Cobie Smulders Plans Dinner for 27 at Canadian Family Cabin

In this feature, we examine how actor Cobie Smulders fulfilled a lifelong dream by engaging childhood friend Elizabeth MacKenzie to design a remote family cabin on a mountain-framed lake in British Columbia.

Working with Skladan Architecture and Ben Leavitt of PlaidFox Studio, the project blends architectural craft with a rich interior program to create a convivial retreat that honors place, history, and the needs of family and friends.

Site Context and Design Intent

The project sits on an expansive lakeside parcel framed by mountains. The architecture must respond to rugged climate, lush forest, and long-distance access.

The design concept uses a restrained material and color palette to blend with the landscape. Exterior finishes quietly recede into the setting rather than compete with it.

By weaving olive-green wood siding and a patinated Corten-steel roof into the site, the house connects interior spaces with the surrounding environment. The green-toned palette across interior and exterior creates a cohesive experience from approach to living spaces.

Exterior strategy: material palette and ecological fit

The architectural strategy prioritizes durability, low maintenance, and weather resilience for remote, lake-adjacent conditions. Textural contrasts—wood, metal, and masonry—articulate massing while staying sensitive to the forested backdrop.

The exterior guides daylight, views, and access for seasonal use.

Interior Concept and Character

The interior language is described as modern-mountain-chalet meets a grandmother’s English farmhouse. This blend supports both whimsy and longevity.

The entry experience centers on a dramatic vertical gesture that anchors the home. It fosters a sense of arrival, even in a remote setting.

Layout and social spaces that foster connection

The core public spaces are designed to accommodate large groups. Texture and tactility are maintained throughout.

The kitchen and dining areas are engineered for gatherings, with a smoked white-oak dining table seating up to 27. A curated pantry features Fable tableware and KitchenAid appliances.

The sequence between prep, dining, and lounging areas is expansive. The home functions as a true retreat for extended family and friends.

Materiality and craft details

Bedrooms and baths feature custom furniture, jacquard upholstery, and curated wallpapers by Cole & Son. Large-scale mural finishes add character.

The palette appears in artisanal tile work and natural stones, including Tlupana Blue marble and black soapstone. This creates a tactile flow from entry to intimate spaces.

A handmade tapestry by Phillip David Stearns references both Smulders’s California and British Columbia homes. It includes a small family portrait, weaving personal history into the design.

Practicality, Durability, and Place

Beyond beauty, the cabin is engineered for family life. A six-bed bunk room and generous dining areas support large groups.

Finishes are selected for resilience and ease of maintenance in a remote location. The team emphasizes durable materials and smart storage solutions to support frequent use and outdoor activities.

From lake swims to evening meals, the home’s design encourages a welcoming and social atmosphere.

• The design uses materials and finishes that are authentic to the place and can withstand the local climate.
• Interior architecture allows for easy movement during gatherings and also creates cozy private spaces.
• Custom pieces and craftsmanship give the cabin a unique character that connects family memories with modern style.
• The project is a collaboration between architecture, interior design, and art, creating a personal story in the space.
• This retreat shows how a remote cabin can bring people together and stay connected to its natural surroundings.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cobie Smulders Wants to Host Dinner for 27 at Her Canadian Family Cabin