The home: This charming Georgian cottage was built in 1942 by Commander Barry German for his widowed daughter-in-law and carefully restored and modernized two years ago by interior decorator and stager Nancy Carr and her English-born husband, James Carr.
There is a gentle cottage feel to the Rockcliffe Park home, starting from the front window boxes stuffed with ivy to the kitchen with its white ceramic farmer’s sink and cherry red Aga stove. An oversized black iron light fixture suspended over the kitchen’s square island adds to the charm.
Gleaming antiques sit in quiet niches and corners throughout, while the modest sunroom is a favourite spot for a cup of tea and a good book. Upstairs, Carr remained true to the home’s classic cottage lineage, while creating a clean white bathroom, with loads of shelves and cupboards to stash linens.
Red roses and pine cones are a unifying theme in the arrangements.
The stylist: Lynette Deir-Mullen, Stoneblossom Floral Gallery
The theme: Shabby chic meets tradition
Key features: At least 100 single deep red rose buds in simple glass containers on window sills in the kitchen or on an antique dresser in the master bedroom add a pop of colour.
Deir-Mullen also went big, dramatic and edgy with tall glass vases filled with yellow and red roses, winter greens, pine cones, wooden twigs and hydrangeas in the kitchen and dining room.
And she created a mini sculpture of yellow roses on a twig trellis in the living room that quietly spells out country and cottage living.
A mini sculpture of yellow roses on a twig trellis in the living room quietly spells out country and cottage living.
Quotable: “I wanted to mix three distinct styles: shabby chic, traditional and a little bit of modern for colour,” says Deir-Mullen.
Bringing it home
Red carnations set into simple glass containers are both modern and traditional.
A low white leather bench in the master ensuite cried out for a hit of colour and Lynette Deir-Mullen obliged. The florist opted for massive red carnations set into simple glass containers because they were both modern and traditional at the same time.
Add white lanterns (available at Stoneblossom) for a romantic edge.
“It is simple, yet dramatic. Perfect for the holidays.”
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