When my sister invited me to their Caribou cabin, along with my Golden Retriever Forrest…well, how could I say no! The summer was so warm, and being at the lake seemed like such a luxury.

Before I show you my photos I’d like to talk about Design trends. You’ll see why later as you discover the beauty of this unpretentious cabin.

Minimalism vs Maximalism

We’ve been through a very Minimalism trend for at least seven years now. Of course, it’s a timeless Design Concept that’s been around for hundreds of years, but we have seen a resurgence towards Maximalism. If you’re a fan of maximalism, you’re in luck!

Here are the ‘Key Characteristics’ of Minimalist Design

• Less is more
• Focus on functionality
• Clean, simple lines
• Sculptural forms
• Lack of superfluous ornamentation and decoration
• Monochromatic, limited color palette, with color sometimes used as an accent to create a soothing environment
• Use of limited, well chosen materials, such as concrete, steel, glass and wood
• Everything has a place and a purpose
• Use of space and natural light
• Spotlight on craftsmanship
• Interior design that is airy and uncluttered, often with open-play layouts and seamless integrated storage

Like every trend…people get tired of it, people start to work from home and need different spaces, the world events change…and we start to look at our environments differently.

Here are the ‘Key Characteristics’ of Maximalist Design

• ‘More is more’
• Maximize Natural Light – a renewed focus on sleep pattern, focus & mood
• Nostalgia Infused – comfort and coziness
• Perfect imperfections – Think Wabi-Sabi
• Organic, handmade, and local
• Bringing the Outside in…Biophilic design. Nature inside and out. Honouring a natural local environment
• a Free flow movement in the room plan, but not in a minimalistic sense. but instead, greater distance between zones and improved traffic flow.
• Sustainable, recycled and ethical.
• More colour! Playful patterns, Diverse shapes

I’m sure you can tell the difference! Above Minimalism – Below Maximalism

Here’s a quote from a design and architecture blog that I follow. “Every trend inspires a countertrend. During the pandemic, if not before, it became clear that the presence of a multitude of cherished items can make our homes welcoming and lift our spirits. In this feel-good space there are no strict rules, but instead a colourful diversity provided by objects with personal stories attached.”

Let’s see where I was Vacationing and show you how gorgeous Maximalism Decorating can look.

The stunning Cariboo is situated between the Cariboo Mountains to the east, and reaches west across the Fraser River plateau to the Coast Mountains. I was at a Lake close to 100 Mile House, BC.

 

 

I had five glorious days in this pristine place.

Honestly, I don’t know who had more fun. Myself, Forrest or Monty the poodle. They played and played. Yes, lots of wet dogs! and tons of walks down the country lane, but so nice to be able to play ‘off leash’ and in and out of the water.

LETS LOOK AT THE COTTAGE!

The main floor

Many of the furniture pieces were from their North Vancouver home including this old coffee table that Kandys added wheels to. The shiplap walls and ceilings were a perfect unpretentious backdrop for all the artwork and collections you’re about to see. A wood-burning stove on the back wall takes the chill off those later Fall and Winter evenings

This old gas-filled blue iron belonged to my Mother when we lived in northern Saskatchewan. It was very ‘modern’ in the day! The wooden shoe blocks were a vintage find. There is a great recycling retailer in 100 Mile House called The Door Stop Trading Post. There is almost nothing you couldn’t find there. Everything from fabulous jewelry to vintage furniture, artwork and more. It was lots of fun to browse.

The flooring is LVT (Luxury Vinyl Plank), perfect for cleaning and hard-wearing for lots of outdoor traffic…puppies and people. I love what Kandys did to the doors in this hallway. Primary colours leading to the furnace room (blue), 2nd bedroom (red), Main bedroom (red) and washroom (yellow) Old family photos are hung on the wall and are so cute!

The bedroom image on the right has full windows and red velvety drapery. The porcelain lamps with new shades were in my Mom’s house for years and years, and I think that the very ‘Group of Seven’ painting was a find at the Trading Post. The red plaid comforter, furry cushions and the ‘Hudson’s Bay’ blanket pull this room totally together.

Before I take you to the loft, have a look at these vintage wooden birds on a recycled dresser, and my Dad’s old tools that Kandys has mounted into windowbox frames.

The open IKEA kitchen, though not large, is totally functional and everything you need to produce incredible meals by her husband Peter. There is a small island, and a dining table that can seat six guests. There are three crystal chandeliers suspended in the space. One came from my warehouse when I was doing a lot of display work, and the black ones came from Get Dressed Clothing Co in North Vancouver when they were changing out their decor. Again…all perfect and inexpensive finds!

LETS HEAD TO THE LOFT!

The loft accessed by a gorgeous Douglas Fir stairway and black wrought iron stanchions serves as an extra sitting room, or bedroom when guests arrive.

As a designer it’s really important to know what’s trending. Even a simple more personal post like this one makes me do research so I’m on top of what’s happening. That’s the best way to help you!

I hope you loved this ‘Maximalist’ post. It’s not about clutter at all. It’s about the editing.

I leave you with this gorgeous image of the lake. Slightly smoky from the fires, but so peaceful, calm and stunning! I especially thank my sister for allowing me to post photos of their ‘getaway’ home in the Caribou!