
Back in 2017 Jo featured a home with knotty pine walls that has gotten lots of traffic ever since, and when I spotted the cottage of Barrie, ON based designer Ashley Montgomery I had to share another wonderful example of knotty pine done right. What was once her family’s horse stable (with stalls) outside of Toronto, then became storage, then was transformed into a cool “bunkie” or sorts that sleeps ten. The pine is original from when it was built in the 1950s, and was in such great condition it was simple cleaned and lacquered. She added in some flagstone on top of the concrete floors and with a colour scheme of black and white, it turned into a functional and modernized rustic space. Knotty pine at its finest.














“Once a community church, and later, a theatre, The Church, has been renovated into a 3 level contemporary home, while providing a sympathetic adaptation to a historic building. Heritage listed, the brick and sandstone façade is preserved to the public elevations. It’s legacy lives on to frame the progressive lifestyle of our clients.”
Long-term readers will know of our obsession with church conversions and this one is fabulous. Contemporary living within its historic shell. The Church, Woolwich, Sydney by Michiru Higginbotham in association with Arc Architects.



















Photography by Katherine Lu.

Studio Todd Raymond has crafted a modern yet rustic weekend retreat in the Hudson Valley. Featuring double-height spaces, massive barn beams and concrete floors, the design is both eclectic and cohesive. Beams delineate zones, while a neutral palette of creams, greys, and blacks enhances the aesthetic. This retreat epitomizes contemporary rustic charm.











Photography by Adrian Gaut.

Designer Saskia Blyth has transformed this two-bedroom penthouse in Notting Hill into an uplifting space with rustic charm. Located on Blenheim Crescent, the penthouse features cathedral-like proportions, vaulted ceilings, and low beams. Yellow-toned lime plaster and inky black walls create striking contrasts. A horseshoe-shaped reception room flows into interconnected rooms, while double-height windows illuminate the Boffi kitchen island. The dining area’s mottled walls reflect daylight, and an open fire adds warmth to the living room. Both tranquil bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and access to a private terrace with stunning views. For short let via Domus Nova.




















Nestled in an urban landscape, the Church Loft by Toronto-based NIVEK REMAS is a distinctive home within a repurposed historic church. It blends historic charm with modern comforts featuring a neutral palette that highlights wooden beams and a matte black four-story staircase. Open-concept living areas foster a spacious, inviting atmosphere while original church details, like ornate light fixtures and a fresco, enhance the loft’s character. The primary suite combines minimalist wood cabinetry with sleek stone finishes creating a serene retreat.













