Inside the Canter Cottage With Your Spokane Interior Designer

As a Spokane Interior Designer, I get the chance to work on a lot of beautiful projects. Canter Cottage, a custom home in the hills of Spokane, Washington, was one of them!. The clients—a couple devoted to both martial arts and horses—wanted to blend rustic charm with refined simplicity. They slid into my Instagram DMs (and I almost wrote it off as a scam! Turns out they’re just a lot more tech and social media savvy than me!)  and started a creative journey filled with mutual admiration, inspiration, and ultimately, transformation.

A Unique Client Connection

These homeowners are not your average couple. Owners of a local martial arts school focused on instilling discipline and character in children, they are as devoted to community as they are to their passions, one of which is horses!. They dreamed of building a home that felt cozy, personal, and subtly equestrian, without leaning into a full-blown farmhouse aesthetic.

From our first meeting, I was deeply touched by their values. Their commitment to excellence—and to raising the next generation with integrity—was inspiring!

This job wasn’t just about creating a pretty space. It was about creating a meaningful custom home for an incredible family.

Bringing the Vision to Life As A Spokane Interior Designer

When I came on board, the house was already in progress. But the homeowner quickly realized she needed help refining the architectural details and bringing her vision of a cozy, sophisticated cottage to life.

We began with the front exterior and landscape design. We infused it with warm, welcoming elements: wood shutters, brick accents, and natural wood posts that added texture and charm. A hand-drawn rendering helped communicate the design development concept—and she loved it!

Inside, the design was all about balance: farmhouse elements inspired by their horse-owning lifestyle, blended with the clean lines and relaxed luxury of Restoration Hardware. The result was a soothing palette of pale tones, linen textures, black iron and gold accents, and rich natural material finish. It came together so beautifully!

Curated Details, Custom Comfort

Though the home appeared quaint from the street, it opened to breathtaking mountain views from nearly every main living area. We selected open concept design and airy chandeliers and pendants that wouldn’t compete with the landscape or block natural light.

The dining room layout called for a round table with linen-skirted rolling chairs, paired with a round chandelier. It’s a timeless design combination!

One of my favorite features was the fireplace wall, which included stonework, custom floating shelves, and built-in cabinets that grounded the space. The large Restoration Hardware coffee table we selected sparked some initial hesitation, but once laid out in the floor plan, it proved to be perfect!

Want to learn how to design a home that reflects you? Check out this blog!

The Power of Personalization: My Interior Design Philosophy

The home truly came alive in the final stages—when the furniture arrived and we scheduled what I affectionately call the “install day.” My assistant and I had the house to ourselves to layer in all the meaningful touches: horse statues, art books, oversized mirrors, plants, candles, and soft textiles that made every room feel curated and warm.

When the couple returned, they were moved to tears!

The home now reflected everything they valued: discipline, beauty, simplicity, and love. 

The name Canter Cottage came naturally—“canter” being a controlled horse gait, reflecting the grace and pace of this family’s lifestyle. The design echoed that energy: grounded, fluid, and effortlessly beautiful!

Your Spokane Interior Designer

In the end, this wasn’t just a home design—it was a collaboration rooted in trust, shared values, and creative problem-solving. The house tells the story of a couple deeply connected to their work, their passions, and now, their home.

If you’re dreaming of a space that reflects who you are and how you live, I’d love to help you bring that vision to life.

Schedule a consultation with your trusted Spokane interior designer today!