The folks who’ve brought ice fishing hut, lobby, and restaurant makeovers, to Haliburton County are back with a new contest.
Starting today (April 17) until May 19, people can nominate a bunkie on their property for a makeover by ACM Designs.
Founder and principal designer, Andria Cowan Molyneaux said, “I’ve actually wanted to do bad bunkie for a few years. I think it’s really fun and funky for what is probably the most cottage space of the cottage. It’s quintessential.”
Another reason Cowan Molyneaux likes the pivot to a bunkie, from a larger business space, is “I love the fact we can have a big impact; to transform a building into the place that people fight over because it is smaller. But in keeping with traditional ACM style, we need to make it fun and wacky and really approachable because that’s who we are. We are professional and very technical, but we are very approachable, and we are really part of this community.”
She is also looking forward to the opportunity of getting out onto Highlands’ lakes. “Usually, cottages that are on the lake have bunkies. These are the extra sleeping quarters, and that’s fun. When we do these programs or campaigns, the great thing is the more over the top, or entertaining the entries are, the more they catch our eye and then we bring it down to the three finalists, and then it goes out to the community to choose. So, it’s not really us choosing, It’s a competition. That’s fun,”
She said with big lobby, and big restaurant, it was about helping other businesses.
“In this case, this is about increasing our exposure and doing it in a fun and playful way. We get to showcase what we’re really great at, as both big lobby and restaurant makeover have won multiple awards for design and execution, so that’s very exciting, and being able to do that now in a bunkie is an exciting opportunity.”
Cowan Molyneaux added, “it keeps us local. This is part of our marketing strategy. It’s (bunkies) certainly part of the culture here. Typically, a bunkie is at a cottage. A cottage is a second property. Those people that have cottages are a huge part of our County. If we don’t acknowledge that, then we’re being naive, and we’re also being disrespectful. It’s a way for us to engage that part of this community that cares and gives for Haliburton very much.”
They don’t have design ideas yet. That will only come when they see the winning entry. “It’s relevant to its location, its environment, to the primary building; you want it to be harmonious, and it needs to reflect the owners. It’s not about causing great shock and awe. It’s about taking a space and making it function for its intended use and making it aesthetically pleasing.
“We Canadians have had a helluva’ few months, and for a lot of people coming here, whether they’re short or long-term residents, part of this place is about being welcoming and cozy. Being able to make the bunkie cozy and a super awesome spot will provide some respite from a lot of the stress we’re feeling right now,” the designer added.
To submit photos and or videos, DM the Bad Bunkie Makeover, Facebook page or email nicole@acm-designs.com Finalists will be announced May 23. The contest is valued up to $40,000.
