Actress Cobie Smulders, known for her role in How I Met Your Mother, has fulfilled a lifelong aspiration by creating a magnificent family cabin in British Columbia. Growing up in the Vancouver suburbs, Smulders always cherished escapes to the wild landscapes, often visiting friends' family cabins. She harbored a dream of one day building her own retreat and knew exactly who she wanted to design it: Elizabeth MacKenzie, the architect mother of a childhood friend. Decades later, with her husband, comedian Taran Killam, Smulders embarked on this journey. After a patient search, they discovered an expansive, secluded plot by a tranquil lake, encircled by towering mountains, a location they instantly recognized as ideal. The collaborative design process, involving MacKenzie, Skladan Architecture, and Ben Leavitt of PlaidFox Studio, resulted in a home that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings while radiating a unique, playful character. This sanctuary has become a beloved gathering place for friends and family, a testament to Smulders' vision of a home filled with shared joy and connection.
A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Whimsy in British Columbia
In a picturesque, secluded setting within British Columbia, actress Cobie Smulders and her husband, Taran Killam, have realized their dream of a family cabin, a project spearheaded by architect Elizabeth MacKenzie and design team Skladan Architecture and PlaidFox Studio. The exterior of the house, with its olive green wood paneling and raw steel roof that has gracefully aged to a burnt orange, perfectly mirrors the vibrant colors of the surrounding natural landscape. Inside, the design showcases a playful spirit, marrying the rustic charm of a modern mountain chalet with the nostalgic appeal of an English farmhouse.
A striking feature upon entry is the twisting, aged steel staircase in the foyer, custom-made by local artisan Metal Mart, which ascends majestically through the double-height space. Beneath it, chairs from Restoration Hardware, upholstered in Kravet fabric, and a bespoke chess table by carpenter Mike Simchuck invite moments of quiet contemplation. The spacious dining area boasts a custom smoked white oak table from Lock & Mortice, capable of seating up to 27 guests, surrounded by Midj chairs and curtains made from Zimmer-Rohde fabric, all resting on a unique Indian-made rug. The kitchen features a custom island by Bertu Home, adorned with AnneStarr fabric and illuminated by a Blueprint Lighting chandelier.
Playful design elements abound throughout the home. In a children's bathroom, a lively orange-tree wallpaper from Cole & Son is paired with House of Rohl fittings, sconces from The Future Perfect, and RH mirrors, while a black soapstone vanity is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron. Another powder room features an equestrian-themed wallpaper by Cole & Son, a Gubi x Inform Interiors leather mirror, and a black soapstone vanity. The primary bedroom's decor, with its serene tan and dark green palette, reflects the colors of the mountains and trees outside, featuring a custom bed from Ffabb Furnishings, Restoration Hardware linens, a quilt from The Fabric Craft, and a bespoke nightstand by Lock & Mortice. Art by Erin Armstrong graces the wall, adding a personal touch. A guest room embraces a cheerful marigold color scheme, with wallpaper by GP & J Baker and paint by Benjamin Moore, complemented by a vintage Siirt blanket kilim rug from Etsy and linens from Bed Threads and Pottery Barn. The bunk room, designed to accommodate up to six, includes custom beds from Log Furniture and More, Bed Threads and RH Teen bedding, and a Woodland Forest wallpaper by Belarte Studio. Additionally, a custom tapestry by Phillip David Stearns, depicting both California and British Columbia, along with a portrait of Smulders' family, hangs prominently, symbolizing the blend of their two homes.
The collective vision for this home was to create a haven that was both expansive enough for large gatherings and intimately connected to its environment. Last summer, the family fully embraced their new retreat, spending sun-drenched days swimming in the lake and evenings gathered around the grand dining table. Smulders joyfully recounted having eighteen friends and family members staying under one roof, describing the experience as "heaven." She expressed immense contentment with her home, enthusiastically inviting everyone she knows to share in its beauty and comfort.
This project reminds us that a home is more than just a structure; it's a living space imbued with personal history, dreams, and the desire for connection. Cobie Smulders' British Columbia cabin beautifully illustrates how thoughtful design, combined with a deep appreciation for nature and community, can create a sanctuary where memories are made and cherished. It's an inspiring example of transforming a childhood vision into a tangible reality, proving that with patience and collaboration, truly magical spaces can emerge.