The plans and renovation of this lakeside home were well underway when I was called to help with choosing paint colours for this visually impaired client. At the initial Discovery Call, it became clear that I was being tasked further for some accessible design cottage renovation ideas on Belmont Lake, to make this family cottage a permanent home.

The large windows on the lake side maximize the natural light and celebrate the lake view. I was excited to be able to influence some of the design and most of the finishes. My client also spends the majority of his time in a wheelchair, and the design and decor choices would need to draw on my Aging In Place certification for this particular project.

Accessible Home Renovations

It was my first experience to work directly with an Occupational Therapist. Margo McWhirter, MA, OT Reg. (Ont.), who my client and I met with several times in the early planning stages of the pressing accessible washroom design, had a great understanding of my client’s needs.

Tailoring everything to his specific measurements, together we considered and planned specifics for correct placements of grab bars, vanity height, a curb-less shower, backlit mirror, colour contrast, contrasting tactile floor tiles, a pull down teak shower seat and no slip bathmat.

Lighting was a big consideration and needed to hit the perfect balance of a well lit room, that considered safety and my clients vision challenges with not too harsh a light. Layers of lighting were incorporated throughout the home to provide for ambient, task and accent needs.

Accessible features also included 36” wide doors with lever handles throughout, way-finding lights in the main hallway and a colour palette that had lots of contrast.

The Wish List

Meeting my client’s wish for a tropical-themed guest room once again demanded a balanced palette and the challenge of tying it in to the more cottage rustic feel of lakeside living. Having lived in the Caribbean as a young man, there was a strong attachment that was important to bring to the space.

What started with a somewhat shy request for me was to consider some rolled up painted canvas artwork done by local island artists, and ended with them being framed and proudly hung in not just the bedroom but also as a main feature in the new hallway, much to my client’s delight.

While my client could not identify his decor style, he did clearly and quickly say a “yes” when what he did like was presented. We soon hit a rhythm of each sourced item being presented for his approval at the pre-purchase point. He was totally involved in even the smallest of decisions. While I usually find this a bit restrictive to my usual process, I quickly came to understand how important this was to someone losing their independence and facing the unknowns ahead.

The Design and Decor Features

As with every decor and design project, we consider function first. Care was given to incorporate universal design principles so that we had an accessible, safe and comfortable space that also expressed a welcoming, modern-rustic style.

Modern features of the added bathroom, guest room, hallway with multiple closets, and the dining room that faces the lake, were blended into the existing traditional cottage. We added a new kitchen while keeping the same footprint, that included custom built cabinets and all new appliances.

Now if this had been a fully accessible kitchen I would have opted for more universal design elements at this stage. However, since my client has the privilege of hiring a personal cook in the future we didn’t need to continue with these features into the design.

Originally, we used to have to direct access to the ensuite shower off the kitchen. Closing off that door allowed space for a much needed full pantry in the kitchen. The existing corner shower stall was coming out, so on the washroom side we created a small ensuite just for my client, accessed from his bedroom. He really liked that private, just-for-him feature.

The new paint palette continued into the dining room, along with a new dining suite. New decor and small furnishings came into the living room, and continued upstairs in the second guest bedroom and refurbished full bathroom.

How It Came Together

I’m pleased with how the space flows from room to room, achieved with the same new flooring throughout, specifically chosen to stand up to wheelchair traffic, the tongue and groove pine ceilings (some still to follow), new doors and trim added to the existing areas creating a consistent updated look throughout, and the colour palette that used Hale Navy as the connecting colour in each room.

We incorporated a lot of existing pieces that were important to the history of the cottage, including beautiful landscape watercolours done by my client’s father that all fit the picturesque surroundings of Belmont Lake.

The new addition is raised a step higher than the existing cottage. This remains an obvious challenge in an accessible space. As you know, a lakeside does not always allow for a level building site.

My upstairs video didn’t work out so here’s a little peek at the upper bedroom still to be completed.

a bed with blue and white sailboat bedding in a room with slanted walls and light blue and white paint with a wooden side table holding a glass base lamp with black lamp shade

A Quick Word About The Bunkie and Exterior

The guest bunkie got a refresh with some repurposed furniture that included painting a dresser and side table Hale Navy. These two pieces belonged to my clients mother, so it was nice to use them in the plan. I also spoke up for a few base cabinets from the tear out in the main kitchen. I love to redesign and keep sustainable choices in mind when I can. These kitchen cabinets were also painted Hale Navy. With the addition of an IKEA block counter and two chunky wooden shelves overhead, we created a nice little kitchen space for guests. I had fun redesigning and styling the bunkie.

The contractor built a beautiful new deck on the addition side that faces the lake from the dining room. The same, beautiful decking design was laid over the old deck just a step down from the new one. In keeping with the colour palette, I sourced a lovely navy outdoor seating set, complete with a love seat, two chairs and a coffee table. This created a separate seating zone away from the dining area.

From Cottage to Year Round Living

Accessible design continues to be a sought after solution to keep our aging population in their homes. Bringing this design to a lakeside home or cottage offers a unique retirement experience, and added value and enjoyment to any universally designed home.

I was delighted to be a part of the accessible cottage renovation ideas on beautiful Belmont Lake. Creating a functional, safe, and beautifully decorated permanent lakeside home from what was the family cottage checks the boxes for my client.