1980’s Split-level Renovation

Article by Michelle Heslop. Photos by Joshua Lawrence with the exception of the “before” photo, taken by Jody Beck.

Relocating to Victoria after selling a dental practice in Toronto, this Ontario family found a spacious, late 1980’s, split-level house on a lush cul-de-sac in Broadmead. The size of the home was perfect but it was dark, dated, and desperate for an update. As an adaptation of the rancher style, split-level homes emerged as a shift in the perception of space in the post-war building boom of the mid-century. They were considered innovative, not only for their asymmetrical curb-side appeal, but for their use of space which maximized square-footage without requiring a larger lot.

Often preferred by larger families for their cluster of bedrooms on the top floor, spacious main floor including a great room, kitchen, and dining area, split-levels often boast the beloved “rumpus room” for media rooms and eventual teenager retreats. Nick Kay and his team from Goodison Construction completely gutted this structurally-sound house and paved the way for a family home blending both traditional and contemporary elements. “It was great to have Lorin Turner at Zebra Group design the renovation prior to starting the construction; the materials were all specified in advance making the process that much more efficient,” says Kay.

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Indicative of the 1980’s, the original fireplace was big, drafty, and adorned with massive rocks. Kay happily chipped off the rock and installed a stylish gas insert fireplace. The surround was done in a quartz slab for a warm, contemporary look. With three fireplaces in the house, Kay wanted to create a focal point in the great room by enhancing the wall above the quartz with stained oak flooring. Resistant to moisture and humidity, wide-plank, engineered, oak hardwood on the floors provides stability particularly for our damp west coast winters. Most of the family’s furniture was repurposed from their original home in Toronto.

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Increasingly popular for countertops, quartz is the most durable stone, is nearly scratch-resistant, and does not need to be continuously re-sealed. Built by Jason Good Custom Cabinetry, the white banquette is a welcoming feature adding extra seating space, storage, and style to this bright and airy kitchen.

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Making their debut in New York City’s subterranean train stations in the early 1900s, white subway tile on the entire backsplash is practical and creates a bright, contemporary look. White cabinets paired with white subway tile reflect the natural light from the kitchen window and offers an inviting, spacious feel.

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Sleek, polished nickel faucets add sparkle and shine to this warm and elegant bathroom. Heated floors and a luxurious soaker tub create a spa-like retreat at the end of the day. Dual vanities and ample cabinet storage add to the functionality of the bathroom.

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The homeowner felt that the hallway in the basement was reminiscent of a long and dark hotel hallway. Instead of merely applying paint to brighten it, adding trim created a detailed feature wall. The result is an inviting hallway with warmth and character.

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