Weekend decorator: Collingwood chalet gets a modern makeover

Giving the stone a darker wash, or covering it with a charred wood treatment would instantly update this room’s central feature.  Photo by Chris Gardiner, Royal LePage Locations North 

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Dear Virginie, 

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My husband and I just bought a chalet in Collingwood and are going to do a bit of work before we move our stuff in. We hate the fireplace stone and want to whole place to feel cosy and welcoming, like a warm hug. It can’t be too precious because we have two large black dogs. Can you help? 

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Rebecca in Collingwood 

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Hi Rebecca, 

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What a great room. I love the wood ceiling and wood windows, and although I find the fireplace a bit overbearing, it’s not terrible. But there are definitely some changes you can make to get the cosier vibe you’re after.  

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Let’s start with the fireplace. My inclination would be to clad it in wood planks. I love the look of yakisugi, a traditional method of preserving wood by charring its surface. You could clad the entire stone area with vertical charred black wood, then stain the wood mantel a very dark black, or remove it completely. You’ll have to run a fire-resistant material around the opening of the fireplace; I would choose a honed slate or black marble here.  

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An extra deep, generously sized sectional offers luxurious comfort by the fire. Deseo 4-Piece Modular Charcoal Grey Performance Velvet Deep Depth Sectional Sofa, $8,071 (sale price), cb2.ca Photo by Supplied

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There are also many look-alike wood products available on the market that mimic the charred wood look that would add depth, darkness and visual interest to the whole wall.  

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If you end up having a hard time convincing your husband to cover the stone, another option is to apply stone stain in a greyer tone that could give you a similar feel without the marital strife. First, you tone down the overall yellow cast of the stone by washing it with a solution that has some violet or blue/grey in it. The grey tones will work well against the warmth of the wooden mantel and the caramel tones of the windows, ceiling and floor.  

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If you opt for the black cladding, you can leave all your wooden windows as they are. If you choose to stain the stone, then I would consider painting the mullions on that beautiful window wall in black. Leave the frames and sills wood so you don’t have to do the same on all the rest of the house’s windows.  

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This thin, elegant industrial steel table can be made to order for a perfect fit. Hot-Rolled Steel Coffee Table, made to order, stylegarage.ca Photo by Supplied

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I would paint the walls a deep grey/black, like Iron Ore from Sherwin-Williams. People are often nervous about painting walls almost black, but it really makes a space feel special, and strangely larger.  

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And, while I appreciate the kitsch value of the wagon wheel table, I think you could find a replacement that’s more sophisticated. Look for a large square table in thin dark steel, dark marble or dark wood. For side tables, look for cast concrete pieces, or stone, and antique brass finishes. 

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I’m always a fan of textured rugs like sisals, especially in a dark room with a lot of texture. I also love the antique patina of a Persian rug. Stay away from small, tight, precious patterns in favour of more geometric, larger-scale ones. They’ll look great with caramel leather club chairs. For your sofa, I’m imagining a dark grey velvet sectional. You mentioned that you have two black dogs, so you’ll want to stay away from light furniture, and velvet has a way of staying luminous and inviting because of the way it reflects light, even in a dark colour.  

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Choose a stylish upgrade to faux fur resembling lion, bear, wolf or silver fox. Ultimate Faux Fur Pillow Cover, Square, in white lion, from $155, rh.com/ca Photo by Supplied

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A large sectional will let you face the fireplace or snuggle into the corner. Place your two new leather chairs on the left side of the room so you’ll have a large conversation area that is welcoming. Pull the sofa away from the wall somewhat and place a long narrow console table behind, so you can have one or two lights behind the sofa, up lighting the dramatic dark wall while providing accent light for reading. Look for lights with deep, dark, baked clay bases, linen shades and brass accents.