 a bed was put in but life trumped all, in this case due to an onsite wedding, and the bunkie remained relatively unchanged (can you relate?!)

Summer 2015

With summer 2015 well underway decorating the bunkie is back on the top of the cottage priority list and we find ourselves constantly telling clients decor finishes a space, so this Makeover Monday we’re going to prove it to you by showing you what a difference decor can make.  Here’s what it looks like from the outside.

View From the Side

Recall tiny building … rule of thumb: all white.

Benjamin Moore Dragons Breath Outside & Bright White Inside

We should note however that some contrast makes for a much better palette and while Kelly and her brother (who stays in it) debated the traditional nautical blues, or a more design-like abstract version of it, in the end it all came back to neutrals.

To appreciate the finished product take stock of its current decor features:

On the upside additional lighting will NOT be required! There’s an oversized black modern Kichler fan for those hot summer nights (should they ever decide to return) amongst a number of Eurofase pot lights on dimmers overhead.

Looking Up: The Well Lit & Fanned Ceiling

The lights on the outside are beyond practical for locating your bed after guests have enjoyed a few cocktails.

Side Door Lighting

In Case of Fire Everyone Has Their Own Lit Door Out!

On the porch, a rope chandelier (again on a dimmer) adds the absolutely perfect nautical type touch.

The Rope Chandelier Lights Up the Porch By Night

White panel drapery blows in the breeze over the french double doors that open to the covered porch.

White Panel Drapes From the Double Doors to the Porch

Lying in bed and look out at the forest – and there’s a built in bench so you can tuck your weekend bag underneath and two people can still maneuver around the space.

The View from Bed With Built In Bench & Storage Ability Below

There’s a queen bed with white sheets, pillows and duvets.

A Queen Size Bed in All White With Smaller Window Above For Great Air Circulation/Light

There are 3 white anchor wall hooks to hang items (storage is key!)

The White on White Anchor Hooks Provide Amazing Storage But Disappear When Not In Use

We recently added a cushy Safavieh sisal rug to not only anchor the space but tame the inadvertently transported ground covering that gets free rides back and forth from the cottage to the bunkie (haven’t quite got around to building the path yet either!)

The Sisal Rug

Storage is at a premium in this space so the wish list goes like this:

• Night Tables (with drawers)
• Baskets (under the bench for sundry items)
• Bench Cushion with Throw Pillows (always nice to have a place to sit down other than the bed)
• Drapery Over the Larger of the Two Other Windows
• A Headboard
• Wall Decor
• Cool Decor for the Peak
• Outdoor Rug for the Porch
• Furniture on the Porch

Check back end of July for the full reveal (we hope!)