Southlands

Southlands

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Partial renovation. Completed in 2019. 9000 square feet

Architecture: N/A     

Builder: Mike Burger     

Photography: Barry Calhoun

Renovating a home that holds such deep sentimental value is not an easy task, but one that was approached with care and consideration. When our clients returned to us 22 years after their original home was designed by our dear friend and business partner, Lesli Balagno, they came with the desire to refresh while still honouring the original character. This equestrian-inspired Arts and Crafts city farm home was a true labour of love for Lesli, and we knew we had to approach the renovation with the same level of care.

The challenge presented itself in finding a balance between modernizing the home and paying homage to the abundance of fir used throughout the original design. We reduced the amount of wood in the house to create more depth and contrast and replaced worn-out hardwood floors with large porcelain tiles. New kitchen and bathroom cabinetry was designed to marry the fir with fresh, warm earth tones, and leather and metal accents were added as a nod to the home's equestrian location. The furniture was updated with pieces adding modern lines, but always with the consideration of respecting the original intent that Lesli so lovingly crafted.

Through this renovation, we were able to honour the home's history and the memories the family had made while creating a fresh and updated space for them to continue creating new memories.