Project Details:          Renovation of existing 1920's residence. 

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                               Completed: Fall, 2010                             Featured in Niagara Magazines Interiors Spring/Summer 2012 Issue

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Features:                  This quaint English Arts & Crafts "cottage" had managed to survive it's 70 odd years relatively unscathed except                                 for an unsympathetic kitchen remodeling complete with it's dark oak cabinets and yellow and brown geometric                                   sheet vinyl. The house featured a dramatic dark chestnut paneled central hall and wonderful matching staircase                                   with beamed ceiling. All main floor rooms accessed this room by way of doors matching the wall paneling                                         which, when closed, were virtually impossible to see. The one drawback of the home was the dark interior and                                    this central hall was a prime culprit. Our client wanted us to create within this dark 70+ year old cottage a                                        modern contemporary home with bright interiors and spare detailing. Our approach was  to remove the two                                      second floor washrooms which were located directly above the dark central hall and to remove the floor                                            between the two levels. The result created an opening to the central hall below. This allowed the second floor                                      windows to flood the hall with daylight. Likewise we removed the dark paneling in the Living Room removed                                      the old kitchen and the wall between it and the charming adjacent Arts & Crafts Dining Room. Wherever we                                      could, the original details such as fireplaces, paneling, stairs, etc. were retained. The small Living Room                                              windows became large French doors opening onto a new deck spanning the rear of the home. Even though the                                  backyard was part of a large ravine and dropped off dramatically, the basement remained buried without                                          access to the yard. When it was determined that the basement floor was at the same level as the rear yard the                                    decision was made to open it up. The dark oak plank floors were refinished to their natural light gold and all                                      interior walls were painted a pristine white. The result is a restored exterior giving few hints to the bright and                                      dramatic interior that nevertheless respects the original Arts & Crafts details without diminishing the original                                        design.