This Ancaster House Was Designed To Inspire
In the historic Hamilton community, LN Studio perfects the details of a timeless forever home
For a growing family in Ancaster, creating a home that balanced elegance, functionality and a personal touch required more than just great design—it needed a thoughtful storyteller. Enter Lara Nancy Cupido, principal of LN Studio, who approached the project with a meticulous eye and a deep curiosity about her clients’ lives. By immersing herself in their daily routines and aspirations, Cupido crafted interiors that don’t just serve a purpose but tell a story. Every element, from the materials to the layout, was curated selectively, resulting in a space that feels as intentional as it does personal.
Artwork in the dining room was a project between the client and her 2-year-old son. “It added a deeply personal touch to the space, and a fun colourful pop,” says Cupido.
Elegance is woven through the home’s soft palette, delicate lighting fixtures and artful finishes. In the dining room, a thin linear pendant casts a soft glow, setting the tone for understated luxury. The kitchen, a centrepiece of the design, features Arabescato marble countertops and backsplash—a striking choice that contrasts beautifully with the warm wood cabinetry while anchoring the home with a sense of timeless beauty.
“This house is truly a reflection of the clients in so many ways—it provides the sense of calm they were seeking while keeping everything incredibly organized,” says Cupido. “Every detail was carefully considered, from the layout to what would go behind each kitchen cabinet. It’s a space that perfectly aligns with their needs and lifestyle.”
Dining table, dining chairs, Mobilia; pendant, Home Lighting Hamilton.
Kitchen countertop, Cosentino; bar stools, Arcade Home.
A pantry in the Ancaster home is easily hidden with the seamless integration of a sliding door.
Here, the kitchen’s neutral wood palette and stone contrast continues.
To maintain the modern and airy quality the family desired, Cupido embraced asymmetry and unexpected design details throughout the Ancaster home. The kitchen island juxtaposes soft, curved edges with bold stonework, while the staircase wall playfully opens to reveal views of the family room cabinetry. Large windows flood the interiors with natural light, inviting the outdoors in and creating a seamless connection to the home’s lush surroundings.
Washer, dryer, LG; sink faucet, House of Rohl; floor tile, Euro Tile & Stone.
A sense of tranquility is achieved through the thoughtful use of natural materials, a muted tonal palette, and soft, rounded forms. From the curved hood fan in the kitchen to the gentle edges of the custom millwork, every detail contributes to the home’s serene atmosphere. “We used wood, natural stone, and a variety of textures to create a serene, spa-like environment,” says Cupido. “The muted palette and rounded details, like the hood fan and custom millwork, softened the crisp lines and brought a sense of calm to the space.”Layers of texture, including wood paneling, linen window treatments, and upholstered furniture, add to the overall design, creating a space that feels more like a vacation home than a backdrop for the demands of daily family life.
Windows were carved out to breathe natural light into every room in the Ancaster home.
Curved lines in the living room create a cohesive connection between the seating, millwork, and fireplace feature.
Fireplace, The Bio Flame; coffee table, Four Hands.
Arm chairs, Rachel Donath; sofa, Rowe.
The project wasn’t without its challenges. A checkerboard tile pattern planned for the entryway had to be reimagined after an unforeseen issue with sizing. Rather than force the original concept, Cupido embraced flexibility, developing a border and angled layout that became a unique feature of the home. This adaptability extended to balancing the clients’ differing tastes and aligning high-quality finishes with a practical budget.
Light fills the home from the main floor up to the second. Millwork throughout the home comes courtesy of Royal Kitchen Doors & Cabinets.
Stone, Cosentino; shower head, taps, House of Rohl; shower stool, Ginger’s.
Floral arrangements throughout the home come courtesy of Cosmic Poppy. Bed, CB2; sconce, Lighthouse Co.; end table, Article; rug, SALT by The Caza Project.
Desk chair, Mobilia; sconce, Home Lighting Hamilton.
The designer credits the collaborative process with architecture studio SMPL Design Studio as key to the project’s success. From the earliest stages of architectural planning to selecting exterior materials, the teams worked closely to ensure cohesion between the home’s interior and exterior design. “It was so important that the palette and materials felt unified,” says Cupido, noting how the warmth of the exterior Dekko panels complements the interior’s natural tones.
As Cupido puts it, “This house isn’t just beautiful; it works. It provides the sense of calm the family needed, while ensuring everything has its place.”
For LN Studio, the project reaffirms the power of thoughtful design to elevate daily life. Rooted in collaboration, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of her clients, Cupido’s work offers endless inspiration for those seeking harmony between modern beauty and practical living. This Ancaster home shows how great design can bring both joy and tranquility to everyday life.
