Three chic homes show modern and unexpected ways to bring the outdoors in | Canada Voices

Cottagecore, farmcore, grandmacore – even goblincore (which, despite the name, leans more “enchanted forest whimsy” than grumpy Tolkien creature). These playful labels, which each mean something ever so slightly different, all capture a growing design trend rooted in nostalgia, comfort and a longing for a slower life. Whether it’s weathered wood or wildflower patterns, they bring elements of the outdoors in to reflect a collective craving to escape the bustle of modern life – especially for city dwellers dreaming of a rural retreat without ever leaving home.

In Montreal, Florence Charron, founder of interiors firm Indee Design, has experience with this kind of look. A few years ago, some of her clients asked her to design a home full of outdoor adventure – even without a backyard. The rationale was simple: The homeowners wanted to purchase their first house but wanted it to evoke the feeling of traveling to wild, open places.

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Charron’s solution involved adding swings, a slide and a rock-climbing wall to a converted duplex in Montreal’s dense Plateau neighbourhood. “We really worked on making a house that is playful for both kids and adults,” she says. Maple cabinets evoke Canadian cottages, while white-washed cherry floors give the space the feel of a Scandinavian cabin.

This idea of bringing the countryside into the city isn’t limited to one kind of escape. It comes in many variations – from English countryside nostalgia to old Canadian farmhouse charm. But one thing is clear: Whimsy is in, and anything that screams hustle and grind is out. Here, nine tips from the pros on how to get the look.

An English-style, country kitchen in the city

1. Embrace Natural Tones

In the English countryside, cottages are often painted in soft, natural hues that echo the landscape – subtle greens, warm greys and misty neutrals. These colours create a calming effect, reinforcing the feeling of retreating from the city. For a home in downtown Toronto, designer Olivia Botrie, principal of Dart Studio, embraced this tradition with Farrow & Ball’s Drop Cloth No. 283, a muted beige-grey reminiscent of an English rainy day. She paired it with warm brass and walnut accents for a balance that feels both grounded and relaxed. “I like the mix of the cool and the warm,” says Botrie. “It feels more organic and easygoing.”

2. Use Heritage Fixtures with Thoughtful Details

Authentic fixtures help evoke a cottage feel, particularly when they come with a bit of history. “The sink is from Shaws, an old British company,” says Botrie. “The faucet is from Perrin & Rowe, another long-standing U.K. maker.” But sourcing classic pieces wasn’t enough – Botrie emphasized craftsmanship with charming custom details. “We used stone offcuts from one of our suppliers,” she explains. “A slab sits under the faucet and lines the base of the sink, forming a little shelf. It’s a detail that protects the surrounding wood, but also something beautiful and rustic.”

3. Celebrate Lived-In Charm

Cottages are rarely minimalist. Their magic lies in layered decor, family keepsakes and mismatched treasures. Botrie embraced this spirit. “There’s a sort of maximalist clutter in the rest of the house that we really wanted to carry into the kitchen,” she says. The homeowner is a stylist with no shortage of art and decor. Botrie added her own whimsical touches, including Prairie Sconces from Canadian maker Huey Lightshop. Their ceramic shades evoke delicate fabric and contrast beautifully with rich walnut accents. “The whole house is a bit Harry Potter,” says Botrie. “And I mean that as a compliment.”

Country house charm in an urban neighbourhood

4. Blend Clean Lines with Textures

A country-inspired space doesn’t have to abandon modern lines – it just needs the right textures. Designer Maia Roffey wrapped the stove’s vent hood in black board-and-batten siding, reminiscent of a traditional cottage mudroom. Pendant lights over the island, the Winnie fixtures from Toronto’s Union Lighting, are crafted from painted steel. “They remind me of enamel dishware,” says Roffey. “That black rolled edge and glossy white enamel… they even resemble an old milk can in profile.”

5. Mix Wood Elements with Sweet, Subtle Patterns

Wood is key to cottage character. Roffey used white oak cabinetry and added a plate rail running around the room to draw the eye upward. For contrast, she introduced a soft, pastoral element in the pantry: a delicately patterned tile backsplash. “It was my little Laura Ashley moment,” she says. “A bit of sweetness and grace.” The tiles – Aqua Anthracite Decor from Toronto’s Mettro – feature soft lines and natural movement, echoing the outdoors in a gentle, stylized way.

6. Choose Durable Materials That Still Look Refined

Cottage homes, by necessity, must withstand plenty – weather, guests and long absences. Roffey brought that same practicality to a city setting with three young kids. “Granite is such a good countertop material,” she says. noting that it’s nearly indestructible. She chose a solid black slab, appreciating both its durability and understated beauty. The simplicity allows the richness of the other materials to really shine.

Outdoor Adventure in the Middle of Town

7. Bring the Outdoors In – Literally

One of the joys of cottage life is the freedom to roam and play. Indee Design’s Charron recreated that feeling indoors, despite the house having no backyard. The slide, rock-climbing wall and indoor swings she added were all designed to delight children and appeal to adults. “The clients didn’t want the house to feel like a daycare,” says Charron. “So we focused on playful elements with clean lines.” While the slide was custom, swings like the Lillagunga are available from retailers such as the Finnish Design Shop.

8. Balance Playfulness with Practicality

Even the most imaginative design still needs to function. “At the end of the day, the house still has all the essentials – a kitchen, living room, office,” says Charron. “And every playful feature is placed apart from the others to keep things balanced.” She also considered comfort: sheepskins, such as Ikea’s Ullerslev throws, soften the wooden swing seats, blending coziness with fun.

9. Maximize Light and Space Creatively

To achieve an airy, outdoorsy feel in a narrow row house, Charron turned to the roof. Skylights punctuate the second floor, letting sunshine filter down through an atrium net made from a repurposed catamaran mesh. The net, from French company Filet de Catamaran, is strong enough to support people and creates a mezzanine-like experience without sacrificing floor space. “It’s a way to feel free, even inside,” Charron says. “Lying on the net, looking at the sky through the skylight – it’s just like being outdoors.”