ACM Designs: Elevating Cottage Living Across Haliburton, Ontario

In 2016, after studying interior decorating and design at George Brown College in Toronto, Andria Cowan Molyneaux launched ACM Designs in Scarborough, Ontario. Soon after, she realized there was a market for cottage design in her hometown of Haliburton, Ontario, and moved her company there.

The full-service residential interior design firm specializes in the renovation of cottages, many of them second homes, across the surrounding lake region. It offers comprehensive design, in-house construction services for finishing, and Burled, a bespoke woodworking shop for handcrafted furniture.

Andria sees the growth and success of her company benefiting from a surprising source: the problem-solving skills she honed in her previous 22-year career as a sergeant in the Toronto Police Service. She brings the commitment, focus, and intention learned on the job both to projects and leading her team.

Designing for All Generations

A major focus for ACM Designs is aging-in-place design—making homes safe, comfortable, and easy for people to navigate. It is a natural fit for ACM Designs’ clientele, where cottages are often part of retirement plans and passed down through generations. All of its designers are certified in this area, and the philosophy is woven into every project.

“The premise behind aging in place is to serve all people, irrespective of age or ability,” Andria explains. “You could need a bathtub for a baby, and also need a walk-in shower for a grandparent—so, we always keep that in mind when designing.” This approach ensures that clients can remain in their cottage for the long term, aging with their cottage after retirement and hosting with ease, without needing to move or make major updates as their needs evolve.

A Premier Partnership

Andria first discovered Cambria through an event with the Decorators and Designers Association of Canada. ACM Designs became a Cambria Premier Partner in 2018, a designation awarded to those who uphold Cambria’s highest standards of excellence.

A Lasting Impression

Visiting Cambria’s slab manufacturing facility in Le Sueur, Minnesota, and getting a firsthand look at its operations only deepened Andria’s trust in Cambria. “When I visited the facility, I was blown away by how clean and well-run it was. Everyone wore proper protective gear, and the safety measures were clear. That kind of commitment to worker safety and quality really matters to us,” she says. “It strengthened my trust in both the product and the people behind it.”

The Designer’s Own Home

In Andria’s personal kitchen, the use of Cambria’s Portrush® in the Polished finish takes center stage on the countertops, waterfall-edge peninsula, full-height backsplash, and even the cabinet fronts. The result is a bold, cohesive design that highlights the material’s versatility.

Cambria in the Cottage

Set within a timber frame cottage, an open-concept kitchen beautifully balances organic and modern design. The island, crafted in Cambria’s Everleigh in the Polished finish, features waterfall edges that frame a central timber support post, celebrating the home’s natural architecture. To complement the island, Cambria’s Minnesota Snow* in the Polished finish was used for the perimeter countertops.

In another lakeside retreat, the cottage kitchen features Cambria’s Ella™ on the perimeter countertops and Queen Anne™ in Cambria Matte® finish on the island, completed with a sculpted edge that adds an elegant and timeless detail.

Effortless Upgrades 

For clients looking to refresh their space without a full renovation, ACM Designs offers a simple countertop replacement service using Cambria quartz surfaces. “It’s really just that simple, you take out the old and put in the new,” says Andria. The offering has become a popular option for homeowners, as well as real estate agents aiming to elevate listings with a quick and elegant solution. 

Designing with Purpose

ACM Designs has led local business partners in a number of engaging philanthropic campaigns to give back to their local community. Two popular examples: A “bunkie” makeover (Canadian for small guest house) and a $25,000 renovation of a local dining spot, where the community voted on which of those who entered should receive a transformation. 

“When we take on projects like this, Cambria is always the first to ask, ‘How can we help?’” Andria says. That support reflects the strength of the relationship, built not only on shared work but also on shared values.

Andria is also committed to supporting the industry she loves by helping lead it into the future: A longtime member of the Decorators and Designers Association, she is now the National Chair.

*Gensler Product Design Consultant