This project was deeply personal for Les Ensembliers: Argyll Farm, which includes a circa-1886 five-bedroom farmhouse, is just down the lane from their own country retreat, Humminghill Farm. Architecturally, the challenge was to keep the original charm of the farmhouse while reimagining it for modern family life. A large English roll-arm sofa dominates the L-shaped living room. The house has beautifully considered sight lines, and that includes the view from the main entrance. Even the space under the stairs is a design moment, with its vintage wooden bench, patterned pillows and intriguing wall art. An antique table is completed by a bright yellow cabinet and contemporary pendant. The kitchen has a serene atmosphere, and its custom warm oak cabinets and cream-colored backsplash tile envelop the space, while carefully curated open shelves flank the range. “There were two things we wanted to be able to do in the kitchen: to be comfy in sweatpants and to be able to host an elegant party, all without switching anything up,” says the client. “This space can do both things; it’s magic.”
Richard Ouelette and Maxime Vandal are a design duo I adore and their country house in West Bolton, Québec is such an inspiration for anyone with an old home and want to make a bit more contemporary. I am dying over each and every space. (I’m also dying for them to finish the completion of their new home on the property. It is bound to be EPIC. Side note: I just bought some of their maple syrup and vinegar – so good!)