Where modern refinement meets Muskoka’s natural rhythm.
Tucked between the lakes and winding roads of Ontario’s cottage country, Port Carling is more than just a summer destination — it’s the heartbeat of Muskoka. From family traditions on the dock to fireside dinners after long days on the water, life in Port Carling is defined by ease, beauty, and connection.
At Aspen & Ivy, we specialize in translating those rhythms into thoughtful, tailored interiors. Whether you’re building a legacy property, reimagining an older cottage, or creating a year-round home by the lake, we help you design a space that elevates the way you live — with intention, elegance, and lasting comfort.
Elegant, serene, and designed for modern lakeside living.
This Muskoka Retreat blends contemporary sophistication with the tranquility of lakeside life. The design takes cues from the surrounding landscape, using natural materials, expansive windows, and clean architectural lines to create a seamless connection between indoors and out.
Inside, an airy open-concept layout invites relaxation while offering distinct zones for gathering, dining, and quiet reflection. Warm wood finishes, textured stone, and soft neutral tones balance the modern structure with a welcoming, timeless feel.
Every detail is considered — from the placement of windows that capture the shifting light over the water to the layered lighting and bespoke furnishings that make the space both functional and beautiful.
The result is a retreat that feels grounded in nature yet elevated in design — a place to host friends, spend time with family, and embrace the seasons in comfort and style.
Our Design Philosophy in Port Carling
Designing in Port Carling means honouring the beauty of the surroundings while celebrating how each family truly lives. At Aspen & Ivy, we approach every project with a commitment to:
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Clean, modern lines softened by rich materials and layered textures
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Seamless transitions between indoor comfort and outdoor serenity
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Elegant, functional layouts that work for both quiet mornings and full summer gatherings
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A deep respect for craftsmanship, architecture, and local character
Whether your home overlooks the water or sits tucked in the trees, we design spaces that feel like they belong — to the land, to the moment, and to you.
Where We Work
We proudly serve Muskoka’s most sought-after destinations, including:
Port Carling, Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, Lake Joseph, Windermere, and beyond.
Our projects range from full-scale custom homes to refined seasonal property renovations, always guided by intention and timeless style.


About Aspen & Ivy
Founded by Catherine Staples, Aspen & Ivy is a full-service luxury interior design studio with over 20 years of experience designing elegant, enduring interiors across Ontario.
From lakeside retreats to modern urban homes, we approach every project as a collaboration — bringing together beauty, function, and meaning in equal measure. Our work has been featured in Style at Home, Homes & Gardens, and The Cottage Journal, but our greatest achievement is the feeling our spaces give our clients.
We don’t just design homes — we help you tell your story through space.

Catherine Staples
CEO & Founder


