Article by Adrienne Dyer. Photos by Jody Beck.
To hold onto the classic feel of this 1950s bungalow yet enhance its functionality, Mack Kurtz of True North Renovations transformed several cramped rooms into a large, multi-use living area, using classic finishing details, like cove ceilings and hardwood floors, for a seamless blend between old and new.
“This part of the house originally contained a master bedroom overlooking the garden, an enclosed kitchen and formal dining room, and a big chimney in the corner,” says Kurtz. The homeowners, who have two small boys, wanted a child-friendly space where the family could use different living spaces, yet still be together. The solution was to add support beams in the attic, remove the chimney and all the walls to create a home that embraces the family’s lifestyle and captures the best views of the green space outside.
In place of the old formal dining room, which is now the new master bedroom, a built-in walnut dining nook doubles as a place for the couple’s two small boys to play and do art, with storage drawers beneath the benches to keep toys and books out of sight but handy. “The storage drawers have smooth fronts with hidden handles to prevent bumps and scrapes,” says Kurtz. “The little recessed bookshelf provides a place for cookbooks, and the custom-made dining table matches the cabinetry for a seamless look.”
With its meticulous blend of old and new finishing details, this home retains its original charm with an update in function, proving that family life is perfectly compatible with crisp, modern style.
