Set on a beautiful rural property in Claremont, Ontario, this home’s main-floor renovation was thoughtfully designed to better support the lifestyle of the semi-retired homeowners, which included social gatherings, hosting family and enjoying the quiet forest views that surround their home.
The couple has been upgrading the 4,000-sq.-ft. home in stages. In this third project, and with each phase, the goal has remained the same: Create a home to live in that feels warm, functional and effortless.
The focus this time round was to refresh the main floor kitchen, dining room and laundry area, keeping the existing 650-sq.-ft.-space intact, but giving the materials and finishes a major upgrade.
Inner workings
The original layout of the kitchen functioned well, but lacked the level of organization and timeless style the homeowners were looking for. Rather than make it larger, it was decided to optimize and better use the existing footprint. Custom cabinetry was intentionally designed to incorporate a range of interior fittings such as a dedicated waste, recycling and compost sorting system; drawer dividers; tray and sheet organizers; and interior drawers, so everyday items are easy to access. Integrated appliances, including a generous stand-alone fridge and freezer, blend seamlessly into the cabinetry, creating a calm, uninterrupted backdrop.
At the centre of the room is a custom white oak island stained in a beautiful ashy brown that anchors the kitchen, bringing warmth and a natural focal point for gathering. Surrounding cabinetry stays soft and neutral, allowing the beautiful views from the windows to take focus. Natural light pours in from all sides, connecting the interior to the landscape beyond.
Materiality played a key role in tying everything together. Leathered Coverlam travertine was selected for the counters for durability and its rich texture, and is repeated in the backsplash to create a consistent and understated backdrop. Soft gold hardware and lighting were carefully chosen to echo the reeded glass detailing of the custom sliding wood door, introducing a quiet sense of continuity and adding a refined, cohesive layer of detail throughout the space.
The kitchen ceiling is clad in V-groove millwork, echoing other areas of the home, adding warmth and subtle interest. The detail extends into the laundry room, applied to the walls to visually link the spaces and give even the most functional areas a sense of intention. The sliding reeded glass door that separates the laundry room from the kitchen permits light to pass through while maintaining privacy. It’s a subtle feature, but one that adds character and function.
Social spaces
In the dining area, thoughts turn to gathering. A large table and tailored seating create a comfortable setting for long meals, while textured wallpaper brings depth and interest, the perfect canvas to display a collection of original Ontario art. Custom window treatments provide a layer of softness and whimsy, bringing in pattern through the homeowners’ favourite shades of green. Subtle, yet full of personality.
A key challenge was working around the home’s windows and an existing structural beam that needed to remain. While it was important to create a more open-concept main floor, functionality remained essential. Generous below-counter storage was incorporated throughout, while cross beams and V-groove millwork were used to transform the structural beam into a cohesive architectural feature.
The result is an upgrade that is in line with the previous renovations, while elevating how the main floor works day-to-day, designed not just for cooking, but for gathering, a space that supports busy family visits, quiet mornings, and everything in between.