I don’t think Colin and Justin need an introduction – honestly, it’s pretty much impossible not to know and love this industrious design duo, who have been making homes more beautiful for over 20 years and enchanting us with their gift for the gab (anyone that gets away with anyhoo rates in my book). I was absolutely thrilled to interview the stylish superstars and get the scoop on their latest book, Escapology, a gorgeous collection of stunning retreats across Canada and around the globe.
I remember watching you guys on BBC when you lived in the UK – why Canada?
Colin: Canada is just like a really spacious Scotland – great scenery, great beer and great people! We came to Canada to appear at the Fall Home Show in Toronto and Vancouver 14 years ago… and we simply didn’t go home.
I love Escapology! What inspired this gorgeous book?
Justin: We’ve always been obsessed with vacation homes as they tend to be more exciting than daily abodes. Our main home choices tend to be based on school catchments or commute times – practical decisions – whereas second homes tend to be decisions that are made from the heart, and all about indulgence and good times.
Cottages resonate particularly with Canadians – why do you think that is?
Colin: Canada (without cities) is really all about canoes, bears, bonfires, beers and ‘kumbaya,’ huh? It’s true! Cottages are buildings which are designed to allow us to live in the trees and close to the lakes, protected, at all times, from the elements and indeed the animals.
Justin: We actually saw a moose and a bear in our garden only last week. It was equal parts terrifying and wonderful! At the end of the day, cottages are designed to be social, and designed to share a connection to nature. No wonder they’re so popular…
Do you think other countries love cottages the way Canadians do?
Justin: Our new book ‘Escapology’ explores cabins, cottages and retreats from around the world. Aye, from Scotland to Norway and from South Africa to Mexico (and beyond), the world, it seems, is going cottage crazy.
Colin: As we see it, a degree of commonality exists between the structures, and between the amazing experiences on offer. Each home is the story of a pioneer who chose to build their perfect, personal space in an oft’ difficult to reach area – in a field, perhaps, on a rock face or beside a lake – and each showcases the experience of living close to nature. And the theme that binds them all? Oh, that’s easy: a sense of ‘reward’ in the spaces – something we all need (particularly now) in our everyday lives.
What do you think of “cottages” with boathouses that are bigger than most people’s homes? Is this vulgar or a well-earned retreat?
Colin: Cottages, like the people who live in them, come in all shapes and sizes. If someone has worked hard and rewarded themselves and their family with a large home, then we’re not going to criticize them (though we hope they’ve built with respect to the environment) for being successful. Conversely, we’re not going to throw shade at anyone living in a small shack with no running water. We’ve always ascribed to the ‘each to their own’ school of thought. Aye, you do you, and we’ll do us!
Cottage décor: your top 3“do’s” and “don’ts.”
Justin: Do have windows that are as large as possible to connect with the great outdoors and make the most of natural light. Our secret supplier is Euro Glass House – their custom manufacture is second to none. If you need new fenestration, this family-run company is the best in the business. Do give your outside space a meaning that enhances the experience of being there – consider adding a large dining table, firepit, sauna or hot tub. Just think of all that extra fun. Do respect nature and create a building that lives in harmony with its surroundings.
Colin: Do not have fitted bathroom carpet – NOT EVER! Come on now: it’s squishy and absorbent – characteristics you do not want close to a toilet. Rugs, however, that can be whipped asunder and washed, are perfectly acceptable. Do not have faux-timber panelling, especially if your cabin is in a forest. Come on now – real wood rules, huh? Do not avoid your cabin in the winter. Sub-zero temperatures, frozen lakes, snow and sunshine conspire to create an amazing winter experience. Just spark up that log-burning stove, pile on those woollies… and prepare to cuddle!
Any cottage pet peeves, from hosting to guesting to décor?
Colin: Canadians, for the most part, are obsessive about guests removing shoes when they arrive. We, however, ask our guests to keep theirs on, after a good jig, that is, on our door mats.
Justin: We don’t really want sticky socked or bare feet all over our floors. Alternatively, we keep a basket of slippers in various sizes handy, for a quick change, if required. Décor peeves? Maybe the reliance on motifs in cottage décor – if we see another glittery, dark velvet wolf blanket, we’ll howl!
Your dream cottage: contemporary or traditional?
Colin: Hmm. Trust us to say – hybrid. We’re all about appreciating the original qualities of each building, but creating an ‘up to date’ iteration, as required. We designed a log cabin in Muskoka (it’s in Escapology) where we didn’t, as such, ‘decorate’ (the log walls spoke for themselves), but we did modernize the space with a large sectional sofa and carefully chosen artwork and lighting. The trad’ feeling remained, but it was warmly modern, too.
Any interesting new trends in cottages?
Justin: We love the idea of being able to build a cabin anywhere, but ‘go anywhere’ toilets leave us cold. So, we’re kind of intrigued by chemical loos, or toilets that turn everything to ash. WTF? We love the ‘city meets the country’ trend, where rough timber and rustic pieces influence urban condo design, and where concrete and glass find a home in the countryside.
Describe your perfect day at the cottage.
Colin: Wake up and tickle our cats – Beamer and Brutus. Read the news on my tablet, whilst enjoying a flat white coffee (brewed on our Breville appliance – the best!) with a side of Scottish ‘tablet.’ After breakfast, I’ll bake some scones and then pack a lunch and head out onto the water to explore the lake by boat… bliss!
Justin: I’ll hit the trails for a run and then head to the gym in our cabin basement – it has an amazing view of the lake, so I can enjoy the vistas as I burn off breakfast. On warm days, there’ll be lunch on the lake, drinks on the dock and then it’ll be Schitt’s Creek (with a Boulevardier cocktail) before dinner.
What are your favourite Canadian brands?
Colin: We love patches and pennants, so Yoho & Co in Canmore is one of our faves. And we constantly burn Cedar Cabin scented candles by the Whitewater Candle Co – a scented candle that immediately makes us feel we’re in a cabin, even if we’re back in the city. In construction, we generally specify Western Red Cedar from BC – we’ve just completed a bunkie (using 8” square-cut cedar logs) and the olfactory quotient was amazing! It’s the world’s best lumber: organically sound, and beset with great strength and integrity.
Wood – knotty and natural or painted?
Justin: Yes, yes and yes! We love natural timber, but we also love painted wood finishes. It’s all about context. If you can’t make up your mind, dilute your paint with water and colour-wash the wood to add pigment but leave the grain showing – it’s the best of both worlds.
Why should people rush to get a copy of Escapology?
Colin: Escapology, sure, is part coffee table book – thanks to the incredible photography and gorgeous subjects – but it’s also part guide book, because each home has an explanation of how it came to be, together with suggestions of what you could do to your home if you feel inspiration taking hold. We all look at photographs on our phones and laptops, but then we move on to the next image – it’s very casual. Books are much more permanent – we study, we absorb the info and then we form a bond. Photography in print rocks – way more, in fact, than an on-screen image ever could.
Describe Escapology in five words.
Tranquil, essential, spiritual, pioneer, fun.
What’s next for Colin and Justin?
Colin: We continue to work on our ‘Colin and Justin Home’ collection (which you’ll find in stores like Homesense, Marshalls and Winners) and we’re trying to get our heads around finishing off a large project in Scotland.
Justin: We’re regular guests on Cityline, and we’re also promoting “Great Escapes with Colin and Justin” which airs on BBC Scotland. It’s a retooled version of our Cottage Life Show, ‘Great Canadian Cottages.’ And shhhhhhh: we’re buying a hotel in Nova Scotia. Watch this space!
