Portfolio: Photos

Meadow Ave. Kitchen

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This kitchen was part of a previous addition to this semi-detached home in the Upper Beaches. The original kitchen was dated and although there were quite a few cabinets the interior storage was poor and there was minimal counter space. Everything had to come out!

In removing the cabinets and flooring, we discovered the brick original to the house and decided to leave this exposed so not to lose any more precious inches but also to add some character and charm.

The galley kitchen layout is a strong working triangle so we opted to keep things in similar locations which also allowed us to save on construction fees. We kept the finishes light and airy to help brighten the space with touches of elegance and glitz in the Mother of Pearl backsplash and polished nickel hardware. Incorporating the homeowner’s buffet adds some warmth and ties in the warm tones of the new cork floor.

Before photos (5) | Source List

Wards Cottage

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To begin the transformation of our client’s cozy cottage on Lake Simcoe we enlarged and relocated the existing kitchen from a back corner to a prime position closer to the beautiful view of the lake. We then added a large, family-friendly, eat in island open for socializing, eating or relaxing open to the adjacent living area and the best seat of the house. The new layout also allowed us to move the main entrance way to the more central area of the cottage. This created a more convenient and accessible path to the kitchen and helped divide the social hub in the front from the bedrooms and bathroom that are more tucked away.

When choosing finishes for the cabin we were inevitably inspired by our surrounding landscape as well as low maintenance and durable materials throughout. Warm, tongue and groove pine on the walls and exposed wood beams mimic an old log cabin. In the kitchen, creamy off white Ikea kitchen cabinets and an earthy taupe solid surface countertop stand up against wear and require little, to no maintenance. A chalky grey, pebbled backsplash pulls in even more texture from our lakeside inspiration. We used hard wearing vinyl that looks like hardwood (texture and all) in a deep brown for the flooring and tied in the rich tones in the stone fireplace. For furniture, red counter stools in a wipe able leather and a sturdy corduroy sectional maximize seating and comfort in front of a new gas fireplace and new sliding doors. To add further dimension and functionality we layered ambiance, overhead lighting with functional pendants, under cabinet lighting and even accent wall sconce lighting to set the mood at any time of day.

With a bit of creativity, a new layout and durable, low maintenance finishes the end result is more precious, free time for our clients’ to enjoy their summer home, whether relaxing or entertaining!

Before photos (6) | Source List

Karen's Bunkie #2 - Seaside Sanctuary

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The second Bunkie, also inspired by a love of sailing, takes on a more fun and fresh, Cape Cod feeling with painted beadboard walls and floors enhanced with bright accents. The dressers and upper cabinets, supplied by IKEA, were given a seaside facelift with Monkey’s fist knobs and decoupage charts on the cabinet fronts. The drapery was taken right off the boat and made from reclaimed sails, supplied by contractor/carpenter, John Bednar and fabricated by the handy "sailsmen" at North Sails. Light-weight and fun fabrics from Tonic Living are low maintenance and easy to hang on the line and the plywood floor is simply painted out the same colour as the wall and requires very little up-keep. Storage under the bed is accessed by custom made "rollies" with simple wood frames on casters and removable cotton liners. Other unique details include the unexpected use of IKEA’s FINTORP kitchen rail system to keep treats and sunscreen organized and the multipurpose buckets with chalkboard paint labels perfect for journeys to the waterfront.

» Source List & "Rollies" Instructions

Karen's Bunkie #1 - Parental Unit

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Karen’s own cottage Bunkie gets revamped as she takes another tiny space and creates a cozy and efficient suite, specifically for her parents, who are frequent weekend visitors. Inspired by her family's love of sailing, Karen uses a down below design theme with warm woods and brass accents. A full wall of cabinetry in IKEA’s Adel Medium Brown houses a kitchenette and TV/media storage and the walls are warmed with a textured grass cloth by York Wallcoverings. This snug retreat is filled with clever storage surprises, like the table platform that comes down from the ceiling by a pulley system provided by The Marine Store.

Before photos (3) | Source List

Basement Games Room

After photos (8)

It's important, especially in small city homes, to take advantage of every square inch of your home… and unexpected found spaces can add real value to a homeowner. When designed with function in mind, these spaces can be used to meet the needs of the homeowners (e.g. workout space, a games room, craft room). For this project, a simple garage has been converted into a cool family games room.

» More highlights of this project