Text by Bethany Adams
Designer Ashley Montgomery knew exactly what to do when it came to cozying up this new build in Ontario, Canada. “We took it from a builder basic space and really elevated it,” says the owner of Ashley Montgomery Design, pointing out the sleek shiplap and faux beams she and her team used to establish a neutral, undeniably warm backdrop. But it’s the moodier turns the design takes—as well as endless standout details—that really make this winter getaway alluring.
“We really wanted to push the limits on this one and add a lot of details and special moments for the space,” Ashley says. It was especially important for the project to have added cozy ambience, since the homeowners use it during trips to the small ski village it’s located in. Woven baskets, a vintage rug, and furniture featuring honeyed wood surfaces introduced layers of warmth to the living room, where mixed and matched pillows in subtle patterns and natural tones encourage the homeowners to curl up and appreciate the mountain vista.
But the view inside is nearly as attention-grabbing, with a moody black kitchen that stands out as a focal point and a grounding element for the home. “Because it’s such a small space, we wanted it to have a big impact without it getting too busy,” says Ashley. With that in mind, she topped both the island and perimeter countertops with a classic Carrara marble, even continuing the material up the backsplash to keep things simple. Balancing the cabinets’ deep hue, she paired them with an open shelving element that incorporates corbels for an added detail and accessorized with leather McGee & Co. barstools and rustic wooden touches.
The warmth flows from ceiling to floor in the bedroom, where faux wooden beams and quilted bedding catch the light, creating an inviting oasis for the homeowners. “We wanted to make sure that we had dual lighting in here, so they could have a little bit more ambient lighting, as well as the sconces for reading,” Ashley says. As in the living room, layered materials and textured linens in subdued tones make relaxing after a day on the slopes a breeze.
And while the bedroom itself is awash in calming hues, the bathrooms reiterate the drama Ashley and her team injected into the kitchen, with a primary bathroom that features a statement countertop made from the same Carrara marble.
In addition, the powder room vanity sports a moody finish of Studio Green by Farrow and Ball. “It’s a really deep green, which is quite beautiful,” Ashley says.
From focal points like the kitchen to the smallest details like the window casings and baseboards—which were painted a bit darker than the walls in what Ashley calls a “reverse two-tone”—every detail in the home stands out. For a space that started out with nothing to make it special, it’s an upgrade that’s sure to make every winter that much more welcoming.
