Grand Country Houses

European-Inspired Sitting Room

Mix vintage pieces and tailored furniture for old world charm.

In the sitting room at Tawse Winery in Vineland, Ontario, formal antiques, like a straight-based settee, are softened with plush, pale upholstery, while accessories are kept to a minimum. Light walls contrast with dark accents, like the ornate bannister and limestone floor.

Old World Dining Room

Add a sense of history with rich, time-treasured materials and finishes.

The dramatic dining room of Tawse Winery in Vineland, Ontario, is defined by its towering coffered ceiling and transomed doors and windows. The room's antique furniture, including the chandelier, was found mostly at Paris's famous Marché aux Puces. The massive 18th-century walnut dining table, accented with white oak, was a real find.

Elegant Chef's Kitchen

Luxe materials add appeal to this functional workspace.

The kitchen at Tawse Winery channels a striking Parisian bistro with its cool Carrara marble and rich African shedua marquetry, which was tested before installation for durability. A dramatic antique chandelier, found in Paris, highlights the unusually square island, while a mirrored wall adds interest and visually expands the space.

Federal-Style Retreat

A dilapidated 1830s clapboard is transformed into a tailored home with a modern spin.

The restored Federal-style façade of this Port Hope, Ontario home is accentuated by a buttery yellow hue that sets off its pretty clapboard, original to the house. The plantation-style verandas on the side of the house add Southern charm.

Elegant Front Entryway

Use collections to create a charming and personal entryway tableau.

In the front hall, a layered vignette of unique and exotic furniture and objets is set against an airy backdrop of creamy walls and wooden floors. The bold Asian-style table and ornate Venetian mirror are a fitting stage for the homeowner's blue and white china collection. The scale of the table and lamps, coupled with the elegant chandelier, lend a sense of grandeur to the space.

Handsome Living Room

Multiple windows with shutters and high mouldings add light and charm to this space.

Recovered in grey wool, the sofas in this Federal-style home are a crisp foil to the living room's unique collection of accessories, like a bold zebra rug, framed 18th-century room sketches and a $45 junk shop metal table. Assorted curios, like the woman's shoes on the side table and the small sculptures found throughout the room, speak to the homeowner's interests and personality.

Cape Cod-Style Summer Home

A crisp palette offers breezy appeal in this lakeside house.

Landscaping featuring undulating lawns and rustic stonework is a soft contrast to the straight lines of this home on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, Quebec. Featuring classic details reminiscent of New England architecture, such as shingles and gables, and a neutral palette drawn from nature, this timeless abode looks right at home next to the water.

High-Contrast Country Kitchen

Highlight deluxe materials with a simple palette of black and white.

The homeowner of this lakeside summer home played with a simple, high-impact palette in this kitchen. Black soapstone countertops and iron barstools make a bold statement, while white Carrara marble, cream-painted cabinets and glass-paned doors make the room light and bright. The cabinet hardware, polished faucet and streamlined pendant lamps play up the luxuriousness of the space.

Fresh Country Bedroom

Add grandeur to any bedroom with a dramatic bed.

With a coffered ceiling, chandelier and four-poster bed, this refined principal bedroom is an unexpected find in a summer home. The cool, pale tones of the room are offset by the black bed frame, which creates a focal point in the space. The addition of a small sitting area, formed by the chair and footstool opposite the bed, adds another element of luxury to the room.

Serene Home Office

Pretty prints and plenty of natural light make this a soothing place to work at home.

With an easy mix of dark and light wood tones, this office is both functional and easy on the eyes. Classic toile upholstery on the chairs references the home's idyllic setting, while white beadboard walls, heated stone flooring and a mix of furniture styles add a rustic touch to the space.

Charming Country Mudroom

Create a chic place to hang coats and stash boots with white paint and smart storage.

At the back entry, a bench doubles as storage for seasonal items, like scarves, mittens and hats. A shelf and coat rack keep frequently-used items close at hand and organized. The stone floor tiles, seen throughout this home, are especially practical when boots get muddy or snowy.

Classic Country Kitchen

Dark countertops, corbels and grey floor tiles balance the otherwise white space.

Modern conveniences, like the wall-mounted spigot tap over the stove for filling pots, update the country-style kitchen in this home. Massive stone corbels support the range hood, adding interest and a sense of history to the new-build house.