The 5 unique model homes at Parklands by Mason Homes

Do you enjoy touring model homes? Do you do it for inspiration or because you are in the market for a new home? Over the last 20 years, I’ve designed model homes for some of the GTA’s most popular and prolific builders.

My latest block of model homes was designed in collaboration with the decor team; Wendy, Donna and Tracey, at Mason Homes. If you follow other posts of mine, you know I typically design model homes around colour, style and/or theme.

Designer’s tip! Before beginning your decorating or design project, answer the following questions:

1) What’s your preferred neutral?

2) What’s your preferred accent colour(s)

3) What’s your design style?

4) What are your hobbies or interests?

5) How will you use the room(s)?

Let’s look at Mason Homes’ five new models individually as each has a different colour palette and design style. If you don’t know what your design direction will be for your home, this brief tutorial may help.

1) The Norland – Modern

Our neutral choice for The Norland was gray and white. The colour scheme is simple, relaxing and harmonious throughout. When choosing a modern style for your home consider balance and simplicity.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough - The Norland kitchen

Selecting gray for the cabinets, flooring and counters allows versatility in design and accents. Stainless and chrome metals with glass pendants and table tops provide a bright appearance, as the light bounces off the surfaces.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough - The Norland living/dining room

In the living/dining room, I chose two inexpensive IKEA light fixtures to enhance the airiness. Glimmering metals continue along with the introduction of white lacquer to bounce the light. The gray and white palette repeats with pops of blues and green. The furniture selection has simple lines and balanced positioning, a component of the modern style.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough - The Norland recreation room

An electric fireplace looks fabulous and takes the chill out of a cool night. You can add an electric fireplace almost anywhere and it doesn’t take up much room. Put your feet up and watch the sparkle of the glass in the fireplace, or watch television in the finished walkout basement that doesn’t feel like it is underground. Note how I have continued the same colours and clean, functional, modern style throughout this room.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough - The Norland master bedroom

In the master bedroom, the style and colour continues with the introduction of a dash of pink. Mixing patterns with accent colours makes this room come to life. You can choose a neutral palette for the basics and still create a home that is anything but boring!

2) The Cottonwood – Transitional

A mix of traditional and contemporary furniture and finishes creates a look known as transitional. This style should provide a feeling of comfort with sophistication.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough - The Cottonwood kitchen

The rich wood cabinets have a traditional feel while incorporating a contemporary look with the Shaker Style cabinetry. Notice how I mixed contemporary stools with an antique table and chairs for the perfect marriage. The colour direction for this model is neutral beige with pops of blue.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough – The Cottonwood living room

I often double up on design elements to create symmetry which is apparent in the living room of The Cottonwood. You will frequently see the element of balance in traditional homes. The introduction of cleaner furniture lines creates an updated and transitional look.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough – The Cottonwood recreation room

If you are a sport enthusiast, then this room may be just what you are looking for! When you turn the corner in this spacious recreation room there is an air hockey and game’s table. I scoured antique markets to accessorize and infuse a sports related theme. Consider how you will use a room to create a space that will be enjoyed by the entire family.

3) The Balsam – Eclectic

Some new homebuyers are concerned that they don’t have extra cash for upgrades, but you don’t have to load up on upgrades to have a home that pops. The Mason Homes colour consultants chose completely standard finishes for this model home.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough – The Balsam kitchen

We chose orange for the accent colour. The bright window treatments and accessories, and an eclectic mix of furniture create the lively atmosphere in this open floor plan.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough – The Balsam loft bedroom

Looking for a theme for your child’s bedroom? I purchased two indoor play tents from Pottery Barn and used them as headboards. Then I incorporated orange and elements of the outdoors. This whimsical direction is sure to be a hit with most kids!

4) Linden Model – Modern Country

When I think modern country style, I think homey and casual without too much clutter. Less is more these days.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough – Linden living room

The area rug provided the inspiration for the colour palette. Although the finishes are neutral, the paint is a sunny yellow. Yellow is such a happy hue and can create a feeling of well-being in a space. I purchased accents in burnt orange and gold to pick up the colours in the rug, and added comfy furniture for a welcoming room.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough – Linden kitchen/dining room

Mason’s décor team chose a combination of wood and off-white cabinets. This makes the space appear comfortable and casual. I added the iron elements in the lighting, bar stools and accessories to ground the room. The kitchen is functional and inviting, warm enough to invite without overwhelming.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough – Linden master bedroom

In the master bedroom, the furniture has a country-ish feel with clean lines. I have softened the yellow paint in the bedroom for a more restful approach. Pops of the repeated hues from other rooms continue the flow throughout the home.

5) The Kirkwood – New Traditional

Our Kirkwood model home is an example of the new traditional style with its formal yet comfortable furniture. We chose an all neutral colour scheme of greige, white and beige to create a feeling of serenity. The open concept design allows for interaction and communication throughout. For this reason it was particularly important to have the elements of every room relate.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough – The Kirkwood kitchen

High quality, easy to maintain, casual finishes were chosen for the kitchen. Engineered flooring throughout the entire main floor and Caesarstone countertops provide function and beauty. The dining table is rustic and helps keep the mood comfortable and inviting.

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough – The Kirkwood loft bedroom

The loft bedroom was designed to tell a special story with actual photographs from my personal friend Sharyn Henry, aka “Red Hat Cowgirl,” a well respected figure in the horse community in Southern California. It’s okay to let personal passions drive the direction of your room’s theme!

Mason Homes, Parklands in Peterborough – The Kirkwood loft

The design feels upscale and attainable with the mix of traditional and rustic furniture and accessories. Areas in the loft were segmented to enable hobbies and leisure activities while allowing interaction as desired. This concept works great for families that want to enjoy independent activities while feeling comfort in the close proximity of family.

Which design direction is your favourite? We welcome you to tour Mason Homes’ Parklands in Peterborough for more ideas.

Jo-Ann Capelaci is president and principal interior designer of Colours & Concepts Inc. The award winning company specializes in model homes and colour and upgrade selections for builders. They have been helping new homebuyers choose finishes for their homes for over 20 years. Jo-Ann is dedicated to helping new homebuyers create a model home feeling in their new home. Look for future articles on other topics to assist in decorating and designing your new home.