Interior designer Tracy Clipsham of Liv 4 Design, says her clients were intrigued by the Niagara region and yearned to escape the bustle of Toronto. Their dreams became a reality when they came across an 85-year-old home nestled just steps from Henley Pond and Lake Ontario. “Our clients craved a sanctuary that harmonized with the region’s natural splendour – serene yet stylish,” says Clipsham. With a shared vision for simplicity, Clipsham was able to integrate the furniture and vibrant artwork, infusing every nook with renewed vitality, while paying homage to the home’s storied past.
Fireplace revival
Clipsham’s clients loved the wood-burning fireplace when they found the home, so keeping it was a must. By adding coats of paint and staining the existing mantel, she elevated the look and tied it into the renovation.
Entrance goals
“We wanted to embrace the entrance’s original charm but needed to update the windows and bring the staircase railing to code,” explains Clipsham. She found a fun patterned tile and had it inlaid into the newly engineered hardwood. With a new light fixture and a local artist’s popping photograph, the entrance sets the tone for the entire home.
Tile impact
“One of the client’s favourite finishes shown at our design presentation was the marble chevron tile,” says Clipsham. “I made sure to install it in an impactful way.” The tile was used to cover an entire wall in the powder room, making it a showstopper, while the contrast of black in the light fixture and vanity creates the perfect depth of colour to complement the marble.
Mid-century modern design
Clipsham and her clients love mid-century modern design, which is reflected in the furniture and lighting selections throughout the house. “When I found the harvest moon tile, I knew it would be the perfect fit for one of the bathrooms,” says Clipsham. The grey and white geometric curves add a touch of mid-century flair, while penny tiles play with scale, creating a playful and fun atmosphere.
Cosy and timeless
“Having windows across the back was important for my clients to bring light into the space and incorporate the backyard views into everyday life,” explains Clipsham. Adding a gas fireplace creates the focal point for the living room. She surrounded it with herringbone tiles and vertical grey shiplap. Repeating the shiplap from the entrance and a smaller scale of the herringbone from the powder room onto the fireplace creates cohesion and familiarity. “And the custom-made bookcase adds all the personal details to make the room a home,” says Clipsham.
Kitchen vibe
“Black base cabinets create a moody backdrop, which lets the quartz countertops, light fixtures and wood stools steal the scene,” says Clipsham. The white upper cabinets and custom hood keep the kitchen feeling spacious, and the wood ceiling beams add warmth, while concealing a structural beam.
Classic white
“In the primary ensuite, we opted for a modern layout, taking the free-standing tub under the window and integrating it into the shower area,” explains Clipsham. This design choice results in an airy, bright bathroom, giving the illusion of a larger space. She also introduced a custom blue floating vanity, which mimics the accent wallpaper in the primary bedroom. Pairing the vanity with white vertical candlestick wall tiles against the almost black floors maintains a timeless aesthetic.
Reflection
“With views of Henley Pond, I wanted the water incorporated into the principal bedroom to create a peaceful retreat,” says Clipsham. The textured ombre paper in blue tones installed as an accent behind the fabric headboard achieves the look.
Original features
During a demolition site inspection, Clipsham and her clients took a moment to reflect on the home’s original features. “The removal of the original siding at the back of the home revealed wood sheathing,” she recalls. “The clients and I fell in love with its rich character and requested it to be preserved for reuse in the basement.” It now serves as a warm and inviting backdrop for their workspace.
Sources: | General: Custom millwork fabricated by J. Sinke Wood Interiors | Countertops by Silestone, installed by Quartz Co Surfaces | Custom shower glass by Grimsby Glass & Mirror Inc. | Mirror by Low’s Glass & Mirror Co. | Exterior doors from Niagara Pre-Hung Doors | Blinds from Window Treatments by Kaur | Plumbing by Bathworks | Foyer: light by West Elm | Framed photograph of lighthouse by Martine Côté | Tile from Dimensions Carpet One | Guest bathroom: Wall Tile from Tiles Inspired | Home office: Sheathing installed by J. Scott Contracting