Identify Complementary Elements

Acknowledge the Historical Context

The exterior architecture and date of construction provide hints as to the historical context. Don’t get hung up on this but use it as a baseline. What would be common at the time the house was built? Can this historical context help to establish a thread of connection between the interior and exterior?

Example: Victorian house; use some salvaged Victorian furnishing (commonly available at antique markets for low prices). This doesn’t mean necessarily committing to a heritage style. 

Example at Steep Hill Cottage: The building was originally built using locally sourced materials, which we’re using throughout the new built wherever possible. To furnish the space we’re sourcing vintage items or crafting our own pieces to suit the needs, which will contributed to the storied nature of collected items over time.

Continuity of Materials

Select materials that complement exterior features and visible construction materials. This will provide a sense of connection between interior and exterior style. 

Example: If the exterior is brick, a brick fireplace would provide a sense of continuity. You might also take note of trim around exterior windows and doors and carry the same style inside. Even something as simple as matching colours from the exterior surroundings can provide a subtle connection.

Example at Steep Hill Cottage: There are two sets of flagstone steps leading up to entry doors and surrounding the front perimeter of the building. This is carried through on the Muskoka Room (enclosed porch) floor. The window trim profiles are the same inside and out. The texture of the exterior wood siding and soffit is carried through on the ceiling with the tongue and groove cladding.

Respect Scale and Ornamentation

Where original features (moulding, masonry, floors, plaster work, front door, wrought iron, etc.) can be identified and generally conform to functional and aesthetic desires, maintain them. These features, particularly in old houses, are very difficult to replicate. If they are in good shape or can be salvaged, it might be worth using these as anchor elements in your design. Quality and craftsmanship will enhance the application of any style reference. 

Examples at Steep Hill Cottage: We are maintaining the simple, utilitarian form of the building and gabled rooflines. We’re also using cedar bevel siding to clad the building, which will evoke a similar vintage effect to it’s original siding format.

Windows: We are using the same windows styles as the original, a double hung with a single grid to two lites on each. We’re also replacing the gable window at the front of the build a small

Doors: We’ve modelled interior doors after a door we found in the old cottage.

Colour: The original cottage exterior was a dark green and we are using a dark green stain on all the buildings.