The moment they clapped eyes on this sweet heritage cottage in 2013. There’s a pretty Georgian façade, a large, wooded backyard backing on a creek and even a unique backstory: threatened by demolition in 1992, the quaint, circa-1845 house was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act and moved from downtown Dundas, Ont., to this quiet side street, where it was set on a newly poured foundation.
But the pair had custom-built their previous home and were used to having lots of space and a great kitchen (He loves to cook) — and this house fell short. Their plan? To rip out and replace the old kitchen addition on the back of the house. They brought in designers to help them create a spacious kitchen that would feel fresh and vibrant, while also respecting the original home’s rich history. “I loved the style; it’s a mix of modern and vintage, that’s sophisticated yet relaxed,” Here’s how they made it work.
MIX AND MATCH FINISHES AND ELEMENTS The addition of industrial-style windows, crisp Caesar stone counters, stainless steel appliances and vintage-style lighting takes the classic Shaker cabinets in a fashion-forward direction. For a fresh alternative to white, the cabinets are painted a pale blue-grey and fitted with simple aged-brass pulls. Forgoing uppers and washing the walls and peaked ceiling in white gives the space a lofty feel that’s a sharp contrast to the diminutive original rooms. Warm reclaimed pine floors ground the look.
EMBRACE THE UNEXPECTED “We knew we didn’t want a cookie-cutter design,” When designer came across vividly patterned vintage Egyptian tiles at an antique shop, they knew they’d found the palette inspiration — and the room’s focal point. Burns pushed for a layout with a pleasing symmetry. Displaying vintage ironware, silver and pewter adds a layer of patina that makes the brand-new space feel warm and welcoming. Rough hewn elements like the dining table and the reclaimed beam edging the range hood (above tilework) complement the house’s older architecture. Built the harvest table from the design; the top is red pine reclaimed in the attic during the reno. Tall herbs in tin planters make a perfect centerpiece.
The Victorians got the spa
The town’s genteel traditions are kept
