Finalist – Renovations/Additions $200K to $350K, GOHBA Interior Design Awards 2011
This extensive renovation began at the front door and went throughout the entire ground floor to the back of the house, where there is an impressive backyard with a park-like setting.
The clients wanted to maximize the view of nature from the inside and asked for a redesigned exterior wall with more windows. The 10’ high windows were achieved by raising the roof of the existing ‘addition’ and having the ceiling of the spaces beyond remain at 8 feet. Complicated and impressive ceiling designs with cove lighting add to the drama of the new space.
The drama and space of the open back wall gave rise to the principal interior elements and the family room. The television, the dividing wall, the kitchen island and cooking wall, all share the same centerline with each element having a cohesive design. Ceiling designs over the island and dining table are similar.
As much as possible, walls were removed for an open concept design. The front entry and mudrooms opened up by using built-ins for the closets, including ‘boot trays’ that fit into the cabinet kick space. The floating shelf of the family room wall units accommodates the client’s favourite travel photos, adding a unique personal touch to the design.
The existing oak floor of the living and dining rooms was stained dark to match the new cabinets. The new hardwood for the kitchen and family room was kept light for contrast with the cabinets, and the new tile is a neutral grey.
“In 2010, our sad 1980's kitchen and family room were badly in need of major renovation. We never imagined we were about to become the proud owners of an award-winning kitchen! It began with our search for out-of-the-box thinking, which we certainly found in Friedemann Weinhardt, owner of Design First Interiors. Within minutes of meeting him, we were blown away by his creative and immensely practical ideas. In the weeks that followed, Friedemann took us through a careful process of assessing our needs and wishes, our lifestyle and preferences, and of course our budget. His resulting design was brilliant. Design First managed the project, working closely with the contractor throughout the entire renovation and ensuring that every detail was finely tuned and built to perfection. We were so pleased with the concepts and the workmanship, that the project expanded to most of the ground floor. Friedemann made our decisions easy for us, and his recommendations always proved to be the right choice in every detail of the project. From the stunning, efficient cabinetry, to the floor and ceiling details, it all came together beautifully. We have absolutely no regrets – we love it!”
Jennifer and Neil
