They say patience is a virtue, and for two savvy homeowners this virtuous quality paid off and helped them get the home they wanted at an affordable price. Nearly fifteen years ago, the couple looked at a corner property in the Glebe – but it was out of their price range and in need of a lot of work.
Built in 1925, the home had never been renovated. Not even a fresh coat of paint had hit the walls of the Tudor-style house since construction, but its charms struck the youthful couple who were ready to buy their dream home at the right price. After they passed on the property, it was taken off the market and re-listed the following year in January 2002 at a more affordable price.
The dynamic pair took possession in May 2002 as the home’s third owners. They were married in the backyard that summer and now have two sons. The boys, along with two sisters from their father’s previous marriage, called for more family-friendly space so renovations have been ongoing. Now, with the latest changes, the process is finally complete.
The first phase of renovations took place in 2007 when the home was completely gutted, and 1,000 square feet was added to create a large kitchen area and master suite above. A bedroom was added to the renovated basement along with a TV/playroom. While this renovation created more space for the family, it didn’t quite bring the house to its ultimate level of style and sophistication that was achieved with last year’s renovation.
Designer Dean Large, with Astro Design Centre, spearheaded the latest project. In a symbiotic relationship, Dean worked with the homeowners to create family-friendly spaces as well as chic adult-friendly rooms, like the ultra stylish living and dining areas and the stunning gourmet kitchen.
The front entry sets the tone for the out-of-the-ordinary décor. A dramatic custom marble mosaic tile complements the space beautifully and balances contemporary and traditional elements carried throughout the home.
Living in the home for a while gave the homeowners a strong sense of what they ultimately wanted with this latest transformation. It was the discerning eye of the fastidious owners that called for opening up the hallway and widening the doorways from the entry that lead to both the living and dining rooms. These changes instantly gave an airy feeling to the traditional space.
Dean is credited with cleverly transforming the kitchen, which had been renovated in 2007, but never felt quite right. He shifted the entire use of the space and even incorporated a breakfast bar and sitting area for morning coffee and paper reading. White cabinetry by Aster Cucine in a matte-lacquer finish dominates the kitchen and enhances the aesthetic that is complemented with Calacatta marble on both counters and backsplash. While the feeling is contemporary, some rustic injections add warmth, such as the wishbone chairs and harvest-style table.
The mudroom off the kitchen fulfilled mom’s dreams of keeping her sons’ hockey gear out of sight. Locker-room inspired cupboards are a slick solution to the quandary of cluttered closets for most Canadian families, and the ample wooden bench in the centre offers practical styling.
The entire home is a tribute to the thoughtful approach of the effervescent homeowners in finding the perfect family home. The step-and-stage process they took with their renovations proves that patience really does pay off and offers long-standing benefits to those who are prepared to wait for what’s worth having.
Mary Taggart
