How do you remake an icon that has earned a place of prestige in history without disturbing its ambience or altering its character? That was the challenge that faced Dave Campbell and Tim Webb of Gypsy Market Mews when they were offered the chance to rejuvenate the guest cabins and suites at Arowhon Pines Resort in Algonquin Park.
It was the perfect match, of course. A heritage resort characterized by rustic décor and comforting simplicity. Two artistic designers with a passion for vintage furniture and accessories.
Arowhon’s manager, Theresa Pupulin, first discovered Tim and Dave on a visit to their Gravenhurst shop; and she recognized that their philosophy jibed with her own: a deep respect for tradition, the preservation of natural joy, and a reverence for the special spirit of Algonquin Park. Upcycling and repurposing is second nature to both Tim and Dave; and they enthusiastically launched into the task of honouring the heritage of Arowhon Pines while breathing fresh energy into its rooms.
Established in 1873, Algonquin Park is Canada’s oldest provincial park, with over 2,400 lakes and 1,200 kilometres of streams and rivers. In 1992 it was named a National Historic Site of Canada, in part for inspiring the art that gives Canadians a sense of identity. “If you are proud of being a Canadian,” says Dave, “then Algonquin Park is part of your birthright.”
Their first step was to choose a strong and organic colour scheme that conveys the earthy hues of the region. “Colour is what people react to, and it creates the mood,” Tim maintains. The four predominant shades are cork, wedgewood blue, sage green, and garnet red. Each room has a painted accent wall, while the colour theme resonates through the throw cushions, bedspreads, and decorative pieces.
They both delved into the treasure trove of antiquated fixtures and furnishings at Arowhon and made countless decisions. Should this old dresser be revitalized or replaced? Do the couches in the sitting areas coordinate with the new colour scheme? Should any accessories be commissioned to artisans? What could the inventory at their Gypsy Market shop provide?
Dave and Tim are experts at discovering fresh functions for archaic fixtures. The headboards in the renovated bedrooms are new incarnations of old doors, modified to fit the beds and inviting introspection through quotes by famous Canadians. ‘You move across my mind like the dance of the Northern Lights’ is stencilled on one of the headboards … and perhaps you recognize that as a lyric by Blue Rodeo.
The bedside lamps add a distinctive touch to each room. Tim, who is a noted artist in his own right, made magic out of old silver lamp bases, simulating driftwood by dry-brushing them with multi layers of colour, followed by a coating of lime to create dryness before applying the final coat of paint.
Stanley Marshall, of Rustix Design, was entrusted to craft several pairs of bedside lamps in different stylings. This award-winning artisan used natural elements such as birch bark and twigs to also produce innovative and intriguing curio shelves which perk up the walls while providing a spot to hang your jackets and backpacks or store your books.
The game of crokinole was developed in rural Canada in the 1860s, and the old-fashioned boards at Arowhon are both functional and ornamental. “We like them because they take you back in time,” says Dave, “and that is a true reflection of the philosophy of Arowhon.” The same retrospective inclination is evidenced in the selection of interesting accent finds, culled from the Gypsy Market shop and various antique suppliers. A vintage lightning rod adds a hint of yesteryear to one suite, while old oil lamps and door hooks also appeal to the sense of nostalgia.
Back in the 1930s, local woodsmen used manual tools and a team of horses to shape and haul the timbers that built Arowhon Pine’s dining room. It is a testament to the belief in the restorative nature of sturdy, classic furnishings that the resort maintains its commitment to the values of that time. And it is with this respect that the newly refurbished rooms reflect the handcrafted quality that venerates the pedigree of Arowhon and the traditions of Algonquin Park.
Tim and Dave emphasize that it was contrary to their mandate to arbitrarily dispose of the old furniture or make drastic changes that would seem alien to Arowhon’s returning clientele. As Dave expresses it, “We wanted to respect the Algonquin spirit that the guests have always treasured, but we could enhance the comfort level.”
They blended their new finds with the existing furniture, painted the wood walls, replaced wallpaper with tongue-and-groove pine, and added interesting and sometimes quirky accents. “Our goal was to create a sense of originality while extending a strong nod to continuity and flow,” explains Tim.
The showrooms at Gypsy Market Mews take the same approach, with a co-mingling of vintage furniture, Canadian artwork, and upcycled pieces. “Our clients often browse through the shop, have a chat with us, and become inspired with ideas on finding new life for their own old possessions,” says Dave.
It just takes a sense of reverence for the past … and a little creative thinking! CCH
Photos: Robert Nelson
