This detached 100-year-old home in Oakwood Village was showing its age and in need of some serious TLC. Beautifying this old building and bringing it into the 21st century was a challenge certified kitchen and bath designer, Mark Ashton, from Ashton Renovations, was ready to tackle.
The three-level, 1,800-sq.-ft. (excluding the basement) house had structural and design issues from top to bottom. The to-do list of fixes was long: Inconsistent finishes and mismatched flooring throughout; layers of materials from past renovations; walls that blocked light and flow; stone foundation walls in the basement; doors that no longer worked; improperly installed siding; and an exterior painted an ugly shade of green.
The vision
The clients, a young couple who moved from a condo, have a newborn and a large dog, so durability and pet-friendly materials were key considerations in choosing materials. However, the overall vision was to make the space feel warm, relaxed and livable. A long-term family home with an open, modern layout, strong stylized design elements, a large, functional kitchen and the removal of numerous walls to improve light and circulation.
The home’s structural integrity, including the foundation and load-bearing elements required attention, and insulation was needed to improve energy efficiency. The flooring was replaced, the staircase updated and rough-ins for a future ensuite bathroom added. The exposed brick in the kitchen and the upstairs bathroom were retained to balance modern updates with the home’s original character. “Wherever possible, we recommend exposing original brick or foundation elements after demolition and framing – once repairs are complete – since they add texture, warmth and a tangible connection to the home’s past,” says Ashton.
Walk right in
The front door opens directly into a small entryway, a space that lacked personality. Taking a cue from the homeowner, a black wooden slat wall was built in the entryway, a feature that adds warmth, a modern vibe, and helps with acousics. It’s placement also intentionally ties in with the oak slat detailing beside a staircase that was in poor shape before the renovation. “The front entry floor is porcelain tile with a chevron design and the wall is made from slated MDF material with a wood veneer on top,” explains Ashton. “Instead of ripping out the old stairs, we covered them and clad them with new oak treads and new risers.”
Structural considerations
The living room and dining room are at the front of the house, and a full bathroom was located in the middle with the kitchen at the back. The layout blocked light and disrupted the flow. Walls had to come down and rooms relocated.
Significant structural work was required and included new beams and revised ceiling and floor structures.
New posts and pads were installed in the basement to properly support the updated layout above.
“The homeowners wanted the bathroom moved,” says Ashton. “The location cramped the kitchen and so it was relocated to the back of the house in a previously installed addition that was underused. The end result significantly improved the flow and functionality.”
Taking down walls was easy, but integrating two additional structural beams was a bit more challenging. Rather than leave one post as a full floor-to-ceiling stand-alone interruption, it was integrated into the kitchen island, finished in oak stain with black detailing and treated as a deliberate architectural element rather than an obstacle.
Kitchen details
The guiding principle behind the colour and finish selections for the kitchen was to create a space that felt vibrant and layered, rather than flat or overly neutral. White shaker cabinetry formed a clean, timeless base, and dark-hued appliances and dark oak elements were introduced to create contrast. Brushed gold finishes were selected for warmth and refinement and together, these elements provide depth, balance and visual interest throughout the home. “The island is interesting,” says Ashton, “because normally, we don’t put one that large, but we had to integrate that post. A bigger island allowed us to add more storage and an L-shaped area to sit.”
Underfoot
Because the homeowners have a dog, they wanted floors that looked good, but would be well-suited to a home with a pet and children. Throughout the main space is Karndean reclaimed pine vinyl flooring, a glue-down installation and a practical alternative to hardwood without sacrificing warmth.
“Luxury vinyl now is becoming very popular for its easy maintenance, durability and a cost perspective,” says Ashton.
Curb appeal
With an outdated exterior, fixing the issues and updating the look was a balance between necessity and respecting some of the original architectural details, such as its mansard-style roof. New vinyl siding was also installed and a dark, contemporary palette was chosen, which included black aluminum accents and black metal railings. The windows were changed to a vinyl awning model.
“These choices bring cohesion, durability and a modern edge to the home’s exterior, while remaining true to its architectural character,” says Ashton.
Open collaboration
This project is an example of a well-executed design-build process combined with open collaboration between the homeowners, designers, engineers and trades, an essential process for a cohesive and successful outcome – especially in an older home.
“The result is a warm, modern, pet-friendly family home that respects its history, while supporting the next chapter in the clients’ life,” notes Ashton.