If you've been following along for a bit, you know that last year we undertook an exciting project to put an addition onto our home. Shortly after completing the renovation, we listed the property, and sold it. I know it may seem a bit crazy, but that was always part of our long-term plan. Over time, we realized that our family had outgrown the space, and we were actively looking to move to a new place that could better accommodate our needs. Our home was an original war home built on land that had been gifted to a Canadian soldier. As we looked around our neighbourhood, we noticed that similar houses were often seen as too small and were frequently torn down to make way for new, larger builds. While I understood the practicality behind this , I also felt an appreciation for the unique character of our home, and wanted it to be cherished and appreciated by future owners just as much as it had been by us. After considerable thought and planning, we explored various options for increasing the square footage of our home. We ultimately drew up a detailed plan that included adding a spacious garage at the back of the house, complete with a breezeway below that would connect it to the main living area. This design not only preserved the beautiful symmetry of the front of the home but also provided us with much-needed extra storage space, two additional bedrooms, and a convenient second-floor laundry room. Once the addition was complete, we were able to enjoy the newly finished space for a few months, and I would be lying if I said I didn't miss it. This home was not just a structure; it was a significant part of our lives, filled with laughter, love, and countless cherished moments. As we moved forward with our plans, my hope is that the new owners would appreciate all the details. I sincerely wish for them to experience the same warmth and happiness that we did during our time there!
-Alyssa
In every project I look for ways to incorporate architectural details. In our bedroom, we used flat stock to build out faux beams for the vaulted ceiling. They were painted out the same colour as the walls and ceiling which added depth with shadows and draws your eye up in the room.
In the walk in closet, we painted out the walls, trim and millwork a green grey. I love the classic feel of a monochromatic room. For hardware, I sourced a small oval knob with a backplate in oil rubbed bronze to add an extra detail.
We continued the faux wood beams in the ensuite and again painted them out the same colour as the ceiling. This room only has 8' ceilings so we kept them fairly shallow. For the baseboard and casing we used a classic step bevel and added a backband for some additional depth.
We combined a mix of unlaquered brass hardware and fixtures which will patina over time including the hammered cabinet knobs.
For the water closet and linen closet doors we selected a hardboard door and cut in grooves to give a panelled look.
The toilet paper holder, towel bar and egg knob door handles were all in the coordinating unlaquered brass finish.
The laundry room features a mix of bin pulls and knobs with the most beautiful detail that tie into the cabinet cutouts.
Photography by Cameron St.
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