Thirty seconds into a conversation with Samantha Pynn, host of HGTV's Summer Home, and I understand why they chose her to lead the show, even though she professes to be a "total city girl" without a summer cottage of her own.
Refreshingly free of celebrity pretence, the popular Canadian decorator and stylist known as "Sam" has an effervescent energy and flirty style that is totally in keeping with the theme.
She seems like summer, personified.
But between laughs, colourful asides and tales of falling out of canoes on location, it's obvious Pynn also knows her business -- she's a veteran professional of interior decorating and style, star of HGTV's Pure Design, a National Post columnist and the design expert for Chatelaine magazine.
Backed by a savvy design team and contractor Colin Hunter, Pynn does one makeover of a beloved family cottage every show, turning tired abodes into fabulous retreats. Part reality show, part design how-to session, each episode elevates the style and function of someone's summer place without sacrificing its existing cuteness, character or soul.
"I really believe in decorating for personalities," says Pynn, who insists she's never heavy-handed with her tastes. "You can always tell that I've been there, but I never wallop people over the head with my style."
In the opening episode of the second season, Pynn takes on a cramped Muskoka cottage, moving a single wall to transform the living space, making the home much more family-friendly. The team's new day-bed seating units with built-in storage add a clutter-free chilling and sleeping space. An oddly placed shower previously installed on the screened porch is not demolished, but celebrated for its cool view to the lake. A new fireplace adds a focal point, while found pages from vintage magazines are highlighted in funky shadow boxes.
This relaxed style of design with a nod to nostalgia allows families to enjoy all of their special memories in an even more functional, beautiful and harmonious space, complete with new curiosities.
"I always like to add in things that are unexpected," Pynn notes. "Details that are just a tiny bit quirky because I think that's kind of what country style is, it's happy clashes of pattern -- just enough -- and it's about making a space feel lighter and fresher and airy."
Not surprisingly, many of the tips and tricks to enhance spaciousness and summer living are applicable to everyday decor. Pynn's signature style is apropos to any living space, whether it's a complete cottage overhaul in the country, or decor touches you can add to your city condo.
"Urban or modern spaces tend to have all modern or small-space furniture, so I think it's definitely a good idea to mix the old and the new," Pynn says. "Try a piece of vintage furniture that you've had reupholstered, one great wicker side table, or a couple of vintage lamps."
Bringing something from your summer home to the city can also be fun.
"It could be anything, from a tree stump side table, to an outdoor bench that you bring indoors, into an entryway -- or even a lantern," Pynn suggests.
Just don't go overboard, she cautions with a laugh. Often, one piece is enough to add a dash of summer style.
Easy ways to get summer home style
1. Clean like crazy: That's exactly what we do when we open up our cottages.
2. Organize and store: Get rid of anything that's been piling up and collecting dust.
3. Add some colour into your living space: Use a palette inspired by nature.
4. Bring a bit of the outdoors in: potted bulbs, snips of branches, a piece of garden furniture.
5. Paint, paint, paint: Freshen walls and furniture and unify your space with paint.
6. Add layers of natural textures and fibres, such as wicker and sisal.
-- Postmedia News
