Lake Joe Cottage
Lake Joe: The Jellybean Cottage
A vibrant, multi-generational cottage designed for aging in place, wellness, and meaningful family connection.
Located on the shores of Lake Joseph in Port Carling, The Jellybean Cottage reimagines the traditional Muskoka cottage through a contemporary lens. Designed for a senior couple with grown children, the home balances playful expression with long-term functionality—supporting multi-generational living, wellness, and a seamless transition to full-time cottage life.
LocationMuskoka
ServiceArchitectural Design, Furniture and Decor, Integrated Design, Interior Design
StatusCompleted
StyleTraditional
TypeCottage
The Journey from Concept to Completion
The Jellybean Cottage was envisioned as more than a seasonal retreat—it was designed as a forever home that could evolve alongside its owners. The clients sought a space that celebrated their love of colour, art, and family while supporting wellness, accessibility, and multi-generational living. The goal was to create a contemporary Muskoka cottage that felt joyful and expressive, yet grounded, timeless, and deeply connected to its natural surroundings.
From the outset, the design intent centered on integration—bringing architecture, interiors, and landscape together as one cohesive experience. Every space needed to balance social gathering with privacy, creativity with practicality, and present-day enjoyment with future adaptability.
“We really trusted Madison and her team to deliver us an amazing project—and we are absolutely thrilled. The attention to detail and care throughout the entire process has been wonderful.”
The Challenge
Designing a home that could successfully support aging in place while still accommodating large family gatherings and extended guest stays presented a unique set of challenges. The cottage needed to feel open and inviting without compromising accessibility, safety, or long-term functionality.
The project required addressing several layered design considerations:
- Designing a home that supports aging in place with dignity, comfort, and long-term accessibility
- Accommodating multi-generational living while maintaining privacy and flexibility
- Creating generous gathering spaces without compromising safety or ease of movement
- Reinterpreting traditional Muskoka architecture through a contemporary lens
- Integrating bold colour and personal expression within a timeless, enduring framework
Additionally, the clients wanted to push beyond the boundaries of a traditional Muskoka cottage—embracing contemporary forms and bold colour—while still respecting the region’s material language and natural context. Achieving this balance required thoughtful spatial planning, careful material selection, and a layout that would remain flexible as the owners’ needs changed over time.
The Solution
An integrated design approach unified architecture, interiors, and landscape into a cohesive whole. The main level was organized around shared living spaces and an accessible primary suite, enabling seamless single-level living. A sculptural staircase leads to a flexible lower level with guest accommodations, while layered natural materials and expressive colour bring warmth, joy, and longevity—resulting in a home that is both future-ready and deeply personal.
“Madison understood how meaningful our previous cottage was to us and helped us carry that feeling forward in a way that feels fresh, thoughtful, and completely us.”
Key Features
A Playful Yet Grounded Interior
A commissioned “Jellybean” painting by Toronto artist Peter Triantos anchors the interior, inspiring a cohesive colour palette carried through custom furniture, rugs, and accessories. Expressive pops of colour enliven a neutral architectural backdrop, creating warmth and personality without overpowering the space.
Contemporary Muskoka Architecture
Traditional cottage forms are reinterpreted through simplified geometry, modern detailing, and a rich mix of stone, wood, and metal. Expansive windows and vaulted rooflines blur the boundary between interior and exterior, while a locally sourced granite fireplace with a suspended chimney provides a striking contemporary focal point.
Wellness-Focused Living
Wellness is seamlessly integrated through a walkout lower-level gym with wide lift-and-slide doors that invite fresh air and nature inside. A spa-inspired bath featuring a steam shower and traditional Finnish sauna encourages daily movement, relaxation, and long-term wellbeing.
Sustainability & Reuse
Passive solar strategies, enhanced insulation, and a durable steel roof reduce the home’s environmental impact while improving long-term performance. Reuse was prioritized through the thoughtful integration of salvaged furniture, lighting, and plumbing—most notably a reupholstered sectional refreshed using colours drawn from the Jellybean artwork.
*Designs are developed by Landscape Architects, Architectural Technologists and BCIN-qualified designers registered with the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario,
the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects, and/or the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
