The redesign of this lakefront kitchen began with a clear intention: To create a warm, functional and effortlessly elegant space shaped by the shimmering horizon just beyond the windows. From the outset, Olivia Botrie of Dart Studio understood the emotional atmosphere the homeowners were after. “Our clients hoped for an interior that carried a sense of ease,” Botrie explains. “They wanted a space that felt inviting and lived-in, without sacrificing sophistication or design integrity.”
The lake informed every choice. Its calm, expansive presence guided sightlines, seating placement and the materials chosen to support the architecture. As Botrie notes, “The lake views are the star of this space,” and the design stays true to that. A custom banquette, curved to cradle the corner, was placed intentionally for slow mornings and quiet rituals. A perfect place to sit and enjoy a morning coffee while taking in the stunning lake views.
The banquette quickly became one of the home’s most defining gestures. Sculptural yet intimate, it envelopes the dining nook in a continuous sweep. “The banquette was designed as a true focal point, so every detail, from its silhouette to its material, was intentionally considered,” says Botrie. Refined tan upholstery with a soft sheen, made from outdoor-grade fabric to hold up against direct sun exposure, catches the daylight beautifully, while standing up to everyday use. A diamond-tufted back adds depth and texture – an elegant nod to tradition that still feels distinctly modern. Sheer drapery filtres changing light, while keeping the shoreline ever-present.
The previous kitchen lacked storage and flow, prompting a complete rethink of how the room should serve the homeowners. The new plan incorporates thoughtful, discreet storage integrated into cabinetry, tucked beneath the banquette and woven throughout the millwork to ensure practicality never disrupts the refined palette.
Because the kitchen is quite long, the designers knew they needed to create distinct areas using different materials to create interest and division. “The coffee bar was intentionally designed to feel like a standalone furniture piece, featuring two-toned millwork, a striking tile backsplash and a charming rail detail that adds character,” says Botrie.
By reconfiguring the floorplan, the designers were able to dramatically improve flow and purpose. The kitchen was completely reworked to introduce generous counter space and ample seating, transforming it into a grand, welcoming hub for everyday use and entertaining. “The island is a true workhorse of the kitchen, full of storage and function, while also being beautifully designed.”
Early in the process, their clients fell in love with the natural stone selected for the island and backsplash, a surface defined by warm movement and earthy depth. Botrie recalls: “It was one of the first materials we selected for this space, and the rest of the kitchen was designed around it.” Its blend of brown, taupe and mineral undertones brings quiet luxury without overwhelming the design. A gentle grey quartz along the perimeter introduces subtle contrast, pulling out deeper hues in the marble, while keeping the palette cohesive.
The room’s layered composition never feels busy. Natural textures, tonal woods, smooth metals and soft textiles co-exist with ease, supporting the surrounding landscape rather than competing with it.
Ultimately, the kitchen is an exercise in balance – purposeful, beautifully crafted, modern yet grounded in natural materials. It feels personal, refined and gentle in its presence. Botrie captures its spirit perfectly: “The result is a layered, inviting space that feels thoughtfully curated, yet always keeps the stunning lakefront view front and centre.”