A Touch of Provence
Project Goals
This rare Danish Colonial property was brimming with charm but needed thoughtful updates to truly feel like home for its new owners—an active couple who left the big city behind to embrace a nature-filled life in the Kootenays.
The goal was to preserve the home’s historic character while introducing a more modern aesthetic. The couple envisioned a bright, serene retreat that felt both intimate and inviting.
The original kitchen, though full of potential, felt cramped, dimly lit, and disconnected from the rest of the home. Similarly, the primary bathroom required a complete transformation to achieve the perfect balance of style and functionality.
The remodel focused on opening up the layout, introducing a much-needed powder room on the main floor, and refining the home’s overall aesthetic—all while thoughtfully preserving its original architectural charm.
"Our design process entails researching our clients’ lifestyle and how they want to feel in their homes. Thoughtful details give a space a personality of its own and transform a house into a home that residents can treasure and enjoy."
Project Boundaries
Outside the box, inside the lines. The challenge was to create an open-concept layout within the constraints of the existing structure. We began with a clear vision, but the home's unique characteristics presented unexpected challenges that ultimately made the project even more rewarding.
The original layout had a central support wall, creating a divide between the main living areas and leaving the space feeling a bit dark and closed off. But rather than seeing this as a setback, we saw it as a creative opportunity.
The original brick chimney was a character-rich feature that we simply couldn't ignore. While it wasn't repairable, we loved its charm and chose to embrace it by refacing it with new brick. This approach seamlessly integrates the chimney into the overall design.
A seldom-used bedroom adjacent to the original kitchen presented an ideal opportunity to expand the kitchen and create a more functional, open concept. By combining both spaces, we were able to design a much larger kitchen with a cozy dining nook. This transformation required significant creativity, but the final result was well worth the effort.
The home also lacked a connection to the outdoors, with limited windows and no direct access to the backyard. The interior was feeling cut off from nature, and needed more light and a stronger flow between inside and out. Adding new windows and doors within the existing footprint of the home was key to transforming the space. The result? A home that feels open, airy, and connected to the beauty outside.
Spruced Custom
Artisan in Alabaster
TILE
Viatera Quartz in Karis
COUNTERTOPS
Belwith Keeler- Brownstone in Brushed Golden Brass
HARDWARE
Samurai - White Oak Engineered Hardwood
FLOORING
Project Outcomes
The newly transformed kitchen is now bright, open, and more spacious than ever—an inviting space perfect for entertaining. With ample storage and a variety of seating options, it’s everything these homeowners envisioned.
What was once a bedroom has been beautifully reimagined as a cozy dining nook. A sunlit bay window bathes the French bistro-inspired space in natural light, creating the ideal spot for morning coffee or intimate dinners.
As you move through the kitchen, the transformation continues. Stunning quartz countertops flow seamlessly into the backsplash, creating a sleek, unified look. Soft dove-gray cabinetry is elevated by gold hardware—simple yet striking.
Natural wood finishes and a restored brick chimney add texture and warmth, blending rustic charm with modern sophistication.
The main bathroom redesign is just as captivating. Skylights flood the space with natural light, illuminating rich black marble floors and luxe finishes. A reconfigured layout enhances both flow and function, turning the space into a serene spa-like retreat.
Throughout the entire project, we embraced structural challenges with creative solutions, ensuring every detail contributed to a seamless and harmonious design. The result is a home that celebrates openness and character, effortlessly blending original charm with modern elegance. Expansive, refined, and undeniably welcoming—it’s a haven perfectly tailored to the clients' vision and lifestyle.
Before and After
“The kitchen nook is probably our favourite addition, giving us a new space to eat or read or just relax and look out at the garden. We both work from home and the kitchen is a lovely little escape/retreat from our offices during the workday.”
- Katy
